PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Nov. 8, 2022) – The Prairie View A&M University Sports Hall of Fame selection committee and the Athletics Department inducted the 2022 class on Saturday, Nov. 5.
The nine-member class consists of Cecil Shy (Men’s Track & Field, 1988-1991), Lewis Edmondson (Men’s Track & Field, 1997-2002), Dr. Ronald Nelson, II (Men’s Track & Field, 1997-2000), Thaddeus Gamble (Men’s Track & Field, 1979-1983), Dr. Dawn Aycock (Volleyball, 1991-1995), Monica Smith (Women’s Basketball, 1984-1988), Jerome Howard (Football, 2011-2014), Bobby Perry (Football, 2001-2002), and Quinton Spears (Football, 2007-2010).
Shy was a top middle-distance runner from Illinois who transferred to PVAMU in 1988. He spent his earlier years at Missouri Baptist College, where he obtained the status of an NAIA All-American in Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field for multiple events (800m, 1000m, 3200m relay, and the 1600m relay). Under the legendary coach Hoover Wright, Shy was a SWAC All-American and NAIA All-American for three years in cross country and track & field. As a member of the track & field team, he ran the 4×400 relay, sprint medley relay, 4x800m relay, Distant Medley relay, 300m Steeple Chase, 800m, 880 yards, 1000m, 1000yds, 1500m, 5000m and the 10,000m run. He was a participant on what is believed to be the fastest 4×800 meter relay team in the history of PVAMU, setting a national record in 1989 at the Teas Relays with a time of 7:17.
Edmondson was also a member of the PVAMU men’s track team from 1997-2001. He earned SWAC Championship honors in various events, such as the 60m hurdles, 110 high hurdles, 200 meters, 4×100 and 4x200m relays. Edmondson was a three-time Indoor SWAC champion in a single event and a nine-time SWAC Champion in several individual events. He’s a four-time 110 hurdler SWAC Champion and a two-year All-American in hurdles. Edmondson currently holds the University’s record in the 110 hurdles with a time of 13:53.
A 2000 graduate, Dr. Nelson was on the PVAMU varsity track & field team from 1996-2000. He assisted the Panthers to several championships, with third place or better finishes. He obtained several awards in the track & field realm as a freshman leading up to his senior year. Dr. Nelson was part of the team that was runner-up at the NAIA National Outdoor Track and Field Championships while earning All-American honors in the triple jump. In the spring of 1998, he was part of the first-ever PVAMU SWAC Indoor Championship team, earning All-Conference honors in the high jump. Dr. Nelson and the entire PVAMU community were impacted by the loss of four of his fellow teammates that were in the rollover accident. That same year he earned all-conference honors in high jump, long jump, triple jump, pole vault and 55m dash. He also received the Scholar-Athlete Award, the SWAC Most Valuable Field Performer Award, and All-American honors at the Indoor Track & Field Championships.
Gamble was also a member of the PVAMU men’s track team, owning over 25 first-place finishes. He lettered during his vaunted career every year and earned the title of captain for three consecutive seasons. Gamble garnered numerous wins during his exceptional career as a Panther. He was a 1983 finalist for the Athletic Congress-TAC Track and Field Team USA Qualifying Meet 400 IM Hurdles, four-Time NAIA Track & Field All-American, Indoor 1981-1983, Outdoor 1982-1983, NAIA Outdoor 400-IM Hurdles runner-up 1982-1983, 6-Time All SWAC selection, Indoor 1981-1983, Outdoor 1980,81,82,83, SWAC 400 IM Hurdles Runner-up 1982, SWAC 400 IM Hurdles Champion 1983, 4-Time PV Relays 400 IM Hurdles Champion 1980,81,82,83, 3-Time Pelican Relays 400 IM Hurdles Champion 1981,82,83, TSU Relays 400-IM Hurdles Champion 1983, Demon Relays 400 IM Hurdles Champion 1981.
Under the direction of Coach Jocelyn Adams, Aycock played her first three years at PVAMU, foregoing her senior year to focus on the nursing program. She started as a middle blocker all three years and played in both the front and back rows. The team earned second-place/runner-up titles in the Southwestern Athletic Conference in 1990 and 1991 before winning the University’s first conference championship in 1992. This was a remarkable team accomplishment because it was done when PVAMU had limited funds and scholarships for athletics. Aycock’s honors included All SWAC Honorable Mention, Most Outstanding Freshman Volleyball Player for PVAMU in 1990; All SWAC team, IT Hunter Award for PVAMU’s Most Outstanding Female Athlete, and the University’s NCAA Woman of the Year for 1991; and All SWAC Tournament MVP, IT Hunter Award for PVAMU’s Most Outstanding Female Athlete, and University’s NCAA Woman of the Year in 1992. Dawn was highlighted and quoted in several PVAMU Panther Newspapers and, in 1992, was featured in an article in USA Today about the benefits of sports at PVAMU.
Smith was recruited by former women’s basketball Coach Robert Atkins. The next four years of her life were extraordinary as she evolved into becoming one of the pioneers that catapulted the PVAMU Women’s Basketball Program to the next level. Back in the 80s, the SWAC was known to be one of the most competitive conferences in terms of tenacity and intensive play. Monica not only learned to elevate her game, but she also had to learn the mental aspect of playing in the SWAC. In 1985, Smith averaged 17 points and 12 rebounds per game. It was the most commanding and challenging experience of her basketball career.
Howard was a standout athlete for the Panthers as a four-year starter, three-time All-Conference, two-time All-American, and SWAC Defensive Player of The Year. Howard earned his B.S degree in the spring of 2015. Post-graduation, Howard has become an author, fitness professional, sports consultant, and founder of Dynamic Performance Development. Additionally, Howard is frequently mentioned in the press with brands including but not limited to the Houston Texans, Nike, Adidas, Lulu Lemon, Pittsburgh Steelers, SportsCenter, ABC Houston and more.
Perry enrolled at PVAMU in 1998 and caught the eye of Defensive coordinator Coach Rory Barnett while catching passes on the 1st defense during summer practices. He quickly rose from the scout team to the first team and played strong safety and cornerback. In his senior year, he played free safety totaling 89 tackles, six interceptions, two forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and one touchdown. Those statistics landed him SWAC Defensive Player of the Year, as well as First Team All-SWAC and Black College All-American. Perry went on to play two years in the Canadian Football League for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He also played in the Arena Football League for four years, with the Dallas Desperados thriving at Jack linebacker and strong corner, leading the team in tackles and interceptions in his final season in 2008.
Spears walked onto the PVAMU football squad as a wide receiver in 2006. Joining the program submerged him into an environment of hard work ethic, accountability, and an overall warrior mentality. He played defensive end, receiving multiple All-American and All-Conference accolades while also being recognized nationally as a projected draft pick and one of the top 100 DEs in the country.
This story originally appeared on pvpanthers.com.
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