2024 Hall of Fame Class Announced

October 24, 2024

Mars Hill University inducted two new members into its athletics Hall of Fame on Saturday, November 2. Hudson Tucker and Jonas Randolph were honored with a breakfast ceremony and a public presentation at halftime of the Lions’ football game against Emory & Henry University.

Hudson Tucker

Tucker is the first swimmer ever inducted into the Mars Hill Hall of Fame. At the time of his induction, Tucker is the lone All-American swimmer the Lions have produced. A three-time All-American, Tucker was also named an All-Conference swimmer all four years on the Hill.

He still maintains four school records—the longest-standing records for the men’s program—and ranks in the Top 5 in the 100 and 200-yard backstroke, 100-yard butterfly, and the 50 and 100-yard freestyle events. Tucker dominated the 100-yard backstroke event, going undefeated in that event from 2010-2013. He also posted an undefeated season in the 100-yard butterfly in the 2010-11 campaign.

Tucker ranked as high as 8th nationally in the 100-yard backstroke and 9th in the 100-yard butterfly.

Assistant Director of Athletics and former teammate Elle Grier stated, “Hudson is the perfect addition to our Hall of Fame as our first swimming inductee. I knew many years ago witnessing him earn so many medals and accolades that someday he would be receiving a hall of fame induction and I’m thrilled for the swim program and Hudson that this day has finally arrived.”

Jonas Randolph

Randolph is the only player in the South Atlantic Conference to win the Harlon Hill Trophy, awarded to the best player in Division II football.

Randolph holds every Mars Hill football rushing record, including career rushing yards (5,608), most yards in a season (2,170), most yards in a game (373), and highest per game average (197.3). All of those marks serve as South Atlantic Conference records as well.

His achievements do not stop there as he also holds the MHU and SAC record for most attempts in a game (49) and MHU records for season attempts (366) and career attempts (982). He scored four touchdowns in three separate games, 19 in the 2009 season, and 53 for his career, all school records.

He holds the all-time marks in most games with 100 yards or more on the ground with 24, 200 yards or more with 10, and two 300-yard games, as well as stringing together 12 straight games with 100 yards or more rushing.

Over his time on the Hill, Randolph racked up numerous individual accolades. He was a three-time AFCA, Don Hanson, and D2Football.com All-American as well as a Daktronics and BSN All-American. He was a three-time All-SAC selection, two-time SAC Player of the Year, and in 2011, was named the D2Football.com Player of the Year to go along with his Harlon Hill Trophy.

His 2011 accomplishments also led the Lions to a SAC Championship and appearance in the NCAA postseason as they hosted North Greenville. The Lions were ranked as high as 19th in the nation.

“Jonas Randolph is by far the best running back to ever play in the South Atlantic Conference,” head football coach Tim Clifton said. “He showed his love for the game every week. He carried his team on his shoulders week after week and his work habits at practice and during the off-season enabled Jonas to become a dominating player.”

Clifton added, “We are very proud of the father Jonas has become and his dedication to his family. Congratulations, Jonas, from the Mars Hill football family.”