Last Saturday, the Indiana School for the Deaf proudly hosted its 10th Hall of Fame Induction, welcoming five exceptional individuals into the 2024 Indiana Orioles Athletic Hall of Fame. We honored Ralph Kruger, Patrick Arnold, Willie Dowdy, Pia Marie Paulone, and Keith Westhoelter, each of whom has achieved remarkable success in their athletic journeys and made lasting contributions during their time at ISD. Their accomplishments inspire the entire Deaf Hoosiers community and remind us of the power of perseverance and dedication.
ISD Athletic Hall of Fame Committee - Brian Bippus, ‘87, Ken Murray, ‘61, Tom Perkins, ‘83, Jeff Richards, ‘76, Jackie McBroom, ‘63, Mark Gessinger, ‘83, Richard Noel, ‘90, Ann Reifel, ‘73, & Peter Leccese.
RALPH KRUGER
1961 - FRAT All-American & Capital District All-Conference Football Guard. 1960-1962 - Leading scorer in most games and scored 806 points in 3 years. 1959 & 1961 - Valuable shot putter on the Boys’ Track National Champions. 1962 - Received Dannin Athletic Award as a contributing 3-sports athlete.
PATRICK ARNOLD
Outstanding four-year athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. Played quarterback and was awarded the Most Valuable Player. Scored 980 career points earning Most Valuable Player and 2 CSSD All-Star honors. Set school record with 45 points in a basketball game.
WILLIE DOWDY
School record in 110M High Hurdles (14.8) and 300M Hurdles (38.54. School record in 4x200 Relay (1:32.5) 4x100 Relay (43.64) 4x400 Relay (3:24.74). National Prep Record in 400M Hurdles (58.68) in 1989. Valuable member of Boys Track National Champions - 1988 & 1989. Placed 6th in 400M Hurdles at 1989 World Games for the Deaf.
PIA MARIE PAULONE
Excellent all-around four-year athlete earning four Most Valuable Player Awards. Eight CSSD Champions: Volleyball - 4, Girls’ Basketball - 3, Girls’ Track - 1, Spike Out Champions and All-Tournament Team in 2001 & 2002. 2002 FRAT Volleyball Player of the Year and six All-American recognition.
KEITH WESTHOELTER
Boys Basketball National Champions - 2005, 2009, 2015, 2017. CSSD Champions - Boys Basketball (2005 & 2013) and Girls Basketball (2009). Boys Basketball Clerc Classic Champions - 2004, 2005, 2013, 2015, 2017. Received the Coach of the Year Award in 2001, 2005, 2015.
Thank you to everyone who came and supported this memorable event. Your presence helped make this Hall of Fame Induction a truly special occasion for our inductees and the entire ISD community. We are proud to honor their legacies and celebrate their remarkable achievements!