The 10-member class is the eighth overall since the establishment of the Hall of Fame in 2012 and will be inducted at a gala in Reynolds Coliseum on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
The 1979 and 1980 NC State cross country teams that repeated as AIAW national champions will be inducted, alongside 1973 ACC Football Player of the Year Willie Burden, Olympic gold medalist Kenny Carr from men’s basketball, and 19-time All-American swimmer Beth Emery. Joining them will be National Champions Matt Hill (men’s golf), Tyrell Taitt (men’s track & field) and Scott Turner (wrestling), along with a national award winner, Marc Primanti (football).
Longtime NC State and ACC administrator Nora Lynn Finch will be honored for her contributions, alongside legendary wrestling coach Bob Guzzo, who led the Wolfpack to 13 ACC titles.
“I’m very excited about this induction class because it represents many sports, many decades, and so very many accomplishments,” Corrigan said. “We look forward to recognizing their legacy and their achievements in April and congratulate them on this great honor.”
Ticket sales information for the Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be shared at a later date.
NC STATE ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME
Class of 2026
1979/1980 Women’s Cross Country Teams
In 1979, the NC State women’s cross country team captured both the ACC and AIAW titles, scoring 109 points at the national meet. Julie Shea led the Wolfpack to victory, winning the individual title in both races. A year later, NC State repeated the feat, earning another ACC championship and scoring 76 points to win the 1980 AIAW title. Shea once again swept the individual titles, becoming a back-to-back national and conference champion. Shea and Betty Springs earned All-America honors in 1979 and 1980, while Mary Shea joined them as an All-American in 1980. In addition to the Sheas and Springs, the 1979 roster included Valerie Ford, Ann Henderson, Sue Overbey, and Kimberly Sharpe. The 1980 team featured Sande Culliane, Suzanne Girard, Tricia Malischewski, Overbey, Julie Shea, Mary Shea and Springs.
Willie Burden, Football (1971-73)
The first player in school history to surpass the 1,000-yard rushing mark, Willie Burden is one of just seven…
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