Why 2022 Grambling Legends Sports Hall of Fame class will always call GSU home

GRAMBLING — Different ages and eras of Grambling State athletics are represented in this year's Grambling Legends Sports Hall of Fame class, but they all delivered a consistent refrain Friday in talking about their inductions:

They wouldn’t trade their time as a Tiger for anything.

Some made their mark under legendary coaches such as Eddie G. Robinson and Wilbert Ellis; others made a name for themselves.

"Sometimes in life you've just got to wait," said Joseph Simpson, a former basketball star at Grambling." That's what I did. Learned how to be obedient, trust in the Lord and he will see you though."

Of the 11 inductees, nine were present for Friday's news conference and meet and greet. The late Conrad Hutchinson Jr. was represented by his wife Jeanette Hutchinson and son Conrad Hutchinson III. Joseph Jones was unable to attend Friday's celebrations.

Here's what to know about each inductee:

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Shiakiea Carter

Carter etched her name in the Grambling women's basketball record books from 1994-98. She helped lead the Lady Tigers to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and finished her career in the top 10 of every basketball statistic.

Despite having a bachelor's and master's degree in criminal justice from GSU, the guard returned to get her master's in sports administration and now coaches high school girls basketball in Texas.

"Being here at Grambling, it was just a whirlwind for me," Carter said. "I came here without these expectations but I think when you just put your mind to it and work hard you never know what you're going to get."

Clemente Gordon

Gordon played quarterback at Grambling but was constantly being recruited by GSU baseball coach Wilbert Ellis. Sticking with football, Gordon went on to play in the Arena Football League for eight seasons. In 1990, he was selected in the NFL (Cleveland Browns, 11th round) and MLB amateur drafts (Chicago White Sox, 51st round).

"I've made a lot of decisions in my life that weren't too good," Gordon said. "But one decision that I wouldn't change was coming here to Grambling State University and playing under legendary coach Eddie Robinson."

Dr. James Hammond

Hammond was a pitcher for the Tigers from 1965 to 1968. He was recruited by the son of the baseball coach and university president Ralph Waldo Emerson Jones while playing high school baseball in Virginia.

"That changed my life," Hammond said.

Conrad Hutchinson Jr.

Hutchinson Jr., who died in 1996, transformed the Grambling State marching band into the world-renowned musical show. His son continues his musical legacy and became a music director in California.

"The man was a genius," Jeanette Hutchinson said.

Andrew Jackson

Jackson played football under Robinson from 1970-74 and said it was the greatest decision he made. The offensive guard was a four year starter for Robinson. Jackson was a captain for two years and was given All-American honors. He went on to play semi-pro football with the Shreveport Steamers and Birmingham Vulcans.

"This is an emotional event for me," Jackson said. "To even stand here. A guy from Monroe, Louisiana – south side – all I wanted was a chance, Coach Robinson gave me one."

Joseph Simpson

Simpson was an All-SWAC first-team basketball selection his senior year. He was a part of the Grambling State men's program from 1970-73.

"This is incredible, remarkable, and all the other adjectives that describes simply marvelous," Simpson said. "... I take this with honor. I will walk with it with dignity, I will walk with it with my heart."

Yolande Small

The Trinidad and Tobago native ran track for GSU from 1982-85. She decided on Grambling State since close friends attended the university. She earned All-American honors for her success on the track.

"No regrets," Small said. "None at all."

Robert Taylor

The linebacker was a back-to-back All-SWAC first-team selection in 2000 and 2001, earning All-America honors as a senior.

"It's emotional because you know how many good players have been though here," Taylor said. "Some ballers, man – I'm one of them. Just a blessing."

Rodney Tureaud

Although he faced injuries and broken bones, Tureaud was the program's first running back to reach 1,000 yards in 1972, earning him an All-SWAC first-team selection.

Before making the move to Grambling State, Tureaud had a scholarship to play basketball at Dillard University in New Orleans. He said he chose GSU because he couldn't live without knowing if he could've played football for Robinson.

"Life is about who you associate yourself with, "Tureaud said." I'm so proud that I associated myself with Grambling and all of the young people that I met here."

Juan Watkins

The pitcher/outfielder dual threat played with the Tigers from 1984 to 1988. Consistently hitting above .300, his performances on the mound gave him various All-SWAC honors.

He said that he hopes he made Ellis proud, after the coach recruited him on faith – not seeing Watkins hit or throw beforehand.

"I often tell myself if I were to die tonight and I wake up tomorrow morning and God asks me where I wanted to go," Watkins said. "Send me back to Grambling for four more years. This is the place that I love."

Emely Hernandez covers University of Louisiana-Monroe athletics and high school sports. Email her at ehernandez@thenewsstar.com and follow her on Twitter @emhernandeznews.

This article originally appeared on Monroe News-Star: Why the 2022 Grambling Legends Sports Hall of Fame call GSU 'home'