Michigan State Athletics Announces Hall of Fame Class of 2024

EAST LANSING, MI – NOVEMBER 19: Quarterback Jimmy Raye #16 of the Michigan State Spartans takes the snap against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Spartan Stadium on November 19, 1966 in East Lansing, Michigan. Notre Dame and Michigan State played a tie (10-10). (Photo by Rich Clarkson/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

EAST LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) – Fifty days before the Michigan State football team ushers in the Jonathan Smith era on Aug. 30 against Florida Atlantic, the athletic department has announced the 2024 Hall of Fame inductees.

The class includes six individuals and two legendary teams from Michigan State athletics history.

Joining Jessica (Beech) Bograkos (softball), Anson Carter (hockey), Darqueze Dennard (football), Laura (Kueny) Smith (women’s golf), Beth (Rohl) Saylors (women’s track and field) and Paul Terek (men’s track and field) are the 1965-1966 football teams, both of which won national championships and were the first teams to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

“This year’s individual players represent some of the best Spartan athletes in their respective sports. Each individual earned All-American and All-Conference honors, with four of the six recognized by the Big Ten Conference as the best in their sport or position. Beyond their record-breaking accomplishments at MSU, they will go on to achieve success at both the professional level and in international competition,” said Alan Haller, Michigan State vice president and athletic director, in a press release Thursday.

Haller added, “I am delighted to congratulate the 1965 and 1966 Spartan football teams on their induction. While their athletic accomplishments, including consecutive Big Ten championships and national titles, make them among the greatest teams in Spartan history, it is their transcendent impact on their sport, our university and the community that warrants their induction as the first teams ever into the Michigan State Athletics Hall of Fame.”

The Hall of Fame induction ceremony and celebration will be held on Friday, September 13. There will also be a special recognition for the MSU Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2024 during the Michigan State-Prairie View A&M football game at Spartan Stadium on Saturday, September 14.