New inductees thrilled to enter OU athletic hall of fame

The Braves Athletic Hall of Fame is a way to recognize Ottawa alumni and coaches for their achievements in athletics as well as academics while attending Ottawa University.
To be eligible for this prestigious award the member must wait 10 years after graduation and then be nominated for induction.
This October, there were four new members inducted into the Hall of Fame: David Holtwick, Robert Schoonover, Melissa Ringhausen and Antoni Van Leiden
Holtwick graduated in 1976 and was a member of the football and track team.
Robert Schoonover was the men’s soccer coach from 1965-1971.

Ringhasuen was a member of the women’s basketball team and graduated in 1994.
Van Leiden, who passed away earlier this year, was also a men’s soccer coach from 1965-1982.

Holtwick said his induction was very important to him.

“I am honored to be recognized as a member of the Braves Athletic Hall of Fame,” he said. “It is very humbling to be associated with those that played and coached at Ottawa University that I have long looked up to for their contributions to OU’s athletic history.”

Schoonover also said he was honored to be inducted.

“To be mentioned in the same breath as Dick Peters is very humbling,” he said. “I had the pleasure to get to have many of these Hall of Fame members in class, so it is outstanding to be recognized with them.”

Ringhausen, the current head women’s basketball coach at McKendree University, said she wasn’t necessarily expecting the honor.

“It is an honor to be included as part of such a prestigious group of people,” she said. “As a student athlete you never expect something like this will happen.”

Each of these members wanted to be remembered in different, but classy ways. Holtwick wanted to relate to faith.

“I would like for folks to recognize that all things are possible through trusting in God and striving daily to follow him,” he said.

Schoonover said he wanted it to be known that he really enjoyed his time at Ottawa.

“I want to be remembered as one who was honored to be part of the OU family for seven years and took pride in my teaching, as well as my coaching.”

Ringhausen said she wants students to not get tied up with wins and losses with their athletic career.
“I hope that when student athletes reflect on their time spent at Ottawa University, that they don’t remember their wins and losses, but they remember the great experiences they shared with their coaches and teammates,” she said.