Individuals representing seven sports, a championship-winning team, a women’s athletics pioneer, and a longtime coach have been selected for the 2026 NC State Athletic Hall of Fame class. The announcement was made by Boo Corrigan, McMurray Family Director of Athletics. This group is the eighth class since the Hall of Fame began in 2012. Inductees will be honored at Reynolds Coliseum on April 25, 2026.
The inductees include the women’s cross country teams from 1979 and 1980, which secured consecutive AIAW national championships. Key members included Julie Shea, who won individual titles both years, and Betty Springs. The teams also won back-to-back ACC championships during that period.
Willie Burden is recognized for being the first NC State football player to rush over 1,000 yards in a season and as one of only seven Wolfpack athletes to be named ACC Player of the Year. He led the conference in rushing in 1973 and later achieved success in the Canadian Football League and as an athletic director.
Kenny Carr earned first-team All-America honors twice while playing basketball at NC State. By the end of his three-year career in 1977, he ranked third all-time in scoring for the program and went on to play professionally after being drafted sixth overall by the Los Angeles Lakers.
Beth Emery was a standout swimmer from 1980 to 1983, winning five ACC championships and earning All-American status nineteen times across multiple freestyle and butterfly events. She was later named to the ACC’s top-50 anniversary women’s team.
Nora Lynn Finch is recognized as a trailblazer in college athletics administration. She served as assistant coach under Kay Yow before becoming Assistant Director of Athletics—the first woman to hold that title at an ACC school—and played key roles nationally with NCAA committees promoting women’s sports.
Matt Hill is celebrated for his achievements in men’s golf between 2008 and 2010, including winning eight tournaments during his standout season in 2009—matching Tiger Woods’ record for most wins in a single college season—and capturing both conference and NCAA individual titles.
Marc Primanti distinguished himself as a place kicker by winning the Lou Groza Award in 1996 after completing all field goal attempts that year. His .939 career field goal percentage remains best among Wolfpack kickers.
Tyrell Taitt excelled as a triple jumper on NC State’s track & field team from 1991 to 1994, securing five ACC individual titles and becoming an NCAA champion—still holding program records today.
Scott Turner became NC State wrestling’s third national champion during his tenure (1984–88), earning two All-American honors while helping build lasting success within Wolfpack wrestling history.
Bob Guzzo coached wrestling at NC State from 1974 until retiring after thirty seasons. He guided athletes to thirteen ACC titles—second-most by any coach—and developed four national champions along with twenty-four All-Americans during his time leading the program.
“I’m very excited about this induction class because it represents many sports, many decades, and so very many accomplishments,” Corrigan said. “We look forward to recognizing their legacy and their achievements in April and congratulate them on this great honor.”
Information regarding ticket sales for next year’s ceremony will be announced later.