The Biola University Athletics Department is pleased to induct a trio of standout athletes to its inaugural class of the Biola Athletics Hall of Fame. The first class includes Todd Worrell (Baseball 1878-82), Becky (Miller) White (Volleyball 1982-85, Women’s Basketball 1982-86), and Wade Kirchmeyer (Men’s Basketball 1980-82).

The trio were officially inducted during the 2012 Biola Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday, September 15, 2012 at 7:00 pm in the Andrews Banquet Room on the Biola University campus. Read a recap of the event.

“We are excited to welcome Todd, Becky and Wade into the Biola Athletics Hall of Fame,” said Biola Athletic Director Dave Holmquist. “They were outstanding athletes and it will be very enjoyable to celebrate their accomplishments.”

Todd Worrell (‘82) put together the most successful professional athletic career of any Biola graduate, pitching a total of 11 seasons in Major League Baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Los Angeles Dodgers. He played almost every position while at Biola — the final two as a pitcher — posting a 12-10 record with a 3.46 ERA. Worrell was a first-round pick in the 1982 draft and made his first major league appearance in 1985. He would go on to earn the 1986 National League Rookie of the Year award and was also named the NL Rolaids Relief Man of the Year. Worrell finished his career with a 50-52 overall record, earning all-star honors three times and currently ranks 30th with 256 on the all-time saves list.

Becky (Miller) White (‘86) was a standout volleyball and women’s basketball player from 1982-86, becoming the first women in NAIA history to be a four-time All-American in two different sports. In volleyball, she re-wrote the Biola record book and still holds career school records for attack percentage (.573) and blocks (687) and ranks third in kills (1,622). During her senior season, Miller helped Biola to its first of many NAIA National Championship Tournament appearances, finishing as the national runner-up in 1985. Once basketball season rolled around, she continued to dominate, averaging 20.2 points and 12.5 rebounds for her career. Miller still owns the career records for points (2,411), rebounds (1,492), field goals made (933) and free throws made (545). She also helped Biola reach its first NAIA Women’s Basketball National Championship in 1983-84 as well as the Eagles finished 23-10.

Wade Kirchmeyer (‘85) was one of the best players in the storied history of the Biola Men’s Basketball program. Kirchmeyer was a two-time NAIA All-American during a time where the NAIA had twice as many schools as it now does. He was a part of Biola’s best season in program history, helping the Eagles to a 39-0 start before falling in the 1982 NAIA Championship Game. During that season, Kirchmeyer scored in double-digits 39 times, recording 10 double-doubles and broke the school record for scoring (691) and field goal percentage (.677). Despite playing just two seasons after transferring in from Mesa State, he is one of just 21 players in program history to score over 1,000 points, finishing his career with 1,077. His .662 career field goal percentage is still the best in program history and his 17.1 points per game average ranks him fourth all-time. In addition, Biola was 59-3 in the 62 games Kirchmeyer played in during his two-years with the Eagles.

Watch Todd Worrell share his story.

Written by Jeff Hoffman, Sports Information Director.