Temple University Athletics
Temple Athletics Unveils Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2026
8.6.26 | General
PHILADELPHIA – Temple Athletics has announced the members of its 2026 Hall of Fame class, recognizing 10 former student-athletes and coaches whose accomplishments have left a lasting impact on the University. The class represents eight different sports and spans nearly eight decades of Temple Athletics history, honoring national champions, All-Americans, conference champions, professional standouts and individuals whose achievements helped shape the success and legacy of Temple Athletics.
The 2026 Temple Athletics Hall of Fame Class includes:
"This Hall of Fame class represents the excellence, pride and tradition that define Temple Athletics," said Vice President and Director of Athletics Arthur Johnson. "Each inductee has made an extraordinary impact on our university through remarkable competitive achievements and lasting contributions to their respective programs. We are excited to welcome them back to campus and celebrate their accomplishments."
2026 Temple Athletics Hall of Fame Class
Bruce Arians - Football Coach (1983-88)
Bruce Arians served as Temple's head football coach from 1983-88, leading the Owls during one of the most competitive eras in program history while coaching some of the greatest players ever to wear the Cherry and White. During his tenure, Arians mentored Heisman Trophy runner-up Paul Palmer along with future NFL players Kevin Ross, Todd Bowles, Todd McNair and John Rienstra. After leaving Temple, Arians established himself as one of football's most respected coaches, earning two NFL Coach of the Year honors, leading the Arizona Cardinals to the NFC Championship Game in 2015 and guiding the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to victory in Super Bowl LV. His impact on the game, both at Temple and throughout the NFL, has made him one of the most accomplished coaches in Temple Athletics history.
NaDeen Bridgeforth Richardson - Women's Track & Field (1984-88)
One of the premier track and field athletes in Temple history, NaDeen Bridgeforth Richardson established herself among the nation's elite as a First Team All-American in the 400-meter hurdles in 1988. She qualified for multiple NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships while competing in the 400- and 500-meter events and helped set a school-record 4x100-meter relay time that still stands today. Bridgeforth Richardson also captured an ECAC championship in the 400-meter hurdles while setting a championship record before qualifying for the 1988 United States Olympic Trials. Her remarkable combination of individual success and contributions to Temple's relay teams cemented her place among the greatest performers in program history.
Wally Hayes – Men's Gymnastics (1948-50)
Walter "Wally" Hayes helped establish Temple as a national power in men's gymnastics during the program's formative years. Hayes captured the NCAA championship on the flying rings in 1948 and was a member of Temple's first NCAA Championship-winning team. He later claimed the Eastern Intercollegiate Gymnastics League all-around championship as a senior in 1950. Tragically, Hayes passed away shortly after competition due to a misdiagnosed case of appendicitis, cutting short the life of one of Temple's earliest athletic stars. His accomplishments remain an enduring part of the University's rich gymnastics tradition.
Rebecca Joseph – Lacrosse (1990-93)
Rebecca Joseph enjoyed an outstanding career in goal for Temple Lacrosse, finishing as the program's all-time leader in both goals-against average and save percentage. She was the starting goalkeeper on Temple's 1990 NCAA Final Four team, helping the Owls continue as one of the nation's elite programs under head coach Tina Sloan Green. Following her playing career, Joseph returned to Temple as an assistant coach and helped guide the program to two additional NCAA Final Four appearances, extending her impact well beyond her years as a student-athlete. Her contributions as both a player and coach have left a lasting legacy within one of Temple's most successful programs.
Tyler Matakevich – Football (2012-15)
Few players have left a greater mark on Temple Football than Tyler Matakevich. A four-year starting linebacker, he became the first player in program history - and just the seventh player in FBS history - to record at least 100 tackles in each of his four collegiate seasons. His school-record 493 career tackles remain one of the most remarkable achievements in Temple Football history. As a senior, Matakevich earned consensus All-America honors after capturing both the Chuck Bednarik Award and Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the nation's top defensive player while also being named American Conference Defensive Player of the Year. He was instrumental in leading Temple to one of the finest seasons in program history, including the Owls' memorable victory over Penn State in 2015, before embarking on a lengthy NFL career.
Brandon Matthews – Men's Golf (2012-16)
Brandon Matthews concluded his Temple career as one of the most accomplished golfers in school history. A four-time all-conference performer and Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year, Matthews tied the Temple record with eight individual tournament victories while setting the program record for scoring average as a junior. He earned at-large berths into the NCAA Championships in consecutive seasons and was recognized as Temple's Male Student-Athlete of the Year. Following graduation, Matthews turned professional and has competed on the PGA Tour, Korn Ferry Tour and PGA Tour Latinoamérica, earning multiple professional victories while representing Temple on golf's biggest stages.
Jerry Preschutti – Football (1962-64)
One of the most versatile players in Temple Football history, Jerry Preschutti excelled as a runner, receiver, return specialist and defensive back during an outstanding collegiate career. His remarkable 1964 season earned him both MAC Player of the Year and Philadelphia College Player of the Year honors while helping lead the Owls to a 7-2 record. Following graduation, Preschutti returned to Temple as an assistant football coach, continuing his service to the program before eventually earning induction into multiple regional halls of fame. His impact as both a player and coach spans generations of Temple Football.
Dr. Walter Strosser – Wrestling (1965-69)
Dr. Walter Strosser established himself as one of the premier wrestlers of his era while competing for Temple. An EIWA and MAC champion, he rose as high as sixth nationally during his sophomore season and served as team captain during both his junior and senior years. Following his competitive career, Strosser remained involved in the sport through coaching while later earning induction into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. His excellence on the mat and continued contributions to wrestling have secured his place among Temple's all-time greats.
Mark Tyndale – Men's Basketball (2004-08)
Mark Tyndale concluded his Temple career as one of the most complete players in the storied history of Owl Basketball. He ranks among the program's career leaders in scoring, rebounding, steals and free throws while finishing with 1,729 career points. A two-time All-Atlantic 10 selection, Tyndale was named the Robert V. Geasey Award winner as the Philadelphia Big 5's top player following his senior season. His versatility, toughness and consistent production helped define Temple Basketball during one of the program's most successful eras, making him one of the outstanding players of his generation.
Amber Youtz – Field Hockey (2011-14)
Amber Youtz established herself as one of the most accomplished offensive players in Temple Field Hockey history during a remarkable four-year career. A three-time All-American, including First Team All-America recognition as a senior - the first Temple player to earn that distinction in more than two decades - Youtz finished her career ranked third in program history in both goals and points. She earned conference Offensive Player of the Year honors in both the Atlantic 10 and BIG EAST while leading the Owls with her dynamic scoring ability. Her sustained excellence and record-setting accomplishments place her among the greatest student-athletes ever to compete for Temple Field Hockey.
Additional information regarding Hall of Fame weekend festivities, including ticket information and event details, will be announced at a later date.
The 2026 Temple Athletics Hall of Fame Class includes:
- Bruce Arians - Football Coach
- NaDeen Bridgeforth Richardson - Women's Track & Field
- Wally Hayes - Men's Gymnastics
- Rebecca Joseph - Lacrosse
- Tyler Matakevich - Football
- Brandon Matthews - Men's Golf
- Jerry Preschutti - Football
- Dr. Walter Strosser - Wrestling
- Mark Tyndale - Men's Basketball
- Amber Youtz - Field Hockey
"This Hall of Fame class represents the excellence, pride and tradition that define Temple Athletics," said Vice President and Director of Athletics Arthur Johnson. "Each inductee has made an extraordinary impact on our university through remarkable competitive achievements and lasting contributions to their respective programs. We are excited to welcome them back to campus and celebrate their accomplishments."
2026 Temple Athletics Hall of Fame Class
Bruce Arians - Football Coach (1983-88)
Bruce Arians served as Temple's head football coach from 1983-88, leading the Owls during one of the most competitive eras in program history while coaching some of the greatest players ever to wear the Cherry and White. During his tenure, Arians mentored Heisman Trophy runner-up Paul Palmer along with future NFL players Kevin Ross, Todd Bowles, Todd McNair and John Rienstra. After leaving Temple, Arians established himself as one of football's most respected coaches, earning two NFL Coach of the Year honors, leading the Arizona Cardinals to the NFC Championship Game in 2015 and guiding the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to victory in Super Bowl LV. His impact on the game, both at Temple and throughout the NFL, has made him one of the most accomplished coaches in Temple Athletics history.
NaDeen Bridgeforth Richardson - Women's Track & Field (1984-88)
One of the premier track and field athletes in Temple history, NaDeen Bridgeforth Richardson established herself among the nation's elite as a First Team All-American in the 400-meter hurdles in 1988. She qualified for multiple NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships while competing in the 400- and 500-meter events and helped set a school-record 4x100-meter relay time that still stands today. Bridgeforth Richardson also captured an ECAC championship in the 400-meter hurdles while setting a championship record before qualifying for the 1988 United States Olympic Trials. Her remarkable combination of individual success and contributions to Temple's relay teams cemented her place among the greatest performers in program history.
Wally Hayes – Men's Gymnastics (1948-50)
Walter "Wally" Hayes helped establish Temple as a national power in men's gymnastics during the program's formative years. Hayes captured the NCAA championship on the flying rings in 1948 and was a member of Temple's first NCAA Championship-winning team. He later claimed the Eastern Intercollegiate Gymnastics League all-around championship as a senior in 1950. Tragically, Hayes passed away shortly after competition due to a misdiagnosed case of appendicitis, cutting short the life of one of Temple's earliest athletic stars. His accomplishments remain an enduring part of the University's rich gymnastics tradition.
Rebecca Joseph – Lacrosse (1990-93)
Rebecca Joseph enjoyed an outstanding career in goal for Temple Lacrosse, finishing as the program's all-time leader in both goals-against average and save percentage. She was the starting goalkeeper on Temple's 1990 NCAA Final Four team, helping the Owls continue as one of the nation's elite programs under head coach Tina Sloan Green. Following her playing career, Joseph returned to Temple as an assistant coach and helped guide the program to two additional NCAA Final Four appearances, extending her impact well beyond her years as a student-athlete. Her contributions as both a player and coach have left a lasting legacy within one of Temple's most successful programs.
Tyler Matakevich – Football (2012-15)
Few players have left a greater mark on Temple Football than Tyler Matakevich. A four-year starting linebacker, he became the first player in program history - and just the seventh player in FBS history - to record at least 100 tackles in each of his four collegiate seasons. His school-record 493 career tackles remain one of the most remarkable achievements in Temple Football history. As a senior, Matakevich earned consensus All-America honors after capturing both the Chuck Bednarik Award and Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the nation's top defensive player while also being named American Conference Defensive Player of the Year. He was instrumental in leading Temple to one of the finest seasons in program history, including the Owls' memorable victory over Penn State in 2015, before embarking on a lengthy NFL career.
Brandon Matthews – Men's Golf (2012-16)
Brandon Matthews concluded his Temple career as one of the most accomplished golfers in school history. A four-time all-conference performer and Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year, Matthews tied the Temple record with eight individual tournament victories while setting the program record for scoring average as a junior. He earned at-large berths into the NCAA Championships in consecutive seasons and was recognized as Temple's Male Student-Athlete of the Year. Following graduation, Matthews turned professional and has competed on the PGA Tour, Korn Ferry Tour and PGA Tour Latinoamérica, earning multiple professional victories while representing Temple on golf's biggest stages.
Jerry Preschutti – Football (1962-64)
One of the most versatile players in Temple Football history, Jerry Preschutti excelled as a runner, receiver, return specialist and defensive back during an outstanding collegiate career. His remarkable 1964 season earned him both MAC Player of the Year and Philadelphia College Player of the Year honors while helping lead the Owls to a 7-2 record. Following graduation, Preschutti returned to Temple as an assistant football coach, continuing his service to the program before eventually earning induction into multiple regional halls of fame. His impact as both a player and coach spans generations of Temple Football.
Dr. Walter Strosser – Wrestling (1965-69)
Dr. Walter Strosser established himself as one of the premier wrestlers of his era while competing for Temple. An EIWA and MAC champion, he rose as high as sixth nationally during his sophomore season and served as team captain during both his junior and senior years. Following his competitive career, Strosser remained involved in the sport through coaching while later earning induction into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. His excellence on the mat and continued contributions to wrestling have secured his place among Temple's all-time greats.
Mark Tyndale – Men's Basketball (2004-08)
Mark Tyndale concluded his Temple career as one of the most complete players in the storied history of Owl Basketball. He ranks among the program's career leaders in scoring, rebounding, steals and free throws while finishing with 1,729 career points. A two-time All-Atlantic 10 selection, Tyndale was named the Robert V. Geasey Award winner as the Philadelphia Big 5's top player following his senior season. His versatility, toughness and consistent production helped define Temple Basketball during one of the program's most successful eras, making him one of the outstanding players of his generation.
Amber Youtz – Field Hockey (2011-14)
Amber Youtz established herself as one of the most accomplished offensive players in Temple Field Hockey history during a remarkable four-year career. A three-time All-American, including First Team All-America recognition as a senior - the first Temple player to earn that distinction in more than two decades - Youtz finished her career ranked third in program history in both goals and points. She earned conference Offensive Player of the Year honors in both the Atlantic 10 and BIG EAST while leading the Owls with her dynamic scoring ability. Her sustained excellence and record-setting accomplishments place her among the greatest student-athletes ever to compete for Temple Field Hockey.
Additional information regarding Hall of Fame weekend festivities, including ticket information and event details, will be announced at a later date.
Monday, July 27
Thursday, July 16
Tuesday, June 02
Saturday, May 30
