By Kane McGuire, Louisiana Tech Associate Athletic Director/ Strategic Communications and Digital Marketing
Louisiana Tech Athletics is proud to announce its 2025 Hall of Fame class, a distinguished group of eight individuals who left indelible marks on their respective programs. This year’s class includes seven former student-athletes and coaches, along with one longtime athletic trainer, whose contributions spanned decades of excellence.
The 2025 inductees are Ron Alexander (Football), Randy Crouch (Football), Billy Ryckman (Football), Ray Germany (Men’s Basketball), Wayne Smith (Men’s Basketball), Cheryl Ford (Women’s Basketball), Gary Stanley (Track & Field/Cross Country Coach) and Sam Wilkinson (Athletic Trainer).
“When you think of historic success of Bulldog and Lady Techster teams, all eight of these individuals played a significant role in that success,” said Vice President and Director of Athletics Ryan Ivey. “Each of these individuals achieved a tremendous amount of success during their time at Louisiana Tech, and we all stand on their shoulders today.
“We look forward to welcoming the 2025 Hall of Fame class back to campus for the induction ceremony this fall, where we will celebrate their achievements and recognize their impact on Louisiana Tech athletics.”
Ron Alexander starred at linebacker for the Bulldogs from 1967 to 1970. A 1970 All-American and All-Gulf States Conference selection, Alexander led the team in tackles in both 1969 (120) and 1970 (130), and his 23-tackle performance against Southeastern Louisiana remains tied for third-most in a single game in program history. He was also a member of the 1969 GSC championship team and is included in both the Football 100-Year Anniversary Team and the list of 50 Greatest Players in Joe Aillet Stadium history.
Randy Crouch, a lineman from 1971 to 1974, helped guide Louisiana Tech to unprecedented success. A four-time Southland Conference champion and key part of three national championship teams (1972, 1973, 1974), Crouch was a First Team All-Southland pick in 1974 and earned spots on the Football 100-Year Anniversary and 50 Greatest Players in Joe Aillet Stadium history teams.
Billy Ryckman, an electrifying wide receiver from 1973 to 1976, earned All-America honors in 1976 and played a pivotal role in back-to-back national championship teams in 1973 and 1974. His 1,382 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in 1976 still rank among the best single-season performances in program history. A member of the Southland Conference All-Decade Team, Ryckman was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons and spent three seasons in the NFL.
Ray Germany, one of the all-time greats in Louisiana Tech men’s basketball, played from 1955 to 1960. He was a two-time All-American (1959, 1960), four-time All-Gulf States Conference selection, and was invited to the 1960 Olympic Trials. Germany scored 1,393 points and grabbed 844 rebounds during his career and was named Mr. Basketball in the state of Louisiana as a high school senior.
Wayne Smith, who donned the Bulldog uniform from 1982 to 1986, was the ultimate floor general, ranking second all-time in assists (712) and fifth in steals (185). He started all 127 games of his college career — the most in program history — and helped lead LA Tech to 94 wins, three postseason appearances including the 1985 NCAA Sweet 16, and marquee victories over national powers like Louisville, Ohio State, and Florida.
Cheryl Ford, one of the most dominant players in Lady Techster history, played from 1999 to 2003. A two-time WAC Player of the Year and 2003 AP Honorable Mention All-American, Ford led the program to four conference titles and NCAA Tournament berths. Her 1,056 rebounds rank 8th in school history, and she was selected No. 3 overall in the 2003 WNBA Draft. Ford went on to win three WNBA titles and earn four All-Star nods during her 11-year pro career.
Gary Stanley dedicated four decades to Louisiana Tech Track & Field and Cross Country, serving as head coach for track and field for 34 years and cross country for 36. Under his leadership, LA Tech won 21 conference championships, produced 46 All-Americans, and earned 21 Coach of the Year honors across four different conferences. His women’s teams reached top national and regional finishes, and his 2007 4x400m relay team finished third in the nation.
Sam Wilkinson, affectionately known as “Chief,” served as LA Tech’s athletic trainer from 1977 to 2008. A steady and compassionate presence for three decades, Wilkinson was known for his tireless dedication to student-athletes across all sports. He helped shape the infrastructure of the sports medicine department and provided care that extended beyond the campus and into the Ruston community.
The 2025 Hall of Fame class will be formally inducted on Saturday, Nov. 1 as part of Homecoming Weekend. More details on the ceremony and related events will be announced at a later date.