SIU Athletics introduced five new members into its Hall of Fame on Friday night.

The class of 2016 inductees are Harold Bardo (former interim athletic director), Diane Daugherty (women’s golf), James Phillips (football), Doug Ingram (swimming and diving) and Bonnie Norrenberns (women’s tennis). 

“This ranks as one of the top moments in my time here,” Bardo said. “Anytime you can be elected into a Hall of Fame anywhere it’s a huge accomplishment and honor.”

Bardo served as a faculty athletic advisor since 2001 and directed the School of Medicine’s MEDPREP program from 1984 to 1999 and from 2001 until his retirement earlier this year. 

He also had two stints as the university’s interim athletic director, from 1999 to 2000 and Jan. 1, 2015 to May 1, 2015.

Phillips, who played football from 1977 to 1980, said this moment was one of the best moments he’s had as a Saluki. 

“I remember walking in the Student Center where at the time they had plaques of all the Hall of Famers and saying ‘I’m going to be there someday,'” he said. “That dream has become a reality, and it’s the best feeling in the world to me.” 

Phillips is SIU football’s all-time leader in sacks with 23.5 and was a three-time First-Team All-Missouri Valley Conference selection.

The five inductees were announced Dec. 7 and will be honored at halftime at the men’s basketball game against Drake on Saturday. 

Ingram said he was surprised when athletic director Tommy Bell called him with the news he’d been inducted. Ingram coached the Salukis to a 16th place finish at the NCAA championship meet in 1985 and currently serves as the senior director for international games on the United States Olympic Committee.

“I couldn’t believe it at all,” he said. “I’m very honored to have been one of the five inducted and it’s still surreal to me and all still very hard to believe this is happening.”

Ted Ward can be reached at [email protected] or 681-534-3303