The Maryville University Department of Athletics and Recreation inducted four individuals into the Saints Hall of Fame during Homecoming festivities.
BY JONG CAMBRON
RON SWANSON, ’96
Ron Swanson’s ascent as a two-time recipient of the Runner of the Year and conference champion began with his recruitment to Maryville, but not as student-athlete.
He was accepted into Maryville’s Physical Therapy Program in 1992 at age 30 after serving time in the military. Swanson had run track and cross country in high school and also competed while in the Air Force, so it wasn’t unusual for him to keep training when he arrived on campus.
“After class one day, I was finishing a training run and was stopped in the parking lot in front
of the John E. and Adaline Simon Athletic Center by a guy with a stopwatch,” Swanson explained. The man with the stopwatch was Coach Greg Reecht. “He recruited me on
the spot,” he said.
Swanson made history as he won the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference individual men’s championship and was selected the Runner of the Year in both 1993 and 1994. He was also selected to the All-SLIAC First-Team three times and led the Saints to two conference titles.
“I attribute my success at Maryville University to my coach and my team,” Swanson said. “Cross country is a team sport, first and foremost. A person can achieve success as an independent runner in any race, but it is the focus on the team that makes cross country such a great sport.”
KAYLA ECKELKAMP, ’12
Searching for the perfect university to continue her golf career while learning about the nursing world led Kayla Eckelkamp to Maryville University. “There were very few colleges that were willing to allow me to play golf and major in nursing,” Eckelkamp said.
She was successful in both endeavors as Eckelkamp became the first Maryville golfer to qualify for the NCAA Division II Women’s Golf Tournament in 2012 and was also named Great Lakes Valley Conference Golfer of the Year. She still holds the record for lowest career stroke average of 76.58, garnered the most tournament wins with 17 and holds the season record for birdies with 41 and in a career with 108.
“I feel my success with most of my golf career has because of my love and enjoyment of the game,” Eckelkamp explained. “When you enjoy doing something, it’s easy to practice for hours and put in the time and dedication needed to succeed. Also everyone that has been involved with my golf one way or another, especially my family, has been a huge key to my success.”
When she received the call that she would be one of the newest members of the Saints Hall of Fame, she was, of course, on the golf course. “I am excited and honored to be part of such a wonderful group of people and talent,” she said.
ASA TONEY, ’14
Asa Toney began his basketball career at Maryville by winning the team MVP his freshman year then led the team in points per game, rebounds, steals and assists his sophomore year. He followed that up with the conference selection his junior and senior years. He also led the Saints to a school-record 23 victories his junior year.
“My favorite Maryville memories include beating our rivals Bellarmine University and Drury University, especially because both teams had recently won conference championships,” Toney said. “I also loved our team’s open gym practices because that was where I got to see what my teammates were made of.”
Toney remains the program’s all-time assists leader with 395 and is second with 181 steals. He still ranks fourth in career scoring at 1,503 points and ninth in field goals made. Toney was a relentless driver of the ball and is fourth in free throws converted with 306. He remains the Maryville career leader in games started at 110 contests and in minutes played per game at 30.7.
“I’d like to thank my coaches and all my teammates for putting up with me, as I realize that I can be the hardest on the people I care about the most,” Toney said. “I’m also thankful for my family for pushing me. My experiences have taught me that the hard work you put in now will always show up later.”
A LIFETIME OF ENGAGING STUDENTS
In 2009, Maryville University created the Lonnie Folks Award to honor former student- athletes, coaches or administrators who exemplify good spirit, sportsmanship, stewardship and service.
This year’s recipient of the Lonnie Folks Award is Martha Harbaugh, who started working for Maryville University in 1976 in the business office. She was promoted to director of financial aid in 1989, and has held that position for more than 30 years.
During her four-plus decades at Maryville, Harbaugh has been a tireless supporter of all students, including Saints student-athletes. Her support and work ethic has led to the success of generations of Maryville graduates and has been instrumental in the dramatic growth of the University’s student population.
“I’ve learned a lot about teamwork over the years,” Harbaugh said. “Because of the service I’ve been able to offer faculty, staff, students, alumni and visitors, I have truly found myself and I want to thank Maryville for that.”