HOUGHTON, N.Y. -- John Bechtel '62, Jamie Mullen '86, Mark Ashley '88 and Heather (Mann) Rigby '02 are the latest inductees into the Houghton Athletics Hall of Honor after a luncheon ceremony among friends, family and Houghton staff on April 22.

The four honorees of this induction class join a Hall roster that now totals 64 alumni, coaches, teams and contributors.
 
Bechtel participated in a variety of sports during the Purple & Gold era of Houghton athletics, primarily making his mark in soccer and football. He also coached field hockey as a student and served as president of the Student Athletics Association. The son of missionaries, Bechtel went on to a career in Christian service after graduation. He returned to Hong Kong for 15 years, and later served in leadership roles with The Christian & Missionary Alliance denomination, was active in church planting efforts, and worked with The Arthur S. DeMoss Foundation.
 
Mullen was a captain, chaplain, and three-year starter for Houghton men's soccer. He was named NAIA Academic All-America and a First Team All-District selection. The valedictorian of his Houghton graduating class, Mullen went on to a successful career as an English teacher and coach at his high school alma mater, Fillmore Central School. In his 31 years on the sideline, Mullen's teams won 25 county titles and six sectional titles, and made four state semifinal appearances and two state championship appearances. His record of 465-98-43 places him sixth in Section V history and No. 16 in New York State for career victories.
 
Ashley was a member of Houghton's first NCCAA championship team with men's soccer in 1986, won an NAIA Region championship and advanced to the NAIA National Tournament in 1987. He was named NAIA Honorable Mention All-America following the 1987 season. Following Houghton, Ashley had a short college coaching stint before moving to a career as an educator and high school coach in Pennsylvania, while also serving as pastor of young adult ministries at his church. As a coach, he led four teams to Pennsylvania State Championship finals and won two state titles. His overall coaching record (boys and girls) is 471-153-42.
 
Rigby was a three-time NAIA Honorable Mention All-America selection during her four years of women's soccer. She was conference player of the year following the 2000 season. Rigby totaled 48 goals and 40 assists during her career. Her 136 points are ninth all-time in Houghton history. The Highlanders went 73-10-3 and made three NAIA National Tournament appearances over her four seasons. Rigby went on to earn a medical degree from Dalhousie Medical School and now practices as associate professor of neurology at Dalhousie. 

Read the full citations and bios read at the induction ceremony:
John Bechtel
Jamie Mullen
Mark Ashley
Heather (Mann) Rigby
 
About the Hall of Honor
Established in 1994 the Athletic Hall of Honor is charged "To help preserve, strengthen and add distinction to the athletic program at Houghton University." The 'Highlanders' Hall of Honor recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the program, through participation, support or interest. Induction into the Hall takes into account the lives of those honored, acknowledging evidence of discipline, sacrifice, steadfastness, cooperation, commitment and Christian witness. The Hall honors the men and women who have demonstrated—both on campus and in succeeding years—the worth of athletics by their mature leadership and their impact on society. Additionally, inductees may have exemplified courage and tenacity having applied the disciplines learned in athletics to significant life challenges or championed a significant cause that has benefited others. A plaque commemorating each member hangs in the foyer of the Nielsen Center.
 
See our current Hall of Honor list.

Nominate a Candidate
Do you know an individual who has made outstanding contributions to athletics through participation and/or support of athletics? The Hall of Honor Committee of the Houghton University Athletic Advisory Board is inviting the Houghton community to be a part of the nomination process and use the online nomination form to nominate candidates for consideration!

See our criteria details and submit a nomination.