Knox College Announces Homecoming Changes and HOF Class of 2020

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Knox College has announced a change of plans regarding this fall’s homecoming festivities. The Prairie Fire athletics department and College has decided to move the Hall of Fame banquet to Saturday, February 13th, 2021. This new date is a natural fit as it aligns with the College’s Alumni Achievement Awards Banquet and Founder’s Day Convocation. As for the virtual Homecoming event this fall, the College is still working out some details, but does plan to recognize and highlight the Knox-Lombard Hall of Fame inductees during this time as well. The 2020 Knox-Lombard Hall of Fame class includes: Joe Metzka ’96, Derek Mortensen ’14, Michael Smith ’96, and Mary (Whiteside) Groll ’92.

Derek Mortensen finished his career as the all-time leading rusher for the Knox football team. He graduated in 2014 following a fantastic career as a running back. Derek accumulated 4,016 rushing yards in his career and rushed for a Knox record 43 touchdowns. He holds several individual single-season and career rushing records for Knox. Derek was first-team All-Midwest Conference in 2012 and 2013 and was the Harley Knosher Male Athlete of the Year and voted Most Valuable Offensive Player in 2012-13. He is currently working as a Public Safety Officer and Firefighter for the Village of Glencoe.

Joe Metzka is one of the most dominant kickers and overall athletes in Knox football history. He graduated in 1996 after a spectacular career on the gridiron. Joe was named All-American in 1993, 1994, and 1995. Among the many team records he holds are most field goals in a career (22), best field goal percentage (.733) and longest field goal made (53 yards). He also holds several punting records as well. He appears in the football record book 54 times. Joe was also named All-Midwest Conference a total of five times, three times as a punter and twice as a kicker. He was named first team All-Conference for four of the five. He currently teaches psychology at O’Fallon High School and McKendree University.

Michael Smith ’96 was a major dual-sport threat for the Prairie Fire in the mid-90’s. He graduated in 1996 and still holds records in both men’s basketball and track and field. Smith is the all-time assists leader for the Knox men’s basketball team with 323. Michael was named first team All-Midwest Conference and Midwest Conference All-Tournament in 1996. He also was a co-winner of the Harley Knosher Award during his senior season when he led the team in assists and steals. As a member of the track and field team, Michael was a three-time Midwest Conference Champion in Triple Jump and also was a member of the Outdoor Conference Champion 4x100m relay team in 1994. He still holds the school records in the indoor Triple Jump and Long Jump. Michael is currently the Assistant Principal at Reed Custer High School in Braidwood, Illinois.

Mary (Whiteside) Groll was an exceptional all-around member of the Knox volleyball team. She graduated in 1992. Mary was named to the All-Midwest Conference team in 1990 and 1991. She was also a team captain in 1990 and 1991, and co-Most Valuable Team Member in 1990. She helped lead the team to the semifinals and a fourth place finish at the Midwest Conference Volleyball Tournament in 1990 and 1991. The team also finished second to St. Norbert in 1989 in the Championship Pool.She is currently the Chair and Program Director of Physician Assistant Studies at North Central College.

***Report courtesy of Knox College***

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