2024 Pioneer Hall of Fame Class Announced
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – The Pioneer Athletic Hall of Fame will induct three individuals for the Class of 2024, the Point Park University Athletic Department announced.
The three honorees for the Class of 2024 are Nate Sphon (Baseball), Sam Weir (Women's Basketball), and Nicole Wurstle (Volleyball). This year's induction ceremony will be held on Saturday, Sept. 21 on campus starting at 4:30 pm in the Lawrence Hall Ballroom. The induction ceremony is part of Point Park Homecoming Weekend.
The Pioneer Athletic Hall of Fame recognizes the accomplishments of Point Park University student-athletes, coaches and administrators who have made outstanding contributions to the university's athletic department and teams. It was first established in 1973 with the induction of the inaugural class, and it was re-established in 2000. With this year's 32nd induction ceremony, there will be 66 individuals and three teams in the Hall of Fame.
NATE SPHON – Baseball, '15
Sphon was essential to the Point Park pitching staff during his time as a Pioneer. The left-handed pitcher was named an all-conference player three times while picking up first team nominations as well the conference pitcher of the year. Nate started the final four game of the NAIA World Series in 2012. As a Pioneer, Nate picked up 22 wins in his career which is top three all time for a Pioneer pitcher. For his career Nate started in 42 games where he pitched to a 22-12 career record in 228.1 innings pitched. His career ERA was a 3.15 highlighted by a career low 2.45 ERA during his freshman year. Nate was also a captain for the Pioneers with a GPA greater than 3.0.
SAM WEIR – Women's Basketball, '19
Weir was a huge asset to the Point Park women's basketball team as the center from Ellwood City, Pennsylvania put up 1,245 points, 232 blocks, 775 rebounds, 83 assists, and 76 steals. For her career Weir averaged 14.8 points, averaging double figures every year. She also averaged 9.2 rebounds per game for her career. Her 232 career blocks make her the leading shot blocker at Point Park. Weir was a three-time first team all-conference winner while helping lead the Pioneers to a KIAC Tournament title and a NAIA Tournament appearance during the 2013-14 season which saw Weir put up a massive 490 points, 99 blocks, and 309 rebounds. Weir also served two years as an assistant coach at Point Park under accomplished coach Tony Grenek.
NICOLE WURSTLE – Volleyball, '14
Wurstle was a middle hitter who went through a selfless position switch to opposite hitter midway through her career for the Point Park volleyball team from 2010-14 where she was a huge asset to the Pioneers. During her career Wurstle picked up 1022 career kills averaging 1.93 kills per game while being credited with 44 solo blocks, 434 block assists, and 478 triple blocks. Wurstle embraced what it meant to be a Pioneer by being an excellent student athlete and a wonderful teammate.