SPRING ARBOR, Mich. - Spring Arbor University held a ceremony inside the Ralph Carey Forum to officially induct its 2024 class into its Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday evening. The class included Jason Khon, David DiIanni, Debbie (Kuntzleman) Sayers and Bethany Balcer.
Jason Khon ('03) – Men's Cross Country / Track & Field
Jason was an accomplished member of the cross country & track teams from 1999-2003.
As a team captain, Jason played a key role in leading the Cougars to a fourth-place team finish at the NAIA Indoor National Championships.
Throughout his career he earned several accolades, including being a three-time NAIA All-American and 2-time NAIA national champion. He also achieved NCCAA All-American status and won two NCCAA national championships.
In 2003, Jason and his 4x800 relay team became the champion at the prestigious Drake Relays and were ranked 23rd in the world by 'Track and Field News.'
Jason still holds top-10 times in the 800, 4x800 and distance medley relay at SAU.
David DiIanni ('96) – Women's Soccer Coach
David, a member of the SAU men's soccer team from 1992-95, has an extensive coaching career, and has achieved extraordinary success as the women's soccer coach at Grand Valley State University and the University of Iowa.
During his 11-year stint at Grand Valley, David led the Lakers to three national titles and nine conference championships while amassing an impressive record of 220 wins, 18 losses, and 17 draws.
His coaching prowess continued at the NCAA Division I level when he became the head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes. Over the last 10 years at Iowa, he has accumulated a record of 98 wins, 74 losses, and 22 draws, earning two Big Ten Championships and three national tournament appearances.
Debbie (Kuntzleman) Sayers ('01) – Cross Country / Track & Field
Debbie was a member of the cross country & track teams from 1981-85.
On the track, Debbie claimed three NCCAA national championships and earned All-American honors five times.
Additionally, Debbie was a three-time NAIA national qualifier in cross country and part of the first Spring Arbor cross country team to ever secure an NCCAA national title.
Debbie was named the SAU Junior Athlete of the Year in 1984 and Senior Athlete of the Year in 1985.
Her impressive performances are reflected in the SAU all-time records, where she still holds the first position in the marathon, eighth in the 3000m and 5000m, and 16th in the cross country 5k.
Bethany Balcer ('19) – Women's Soccer
A member of the women's soccer team from 2015-18, Bethany is the most decorated athlete in SAU history.
She earned the prestigious title of NAIA National Player of the Year three times and was selected as a NAIA First Team All-American four times.
Bethany led the Cougars to a pair of national titles in 2015 and 2017, as well as four consecutive Crossroads League championships.
She is the program's all-time leading scorer with an impressive 129 career goals.
Bethany made history following her career at SAU by becoming the first NAIA player to ever sign a professional contract with the National Women's Soccer League. She would go on to win the 2019 NWSL Rookie of the Year award for Seattle Reign FC, and she has led her club in scoring in each of her first five seasons.
SPRING ARBOR UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME
The Spring Arbor University Athletic Hall of Fame is dedicated to the memory of Clarence and Agnes Delamarter, with thanksgiving for the commitment they made to the cause of Christian higher education.
Established in 1996, the Hall of Fame seeks to recognize Spring Arbor University individuals who have distinguished themselves in the field of athletics and contributed to society in a positive way after leaving college. Membership is awarded for athletic performance at Spring Arbor University, coaching or administrative accomplishments, or meritorious service.
