Walt Wesley part of 10-person Kansas Sports Hall class

Walt Wesley’s No. 13 jersey hangs high in Allen Fieldhouse. It’s a reminder to Kansas faithful of the mark the former All-American left on one of college basketball’s most storied programs.

Wesley’s legacy is now preserved in another place – the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame.

“Never in my wildest dreams and fantasies did I believe I would be here,” said Wesley. “Sometimes fantasies do come true.”

Wesley was one of 10 inductees Sunday in what organizers called the large crowd for an induction.

Wesley stole the room, recanting old stories from his playing days and dispelling a few “myths” about his post-practice workouts and time spent under former Kansas coach and longtime friend Ted Owens. Owens recruited Wesley from Fort Myers, Fla., more than 50 years ago.

“I have Ted to thank for two hip replacements and two bum knees,” said Wesley, drawing applause and laughter from the crowd. “Kansas was a long ways from alligators and palm trees, but I thank God that I played here.”

Wesley’s All-American career eventually earned him a chance to play in the NBA for 10 years.

The thing he remembers most? The fans.

“It was an honor to play in front of enormous crowds,” said Wesley. “Not just at home, but across the country.”

Three other hoops standouts were honored as part of the class of 2014. Former Kansas State players Ed Nealy and Chuckie Williams were on hand, and there was a video tribute to late KU star Charlie Hoag.

Kansas high school football coaching legends Roger Barta (Smith Center) and Bill Freeman (Lawrence) built two of the state’s great dynasties. Freeman’s grandkids accepted the honor on their grandfather’s behalf, while Barta was quick to point out that while his job was to teach the game, his mission was to help raise the kids of his beloved Smith Center.

Former Wichita State baseball coach Gene Stephenson, Emporia State track athlete Bill Tidwell, and recently retired Texas athletic director DeLoss Dodds were honored, as was Trinity Academy graduate Caroline (Bruce) McAndrew, a 2004 Olympic swimmer.

“I was an athlete that had teammates, coaches and family that believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself,” said McAndrew. “Believe in belief. It changed the way I looked at sports.”

This story was originally published October 5, 2014 at 9:04 PM with the headline "Walt Wesley part of 10-person Kansas Sports Hall class."