(Ames, IA) – The Iowa State athletics program has announced that six former Cyclone athletes will be inducted into the Iowa State Athletics Hall of Fame. The inductees include Rich Binek (Wrestling 1971-74), Melvin Ejim (Basketball 2011-14), Victoria Henson (Volleyball 2007-10), Lyndsey Medders (Basketball 2004-07), Kelechi Osemele (Football 2008-11), and Mike VanArsdale (Wrestling 1984-88).
The Iowa State Athletics Hall of Fame was established back in 1997 to honor athletes, coaches, and administrators for their dedication to Iowa State athletics. A total of 210 Cyclone athletes have been given the highest honor by the Iowa State Athletics Department. There is a 10-year waiting period that most athletes and coaches have to follow at Iowa State that can be waived under certain circumstances.
Rich Binek had an impressive wrestling career at Iowa State as a two-time All-American, 177-pound NCAA Champion in 1973, and compiled a 77-16-2 record as a Cyclone. Melvin Ejim was known as being one of the players to lead Iowa State to a Big XII Tournament title and an NCAA Sweet Sixteen run in 2014. He was named the Big XII Player of the Year, Iowa State Male Athlete of the Year, and an Academic All-American during that 2014 season. Victoria Henson was a top volleyball player at Iowa State as a First Team All-American by the AVCA in 2014, leading the Cyclones to four NCAA Championships, two Sweet Sixteen runs, and also an Elite Eight appearance. She still currently leads Iowa State in kills throughout her career with 1,726. Lyndsey Medders was one of the top Iowa State women’s basketball players to come out of Ames, as the Iowa State Female Athlete of the Year, Nancy Lieberman Finalist, and AP Honorable Mention All-American in 2007. She currently sits at third for the Cyclones in assists in a career with 719 and was the 22nd pick in the 2007 WNBA Draft. Kelechi Osemele was a First Team All-Big XII, FIrst All-American by Sports Illustrated, and starter on Baltimore’s Super Bowl team in 2013. He was also a three-time All-Big XII selection from 2009-11 and was a two-time Pro Bowl selection in the NFL in 2016-17. Last but not least is Mike VanArsdale who was a three-time All-American in wrestling in 1985, 86, and 88. VanArsdale finished as the Big Eight Champion and NCAA Champion at 167 pounds in 1988 and earned 108 career victories.
These athletes will be announced at a ceremony at the Sukup End Zone Club in Ames later this year in the Fall.
