SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – Three individuals will comprise the 22nd induction class of the Spring Arbor University Athletics Hall of Fame. Bill Bippes (’93), Paul Kato (’83) and Kelli Ludwig (’98) will be formally enshrined at a banquet on the evening of Saturday, February 3 in the Ralph Carey Forum on the campus of SAU.
Bill Bippes (’93) – Coaching
For 22 years, Bill Bippes served as either an assistant or head coach for the Spring Arbor cross country and track & field programs. He led the Cougar cross country teams to new heights during his tenure earning nine conference championships, including eight women’s titles, and six Coach of the Year awards. He guided the women’s team to 12 NAIA national championship appearances with a national runner-up finish in 1999, as well as a National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) national championship in 2000.
On the track, Bippes was named the NCCAA National Coach of the Year in 2000 after leading the Spring Arbor women to a national title at the indoor championships. He also steered the men’s team to a pair of fourth place finishes at the NAIA indoor national championships in 2003 and 2004. Throughout his career, he coached 73 NCCAA event national champions and nine NAIA event national champions along with a combined 85 NAIA All-Americans.
In a demonstration of the character of his teams, Bippes saw five of his athletes earn the prestigious NCCAA Wheeler Award, which recognizes student-athletes for outstanding Christian character, athletic and academic achievement and community service.
Paul Kato (’83) – Men’s Soccer
Paul Kato was a standout forward for the Cougars from 1979-82. He tallied 41 goals and 32 assists in his four-year career, including 16 goals as a freshman as he was recognized with the Outstanding Forward NAIA Area IV award. Kato would receive NAIA All-American First Team honors following his junior season where he found the back of the net 13 times while also adding 11 assists. That same season he was named to the All-Michigan First Team, which included schools from all associations and divisions.
Following his career at Spring Arbor, Kato played professional indoor soccer for several seasons. He also spent time in the coaching ranks leading the boy’s soccer team at Mason High School and the Brighton Soccer Club. Kato has also established a non-profit organization in his home country of Nigeria. The Kato International Training Academy (KITA) provides educational and vocational opportunities for the youth of Nigeria.
Kelli (DeCamp) Ludwig (’98) – Women’s Cross Country / Track & Field
A two-time NAIA All-American and conference champion, Kelli (DeCamp) Ludwig excelled on the track for the Cougars. In 1997, she placed third in the 3000 meter run at the NAIA track and field national championships. To this day, she still holds the program’s top times in the indoor 3000 (10:18.12) and the outdoor 3000 (10:08.12), and owns Top 10 marks in the mile and 1500 meter run.
Ludwig also enjoyed a decorated cross country career as a conference champion and a four-time National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) All-American. She still boasts the 11th-fastest time in program history with a time of 18:27.
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.
