2021 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees

Oklahoma Panhandle State University is pleased to announce the Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2021. The members of the Hall of Fame class include: Ron Kavanaugh (Baseball), Roger McKinnon (Golf), Truman Medders (Track), and Paula Mueggenboug (Women’s Basketball).

University President, Dr. Tim Faltyn stated, “I am excited to honor these four individuals into the Athletic Hall of Fame and have them and their families back on the OPSU campus.”

The weekend of October 16th has been designated as “Hall of Fame Weekend” at OPSU. The induction ceremony will take place on October 15th at 6 PM, in the Student Union Ball Room. On the afternoon of October 16th, the Aggie Football team will be hosting Southwestern Assemblies of God (SAGU) of Texas, with a 2 PM kickoff. The 2021 Hall of Fame class (or their representatives) will be recognized at the halftime ceremony.

Athletic Director, Victor Esparza commented, “I am excited to usher in the ’21 Hall of Fame class; well-deserving individuals that made Panhandle State a better place.”

Ron Kavanaugh

Baseball (1968-1969)

Ron Kavanaugh was on the mound for the Aggies from 1968 to 1969. He not only was an excellent pitcher, but he was also a tremendous hitter. His rankings were great while at Panhandle State: He holds the title of 2nd for most career strikeouts at 167; Ranked 1st in most season strikeouts in 1969, with 190; Ranked 1st in lowest career era at 135 ½ IP and ERA at 2.73; Ranked 7th for the fewest career walks per inning at .58. Kavanaugh was awarded All-Conference 1st team for Panhandle State in 1968 and 1969.

After graduating from Panhandle State, Kavanaugh was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 11th round of the 1970 MLB January Draft-Regular Phase. Kavanaugh was a left-handed relief pitcher in the Orioles organization.

After his time with the Orioles, Kavanaugh returned to education to pursue his Master’s Degree in Psychology. After receiving his Master’s, Kavanaugh took a job for the State of New York as a social worker in the Harlem neighborhood. Kavanaugh then moved into the nonprofit sector, working for Search for Change for twenty-five years. It is an organization that provides rehabilitative services to individuals with mental health conditions, assists with providing affordable housing and opportunities for employment, and reconnection with loved ones. In his last eight years at Search for Change, Kavanaugh was the Head Director. He retired in March of 2008 and soon after, he passed away in July of that same year due to cancer.

Roger McKinnon

Golf (1970-1972)

Roger McKinnon was on the golf team from 1970-1972 where he was a top 10 finalist in the NAIA Championship Tournament. McKinnon was also a manager for the Football team all four years of college. He graduated in 1972 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting.

McKinnon secured a spot at the NAIA Golf Championship during his senior year. In June, after graduation, he was supposed to compete in the tournament; he was to report to summer camp for the Reserves. During this time, his wife was also due with their firstborn child.

McKinnon was able to request permission from the Reserves to attend the Championship tournament. He made it through the first round of 18 holes and soon discovered that his wife’s water had broken. He rushed home to be with his wife and later that day found out that he placed in the top 10 for the NAIA Championship.

After graduation, McKinnon became the OPSU Men’s and Women’s Golf coach for sixteen years. He then went on to work in the family business at an Insurance Agency, where he has devoted 49 years to the family insurance business. June of next year he will celebrate his 50^th year in the business.

Truman Medders

Track (1954-1955)

Truman Medders is the only Panhandle State intercollegiate athlete to obtain an NAIA national championship. Prior to attending Panhandle State, Medders served his country in the Korean War as an Army Airborne Ranger, jump instructor, and coach for the track team at Fort Benning.

Medders was a true asset and a legend for the Panhandle State Track team. In 1954, Medders won the NAIA 400-meter hurdle title in 53.4 seconds, the 4th ranked time in the United States in 1954. Medders earned the All-American in the 220-yard hurdles with a 3rd place finish at the NAIA Championship.

Medders graduated in 1955 with a Bachelor’s in Social Science and Physical Education. After graduation, Medders went on to coach track at Woodward High School, where he led the class of 1959 to a 2A Track Championship. After he finished coaching, he wanted to continue to help the youth and found a passion in school counseling. He received his Master’s from Oklahoma Southwestern State University and began his career in counseling.

Medders retired after 20 years of being a School Counselor, loving every minute with today’s youth providing guidance and support. He continues to assist with PTSD counseling to veterans.

Paula Mueggenborg

Women’s Basketball (1989-91)

Paula Mueggenborg played two seasons (1989-1991) on the Women’s Basketball team at Panhandle State and dominated the conference. In Mueggenborg’s junior year, she averaged 13.8 points per game and 10.7 rebounds per game. In her senior year, she averaged 19.9 points per game and 17.1 rebounds per game.

Mueggenboug competed for the Aggies in 56 games, had 777 rebounds (13.9 RPG), and scored 943 points in her career (16.8 PPG). She is a record holder for rebounds for a season of 477 and in a single game with 34 points. She was one rebound shy of an NAIA game record at the time. Mueegenboug had the opportunity to coach alongside Coach Jerry Olsen after her time on the team.

Mueggenboug graduated in 1992 with a Bachelor’s Degree in English Education and an Associates in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. After graduating, she coached at several high schools, including Dover, Elkhart, Yarborough, Waukmis, and Southwest Heights. She is now at Kingfisher High School as a Counselor/Testing Coordinator.

Tickets for the Hall of Fame Ceremony & Banquet can be purchased online to attend the event. Tickets cost $20 per individual. The link is: https://opsuaggies.com/sports/2020/1/20/tickets.aspx