William Penn to Induct Three into Athletics Hall of Fame
Dan Mell, class of 2006
Oskaloosa–William Penn University will induct three new members into its Athletic Hall of Fame at this year’s Homecoming celebration, October 1-4. During halftime of Saturday’s football game against Avila (Mo.) (1 p.m. start), the three former Statesmen athletes will be recognized for their athletic accomplishments.
Dan Mell, class of 2006, was a tremendous athlete and the ultimate competitor; that’s how Head Baseball Coach Mike Laird and the Statesmen community remember the standout pitcher. A force to be reckoned with on the mound and at the plate, Mell was always someone opposing batters feared, and opposing pitchers hated to face.
Owning a 3.12 earned run average (ERA), Mell tallied a 22-13 career record in 245 1/3 innings pitched over his career which spanned from 2004-2007. He also struck out 214 batters while surrendering just 59 walks during his time on the mound. During his career he appeared in 42 games, 39 of them being starts, and throwing 21 complete games. At the plate, Mell had a .362 batting average and was always finding ways to help the team’s cause at the plate as well.
When his career ended, Mell had set records in starts, innings pitched and strikeouts and was a two-time NAIA All-American in 2005 and 2006. During those same years he was also an All-Region VII pick and voted on to the Midwest Collegiate Conference (MCC) first team.
During his time playing in the navy and gold the program, Mell had some of their most successful seasons, amassing a 125-46 record. The team also won the 2004, 2005 and 2006 MCC Championship.
“Dan Mell was, no doubt, one of the best baseball players ever at WPU. He was huge part of 3 straight conference titles and World Series appearances and he made every teammate around him better.” Said Coach Mike Laird.
James Jackson, class of 2007
James Jackson, class of 2007, was a prolific runner and a dedicated athlete. He played for the Statesmen Football team from 2003-2006, and the program began to turn the corner as Jackson and his team rebuilt the foundation of success for William Penn Head Football Coach, Todd Hafner.
There is no doubt that Jackson was one of the best running backs and playmakers to ever wear the navy and gold. He set a school record with 3,708 career rushing yards, which was helped by his school record season in 2005 where he rushed for 1,500 yards. That same year is when Jackson set another record, carrying the ball 51 times for a career high 268 yards in a bout against Olivet Nazarene.
“James was one of the best running backs we have ever had. His vision and his ability to make people miss was something that was second to none, and he was also a very good teammate and great leader,” states Coach Hafner.
Jackson was recognized for his performance on the field with many awards. Among them he was named NAIA All-American in 2005, Don Hansen’s All-American list in 2006, was 2nd-team Victory Sports All-American in 2006 and two-time all-Midwest League in 2005 and 2006.
Tyanna Helton, class of 2010
Tyanna Helton, class of 2010, set and still holds career records in batting average, hits, home runs, runs batted in, and doubles. In addition to holding many career records she also continues to have her name next to season records in batting average, hits and runs batted in. Many may argue that some of the records she set are so impressive that they may never again be broken.
Tyanna was a two time first-team NAIA All-American and was honored as a second-team NAIA All-American once. She was also honored by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association twice as a second-team All-American. In addition, she was selected all four years to the Midwest Collegiate Conference (MCC) first-team, while being named Player of the Year her junior and senior year. Helton was named NAIA Region VII first team honoree and to the all-tournament team in 2007.
Her successes as an individual athlete made great contributions to team success. She was a key contributor to the 2007 NAIA National Tournament team, a Regional Championship team, two MCC regular season championship teams, and a MCC Tournament championship team.
Head WPU Women’s Softball Coach Mike Christner will always remember Tyanna’s career as one of the best ever. “Tyanna had a great career here, leading us in many offensive departments and was on a Conference Championship team, a Regional championship team and National tournament teams. She was a true competitor and I enjoyed coaching her.”
Helton feels honored to be a part of WPU history, “My softball career at Penn was not only fun, but it allowed me to play with so many other amazing softball players who with their help on and off the field allowed me to play as I did. I played for the love of the game, for the challenges met every day we set foot on the field, and for those people whose friendships I shall forever cherish. Thank you Penn for the opportunity, the education, the memories, and this award.”
With this year’s inductions, the WPU Athletics Hall of Fame includes 157 members.
William Penn University staff, faculty and students would like to congratulate Dan, James, and Tyanna for being inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at this year’s Homecoming events.
