Isaacs (1955-57) spent his days at Gardner-Webb College as a busy student-athlete.  The Charlotte, NC native was a three-sport letterwinner during his career at Gardner-Webb College, starring in football, basketball, and baseball for the Bulldogs.  Isaacs earned All-Conference honors in football and basketball and was named All-State in baseball following a standout career in all three sports.  In football, Isaacs was an offensive halfback under legendary coach Norman Harris.  The highlight of his sophomore season was three touchdown performance against Lees-McRae that propelled him to All-Conference honors.  On the court, Isaacs averaged 22 ppg as a freshman to earn his All-Conference spot.  Isaacs played the infield in baseball and was one of five Gardner-Webb players selected to the All-State team in 1957.  After his career at Gardner-Webb, Isaacs accepted a football scholarship to play at Western Carolina University.  His career as a professional in the business worked has also been successful.  Isaacs currently serves a president of F. N. Thompson Construction Company in Charlotte and has played a major role in the construction of several of the Southeast’s top sports facilities, including the Charlotte Coliseum, Ericsson Stadium, and major renovations to the University of North Carolina’s Kenan Stadium and The University of South Carolina’s Williams-Brice Stadium.  In 1991, he received Western Carolina University’s Distinguished Alumni Award and in 1996 was named Gardner-Webb University’s Alumnus of the Year.  In 1997, Isaacs was honored with the Golden Hammer Award, recognizing his outstanding service to the community and to the Charlotte, NC construction industry.

John T. “Jack” Jolley was a three-sport letter winner in football, basketball, and baseball as a freshman at Boiling Springs Junior College and for three years prior to that while still attending high school.  Jolley was named an All-State center on the undefeated and untied Bulldog team in 1929.  The team was only scored upon once all season.  As a center that year he played every down on offense without making any bad snaps.  After his freshman year at Boiling Springs Junior College his career was cut short due to knee surgery.  An exceptional athlete, his exploits are still talked about by those who saw him play.  Jolley retired from a career in the textile industry and Burlington Industries.

Dean Jones was a versatile and successful student-athlete during his career at Gardner-Webb Junior College from 1957-59, playing both baseball and basketball under legendary head coach and Hall of Famer Norman Harris.  Jones’ biggest mark for the Bulldogs came on the diamond, as he earned both All-Region and All-State honors in 1959.  That season, Jones helped Gardner-Webb to a region title as a sophomore and an invitation to the junior college national tournament in Colorado.  Following his two-year career with the Bulldogs, Jones graduated from Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC in 1964 with a B.A. in Psychology and Education.  Jones’ prowess on the baseball diamond also earned him a chance in the professional ranks, as he spent time with the San Francisco Giants organization.  His education, both on the field and in the classroom, served Jones well in his career of choice, as he has earned numerous victories and accolades as a successful high school coach at nearby Chesnee (SC) High.  As baseball coach at Chesnee since 1964, Jones has been named conference Coach of the Year 18 times.  He has also been named State Coach of the Year and Area Coach of the Year during his tenure at Chesnee.  His teams have won 17 conference championships and three state titles since 1964.  In 1985 and 1992, Jones was named National District 3 Coach of the Year, and was a finalist for National High School Coach of the Year.  In 1985, Jones was named head coach of the inaugural South Carolina North-South baseball All-Star Game and, in 2001, was the Palmetto State’s head coach in the first annual North Carolina/South Carolina Baseball All-Star Game.  Jones was inducted into the South Carolina Coaches Hall of Fame in 2001, and has posted an impressive 576 wins as Chesnee’s baseball coach.  As head football coach at Chesnee from 1967-1981, Jones collected 78 wins to only 55 losses.

Bobby Lail was a standout pitcher for the Bulldogs from 1968 until 1972, compiling a remarkable 34-2 won-loss record and recording 312 career strikeouts, both school records.  The 6-5 lefthander cultivated a reputation as the original “Wild Thing” intimidating opposing batters with his calculated wildness.  In 1969 he led the Bulldogs to the NJCAA National Tournament in Grand Junction, Colorado.  During his career, the two-time All-Conference and All-District hurler spun two no-hitters and earned team Most Valuable Player honors as a senior.  Lail was drafted four times by Major League Baseball Clubs, the Chicago White Sox, the Atlanta Braves, the Washington Senators, and the Baltimore Orioles.  A career educator, Lail is head of the Agriculture Department at Crest Senior High School, where he supervises the Future Farmers of America organization.  Prior to attending Gardner-Webb, he helped lead the 1966 Crest High School baseball team to a state title.

Fredia Lawrence finished a decorated career at Gardner-Webb as the top women’s basketball player in school history.  A local product from nearby Burns (NC) High, Lawrence made an immediate and lasting impact on the Lady Bulldogs’ program from 1988-1992 and still holds an incredible 11 school records.  The standout forward finished her career as the leading scorer (2,201 points) and rebounder (1,220) in Gardner-Webb’s women’s basketball history, and remains on top of both career lists 10 years after her final game in Boiling Springs. Lawrence is the only women’s basketball player in school history to top 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds in her career.  She joined former NBA standouts Eddie Lee Wilkins and George Adams, along with international standout Stan Easterling, as the only basketball players in school history, men or women, to accomplish the feat.  Lawrence is one of only two women in Gardner-Webb’s basketball history to score 2,000 points, joining Dina Smith in that exclusive club.  Lawrence also holds single-season school records for points scored (612), field goals attempted (586) and field goals made (245), all set in 1988-89 as a true freshman.  She holds the school record for most rebounds in a season after pulling down 332 as a sophomore in 1989-90.  Lawrence is also the Lady Bulldogs’ career leader in games played (116), field goals made (814), field goals attempted (1,914), free throws made (539), and free throws attempted (707).  Also an impact player in the South Atlantic Conference, Lawrence is the second-leading career scorer in that league’s history.  She is second in career rebounds in the South Atlantic Conference, and was a three-time All-South Atlantic Conference selection. 

George Mauney starred in and earned letters in football, basketball, and baseball at what was then Boiling Springs Junior College from 1932 until 1934.  Mauney was named All-State as a freshman end in football.  During his sophomore year, Boiling Springs enjoyed an undefeated football season, winning the state championship.  Mauney went on the star in football at Wake Forest and, upon graduation, coached at Edwards Military Institute in Salemburg, NC.  During the summer he played professional baseball in the Philadelphia Phillies organization.  Mauney served in the U.S. Army Air Force from 1943 until 1946.  Upon his discharge he embarked on a 37-year career in the Lexington (NC) Police Department before retiring as Assistant Chief of Police.  In 1984 he was inducted into the North Carolina American Legion Baseball “Hall of Fame” after compiling a 15-year coaching record of 159-110 in the American Legion baseball program. 

Dina Smith McClure represents the women’s basketball program in the inaugural class.  Dina is the all-time leading scorer in the College’s women’s basketball program with 2,031 points and ranks as the second all-time leading rebounder with 874 rebounds.  Mrs. McClure holds single game records for points scored (46 vs. Mars Hill), field goals attempted (39 vs. Mars Hill), free throws attempted (19 vs. Barber-Scotia) and free throw percentage (100% vs. Wofford).  She holds single season records for free throws attempted (183, 1984-85) and free throws made (146, 1984-85).  In addition to her career point record, she holds career records for most games (94), field goals attempted (1,742), free throws attempted (594) and free throw percentage (76.9).  Since leaving Gardner-Webb, Mrs. McClure has been coaching high school basketball.  She began her career at Polk Central High School and is presently the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at East Rutherford High School.

One of Gardner-Webb’s first stars in the sport of baseball, Michael McDaniel flourished under Hall of Fame Coach Jerry Bryson for the Diamond ‘Dogs.  The power hitting infielder helped span the transition from junior college to senior college in the sport, compiling 39 home runs for his career.  As a sophomore in 1969, McDaniel was named All-Western Carolinas Conference, was voted team MVP and led the team in home runs, RBI and total bases.  As a senior in 1971, McDaniel batted a robust .362 with four home runs, four doubles and a pair of triples in just 21 games played at shortstop – helping the ‘Dogs to a strong 19-5 record against senior college competition.  McDaniel was the Bulldogs’ leader in RBI for three seasons, home runs for two seasons and total bases for three seasons during his career in Boiling Springs.  McDaniel graduated from Gardner-Webb in 1971.

Roger McSwain wrote a significant chapter in the history of Gardner-Webb baseball from 1969 through 1971.  After earning All-Conference and All-American honors in the school’s last season as a junior college, McSwain went on to be named to the All-NAIA District 26 teams in 1970 and 1971.  In three seasons under Head Coach Jerry Bryson, the hard-hitting outfielder slugged 34 home runs, including a school record 13 in 24 games as a senior in 1971.  He finished his last season as a Bulldog with a .405 batting average.  He was drafted by four major league clubs, the Seattle Pilots (now the Milwaukee Brewers), the Atlanta Braves, the Baltimore Orioles and finally the Chicago White Sox, with whom he signed.  McSwain played in the White Sox’ minor league organization for two years before retiring to a hand injury.  He returned to Gardner-Webb in 1973 and earned his degree in 1974.  He has remained in education for seventeen years, the first six as a teacher and the last 11 as an administrator.  In 1978 he was named Outstanding Young Educator in the Rutherfordton County School System by the Jaycees and is currently an elementary school principal in the Rutherfordton County School System.

One of Gardner-Webb’s all-time football greats, Middleton (1986-1989) ran over, around and through the SAC-8 during his four-year career with the Runnin’ Bulldogs.  The Summerville, SC native played for Gardner-Webb from 1986-89 and ended his career as the school’s leading career rusher with 4,032 yards and 38 touchdowns.  Middleton led the ‘Dogs to a 28-17-1 record during his four years with the program, including an 11-2 record and a SAC-8 championship in 1987.  The three-time, All-SAC8 selection dominated the conference in 1989, en route to a spot on the NAIA Division I All-American team.  During that season, Middleton set the Gardner-Webb single-season rushing record with 1,401 yards on 207 carries, an average of 6.8 yards per chance.  That season, Middleton topped the 100-yard barrier several times, including a 212 yard effort against Concord (WVa.) and 117 yards on 24 carries against Carson-Newman.  His average of 127.4 yards per game is also a school record.  Ten years after his final season with the Runnin’Bulldogs, Middleton’s name appears seven times in the Gardner-Webb record book.  In addition to his title as the school’s career and single-season rushing yardage leader, Middleton also left Gardner-Webb with the most career touchdowns (38), most career rushing touchdowns (32), most career carries (618), most single-game rushing attempts (35 vs. Newberry, 1988), and most 1,000 yard seasons (1988 and 1989).  Middleton also owns the second longest run from scrimmage in school history (89 yards vs. Presbyterian, 1988) and appears third on the school’s career scoring list with 228 points.  Middleton’s jersey number 25 was retired following his stellar career, making him one of four Gardner-Webb football players to receive that honor.

Golfer Wayne Myers enjoyed a tremendous career during his time at Gardner-Webb, and was one of the key cogs in the Bulldogs’ great golfing tradition of the 1970s under the direction of legendary coach Garland Allen.  Myers helped Gardner-Webb to a pair of NAIA National Championships during his time on the links, making several clutch shots as a freshman to help the ‘Dogs to the 1976 NAIA crown.  He was named to the NAIA All-District 26 squad as a freshman in 1976, and returned as a sophomore to play an important role on the 1977 NAIA National Championship squad.  The Hamptonville, NC native was named first-team NAIA All-America in 1978 after finishing fifth individually at the NAIA National Tournament in Huntsville, Texas.  The ‘Dogs finished with a sixth-place finish as a team that year.  Myers continued his outstanding play after his collegiate career was through, earning numerous honors including 1991 South Carolina PGA Player of the Year and winning the 1991 SC PGA Chapter Championship at the Thornblade Club in Greer.  Myers, who has spent much of the career as a successful golf pro at courses in Upstate South Carolina, fired a two-round total of 142 in that event to capture a one-stroke victory.

Perry (1982-1985) earned the reputation as a ferocious hitter during his playing days at Gardner-Webb, patrolling the field from his linebacker position with a combination of speed and power.  The Aiken, SC native finished his career in fine fashion with a tremendous senior season.  Perry earned 1985 SAC-8 Defensive Player of the Year honors after recording a school-record 11 quarterback sacks.  The brother of former Clemson All-Americans William and Michael Dean Perry, who both starred in the National Football League, Perry ended his career with 399 total tackles, 287 solo hits, 24 quarterback sacks, five interceptions and eight fumble recoveries.  His total tackles total places him third on the school’s career list.  Perry earned All-SAC 8 honors three times during his career, garnering second-team honors in 1983 and 1984 and first-team honors in 1985.  He recorded 90 tackles in 1983 and 115 tackles in 1984 before his record-breaking senior campaign.  The “Icebox” remains one of the top defensive stars in the South Atlantic Conference’s rich football history and one of the top linebackers in the history of Gardner-Webb football. 

Dennis Puckerin made the most of his two seasons with the Gardner-Webb men’s soccer program, earning legendary status as arguably the greatest player to suit up for the Bulldogs.  Puckerin became Gardner-Webb’s first soccer All-American in 1990, and also earned South Atlantic Conference Player of the Year honors in the sport.  During the 1990 season, Puckerin set single-season records for goals (25) and total points (55) that still stand after 13 seasons.  His four-goal match vs. Montreat-Anderson in 1990 ties him with three other Bulldogs for the top single-match effort in school history and his three-assist effort in the same match gave Puckerin the second-best point total (11) in school history for a single match.  In addition to his All-America nod in 1990, Puckerin was named All-South Region and All-NAIA District 26.  Puckerin, who was named All-SAC in 1991, finished his career with 89 career points and 40 goals – despite playing in only 38 career matches.  Puckerin is fourth on the career scoring chart at GWU and is third in career goals.  The native of Trinidad & Tobago has remained active with the Bulldogs’ soccer program, serving for the past 11 seasons as a part-time assistant coach.  Puckerin is also a former member of the Trinidad & Tobago National Men’s Soccer Team.  He is the first Gardner-Webb soccer player, men’s or women’s, to earn the honor of being selected for induction into the GWU Athletics Hall of Fame.

Dennis Puckerin made the most of his two seasons with the Gardner-Webb men’s soccer program, earning legendary status as arguably the greatest player to suit up for the Bulldogs.  Puckerin became Gardner-Webb’s first soccer All-American in 1990, and also earned South Atlantic Conference Player of the Year honors in the sport.  During the 1990 season, Puckerin set single-season records for goals (25) and total points (55) that still stand after 13 seasons.  His four-goal match vs. Montreat-Anderson in 1990 ties him with three other Bulldogs for the top single-match effort in school history and his three-assist effort in the same match gave Puckerin the second-best point total (11) in school history for a single match.  In addition to his All-America nod in 1990, Puckerin was named All-South Region and All-NAIA District 26.  Puckerin, who was named All-SAC in 1991, finished his career with 89 career points and 40 goals – despite playing in only 38 career matches.  Puckerin is fourth on the career scoring chart at GWU and is third in career goals.  The native of Trinidad & Tobago has remained active with the Bulldogs’ soccer program, serving for the past 11 seasons as a part-time assistant coach.  Puckerin is also a former member of the Trinidad & Tobago National Men’s Soccer Team.  He is the first Gardner-Webb soccer player, men’s or women’s, to earn the honor of being selected for induction into the GWU Athletics Hall of Fame.