AUSTIN, Texas - Concordia University Texas Athletics has inducted four new members into its prestigious Hall of Fame of former student-athletes, coaches, administrators and teams. The Concordia University Texas Hall of Fame event will be held at the Oasis on January 16, 2027. More details on the event are to follow soon. 

"It is an honor to welcome this outstanding class into the Concordia Texas Athletics Hall of Fame. Each of these inductees has left a lasting impact on our University and helped shape the tradition of excellence that defines Tornado Athletics. Their accomplishments represent more than success in competition; they reflect the commitment, character and pride that we want associated with Concordia Texas. I congratulate each of them on this well-deserved honor, and we look forward to celebrating their legacies together in January." - Matt Wallis, Director of Athletics

The Concordia Texas Athletics Hall of Fame, instituted in 2009, now includes 27 individuals and seven teams.  
 
The Hall of Fame 2027 Class Inductees 

Kevin Dydalewicz (MBB 1993-1997)
Kevin Dydalewicz established himself as one of the greatest players in the history of Concordia University Texas men's basketball during his career. A durable and consistent performer, he appeared in 112 games, ranking fifth all-time in program history. His impact on the offensive end was remarkable, finishing his career fourth on the program's all-time scoring list with 1,761 points while ranking second all-time in field goals made with 668. He also contributed on the glass throughout his career, collecting 479 rebounds to rank 10th among the program's all-time leaders.

Dydalewicz's senior season in 1996-97 was one of the finest individual campaigns in Concordia basketball history. He averaged 22.2 points per game, a mark that stands third in single-season scoring averages in program history. He also recorded 219 field goals made that season; which is one of the highest single-season totals ever by a Tornado. His ability to score consistently and efficiently made him one of the premier players in NAIA and a cornerstone of the Concordia program throughout the mid-1990s.

Katie Gonzales (2013-2015)

Katie Gonzales distinguished herself as one of the most accomplished student-athletes in Concordia University Texas history, excelling in both volleyball and track & field while earning recognition for her achievements in the classroom. A dynamic outside hitter, Baker concluded her volleyball career ranked among the program's all-time leaders, including seventh in kills (886), fourth in kills per set (3.04), and tenth in total attacks (2,543). During the 25-point rally scoring era, she ranks second in kills, third in kills per set, fifth in total attacks, and fifth in digs (932). Her 374 kills during the 2014 season remain the highest single-season total of the rally-scoring era, while her 65 total attacks against Austin College on October 4, 2014, still stand as a program record.

Baker's excellence on the volleyball court earned her multiple conference honors, including Third Team All-American Southwest Conference recognition in both 2013 and 2014 before earning First Team All-ASC West Division and First Team All-ASC honors in 2015. She was also a three-time ASC Player of the Week selection. Her success extended into the classroom, where she was named to the ASC Academic Honor Roll and earned recognition as an ASC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete Team member.

In addition to her volleyball accomplishments, Baker was a standout competitor for the Tornados track & field program. In 2015, she captured ASC championships in both the javelin and long jump and earned All-Conference honors for the second consecutive season. Her dominance in the field events led to her being named the 2015 ASC Female Field Athlete of the Year, while her commitment to academic excellence earned her the prestigious distinction of 2015 ASC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

2021 Men's Soccer Team

After three straight trips to the ASC Championship match, the Tornados captured the first men's soccer championship in program history in the 2021 season. Led by the 2021 ASC Coaching Staff of the Year, the team posted a record of 10-5-5 (7-1-3 ASC). In two of their three matches in the ASC tournament, the Tornados outlasted their opponents by winning penalty kicks; including a 1-1 (4-3 PK) victory over Hardin-Simmons in the championship match. Eight Tornados from the 2021 squad were named to the All-ASC Team, and three earned individual honors (Marco Vazquez - Offensive Player of the Year, Joshua Redding - Goalkeeper of the Year, & Carlos Huato - Freshman Defensive Player of the Year).

MEMBERS: Richard Aguirre, Miguel Alvarado, Timothy Barney, Christian Barillas, Cameron Burleson, David Castelan, Sebastian De La Cruz, Samuel Francia, Arlen Garcia, Theo Givens, Victor Gomez, Juan Gonzalez, Adrian Guerrero, Gustavo Hernandez, Carlos Huato, Isaiah Johnson, Nicolas Kopinsky, Zack Kusak, Matthew Lancaster, Leo Lopez, Mikey Lott, Randy Martinez, Melvin Molina, Samuel Narvaez, Landon Nelson, Rafael Ocana, Arlen Oni, Xavier Polk, Joshua Redding, Antonio Rios, Alejandro Rojas, Yael Sanchez, Gavin Seesholtz, Jay Suljic, Bernabe Torres, Marco Vazquez, Bradley Wadas

COACHING STAFF: Nick Mims (HC), Manny Iloba (AC), Kai Gockell (AC), Casey Tilly (AC), Miranda Heuser (AT)

DR. LARRY MEISSNER (LINDA LOWERY LIFETIME ACHEIVEMENT AWARD)

Dr. Larry Meissner has dedicated more than four decades of service to Concordia University Texas, leaving an enduring impact on generations of students, faculty, staff, and alumni. As a professor of biology, he became known not only for his passion for science and education, but also for his commitment to mentoring students and fostering a culture of academic excellence. Throughout his career, Dr. Meissner inspired countless individuals through his engaging leadership and genuine care for the Concordia community.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Meissner played an important role in the growth and evolution of Concordia Texas. His tenure spans some of the institution's most transformative years, including its transition to the current Austin campus and its expansion into a thriving university. A respected scholar and advocate for scientific inquiry, he contributed to research efforts and helped shape the academic experience for thousands of students.
For more than 40 years, Larry Meissner has exemplified the values of service and leadership that defines Concordia University Texas.

His legacy can be seen in the success of his students, the strength of the university, and the countless lives he has touched along the way. It is fitting that he be recognized with the Linda Lowery Lifetime Achievement Award for his extraordinary contributions and lifelong commitment to the Concordia community.

Click here to nominate someone to be a future member of the Concordia University Texas Hall of Fame.

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