Bobcat Legend Dennis Erickson Inducted into Big Sky Conference Hall of Fame
5/21/2026 1:19:00 PM | Football, General
Former MSU quarterback and assistant coach earned induction into College Football Hall of Fame as a head coach
BOZEMAN, Mont. (May 21, 2026) – Bobcat football legend Dennis Erickson joins a class of eight former student-athletes and coaches in the 2026 Big Sky Conference Hall of Fame induction class, announced by the league on Thursday.
Erickson is one of two with ties to Montana State to be inducted on Saturday, July 25 beginning at 6:30 pm PT/7:30 pm MT at the Northern Quest Resort and Casino near Spokane, Wash. Erickson quarterbacked the Bobcats to Big Sky Championships in 1966, 1967 and 1968, and began his legendary coaching career at MSU in 1969. Fellow inductee Pam Parks won 19 games as MSU's head volleyball coach in 1983, but made her name as a record-setting head coach at her alma mater, Eastern Washington.
This year's class marks the fifth for the Big Sky Conference, which formed in 1963, and raises the Hall of Fame's membership to 54. The Hall of Fame banquet launches the leagues Football Kickoff Weekend.
This year's induction class: Dennis Erickson, Montana State/Idaho (football student-athlete/coach); Frank Hawkins, Nevada (football student-athlete); Eric Heins (Northern Arizona, cross country/track and field head coach); Amber Henry, Weber State (cross country/track and field student-athlete); Pam Parks, Eastern Washington (volleyball head coach/administrator); Michael Ray Richardson, Montana (men's basketball student-athlete); Jackie Ross Mattox, Idaho (track and field student-athlete); and Willie Sojourner, Weber State (men's basketball student-athlete).
Student-athletes must have participated in two full seasons at a Big Sky member institution and may be considered for induction beginning five years following the completion of their intercollegiate eligibility. Coaches may be inducted after completing five years at a member school and been out of the conference for at least five years. Administrators must serve three years at a league school and are eligible immediately.
Tickets for the event, which cost $85 plus fees each and includes admission and dinner along with a commemorative poster, may be purchased at BigSkyConf.com/HOF. The Big Sky Conference has partnered with Baron Championship Rings since 2023.
2026 Big Sky Hall of Fame Class (Alphabetical Order)
Dennis Erickson – Montana State & Idaho (Football Student-Athlete, 1966-68/Head Coach, 1982-85)
Dennis Erickson both played and coached football in the Big Sky Conference… Erickson suited up for Montana State from 1966-68, leading the Bobcats to three-straight Big Sky titles at quarterback… He was First Team All-Big Sky in both 1967 and 1968, and was named an Honorable Mention to the All-American Team in 1968 as well… Erickson began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Montana State in 1969… In 1982, Erickson became the head coach of the Idaho Vandals, where he left as the school's all-time wins leader… While at Idaho, he made two playoff appearances and claimed two Big Sky titles…Eventually, Erickson's career led him to Miami, where he won a pair of National Championships in both 1989 and 1991…. During Erickson's illustrious career, he served as the head coach at Wyoming, Washington State, Oregon State, Arizona State, as well as the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers… He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2019 after compiling a career collegiate record of 179-96-1.
Frank Hawkins – Nevada (Football Student-Athlete, 1979-80)
Nevada's Frank Hawkins played in the Big Sky Conference in 1979 and 1980… He was a two-time First Team All-Big Sky selection, and three-time All-American during his whole career with the Wolf Pack… He finished his career as the Wolf Pack's all-time rushing leader and the NCAA's third all-time rushing leader with 5,333 career yards... During his Big Sky tenure, he averaged 154.64 rushing yards per game… Across his two seasons in the league, he accounted for 24 touchdowns… In 1979 he led Nevada to the FCS Playoffs, becoming the first team from the Big Sky to make it… Hawkins was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1997… His No. 27 is retired by Nevada… He was selected in the 10th round of the NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders, where he played until 1987 and was a Super Bowl Champion (XVIII)… In 1991, following his football career, he became the first African-American to be elected to public office in Las Vegas history, serving four years on the city council… With his selection, Hawkins becomes the first athlete from an institution that is not a current member to be inducted into the Big Sky Conference Hall of Fame.
Eric Heins – Northern Arizona (Cross Country/Track & Field Head Coach, 2007-16)
Eric Heins served as Northern Arizona's head cross country, indoor track & field and outdoor track & field coach from 2007-2016… He led the Lumberjacks to a Division I Cross Country National Championship title in 2016, becoming the first non-football team in Big Sky Conference history to win a national championship… For his efforts, Heins was named 2016 Men's National Cross Country Coach of the Year… That season started a near decade of dominance for the Lumberjacks, as they won six National Championships in seven seasons from 2016-22 under the direction of Michael Smith, who took over for Heins following his departure… During his tenure the Lumberjacks had nine top-10 national team finishes and coached 55 All-Americans… He claimed 28 Big Sky Conference championship team titles as a head coach and was named Coach of the Year 27 different occasions… Heins, who stepped away from coaching for a few years after the 2016 cross country season, returned to the profession in 2019 and currently serves as the head cross country coach at Indiana University.
Amber Henry – Weber State (Women's Cross Country/Track & Field Student-Athlete, 2010-14)
Amber Henry competed in cross country, indoor track & field and outdoor track & field for Weber State from 2010-14… She was three-time All-American and 11-time Big Sky Champion during the course of her career… On two separate occasions she qualified for the NCAA Cross Country National Championships, and earned All-American honors in 2012… She was a two-time All-American in the 3,000-meter Steeplechase, becoming the first Wildcat to earn that title twice in the same event… On two different occasions she was the Big Sky cross country individual champion, and is the only Wildcat to accomplish that feat twice… In 2022 she was inducted into the Weber State Hall of Fame.
Pam Parks – Eastern Washington (Volleyball Head Coach/Administrator, 1976-78, 85-99; 1999-2018)
Pam Parks worked at Eastern Washington University in some capacity across five different decades… She started as an incredibly successful volleyball coach, making three NCAA Tournament Appearances (1989, 1998, 1999)… In 1989 she was named AVCA Northwest Region Coach of the Year and Big Sky Coach of the Year… Parks accumulated 310 career wins during her tenure in the Big Sky Conference… Following the 1999 season, Parks moved into administration and served as the Associate Athletic Director and Senior Women's Administrator for the Eagles… She worked in the athletic department until her retirement in 2018… During her career, she was a member of the NCAA Volleyball Committee… Eastern Washington inducted Parks into their Athletics Hall of Fame in 2007… Her 1989, 1998 and 1999 teams have all also been inducted into the EWU Hall of Fame.
Michael Ray Richardson – Montana (Men's Basketball Student-Athlete, 1974-78)
Michael "Sugar" Ray Richardson played basketball at Montana from 1974-78… The 6-foot-5 guard led the Grizzlies to an NCAA Tournament victory over Utah State as a freshman in 1975… He was the first three-time Big Sky First Team All-Conference selection for the Griz… He set the program record for single-season scoring in 1977-78 with an average of 24.2 points per game… Richardson averaged 19.2 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game during his collegiate career... In 1978 he was drafted fourth overall to the New York Knicks, the highest pick ever by a Big Sky basketball player… Richardson played eight-year in the NBA career with the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, and New Jersey Nets… In 1985 he was named NBA Comeback Player of the Year… Richardson was a four-time NBA All-Star, a two-time All-Defensive First Team selection, led the NBA in steals three times, and led once in assists…Richardson played professionally until 2014…Richardson passed away in 2025 in Lawton, Oklahoma.
Jackie Ross Mattox – Idaho (Women's Track & Field Student-Athlete, 1989-93)
Jackie Ross Maddox was a jumper for the track & field teams at Idaho from 1989-93… At the end of her collegiate career, she was a 10-time Big Sky Conference champion… She was named Big Sky Outstanding Indoor Field Athlete in 1990, 1991 and 1992… In 1991 she competed at the Indoor National Championships in triple jump… In 1987 she competed in long jump at the World Championships and won gold at the CARIFTA Games… In 1988 she was an Olympian for St. Vincent, becoming the first female Olympian to compete under the St. Vincent flag… She finished 26th at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea… She remains the Idaho triple jump record holder to this day... Maddox was inducted into the Idaho Vandals Hall of Fame in 2014.
Willie Sojourner – Weber State (Men's Basketball Student-Athlete, 1968-71)
Willie Sojourner played three seasons at Weber State, and participated in the NCAA Tournament during every single one…In 1969 he led the Wildcats to a pair of NCAA Tournament wins, with victories over Seattle and New Mexico State… The native of Philadelphia was recruited to Weber State by legendary coach and fellow Big Sky Hall of Famer Dick Motta... He became a three-time First Team All-Big Sky selection, and led the Wildcats to three consecutive Big Sky titles… Sojourner still holds the Big Sky record for career rebounding with an average of 14.1 per game… He scored 1,563 points with 1,143 rebounds in 81 career games… His No. 35 uniform was the first retired in Weber State basketball history… The 6-foot-9 center/power forward was drafted in 1971 in the second round by the Chicago Bulls... He Played four years in the ABA with two different teams before embarking on a long professional career in Italy… Sojourner was a teammate of Julius Erving with the ABA Virginia Squires and New Jersey Nets, where he bestowed the iconic "Dr. J" nickname to the NBA Hall of Famer… Sojourner also became Weber State's first NCAA All-American athlete when he placed third in the 1970 NCAA Men's Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championship with a high jump of 7-feet… Sojourner passed away in 2005 in a car accident in Rieti, Italy... The arena of his former team Sebastiani in Rieti is named in Sojourner's honor.
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Erickson is one of two with ties to Montana State to be inducted on Saturday, July 25 beginning at 6:30 pm PT/7:30 pm MT at the Northern Quest Resort and Casino near Spokane, Wash. Erickson quarterbacked the Bobcats to Big Sky Championships in 1966, 1967 and 1968, and began his legendary coaching career at MSU in 1969. Fellow inductee Pam Parks won 19 games as MSU's head volleyball coach in 1983, but made her name as a record-setting head coach at her alma mater, Eastern Washington.
This year's class marks the fifth for the Big Sky Conference, which formed in 1963, and raises the Hall of Fame's membership to 54. The Hall of Fame banquet launches the leagues Football Kickoff Weekend.
This year's induction class: Dennis Erickson, Montana State/Idaho (football student-athlete/coach); Frank Hawkins, Nevada (football student-athlete); Eric Heins (Northern Arizona, cross country/track and field head coach); Amber Henry, Weber State (cross country/track and field student-athlete); Pam Parks, Eastern Washington (volleyball head coach/administrator); Michael Ray Richardson, Montana (men's basketball student-athlete); Jackie Ross Mattox, Idaho (track and field student-athlete); and Willie Sojourner, Weber State (men's basketball student-athlete).
Student-athletes must have participated in two full seasons at a Big Sky member institution and may be considered for induction beginning five years following the completion of their intercollegiate eligibility. Coaches may be inducted after completing five years at a member school and been out of the conference for at least five years. Administrators must serve three years at a league school and are eligible immediately.
Tickets for the event, which cost $85 plus fees each and includes admission and dinner along with a commemorative poster, may be purchased at BigSkyConf.com/HOF. The Big Sky Conference has partnered with Baron Championship Rings since 2023.
2026 Big Sky Hall of Fame Class (Alphabetical Order)
Dennis Erickson – Montana State & Idaho (Football Student-Athlete, 1966-68/Head Coach, 1982-85)
Dennis Erickson both played and coached football in the Big Sky Conference… Erickson suited up for Montana State from 1966-68, leading the Bobcats to three-straight Big Sky titles at quarterback… He was First Team All-Big Sky in both 1967 and 1968, and was named an Honorable Mention to the All-American Team in 1968 as well… Erickson began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Montana State in 1969… In 1982, Erickson became the head coach of the Idaho Vandals, where he left as the school's all-time wins leader… While at Idaho, he made two playoff appearances and claimed two Big Sky titles…Eventually, Erickson's career led him to Miami, where he won a pair of National Championships in both 1989 and 1991…. During Erickson's illustrious career, he served as the head coach at Wyoming, Washington State, Oregon State, Arizona State, as well as the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers… He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2019 after compiling a career collegiate record of 179-96-1.
Frank Hawkins – Nevada (Football Student-Athlete, 1979-80)
Nevada's Frank Hawkins played in the Big Sky Conference in 1979 and 1980… He was a two-time First Team All-Big Sky selection, and three-time All-American during his whole career with the Wolf Pack… He finished his career as the Wolf Pack's all-time rushing leader and the NCAA's third all-time rushing leader with 5,333 career yards... During his Big Sky tenure, he averaged 154.64 rushing yards per game… Across his two seasons in the league, he accounted for 24 touchdowns… In 1979 he led Nevada to the FCS Playoffs, becoming the first team from the Big Sky to make it… Hawkins was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1997… His No. 27 is retired by Nevada… He was selected in the 10th round of the NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders, where he played until 1987 and was a Super Bowl Champion (XVIII)… In 1991, following his football career, he became the first African-American to be elected to public office in Las Vegas history, serving four years on the city council… With his selection, Hawkins becomes the first athlete from an institution that is not a current member to be inducted into the Big Sky Conference Hall of Fame.
Eric Heins – Northern Arizona (Cross Country/Track & Field Head Coach, 2007-16)
Eric Heins served as Northern Arizona's head cross country, indoor track & field and outdoor track & field coach from 2007-2016… He led the Lumberjacks to a Division I Cross Country National Championship title in 2016, becoming the first non-football team in Big Sky Conference history to win a national championship… For his efforts, Heins was named 2016 Men's National Cross Country Coach of the Year… That season started a near decade of dominance for the Lumberjacks, as they won six National Championships in seven seasons from 2016-22 under the direction of Michael Smith, who took over for Heins following his departure… During his tenure the Lumberjacks had nine top-10 national team finishes and coached 55 All-Americans… He claimed 28 Big Sky Conference championship team titles as a head coach and was named Coach of the Year 27 different occasions… Heins, who stepped away from coaching for a few years after the 2016 cross country season, returned to the profession in 2019 and currently serves as the head cross country coach at Indiana University.
Amber Henry – Weber State (Women's Cross Country/Track & Field Student-Athlete, 2010-14)
Amber Henry competed in cross country, indoor track & field and outdoor track & field for Weber State from 2010-14… She was three-time All-American and 11-time Big Sky Champion during the course of her career… On two separate occasions she qualified for the NCAA Cross Country National Championships, and earned All-American honors in 2012… She was a two-time All-American in the 3,000-meter Steeplechase, becoming the first Wildcat to earn that title twice in the same event… On two different occasions she was the Big Sky cross country individual champion, and is the only Wildcat to accomplish that feat twice… In 2022 she was inducted into the Weber State Hall of Fame.
Pam Parks – Eastern Washington (Volleyball Head Coach/Administrator, 1976-78, 85-99; 1999-2018)
Pam Parks worked at Eastern Washington University in some capacity across five different decades… She started as an incredibly successful volleyball coach, making three NCAA Tournament Appearances (1989, 1998, 1999)… In 1989 she was named AVCA Northwest Region Coach of the Year and Big Sky Coach of the Year… Parks accumulated 310 career wins during her tenure in the Big Sky Conference… Following the 1999 season, Parks moved into administration and served as the Associate Athletic Director and Senior Women's Administrator for the Eagles… She worked in the athletic department until her retirement in 2018… During her career, she was a member of the NCAA Volleyball Committee… Eastern Washington inducted Parks into their Athletics Hall of Fame in 2007… Her 1989, 1998 and 1999 teams have all also been inducted into the EWU Hall of Fame.
Michael Ray Richardson – Montana (Men's Basketball Student-Athlete, 1974-78)
Michael "Sugar" Ray Richardson played basketball at Montana from 1974-78… The 6-foot-5 guard led the Grizzlies to an NCAA Tournament victory over Utah State as a freshman in 1975… He was the first three-time Big Sky First Team All-Conference selection for the Griz… He set the program record for single-season scoring in 1977-78 with an average of 24.2 points per game… Richardson averaged 19.2 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game during his collegiate career... In 1978 he was drafted fourth overall to the New York Knicks, the highest pick ever by a Big Sky basketball player… Richardson played eight-year in the NBA career with the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, and New Jersey Nets… In 1985 he was named NBA Comeback Player of the Year… Richardson was a four-time NBA All-Star, a two-time All-Defensive First Team selection, led the NBA in steals three times, and led once in assists…Richardson played professionally until 2014…Richardson passed away in 2025 in Lawton, Oklahoma.
Jackie Ross Mattox – Idaho (Women's Track & Field Student-Athlete, 1989-93)
Jackie Ross Maddox was a jumper for the track & field teams at Idaho from 1989-93… At the end of her collegiate career, she was a 10-time Big Sky Conference champion… She was named Big Sky Outstanding Indoor Field Athlete in 1990, 1991 and 1992… In 1991 she competed at the Indoor National Championships in triple jump… In 1987 she competed in long jump at the World Championships and won gold at the CARIFTA Games… In 1988 she was an Olympian for St. Vincent, becoming the first female Olympian to compete under the St. Vincent flag… She finished 26th at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea… She remains the Idaho triple jump record holder to this day... Maddox was inducted into the Idaho Vandals Hall of Fame in 2014.
Willie Sojourner – Weber State (Men's Basketball Student-Athlete, 1968-71)
Willie Sojourner played three seasons at Weber State, and participated in the NCAA Tournament during every single one…In 1969 he led the Wildcats to a pair of NCAA Tournament wins, with victories over Seattle and New Mexico State… The native of Philadelphia was recruited to Weber State by legendary coach and fellow Big Sky Hall of Famer Dick Motta... He became a three-time First Team All-Big Sky selection, and led the Wildcats to three consecutive Big Sky titles… Sojourner still holds the Big Sky record for career rebounding with an average of 14.1 per game… He scored 1,563 points with 1,143 rebounds in 81 career games… His No. 35 uniform was the first retired in Weber State basketball history… The 6-foot-9 center/power forward was drafted in 1971 in the second round by the Chicago Bulls... He Played four years in the ABA with two different teams before embarking on a long professional career in Italy… Sojourner was a teammate of Julius Erving with the ABA Virginia Squires and New Jersey Nets, where he bestowed the iconic "Dr. J" nickname to the NBA Hall of Famer… Sojourner also became Weber State's first NCAA All-American athlete when he placed third in the 1970 NCAA Men's Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championship with a high jump of 7-feet… Sojourner passed away in 2005 in a car accident in Rieti, Italy... The arena of his former team Sebastiani in Rieti is named in Sojourner's honor.
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