Four Athletes To Be Inducted In 2008 Hall of Fame Class

CHARLESTON, S.C. - Charleston Southern Athletics Director Hank Small has released the 2008 Hall of Fame Class, to be inducted at a banquet on November 1 as part of Charleston Southern’s Hall of Fame and Homecoming Weekend. A pair of golfers, Jim Gardas and Patricia Martinson-Earley, along with Allison Arreola Delaney (volleyball) and Steve Blanchard (Football) make the up class.

Gardas played golf at CSU from 1994-99, earning the Big South Christenberry Award as a senior. His 68 in the first round of the 1999 CSU Spring Kickoff was the lowest round of the tournament, helping him to a fifth-place finish. He was a 1999 Verizon Academic All-American second team selection with a 3.94 GPA, graduating with a degree in mathematics. He was named the Big South Scholar-Athlete of the Year twice and was a three time all-academic selection. In 1997 and 1999 he made the All-Big South team. His even-part 216 placed him third in the 1999 Big South Championships. After graduating from CSU, Gardas played in the 2003 U.S. Amateur open and was named the 2006 Anthracite Golf Amateur of the Year. He also won the 2006 John Moore Memorial Title.

Earley, who played at CSU as Patricia Martinson, had one of the best collegiate careers in Big South history, finishing as a four time all-conference selection, and three-time Big South Player of the Year. Playing at CSU from 1998-2001, she was named to the Presidential Honor Roll all four years and was a three-time CSU scholar-athlete. As a senior, she finished fourth overall at the Big South Championship, helping the Lady Bucs to the team championship. In the second round of the tournament, Martinson shot the low round of the tournament with a 72, setting a new course record.

Delaney, known as Allison Arreola on the court, started all four years for CSU, playing from 1995-98. As a senior, she was named to the All-Big South team, as well as an Academic All-American. Finishing her career second in attacks and kills and fourth in career digs, Delaney is widely considered as one of the best all-around players in school history. She also finished fourth in career block assists and third in career games played. She was also selected for the 1998-99 Big South Christenberry Award.

Rounding out the 2008 Hall of Fame class is Steve Blanchard who played, and coached football at CSU. A member of the inaugural club football team that went undefeated in their first season, Blanchard  was a four-year starter at linebacker. His coach, Bo Blanton, called him the “heart and soul of the defense” as he led the team in tackles all four seasons. Graduating in 1989, he ended his career with more than 200 career tackles and 22 career interceptions.

In 2008, the Hall of Fame induction banquet will be held Saturday night at 6:30 p.m., following the football game against VMI, slated for a 1:30 p.m. kickoff.