The Union University Sports Hall of Fame inducted six new recipients for the class of 2021 on April 23 in the Carl Grant Events Center.
Tommy Sadler, director of athletics and class of 2021 Hall of Fame inductee, opened the evening by welcoming alumni back to their alma mater and recognizing former Hall of Fame recipients.
“For those of you who once in time wore a uniform here, I say welcome home,” said Sadler. “This is always home to you.”
Sadler then introduced Steven Aldridge, assistant director of athletics for sports communication, as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Aldridge gave a background for each inductee’s career on Union athletics and presented each with a red plaque engraved with their name and likeness in white.
The Class of 2021 Hall of Fame inductees include:
-Steve Beverly, Meritorious Service
Beverly has been a professor of broadcast journalism at Union for the past 28 years, and for 25 of those years, Beverly was the broadcast announcer for Union basketball. Beverly called 769 college basketball games on television and was the senior play-by-play commentator for the NAIA Women’s National Championship Tournament for 12 years.
“I feel so blessed that for close to 800 [games] I was able to call a Union University basketball game,” said Beverly. “I’m so glad…I’ve been at a place where excellence has been displayed.”
Beverly was also the Master of Ceremonies for the 13 prior Sports Hall of Fame banquets.
-Brett Barry, Men’s Golf, Class of 2013
Barry left Union as one of the most decorated golf players in Union history. During his time at Union, Barry led his team in 21 tournament victories and won nine individual championships. Barry won Conference Player of the Year twice during his career. Barry also played in four national tournaments and finished his career ranked as the number four golfer in the NAIA.
After Barry graduated from Union, he pursued a career in professional golf. He now lives in North Carolina with his wife Jami, also a Union alumnus, and his 1-year-old daughter.
-Kaitlyn Dudley Freeman, Women’s Basketball, Class of 2011
Dudley Freeman graduated as Union’s all-time leading scorer for women’s basketball. During her time here, she and the Lady Bulldogs won two NAIA national titles and three TranSouth conference tournament titles. Dudley Freeman was named TranSouth Player of the Year in 2010, the TranSouth Freshman of the Year in 2007 and was named NAIA All-American four times.
Dudley Freeman now lives in Bradford, Tenn. with her husband and works as a financial advisor.
-Robert Joseph, Men’s Basketball, Class of 2002
Joseph played basketball at Union for a year and a half and made a big impact during his short tenure. Joseph was named the NAIA Player of the Year, the TranSouth Conference Player of the Year and the 2002 TranSouth Newcomer of the Year. Joseph holds the record in college basketball at all levels for most blocks in a season with 242 blocks. As a result, Joseph was highlighted on ESPN’s SportsCenter and was mentioned in Sports Illustrated.
“I couldn’t pick a better environment than Union,” said Joseph. “Once you’re a Bulldog, you’re a Bulldog for life.”
After leaving Union, Joseph played professional basketball in Spain for 12 seasons.
-Tommy Locke, Baseball, Class of 1986
Locke transferred to Union after two years at the junior college level. During his first season as a Bulldog, Locke was named All-American. Locke came back from what would be considered a career-ending injury his senior year. During that season, Locke won his first 10 games of the year and won against Division 1 competitors. Locke is in the Union record book for several accomplishments, such as 11 wins in a season and 10 consecutive victories.
Locke currently lives in Franklin, Tenn. with his family and works in business development at Nokia Corporation.
-Tommy Sadler, Administration, Baseball, Class of 1976
Sadler currently works at Union, his alma mater, as the Director of Athletics. Sadler has worked at Union for the past 36 years.
“I love this place,” said Sadler. “It has been my life. I have loved being your teammate, I have loved watching many of you play. It has been one of the great joys of my life.”
During his time playing baseball at Union, Sadler earned Team MVP and the Best Pitcher Award in 1975. For 37 years, Sadler held the record for appearances in a season, pitching in 25 of the team’s 33 games.
