KSU – 2002 Graduate – (Double Major) Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Business Marketing Willie James Jr. was a four-year starter for the Thorobreds. He was recruited out of Kankakee, Illinois (Kankakee High School) by and played for Coach Elwood Johnson. He was the starting second baseman but occasionally would play short stop. His focus was to get on base, which he often did. While attending KSU, he earned four athletic letters. He was a member of two outstanding academic organizations while carrying a double major, the Alpha Kappa Mu Society and Delta Mu Delta Society. He was not only an outstanding athlete but an outstanding scholar as well. Willie performed at his best during his Junior and Senior years on the baseball team. During his junior year he led the team in every offensive category, except in Home Runs. He was ranked 34th in the nation with a .430 batting average in the NCAA Division II. He help the team to reach the conference title game. He was selected to play for the 2001 USA Athletics International German Baseball Open. He was selected to the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) All-Conference team and was voted as the team Most Valuable Player. During his senior year, he continued his outstanding play as he had a .421 batting average which placed him 16th nationally in the NCAA Division II. Once again, his team played in the conference title game. He was selected to the SIAC All-Conference team and the team’s Most Valuable Player for the second year in a row. Willie was selected by his peers as Captain of the team in his sophomore, junior and senior years. He ended his career with some fantastic numbers: Batting average - .356; Runs Scored – 134; Doubles – 32; Triples – 9; Home Runs – 9; Total Base – 242; Runs batted In (RBI) – 96; and, Stolen Bases – 35. His statistics makes him one of the top all-around players in KSU’s history. As a defender, he had an outstanding fielding percentage of .968. After his career was over, he played a couple of years in the Louisville Semi-Pro leagues. Willie currently lives in Louisville, KY and is a Senior Manager for Papa John’s International.

Donald Lyons, a Lexington, Kentucky native has been a part of Kentucky State College (University) since his arrival in the fall of 1964 on a band scholarship. Mr. Lyons graduated with distinction and departmental honors in June, 1968. Upon his graduation, his first employment began one month later working for KSC . Mr. Lyons has been a part of the Kentucky State University for nearly 54 years, minus a few years while teaching in Detroit, MI and Lexington, KY. He has been a career educator and administrator. The most important part of Mr. Lyons career was during the nine and a half years (January, 1990 to June, 1999) as the KSU’s Athletic Director. Only two other individuals have served a longer period as Athletic Director, Mr. Henry Arthur Kean and Dr. Williams Exum. Both Kean and Exum are members of the KSU Hall-of-Fame. Under Mr. Lyons leadership as Athletic Director from 1995 to 1998, he was able to have the best overall seasons since the early to mid 1970’s. Mr. Lyons guidance contributed to the following successes: - In the 1995-96 season, the Football team had a 7-4 record which was the first winning season since 1978. The Football team’s defense was ranked number one in the NCAA Division II. - The Women’s Cross Country team won the SIAC Championship. - The Women’s Basketball team was nationally ranked as they compiled a 20-8 record. - Coach George Small was named the SIAC Football Coach of the Year and Coach William Miller was named the SIAC women’s Cross County Coach of the Year. - In the 1996-97 season, the Women’s Cross Country team repeated as SIAC Champions. - The Men’s Basketball team compiled a 17-10 winning season. - The Women’s Basketball team finished with a 25-6 record, capturing the SIAC Championship and advanced to the semi-finals in the NCAA Division II South Region, plus several member earned All-Conference and All-Regional honors. - The Football team participated in the first football classic since the early 1980’s – the “William E. Summer Football Classic in Louisville”. - William Miller was named the SIAC Women’s Cross Country Coach of the Year and Antonio Davis was named SIAC Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year. - The Women’s Basketball team won the SIAC West Region Championship; and, the Men’s Golf team won the National Minority Golf Championship. - Finally, the 1997-98 season, the Women’s Volleyball team won the SIAC Championship with a 18-9 record; the Football team ended the season with a victory in the Inaugural NCAA Pioneer Bowl by defeating Livingston College (7-5 record). This was the first bowl victory for KSU since 1948; the football team had fourteen football athletes that earned All-SIAC honors on the first and second team. Mr. Lyons, has always contributed to the KSU athletic department. He has been a member of the KSU K-Club for over 47 years. During his tenure with the K-Club, he has been the treasurer. He is currently the KSU Foundation Executive Secretary. His total contribution has help KSU maintain its excellence to all scholar-athletes. Not only does Mr. Lyons support the athletic department financially, he attends nearly every home sporting event at KSU. He has the record for the most home football games attended. Since 1961 (60 years), Mr. Lyons has only missed two (2) home football games, both in 1968. This record may never be duplicated. Mr. Lyons currently resides in Lexington, KY. He is married to Mynra and have two sons, along with six grandchildren. He is retired from KSU but still works part time with the KSU Foundation.

Roderic Twyman, was an All-State baseball player at Weequahic High School in Newark, New Jersey. In 1973, he was recruited by KSU Hall of Fame Coach, James V. Oliver, to play baseball at Kentucky State University. Roderic was a starter for four years, earning an athletic letter yearly. During Roderic’s span, he was one of the most versatile athletes in KSU’s baseball history, playing almost every position, including pitcher. He was one of the best hitters in the universities history. It was difficult keeping Roderic off the field. Roderic had a batting average of over .450 on three occasions during the baseball season. During the 1974-1975, Roderic’s best year, he finished with a batting average of .373 and may hold the distinction of being the first KSU baseball player in history to play an entire four-year career without making an error. He was considered a defensive specialist. In combined seasons, 1975-76 and 1976-77, Roderic achieved a school record for obtaining a hitting streak of 30 games. During his sophomore season, 1974-75, he was awarded baseball’s Most Improved Player. In his 1974-75 season, Roderic helped lead the KSU baseball team to the best record in school history, finishing with 43 wins and 10 loses. In 1976, during his junior year, he was a member of the team that was ranked fourth nationally among NCAA Division II teams. Roderic’s outstanding abilities helped KSU’s baseball team secure a trip to the NAIA College World Series for the first time in the school’s history. His honors also include earning the NAIA All-District Award his junior and senior seasons. In 1976, the team placed third at the College World Series. He was instrumental in the team obtaining the best record in history as they compiled an impressive 55 wins and 6 losses, a record which stands today. While at KSU, Roderic was a member “Kentucky Players” (Drama/Acting club) and a member of the yearbook staff. After leaving KSU, Roderic worked for the Newark Public Schools where he retired as an Attendance Counselor on the Truancy Task Force. He was a high school baseball coach, first at Barringer High School and later at his alma mater, Weequahic High School. Roderic is a publisher poet, publishing a book of poetry titled “Straight from God”. Roderic resides in Newark, NJ with his wife Sylvia and has two children, daughter Gabrielle and son Jamar.

Xamon Glasper, a Memphis, Tennessee (Westwood High School) native, was recruited by Coach Wesley McGriff and played for Head Coach George Small in 1997. Xamon was one of KSU’s great wide receivers during his four-year career. He was a three-time All-Conference wide receiver with Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). While under three different quarterbacks, he earned First Team All-Conference in 1999 and Second Team All-Conference in 1998 and 2000. He also was nominated three times for the NCAA “Paul Tank Younger Wide Receiver Award”. He was awarded KSU’s Most Valuable Receiver in 1998 and 1999, where he led the team in receptions each of those years. On several occasions, he was the SIAC “Player of the Week”. He was a member of the 1997 Inaugural Pioneer Bowl championship team. Notable accomplishments came in the 1999 season when Xamon led the Thorobred’s with 51 receptions for 709 yards. His best performance came against the Ohio Valley Conference powerhouse, Eastern Kentucky University, where he recorded eight receptions for 120 yards. During this season he threw over 10 touchdown passes as quarterback. Xamon proved to be a multi-purpose athlete. Not only was Xamon an outstanding athlete, in 1997 he earned SIAC First Team All-Academic honors with a 3.75 GPA. Xamon may be one of the very few football players in KSU history, who was Captain and earned his athletic letter, each of his four years. In 2000, he had a pre-season ranking of third for all wide receivers among all black colleges-universities. Also, as a senior, he earned “Street & Smith” Pre-Season Honorable Mention. Per his peers, he was a strong leader and had great character, both on and off the field. Once Xamon’s college career was completed, he played two years of professional Arena Football for the Norfolk Night Hawks and the Carolina Rhino’s before retiring. When his football career was over, he returned to KSU to finish his education in 2005. Another proud accomplishment. Xamon is currently residing in Atlanta, Georgia. He is an American film and television actor. He has three children, sons Xamon Jr., Xavien, and daughter Tenetria. He’s a member of KSU’s Psi Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.

Steven, is a Louisville, Kentucky (Central High School) native. He was not recruited by KSU (formerly Kentucky State College) while playing football in High School. He was observed by the new head football coach, LeRoy V. Smith, while playing a pick-up basketball game in Bell Gymnasium during his time at the KSC Upward Bound program. Because of his athleticism on the basketball court and his impressive 6’3”, 235 lb. frame, Coach Smith offered Steven a 4-year scholarship to play on the Offensive Line as a Guard/Tackle. Playing on the offensive line and not playing in a conference, it’s hard to received national recognition or All-American honors. Yet Steven was one of the main reasons that KSU had a winning season. KSU ended the season with an 8-3 record, which earned a spot in the post season Orange Blossom Classic game against Florida A&M University. Steven was awarded the “Most Valuable Offensive Player” at the Orange Blossom Classic even though KSC lost 27-9 in the game. This was the first time an Offensive Lineman was given an MVP Award. During the winning streak, Steven was also awarded the MVP Award at the “Thorobred Classic” in Louisville, KY. KSC defeated Federal City College (Washington, DC) 29-3. Once again, a unique award given to an Offensive Lineman. As an Offensive Lineman, Steven was known for protecting the quarterback and opening the lanes for the running back. He was considered by his peers as a very hard worker on the field. He was fearless, quick, powerful and always gave 100% on every play. Steven’s best game was in his senior year when KSC defeated the sixth ranked team, Jackson State College with the great Walter Peyton, 9-7. Steven earned four Athletic Letters during his career and was named Co-Captain. Steven was part of an elite group as his Offensive squad consisted of K-Club Hall of Fame members: Michael Jackson, Willie Rogers, Willie Peale Jr., Marion Quinn, Michael Beckham, Wiley Epps and Council Rudolph. His outstanding play gave him the opportunity to tryout for the Dallas Cowboys organization. Steven is currently residing in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is retired from Altira – Phillip Morris USA. He works part-time as an adjunct instructor at a local college and works as an independent adult education consultant. He is married to Anne Baldon and has a daughter, Kimberly.

Isadore Rich is a Montgomery, Alabama native who came to KSU over 47 years ago as the Athletic Academic Advisor. He was always assisting with the well-being of every athletes who played at KSU. He mentored many athletes who have graduated and went on to become well accomplished alumni. His main focus was to ensure each athlete had what was needed to ensure academic success. During Mr. Rich’s tenure, he was the voice of every half time show during the KSU Homecoming games. He had the ability to ignite the homecoming crowd when the mighty Thorobred Marching Band would step onto the football field. There was one thing that Mr. Rich took much pride in doing. Each year during the KSU Hall of Fame ceremony, he would make beautiful gift baskets for the K-Club to give to the inductees entering the KSU Hall of Fame. Mr. Rich has been one of KSU K-Club main supporter and is one of the major reason the Hall of Fame has been able to successfully continue the award presentation ceremony.

Marshall Glover, a Chicago, Illinois (Wendell Phillips High School) native, was recruited by Coach Sam Taylor in 1962. Marshall was an outstanding all-around sprinter during his tenure at Kentucky State College (KSC). He ran everything between the 60 yard dash to the 440 yard dash. At the 1964 Indoor NCAA National Championship in Detroit, MI, he placed third in the 60 yard dash, earning him All-American honors. Winning the event was Nate Adams of Purdue University and second place went to Marshall teammate at KSC, Kenneth Cooksey. Also, in the 440 yard dash, he qualified to participate in the Olympic trials. In 1965, Marshall had his best season when he ran first leg of the Sprint Medley relay team that won the Championship of America race at the famous Penn Relays in Philadelphia, PA. This was the first time in history that KSC won an event at the Penn Relay’s. Also, Marshall was the lead off leg for the One Mile Relay school record of 3 minutes 13.2 seconds at the NACC Outdoor National Championship, earning All-American honors. In 1966, Marshall, along with Donald Sims, Vernell Turner and Jim Kemp broke the One Mile Relay again with a time of 3 minutes 10.7 seconds at the Outdoor NCAA Nationals, earning his third All-American honors. Marshall retired as an educator with the Cleveland school systems after 30 years of teaching Physical Education and Health. On April 7, 2021, Marshall passed away at the age of 77. He left behind his soul mate, Norma Fluker Thomas of Twinsburg, Ohio.

Vernell Turner is a city of New York native who came to KSU nearly 59 years ago on a track and field scholarship in 1964. He was recruited and coached by world renown, Dr. William Exum. Vernell was a versatile track and field star for Kentucky State University during his four-year career. He ran middle distance and sprints from the 220 to the 880 yards. During his time at KSU he helped make the track team one of the top programs in the nation. From his sophomore to his senior year, Vernell earned six track & field athletic letters. Three each for the indoor and outdoor track seasons. During his junior and senior year, KSU had one of the top relay teams in the United States. In 1966 he was a member of KSU’s One Mile Relay and Sprint Medley Relay teams that’s were ranked 7th and 8th, respectively, by U.S. Track & Field News. Vernell earned All-American honor as a member of the 4th place team in the one-mile relay at the NCAA Division II National Championship, where he ran the second leg, in 1966. During that year, he was one of nine KSU team members who earned All-American honors. He also was a member of the mile relay and sprint medley relay championship teams at the Midwestern Athletic Conference in 1966 and 1967. Participating at the world’s greatest relay event, The Penn Relays in Philadelphia, PA. Vernell was a member of the three-time One Mile Relay championship team from 1965-67. He also was a member on three school record relay teams, the one-mile relay (3:08.90 at the Central Collegiate Conference), the sprint medley relay (3:21.10) and the 880-yard relay (1:24.30 at the Qunatico Virginia Relay). Vernell retired from the New York City Board of Education. He has been coaching track and field for over 37 years. He is married to Gloria, who is also a graduate from KSU.

KSU – 1993 Graduate – Bachelor of Arts in Business Administrat Kenneth Fullman, native of Chicago, Illinois (Mendel Catholic High School), was recruited to play baseball at KSU. He was coached by Ronald Braden who said, “He was a line drive hitter that could hit the ball anywhere.” He played the corners as he was regularly placed as a first or third baseman. Kenny’s career was one that many athletes could only wish for, as he obtained many honors while playing for KSU. He was a four year starter and earned an athletic letter each of those years. In 1991 and 1992, he was selected as the team’s Captain. He was selected in 1990 to the Academic All-American team. For three years from 1990 to 1992, he was selected to the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) Pre-Season All-Conference team. In multiple years, he led the baseball team in Home Runs and Runs Batted-In. But it was his defensive play that helped him earn KSU’s “Defensive Player of the Year” award during the 1990-91 season. Finally, in 1992, he capped his career off as he was selected and played in the Historically Black College and Universities All-Star game. Kenny left KSU and continued to earn other fantastic honors. For the past 25 years, he coached at Chicago Harlan High School. For the last 18 years, he was the Head Coach where he compiled a record of 460 Wins – 183 Loses. During this time, his teams won 13 Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Regional titles; 2 IHSA Sectional titles; and, a Chicago Public School City Championship. He has coached 13 Major League Baseball draft picks, 9 All-Americans and 29 All-State players. These accomplishments were the reasons why in 2016 he was the second African-American inducted into the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association (IHSBCA) Hall of Fame. In 2007 he Co-Founded the Chicago White Sox Amateur City Elite Program which was sponsored by the Chicago White Sox. The program assists Chicago baseball players obtain development and exposure to colleges and universities. In 2010 he was selected by Major League Baseball as “The People Magazine and Major League Baseball All-Star Among Us Award” for his community work in the Chicago area. Other accomplishments include being coach of the 18 year and under United States of American Pan-American team in 2014; Chicago Public School Coach of the Year in 2005 and 2011; and, IHSBCA Area Coach of the Year in 2013. Kenny still lives in Chicago and is married to Nicola. They have two sons, Kendrique and Kendall. He’s a member of “Omega Psi Phi Fraternity” where he pledged at KSU (Psi Psi Chapter). He’s also a KSU National Alumni Association Life Member and a member of the KSU K-Club. He is currently employed with the Chicago Police Department working as a School Liaison Officer.