Eight distinguished contributors to Mountaineer athletics have been selected for the 34th class of the West Virginia University Sports Hall of Fame. The announcement was made by Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker.
Among the inductees is Anthony Becht, a standout football player from 1996 to 1999. He ranks second in Mountaineer history for tight end receptions (83) and receiving yards (1,178). Becht was voted MVP by his teammates in 1999, earning All-Big East Second Team honors and playing in the Senior Bowl. He went on to be drafted 27th overall by the New York Jets in the 2000 NFL Draft. Over an 11-season NFL career, Becht played for teams including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs, finishing with 199 receptions for 1,621 yards and 22 touchdowns. He is currently the head coach of the St. Louis BattleHawks in the United Football League.
Chris Brooks, another inductee, was a notable first team All-Atlantic 10 Conference forward from 1988 to 1991. Originally from the Bronx, New York, Brooks was the first McDonald’s All-American to sign with Mountaineer basketball. He averaged 12.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per game in his junior year, becoming one of the most remarkable athletes to wear the WVU jersey before his untimely passing in 2021.
Also among the inductees is Bob Donker, a groundbreaking cross country and track athlete. From 1991 to 1995, Donker became the first three-time, single-season All-American in school history. His remarkable achievements include All-America honors in cross country and track and field, and he remains a celebrated figure in Mountaineer athletics.
Bette Hushla, a pioneering swimmer at WVU, competed in intercollegiate athletics in the 1960s. She won six of the eight races she entered during her only season with the men’s swimming team before being controversially ruled ineligible. Although she never returned to competitive swimming, she became known for her talent and dedication, earning her an honorary place in this year’s inductees.
Mark Landers, a top first baseman from 1991 to 1994, earned All-American honors and was named the 1994 Atlantic 10 Player of the Year. Landers holds school records for single-season home runs and hits, and he is regarded as one of the best players to ever wear a Mountaineer uniform.
Rasheed Marshall, quarterback from 2001 to 2004, set multiple records while guiding WVU to four bowl games. He was the Big East Offensive Player of the Year and is currently part of the WVU football staff as the Director of Player Relations.
Adrian Murrell, a tailback from 1989 to 1992, led the Big East in rushing during his senior year. Following his successful college career, Murrell was drafted by the New York Jets and played with several NFL teams, ultimately becoming WVU’s all-time leader in NFL rushing yards.
Finally, Liz Repella, who excelled in women’s basketball from 2008 to 2011, earned multiple academic and athletic honors. She helped lead the Mountaineers to three NCAA Tournaments and finished her career with more than 1,600 points. Repella currently works as a human resources director for PepsiCo.
The induction ceremony is scheduled for September 21, just before the West Virginia-Kansas football game, marking a significant occasion for Mountaineer athletics. This 2024 class increases the total number of inductees in the hall of fame to 237.
