GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Cornerstone University Athletics Department has announced the 2017-18 Athletics' Hall of Honor and the pair of inductees will be formally introduced at end of the year Athletic Banquet on Wednesday, April 25. Basketball and Track & Field All-American Stephanie Hare (Allers) ('07) and former men's soccer coach Dr. John Bratcher were selected amongst the candidates nominated and will join the Golden Eagles' highest individual honor this winter.
 
The CU Hall of Honor includes former Cornerstone student-athletes, coaches, teams and special contributors whose accomplishments have brought prestige and honor to the community. All nominees to the Hall of Honor must be individuals of outstanding quality, high moral character, fine leadership qualities and must be held in high esteem by their colleagues, coaches and athletes.
 
"The Hall of Honor is our opportunity to express our gratitude to individuals who have left a Kingdom legacy on the Cornerstone athletic program, said Chip Huber, Director of Athletics. "It's our chance to celebrate the many ways they have used the gifts God gave them to honor Him with excellence and impact on other's lives. We couldn't be more excited about this year's honorees."
 
Stephanie Hare (Allers) (2003-2007) – Women's Basketball/Track & Field
Stephanie was a highly-decorated athlete where she earned All-American honors in both basketball and track & field. The mutli's standout on the track, Allers claimed an individual national championship in the 200m dash during her senior campaign in 2007. That marked her eighth All-American plaque that she brought home from the outdoor meet in her 4-year career as she also earned honors in the 100m hurdles, 4x100 relay and 4x400 relay.
 
"My four years at Cornerstone helped to shape who I am today, said Hare.  "I am grateful for the lasting impact the school, coaches, teammates and students had on my life.  It is an honor to be inducted into a group of such exemplary individuals."
 
In conference action on the track, Allers was a 4-time WHAC champion including three as an individual all of which were meet records at the time in the 200m, 400m and 100m hurdles. She also was part of the only CU quartet to win the 4x400 in 2004. Allers had a standout meet in 2004 when she scored 33.5 points which ranks as the eighth most ever by a female Golden Eagle at the outdoor meet.
 
On the basketball court, Allers helped the program to three NAIA National Tournament appearances and an overall record of 100-32 which also included a pair of WHAC regular season titles and three conference tourney championships.
 
The power forward was an NAIA Honorable Mention All-American as a junior and senior as well as a 1^st Team All-WHAC selection in 2006-07 after earning second team as a junior. She also was named to the All-WHAC Defensive Team as a senior and was a 2-time Academic All-WHAC selection.
 
"Stephanie Hare (Allers) was simply an incredible all-around athlete at Cornerstone University, said Carla Fles, former CU Women's Basketball Coach.  "As one of our team captains she held her teammates to a high standard.  Her character and desire for excellence were attributes I admired about her. It was a privilege and honor to be her coach." 
 
 
Dr. John Bratcher (1980-1989) – Men's Soccer Coach
Dr. John Bratcher served as the men's soccer coach from 1980 through 1989 and compiled an overall record of 119-34-10. He led the Comets of Grand Rapids Baptist to four NCCAA District championships in 1982, 1984, 1986 and 1988 and helped the first ever GRBC to the national tournament where they finished third on three different occasions.
 
He was recognized as the NCCAA National Coach of the Year in 1982 and 1985 and was the Michigan NAIA Soccer Coach of the Year in 1985.
 
"Being inducted into the Hall of Honor is very humbling and exciting as the Hall of Honor committee believes that God used me to have a spiritual effect on the former students, athletes, and the Cornerstone community while striving to build an athletic program that was successful on the field or court, in order to have a platform to further God's kingdom."
 
What stood out most to those who were part of the nomination process was the Mission Trips that John led while he was here in Grand Rapids as he took a pair of them to Jamaica in 1980 and 1989.
 
Bratcher also served as the Athletic Director from 1985-1989 and was also a coach for Track & Field and Wrestling during his time at GRBC. Away from the playing field, John finished his career at GRBC as the Division Chair for Physical Education and Health.
 
After his time at GRBC, John went on to have Hall of Fame coaching careers at both Indiana Wesleyan and Lee University (Tenn.).
 
"It is obvious that John's area of expertise is far more than just the soccer pitch, said Andrew Smith, Professor of Bible at Cornerstone University. "he has been a true mentor and spiritual leader and advisor to his players as the other nomination letters have shown. He was instrumental in taking a team from GRBC and making an impact on both the regional as well as the national scene."
 
 
Cornerstone has inducted 57 individuals to the Hall of Honor since its inception in 2003-04. Last year, Jenna Plewes and Zach Ripley joined the elite list and these two individuals will be formerly introduced at the end of year banquet on the campus of Cornerstone University on Wednesday, April 25.
 
Contact: Aaron Sagraves
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