Grand Rapids, Mich. — The Aquinas College Athletic Department has officially begun planning for the 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, set for 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026, inside the Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center. The induction will once again take place during Homecoming Weekend, one of the most celebrated traditions on campus.

"This will be one of the most meaningful events of the year," said Athletic Director Damon Bouwkamp. "We're already looking ahead with excitement as we begin planning for the 2026 Aquinas College Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony during Homecoming weekend. It's one of the most meaningful traditions we have, and we hope to see many qualified Saints nominated for this honor. Their accomplishments, both on and off the field, have shaped the proud history of Aquinas Athletics, and we look forward to recognizing and celebrating them next September."

Nomination Process & Timeline

The nomination deadline (Click Here to Nominate) for the 2026 class is Friday, February 6, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Nominations may be submitted for former student-athletes, coaches, teams, and contributors who meet eligibility requirements. After the nomination window closes, the Selection Committee will review and verify all candidates before finalizing the 2026 inductees in spring.

• October 2025 – May 2026: Committees meet monthly
• February 6, 2026: Nomination deadline
• Spring 2026: Selection Committee finalizes inductees
• Summer 2026: Event Logistics Committee finalizes ceremony details
• Early Fall 2026: Inductees announced, promotional campaign begins
• Friday, September 18, 2026: Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony during Homecoming Weekend

Assistant Athletic Director and committee chairperson Joey Sutherlin noted the excitement of his new role in guiding the selection process. "It's an honor to serve as chairperson of the Hall of Fame selection committee and to be part of planning such a meaningful event for Aquinas Athletics," Sutherlin said. "This will be my first Hall of Fame ceremony in that role, and I couldn't be more excited to help celebrate the incredible legacies of our Saints."

Eligibility Criteria

The Hall of Fame welcomes nominations in three categories: student-athletes, teams, and contributors.

Student-Athletes

• Must be five years removed from their time at Aquinas
• Must have earned at least two varsity letters
• Considered primarily on athletic achievement, but also on character, leadership, academics, integrity, and contributions to Aquinas
• Must receive at least 75% approval from the Selection Committee

Teams

• Must have qualified and competed in a national tournament
• Become eligible ten years after that appearance
• Must receive at least 75% committee approval

Contributors

• Must have demonstrated sustained interest in AQ Athletics for at least five years
• Current coaches, faculty, and staff are not eligible until three years after retirement or departure
• Must receive at least 75% committee approval

Committees & Leadership

The Selection Committee is responsible for reviewing nominations and selecting inductees. The Hall of Fame was the brainchild of longtime AQ coach and administrator Terry "Coach Bo" Bocian, who has been an integral part of the event since its inception in 2002. Even in retirement, Bocian has remained a major influence on the ceremony and continues to shape the selection process as a committee member.

The 2026 committee includes:

• Chairperson: Joey Sutherlin (Assistant AD & Athletic Communications - Long Time Aquinas Play X Play Broadcaster)
• Member: Terry "Coach Bo" Bocian (Hall of Fame inductee, longtime AQ coach & AD)
• Member: Mike Wojciakowski (Head Cross Country & Track & Field Coach)
• Member: Ryan Wendt (Former AQ baseball player, Aquinas historian)
• Member: Lyndsay Szczepanek-Lucas (Softball, Class of 2001, Hall of Fame Class of 2024)
• Secretary (non-voting): Graduate Assistant Kennadie Minerich
• Ex Officio Advisor (non-voting): Damon Bouwkamp (Athletic Director)

Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Terry Keller also reflected on the importance of the ceremony, adding: "The Aquinas Athletic Hall of Fame is a wonderful reminder of how our student-athletes embody excellence both in competition and in the classroom. As we look ahead to the 2026 ceremony, I'm excited to see the many worthy nominations that will come forward. These honorees reflect the values of discipline, teamwork, and service that define the Aquinas experience, and it will be a privilege to celebrate their accomplishments with our community next fall."

Honoring Tradition

The Aquinas College Athletic Hall of Fame was established in 2002 and inducted its first six members that same year. Since then, the Hall of Fame has honored dozens of individuals and teams whose excellence has shaped the proud legacy of Aquinas athletics. From student-athletes and coaches to record-setting teams and longtime administrators, inductees represent not only achievements in competition but also character, leadership, and service to the Aquinas community.

The 2026 class will continue this tradition, adding new names to the proud history of Saints athletics during what promises to be another unforgettable Homecoming celebration.

Save the Date

The Aquinas College community, alumni, and Saints fans are encouraged to mark their calendars now for the 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, which will be a major part of the festivities for the 2026 Aquinas Homecoming Weekend:

• February 6, 2026: Nominations close
• Spring 2026: Class of 2026 finalized
• Early Fall 2026: Public announcement of inductees
• Friday, September 18, 2026, 7:00 p.m.: Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center

With tradition, pride, and celebration at the heart of the event, Aquinas Athletics is ready to once again honor the best of the best. After all — it's always a great day to be a Hall of Fame Saint.