LA GRANDE, Ore. – Three former student-athletes and the 1980 football team will be officially inducted into the Eastern Oregon University Hall of Fame during Homecoming Weekend, director of athletics Anji Weissenfluh announced on Monday afternoon.
New inductees to the EOU Hall of Fame include two-time all-conference selection Ron Shimizu of the 1973-77 football team, former NAIA All-American Nick Hannah of the 2001-04 football team, Terry Shines of the 1885-86 baseball team, and the 1980 EOU football team.
In addition to a variety of Homecoming Weekend events taking place on Saturday, the inductees will be formally inducted on Friday, Oct. 16 at the David E. Gilbert Center. While a hosted social hour is set for 6:30 p.m., the presentation of awards for the inductees will begin at 7 p.m.
On Saturday, Oct. 17, the EOU football team will square off against No. 16 Montana Western at 1 p.m.
For a full schedule of Homecoming Weekend events, click here.
Ron Shimizu (Class of 1979)
A member of the class of 1979, Shimizu will imprint his name in the hall of fame as one of the top defensive backs in EOU football history. He earned first-team all-conference plaudits in both 1974 and 1976, and he served as the team captain in 1976 as well. In addition to his all-conference accolades, Shimizu collected all-district recognition during his junior campaign.
After graduating with a bachelor's degree in physical education, Shimizu went on to teach P.E. and coach middle school track & field, and he also taught football at the high school level. During his playing career, he was coached by Lee Insko, Ivan Harshbarger, John Difeti, and Pasco Arritola.
Nick Hannah (Class of 2005)
An NAIA Second-Team All-American honoree in 2004, Hannah will be remembered as one of the most decorated and versatile football players to don the Navy and Gold. A four-year starter, Hannah played four different positions (wide receiver, strong safety, outside linebacker, middle linebacker) during his time as a Mountaineer.
In addition to being an All-American, Hannah was a three-time leader in tackles, a three-time Co-MVP, and a two-time team captain for the Mountaineers. He currently holds the single-game record for tackles (26) and is tied for the longest interception returned for a touchdown (92 yards). In 2004, Hannah was a finalist for NAIA Player of the Year, and he was also recognized as the EOU Athlete of the Year.
After graduating from EOU in 2005, Hannah went on to play for the Indianapolis Colts. After one season in the NFL, he played in both the CFL and UFL until concluding his professional career in 2011.
Although his playing days may be in the past, Hannah's work ethic has reflected over to other areas of his life. He owns and operates his own fitness business (NickHannah.com), and he also serves as the Chief of Security of Cave Creek Pro Rodeo. Hannah is also working in modeling, acting, and entertainment.
"There are so many great memories from EOU," said Hannah. "Playing football is my absolute favorite. I also have fond memories of golfing, tubing the river, camping at Hell's Canyon, barbequing with my teammates, and forging lifelong friendships."
Terry Shines (Class of 1988)
One of the greatest baseball players to ever step on the field at EOU, Shines tallied 102 runs, 136 hits, 31 doubles, six triples, 21 home runs, 39 stolen bases, and 92 RBI in just two seasons as a Mountaineer.
A member of the class of 1988, Shines graduated with a bachelor's degree in community service and a master's degree in social work.
After Shines bode farewell to EOU, he worked 12 years in the mental health field before entering the school system as a social worker, where he also worked for 12 years. This past year, Shines resigned his positions as a head baseball coach and head girls wrestling coach.
Shines says his favorite memories as a Mountaineer were graduating in 1988, the relationships that he still has to do this day, his teammates, the students and staff, the baseball road trips, and living in the city of La Grande.
1980 Football Team
Logging the best season in program history, the 1980 EOU football team earned a spot in the Mountaineer Hall of Fame for its 8-1 season that included a share of the regular-season title of the Evergreen Conference.
The Mountaineers were ranked 11th in the final NAIA top 25 poll, and the team had 13 players that earned all-conference recognition, including a pair of All-Americans.
Under head coach Don Turner, the squad led the country in interceptions and was also ranked 10th in offense with 32.1 points per contest. In addition, the Mountaineers were ranked 11th in kickoff returns (25.7 yards/game), eighth in kicking points per game (5.9), and 15th in punt return average (11.3 yards).
While Trent Soper and Paul Starkey of the 1980 team were drafted in the first and sixth rounds, respectively, of the CFL draft, a total of seven players went on to sign professional football contracts. Three players from the 1980 team are currently in the EOU Hall of Fame.
