Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) induct Connor Froning, Phil Blevins, and Bob Dempsey into the Athletes Hall of Fame as part of the 2024 Homecoming festivities on Oct. 12 at the Tex Turner Arena.
A native of Knoxville, Tennessee, and 2016 graduate of LMU with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Professional Golf Management, Froning established himself as one of the top golfers in the South Atlantic Conference (SAC) during his time as a Railsplitter.
Froning’s collegiate career was highlighted by his impressive 74.63 stroke average and his stellar senior year, which featured four top-10 finishes. His standout performance at the 2013 SAC Championship, where he led from start to finish, posting the second-best score in tournament history, cemented his legacy at LMU. The men’s golf team also won the SAC Tournament in 2013 and 2016 during his tenure.
After graduation, Froning pursued professional golf before transitioning into his current role at Collins Insurance in Maynardville, Tennessee. Froning and his father, Brad Froning, who was inducted into the LMU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2015, form only the second father-son duo to receive this prestigious honor.
A 1988 graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and a 2004 Master of Education recipient, Blevins was a standout cross country athlete, earning All-District honors three times and twice qualifying for Nationals during his career at LMU.
In addition to his success as a student-athlete, Blevins later returned to LMU to coach the men’s and women’s cross country programs. His leadership helped guide the women’s team to a District 24 Championship and an appearance at the NAIA national meet, earning him the Gulf South Conference Coach of the Year title.
Blevins has continued to impact the lives of young people as the Assistant Director of Student Services for Upward Bound at East Tennessee State University. His dedication to both athletics and education embodies the values of LMU.
A 1976 graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, Dempsey made an indelible mark on LMU baseball during his tenure from 1974 to 1976, becoming a key player in the team’s success.
Dempsey’s leadership as team captain and his impressive career stats, which include a .348 batting average, 14 home runs, and 81 RBIs, earned him All-VSAC and All-District 24 honors. His guidance helped lead LMU to the 1975 Volunteer State Athletic Conference (VSAC) Championship, highlighted by memorable wins against Tusculum and the University of Tennessee.
Dempsey’s success extended to a 45-year coaching career at Science Hill High School in Johnson City, where he earned numerous accolades as both a baseball and softball coach. His achievements were further recognized with his induction into the Sullivan East High School and Science Hill Athletic Halls of Fame.
Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in liberal arts and professional studies. The main campus is in Harrogate, Tennessee. For more information about the undergraduate and graduate programs available at LMU, contact the Office of Admissions at 423-869-6280 or email at admissions@LMUnet.edu.
