The Biola University Athletics Department inducted its third set of distinguished athletes into its Hall of Fame on Sept. 13, 2014. The newest class of inductees includes a former Nigerian Olympian, Musa Dogonyaro, a Dutch professional women’s soccer player, Rianne Schorel, and the school’s all-time leader in rebounds, Ronn Johnson.
“What was true of all three was that they were great teammates, hardworking, tenacious, loved God, and were blessed with uncommon athleticism,” said Athletic Director Dave Holmquist. “These three represent the best of the best in our rich athletic history.”
Musa Dogonyaro (’74) was treasured at Biola, but he was celebrated even more in his home country of Nigeria. He ran for Nigeria in the 1968 and 1972 Olympic Games, representing his people, his school and God with excellence. His accomplishments are still felt at Biola, where he holds 13 track and field records, and scored more goals than anyone else in the men’s soccer program history. Dogonyaro was a two-time track and field NAIA All-American (1970 and 1971), and was the NAIA national champion in the 800-meter in 1971. Dogonyaro passed away in 2008 at the age of 63. He is the second Hall of Fame representative from track and field, joining Natasha (Miller) Jackson, who entered in 2013.
Ronn Johnson (’73) is the premier bruiser in Biola’s men’s basketball history. The three-time NAIA All-American (1970–71,1971–72, 1972–73) is Biola’s career leader in total rebounds (1,460) and rebounds per game (12.8). His individual statistical accomplishments are littered throughout the Eagles’ record book, as he has three of Biola’s top-10 single-season rebound totals, and he is top-five in career points, top-10 in career field goals and top-10 in career free throws. He led his 1971–72 team to its first-place finish in the district. Johnson becomes the second men’s basketball inductee in the Biola Athletics Hall of Fame, joining 1980s star Wade Kirchmeyer, a 2012 inductee.
Rianne Schorel (’05) took Biola women’s soccer to heights it had not previously experienced, culminating in an NAIA Quarterfinal appearance in 2004. She led the team to a 41–14–4 record during her three years on the squad. She also tallied 41 goals during her time in red, setting her career goal-scoring number above all others in program history. She sits atop the record books in shots (201) and points (94). She ended her career with three NAIA All-American honors and three All-GSAC honors, and cemented her place in history with Far West Region and GSAC Player of the Year honors in 2004. After Biola, Schorel competed professionally with Eredivisie vrouwenvoetbal Speelster in the Netherlands.