TAHLEQUAH -- Northeastern State University is proud to announce the Class of 2023 inductees into the NSU Athletics Hall of Fame. Five former student-athletes who excelled in their respective sports will be celebrated on Friday, November 3, 2023, at the Chota Center with the doors opening at 6:00 PM. The event will recognize the outstanding contributions of these individuals, who demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill during their time at NSU.
 
Dallas Curtis | Football (1996-2000) - a standout linebacker for the football team, will be inducted for his leadership and accomplishments on the field. He was the leading tackler on the 1999 NCAA Division II Semifinal Team with the #1 defense in the nation. Curtis' accolades include being a member of the 2000 NCAA Division II Playoff football team, a four-year team captain, leading tackler in 1998, a 1999 NCAA DII All-American, a two-time 1st Team All Lone Star Conference LB, and a four-year starter. He also served on the 2000 NCAA Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) as a national representative.

Ryan Helsley | Baseball (2014-15) - a pitcher for the NSU Baseball team, will be inducted for his outstanding performance on the mound. He compiled a 4.06 ERA in 126.1 innings pitched, throwing three complete games and tallied 151 strikeouts. Helsley was the lone underclassman to earn a spot on the 2015 All-MIAA First Team, and he was also named to the 2014 All-MIAA Second Team as a freshman. He was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the fifth round of the 2015 Major League Baseball Draft, becoming the first player from the MIAA and the second player from the state of Oklahoma selected in the 2015 draft. Helsley was the fifth player in all of NCAA Division II to come off the 2015 draft board. Helsley was the first Northeastern State student-athlete to be named to the MLB All-Star Game, and he was selected by the MLB players to represent the National League. He has pitched in the MLB postseason three times and is one of the top relievers in MLB during the 2022 season.
 
Taylor Lewis-Eldridge | Women's Basketball (2009-13) - had a remarkable career, which included leading her team to three appearances in the NCAA Division II Tournament Including the Sweet 16 in 2010. In her senior season, Eldridge was named the MIAA Co-Player of the Year, and earned All-MIAA First Team honors. She was also recognized as a WBCA All-American in 2013. During the 2012-2013 season, Eldridge averaged 16.5 points per game, reaching double figures in all but two games. She led the MIAA in free-throw percentage (.899), three-point field goals made per game (3.0), and three-point field goal percentage (.423). Her impressive stats earned her seventh and ninth ranking in the nation, respectively. Lewis-Eldridge led Northeastern State to a second-place tie in their inaugural season in the MIAA with a 19-8 overall record and a 14-4 MIAA record.

Shon Robinson | Men's Basketball (2001-03) - will be inducted for his exceptional performance on the court. Robinson was a 1st Team Lone Star Conference - North in 2002 and 2003, 1st Team NABC South Central Region in 2002 and 2003, and Most Outstanding Player South Central Region in 2003. He was part of the team that won the 2003 NCAA DII National Championship and was the leading scorer of the Championship game. Hall of Fame Men's Basketball Coach Larry Gibson described Robinson as "arguably the most complete player on the National Championship team. He was a great defender, rebounder, and scorer. A total team player."
 
Brian Ward | Men's Golf (2002-06) - a four-year letterman for NSU Golf, will be inducted for his exceptional performance on the course. He was an All-American in 2006, a two-time All-Conference player, and helped lead the 2005 and 2006 teams to league titles. Ward won three individual championships in tournament play and had a 72.77 scoring average as a senior. After graduation, he earned full PGA membership.