Frostburg State Announces 2026 Hall of Fame Inductee Class

by Brian Hradsky · Published July 15, 2026 · Updated July 15, 2026

Frostburg State University Announces 2026 Hall of Fame Inductee Class

Frostburg State University has officially unveiled its 2026 Hall of Fame class, selecting seven notable members for induction to honor their outstanding contributions to the school’s rich athletic tradition.Frostburg State Announces 2026 Athletics Hall of Fame Class

FROSTBURG, Md. — Frostburg State University will honor seven of the most accomplished student-athletes and coaches in school history as part of its 2026 Athletics Hall of Fame class, recognizing standout careers that span swimming, baseball, track and field, cross country, volleyball, and coaching excellence. The class will be celebrated during the university’s Homecoming festivities this fall, adding another distinguished chapter to the Bobcats’ rich athletic tradition.

The 2026 class represents multiple eras of Frostburg athletics, with inductees who captured conference championships, earned All-America recognition, set school records, and helped establish winning traditions that continue to influence Bobcat athletics today.

2026 Frostburg State Athletics Hall of Fame Class

Shannon Dunnigan (’08) – Swimming

One of the most decorated swimmers in program history, Dunnigan was named the 2007-08 Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) Swimmer of the Year after winning six conference championships during her career. Upon graduation, she held school records in both the 1,500-meter freestyle and 1,650-yard freestyle while ranking among the top performers in several additional events. Her accomplishments helped elevate Frostburg’s swimming program during one of its most successful periods.

Bryan Gamble (’00) – Baseball

Gamble established himself as one of the premier pitchers in Frostburg baseball history. After earning AMCC Newcomer of the Year honors in 1998, he followed with an outstanding 1999 campaign that earned him AMCC Most Valuable Player recognition. Gamble also received Honorable Mention All-America honors and continues to hold the program’s career earned run average record, while also setting single-season marks for doubles and shutouts.

Timothy Garner (’92) – Baseball

Garner became one of the finest defensive catchers to wear the Bobcat uniform. A First Team All-ESAC selection in 1992, he finished his career ranked among the program leaders in doubles, putouts, and assists. His defensive consistency and leadership behind the plate helped define Frostburg baseball during the early 1990s.

Chauncey Manson (’12) – Track & Field

Manson enjoyed a remarkable track career highlighted by four Capital Athletic Conference championships and seven ECAC qualifying performances. He won 22 individual races and contributed to 12 relay victories, cementing his place among the program’s all-time great sprinters. His name remains in Frostburg’s record book among the top indoor 200-meter performances in school history.

Dr. Robert McFarland – Men’s Lacrosse and Swimming Coach

McFarland’s impact reached far beyond the pool deck. He founded Frostburg State’s swimming program and coached it for nearly two decades, developing 23 national qualifiers and nine All-Americans while overseeing the establishment of 23 school records. He also served as head coach of the men’s lacrosse program, guiding the Bobcats to 16 victories during his tenure and helping lay the foundation for future success.

Sara Schwartz (’01) – Volleyball

Schwartz finished her career among the school’s all-time leaders in kills, hitting percentage, and blocks. The 2000 AMCC Player of the Year also earned AVCA All-Region honors while helping Frostburg capture three consecutive conference championships. She remains one of the most accomplished volleyball players in program history.

Dwain Thomas (’84) – Track & Field and Cross Country

Thomas excelled in both track and cross country, qualifying for three national championships while winning three Mason-Dixon Conference titles. He collected eight all-conference honors and continues to rank among Frostburg’s all-time leaders in multiple middle-distance and relay events, showcasing his versatility and endurance.

MSB Analysis

The diversity of this Hall of Fame class reflects the strength of Frostburg State athletics across multiple generations. Baseball accounts for two inductees, while swimming, volleyball, track and field, cross country, and coaching are also represented, highlighting the university’s long-standing commitment to athletic excellence.

Several inductees still hold school records decades after their careers ended, while others helped build programs that continue to compete at a high level. McFarland’s induction is particularly significant, recognizing not only championship performances but also the lasting impact of building Frostburg’s swimming program into a successful collegiate program.

For Maryland sports fans, the 2026 Hall of Fame class serves as another reminder of the talent that has come through Frostburg State and the important role the Bobcats continue to play in the state’s collegiate athletic landscape.

2026 Frostburg State Athletics Hall of Fame Class

Dwain Thomas (’84) – Track & Field and Cross Country

Shannon Dunnigan (’08) – Swimming

Bryan Gamble (’00) – Baseball

Timothy Garner (’92) – Baseball

Chauncey Manson (’12) – Track & Field

Dr. Robert McFarland – Men’s Lacrosse and Swimming Coach

Sara Schwartz (’01) – Volleyball

Seven Inductees to Join Frostburg State Athletics Hall of Fame

The Frostburg State Athletics Department announced the 2026 Hall of Fame class on July 10, 2026, highlighting athletes, coaches, and contributors who have left a significant legacy on the university’s sports programs. Details about the individual inductees have not yet been extensively publicized, but the institution continues its commitment to recognizing excellence and preserving its history through the Hall of Fame.

Frostburg State University, competing in NCAA Division II and a member of the Mountain East Conference (MEC), has produced numerous athletes who have gone on to make impacts both on and off the field. The Hall of Fame induction is a prestigious honor that celebrates the achievements and dedication of those who have positively influenced Frostburg State’s athletic programs.

Importance and History of the Frostburg State Hall of Fame

Since its establishment, the Frostburg State University Hall of Fame has served as a cornerstone for celebrating the achievements of outstanding individuals connected to the school’s sports legacy. The Hall of Fame enshrines coaches, athletes, and contributors who not only excel at competition but also embody the spirit and values of Frostburg State Athletics.

Past inductees have come from various sports programs including football, basketball, soccer, and track and field. The recognition not only honors past accomplishments but also inspires current and future student-athletes to strive for excellence.

Connection to Maryland and Regional Athletics

Located in Frostburg, Maryland, Frostburg State University plays a pivotal role in shaping the region’s collegiate athletic landscape. The announcement of its 2026 Hall of Fame class adds to Maryland’s vibrant sports culture and highlights the talent nurtured within the state.

Maryland is home to numerous collegiate programs across various divisions, and Frostburg State’s Hall of Fame celebrations help reinforce the state’s growing recognition for collegiate sports achievements. This annual event garners attention from across Maryland, drawing alumni and supporters from throughout the region to celebrate the honorees.

Looking Forward to the 2026 Induction Ceremony

The 2026 Hall of Fame induction ceremony is expected to take place in the fall, coinciding with Frostburg State’s homecoming events, providing alumni and fans an opportunity to celebrate the legacy of these seven honorees. The event will feature presentations, speeches, and a formal induction process, cementing the status of these distinguished contributors to Frostburg State athletics.

While specific details of the inductees remain under wraps, the Frostburg State Athletics Department routinely issues detailed profiles and highlights of the honored members, allowing fans to appreciate the scope and impact of each individual’s contributions.

Maryland Sports Blog Take

Frostburg State University’s announcement of its 2026 Hall of Fame class further strengthens Maryland’s reputation as a hotbed for collegiate athletic talent and dedication. While the university awaits fuller disclosure on the individual inductees, the selection of seven honorees reflects Frostburg’s commitment to honoring tradition and excellence.

The university’s embrace of its Hall of Fame tradition not only brings pride to the Frostburg community but also enhances the broader Maryland collegiate sports narrative. Fans and alumni alike can look forward to the upcoming ceremony as an important occasion that honors the past while inspiring the future of Frostburg State Athletics.

For ongoing coverage about Frostburg State University’s sports programs, including updates on athletics honors and game-day action, visit Maryland Sports Blog’s Frostburg State University section.

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Additional sources for context on Frostburg State Athletics and Hall of Fame procedures include: