Shepherd College Athletics

Shepherd Adds Four to Athletic Hall of Fame

Shepherd College Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2001 (L-R): Greg (Groucho) Marks, Michele Taylor Ferguson, Jack Booth, Mike Philippi.

SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. -- The Shepherd College Athletic Hall of Fame inducted four new members at the annual induction banquet on Friday, October 12 as part of the Homecoming activities.

Football standout Jack Booth ('53), joins basketball stars Mike Philippi and Michele (Taylor) Ferguson ('88), and swimming standout Greg (Groucho) Marks ('96) as the 16th class to be inducted. The "fantastic four" bring the total number of members in the Shepherd Athletic Hall of Fame to 77.

Booth (1945 graduate of Romney High School (WV)/Stephens City, VA) was a two-year letterwinner in football for the Rams from 1951-52. Prior to coming to Shepherd, Booth starred at Potomac State and earned a place on Shepherd's All-Opponent Team in 1950. Booth led the Rams in rushing with 440 yards in 1952 and earned WVIAC All-Conference honors. His 7.7 yards per carry average was best in the West Virginia Conference that season.

Booth later went on to a very successful career as a coach and a teacher. After graduation, Booth taught and coached at the high school level in West Virginia, Virginia, and Florida.

Philippi (1971 graduate of Rockville High School/Poolesville, MD) was a standout on the men's basketball team from 1973-77. Philippi helped lead the Rams to a 97-22 (.815) record. He also triggered the 1975-76 squad (33-3) that won the NCAA III Regional Championship and established a new school record for wins with 33. Arguably the top point guard in school history, Philippi still holds SC marks for single-season assists (344, 1975-76) and career assists (921). He also holds the single-season steal record with 109 steals in 1974-75. A two-time WVIAC All-Conference selection, Philippi finished his career with 1,060 points. He was also a two-time WVIAC All-Tournament choice. He set tournament records for most assists in a game (16, vs. Concord, 1976), and most tournament assists (50, 1976) that still stand today.

Ferguson (1984 graduate of Gar-Field High School/Dale City, VA) was a four-year standout for the Shepherd women's basketball team from 1984-88. She helped guide the Rams to a 63-42 (.600) record, including a 19-9 mark in 1987-88. A three-time WVIAC All-Conference selection, Ferguson is the school's all-time leading rebounder with 960 career rebounds. Ferguson's 1,388 career points rank her second on the all-time scoring list. She also played for two years on the Ram volleyball team (1984-85).

Marks (1968 graduate of Thomas Johnson High School (MD)/Martinsburg, WV) was a standout on the Shepherd swimming team from 1970-72. Marks broke four Ram swimming records as a swimmer and diver. The records include the medley relay team (backstroke), 200-yard individual backstroke, required diving event, and optional diving event. He was rated by coach Erwin Fieger as the top diver during his coaching reign at Shepherd.