Pittsburg State University

Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame

Jerry Edison Archer (1959-62)
Sarcoxie, Missouri
Football Athlete
Jerry Edison Archer was a two-time NAIA All-America player football for the Gorillas. Archer earned second-team NAIA All-America honors at linebacker in 1960 and first-team NAIA All-America recognition at linebacker on PSU's NAIA National Championship squad in 1961. Archer was a two-time first-team All-CIC performer on both sides of the ball (center, linebacker). He was selected by the Detroit Lions in the 1961 NFL draft, and also was chosen by the New York Titans of the AFL in their draft.

Walter D. "Wally" Autem (1972-74)
Paulsbo, Washington
Track & Field Athlete
Walter D. "Wally" Autem was a three-time NAIA All-America in the shot put. Autem captured the NAIA National Championship in the shot put during the 1973 indoor season. He also earned All-America honors in the event during the 1973 outdoor season and the 1974 indoor season. Upon the completion of his collegiate career, Autem held the PSU school record in the outdoor shot put (58-0) and the indoor shot put (57-1).

Alfred F. Ortolani (1956-1995)
Huntington, New York
Athletic Trainer/Baseball Coach
Alfred F. Ortolani established himself as one of the nation's most respected athletic trainers during nearly 40 years of service at his alma mater. He was a trainer for the 1976 and 1980 U.S. Olympic teams, and at many other national and international compteitions. He also served as PSU's head baseball coach from 1962-72. Al was the first Athletic Trainer inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame. He has been inducted into numerous Halls of Fame and PSU's baseball facility, Al Ortolani Field, now bears his name.

Richard Leon Overton (1977-80)
Boonville, Missouri
Football Athlete
Richard Leon Overton was a two-time first-team NAIA All-America running back for the Gorillas (1979-80). Overton earned All-CSIC honors all four years, earning honorable mention recognition in 1977-78 and first-team accolades in 1979-80. Overton finished his collegiate career at PSU's career rushing (3,704) leader as well as PSU's career leader in rushing touchdowns (47). He also finished his career holding the PSU single game scoring record with 30 points vs. Missouri Western (11/3/79) and the single game rushing record holder with 257 yards vs. MWSC (11/1/80).