Bethel University Inducts Five into Athletic Hall of Fame

Bethel University in McKenzie, Tennessee, inducted four former athletes and one distinguished contributor into its Athletic Hall of Fame during the 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame and Alumni Banquet at Crisp Arena.

The inductees were Dr. Karlene Ellis (2007), women’s soccer; Teena Carter Pitts (2011), women’s basketball; Larry Geraldi (1973), baseball and longtime softball and golf coach; Deseray Washington Melton (2014), women’s track and field; and Darrell Smith (1964), distinguished contributor.

The five constitute the Hall of Fame’s 45th induction class. Established in 1980, the Bethel Athletic Hall of Fame now includes 124 individuals and six teams.

Bethel Vice-President of Athletics Derek Horne praised the inductees for their achievements, dedication, and lasting contributions to the university’s athletic tradition.

Picture of Matthew Gore

Matthew Gore

Matthew H. Gore is a historian and journalist with a deep commitment to preserving and interpreting the past. He holds a BA in History, a BA in Journalism, and an MA in History, all from Western Kentucky University, which honored him with their prestigious James H. Poteet Award. He also pursued doctoral studies at the University of Kentucky. Gore has contributed extensively to both academic and popular publications, specializing in religious history, particularly within the Cumberland Presbyterian tradition. He is best known for his book The History of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Kentucky to 1988 (2000), and his work has also ranged widely, covering subjects as diverse as The Origin of Marvelman (a British superhero of the 1950s and 1960s), the relative scarcity of East German philatelics, and the biography of British pulp artist Denis McLoughlin. Gore has spent much of his career in service to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where he holds key roles in communications, historical preservation, and publishing. Since 2018, he has served as editor of the Cumberland Presbyterian magazine for the Ministry Council of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church A past president of the Society of Tennessee Archivists, Gore is widely recognized for his leadership in archival work and his passion for sharing the narratives of faith communities with broader audiences.
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