The Metro Hall of Fame committee elected two teams and five individuals into the 2011 Hall of Fame class Feb. 19. The tenth group induction in Roadrunner history was headlined by Patrick Mutumbo, Beck Meares, and the 2004 Women’s soccer team. Among the other inducties were the 1994 men’s tennis team, soccer player Antonio Parros, Elizabeth Friot (administrator) and Doug Stepleton (men’s basketball).

Mutumbo played a monstrous role in the Roadrunners’ basketball championships in 2000 and 2002.

During his tenure, he led the ’Runners to a 113-22 record while capturing three Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference titles and receiving invites to the NCAA tournament in all four seasons.

During his induction, Mutumbo cheerfully said, “This happens one time in a lifetime; it’s my time to shine.”

Mutumbo’s induction speech entertained the crowd and showed the impact he had on Metro as well as the impact Metro had on him.

“I would like to thank the institution for giving me the opportunity to get an education and a career.”

Mutumbo, 31, continued his playing career in the NBA Developmental League most recently with the Bakersfield Jam in the 2009-2010 season. Mutumbo ranks second all time in free throw percentage (.853), ninth in points scored (1,360) and fifth in field goals made (571) at Metro. He also holds the school record for field goal percentage in a season when he went 267-of-511 (.523) in his last season as a Roadrunner in the 2002-2003 season.

Rebecca “Beck” Meares is believed by some to have been the best tennis player in Metro history. She was instrumental in the success of the tennis team from 2001-2004. Meares was named the 2004 RMAC player of the year and was nationally ranked throughout her senior season.

The Australian native was emotional and grateful for her opportunity to display her talents at Metro.

“In order to fulfill my dream, I knew I had to [continue playing] after high school. I never looked back at the opportunity that Metro had given me,” Meares said.

Meares holds the school record in singles wins (60) and is second in school history with doubles wins (75).

Meares cited her sister and doubles partner, Jessica Meares, as a catalyst to her success. The tandem won the Fall Intercollegiate Tennis Association regional doubles championship in Meares’ senior season of 2004.

Meares graduated from Metro in 2005 with a degree in adult fitness/exercise science. She is currently the head coach of both tennis teams here at Metro.

The 2004 women’s soccer team was arguably the best in Metro history. They held a 25-1 record overall and went undefeated in RMAC play at 14-0, earning the regular season and tournament championships. It was the first time in school history the women’s soccer team had captured the national championship.

Among their list of accomplishments were holding records in longest unbeaten streak (59 games) and longest conference unbeaten streak (72 games).

Former Head Coach Danny Sanchez was named RMAC Coach of the Year in 2004 and midfielder Ymara Guante captured the RMAC Player of the Year. Elin Otter was selected as the RMAC defensive Player of the Year.

Antonio Parros overcame many obstacles in his journey through Metro. He will be remembered because of his play on the soccer field.

Parros holds the career record for assists (34), shot attempts (221) and for points per game (1.56). He is second in school history in points (126) and goals (46). During his time at Metro, he was a part of a Roadrunner team that saw tremendous success. Metro won the RMAC Tournament championships in 2003 and 2004 and also received a bid into the NCAA Tournament in 2006. Parros was named to the All RMAC team in all four of his seasons at Metro

In 2009, he was voted onto the RMAC All-Time team.

Metro Alumnus and former basketball star Patrick Mutombo, right, shakes hands with former coach Joe Hughes Feb. 19, during the 2011 Hall of Fame Alumni luncheon. Photo by Sean Mullins • smullin5@mscd.edu

Doug Stepelton was the one of the first players of the men’s basketball program started in 1966-67. When Metro won their national championships in 2000 and 2002, Stepelton donated money for the rings to the team. He graduated in 1969 and is still a proud supporter of Metro athletics.

Elizabeth Friot has been a secondary-education professor at Metro since 1970 and a big supporter of Metro athletics. She currently is a Roadrunner Club member and has served as the school’s Faculty Athletics Representative since 2005.

The members of the 1994 men’s tennis team were all present during the induction ceremonies. During that year, the team posted a 15-1 record, which still stands as the best season in school history.

No. 1 singles player Martin Coe accepted the award on behalf of his teammates and made their claim to fame with one thing in mind.

“Over the years I have noticed Metro students possess an attribute that you don’t see at every college: Perseverance,” Coe said.

Arturo Rodriguez, Russell Swank and Russ Windham also posted double digit wins.

This Hall of Fame class has built Metro Athletics in the past and gives us an idea as to what the future will hold for many of the athletes that we watch today.

People: Arturo Rodriguez, Beck Meares, Elizabeth Friot, Hall of Fame, Metro, NBA Development League, PAtrick Mutombo, Roadrunner Club, Roadrunners, Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, Russ Windham, Russell Swank, school record, tennis