The Observer, April 20, 2007
Volume XXXIX, Issue 25
New inductees to Case Reserve Athletic Hall of Fame announced
Nine new members will be inducted into the Case Reserve Athletic Hall of Fame later this month, the athletic club and athletic department announced on Monday. The 29th annual banquet and induction ceremony will be held on Friday, April 27 in Horsburgh Gym.
One of the inductees, Scott Miller, a 1990 graduate who is one of the university's greatest wrestlers, is thrilled by the honor, particularly because he will be joining his former coach, Bob Del Rosa, in the Hall of Fame.
"There is such a rich tradition [at Case]," he said. "I'm a huge fan of Coach Del Rosa. To be in there with him, it's a great honor."
Miller credited having talented teammates push him in both high school and college as a reason why he was able to achieve so much success at Case. That level of success is demonstrated by his 97 victories as a collegiate wrestler, which at the time stood as the university's record for most victories. He was also the university's first two-time All-American, earning fifth place at 150 pounds in 1988 and fifth place at 158 pounds in 1989.
Another wrestler, Derek Messmer, is among the nine who will be enshrined. Messmer received his degree in management from the university in 1997 and finished his career at Case as one of the most accomplished wrestlers in the university's history. His greatest achievement was winning the 1996 NCAA Division III heavyweight national championship. He finished his career with 121 victories and a winning percentage of 85 percent. He was also a standout on the football and track and field teams.
Three former players from Case Institute of Technology will also be inducted. Lee Courtney graduated from CIT in 1962 and was a versatile player for the Rough Riders, playing halfback, defensive back, and even performing kicking duties. In 1959, he led the team in interceptions.
Leo Enggasser graduated from CIT in 1959 and had a distinguished career as a middle linebacker and fullback. He was the recipient of a rare Letter of Commendation from CIT's dean at graduation for his dedication on the field. He also won the Les Bale award, the highest football honor, as a senior.
Wayne Zahn starred as both a football and basketball player for CIT. He earned Most Valuable Player honors for the Rough Riders in 1948. He played in the backfield on both sides of the ball in football and was a starting guard for the basketball team.
Adelbert College will have two football representatives inducted, Douglas Heiser and Thomas Kohuth. Heiser received the Sam Williman Trophy, given to the outstanding senior student-athlete in all sports, in 1969. Heiser also had a distinguished baseball career, earning All-Presidents' Athletic Conference honors in four consecutive years.
Kohuth also played both football and baseball in addition to wrestling. He was only the fourth Red Cat to earn nine letters during a college career and won both the John L. Price and Sam Williman Awards for his excellence both on and off the field.
Lisa Encarnacion enters the Hall of Fame as one of the university's finest performers in volleyball and track and field. She was team captain in both sports during her junior and senior years. In 1991, she was an All-American (100m hurdles) in outdoor track, and became the first woman in university history to qualify for nationals in two events (100m and 400m hurdles). In 1992, she was an All-American in both indoor track (55m hurdles) and outdoor track (100m hurdles).
Finally, Arthur Rosenberg enters the Hall of Fame for his lifelong contributions to collegiate athletics, particularly at Western Reserve University. He earned three letters as a player on the men's tennis team during his undergraduate years. In 1956, he won the Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) No. 6 singles title, becoming the first-ever Western Reserve PAC champion in tennis. He later made innumerable contributions as Reserve's Athletic Publicity Director, or Sports Information Director. Traveling and covering the Red Cats was his passion, and his contributions shaped the Sports Information operations for generations of student-athletes.
Editor's Note: Information used in this report was compiled from the Case athletic department and sports information office.
