WISH-TV 8 Sports Director Anthony “A.C.” Calhoun was inducted into the Marian University 2022 Clayton Family Circle of Honor, and Marian University Cycling Coach Dean Peterson was recognized with the university’s Wall of Fame award at a ceremony Wednesday, April 27th.
Hosted by Larra Overton, producer, host, and reporter for Colts Productions, the 13th-annual event was held at the Marian University Arena and Conference Center with more than 450 guests in attendance. More than a half-million dollars was raised to support scholarships for Marian student-athletes.
Circle of Honor Inductee Anthony “A.C.” Calhoun is an Emmy Award-winning sportscaster and Evansville native who leads the WISH-TV 8 sports team as sports director and main sports anchor. In addition, he hosts SportsLocker on WISH-TV and the Emmy Award-winning Countdown to Kickoff Colts pre-game show during football season. When he’s not on-air, Calhoun spends his free time fundraising to help children in need. To date, the A.C. Charity Golf Classic has raised more than $2 million to promote excellence in inner-city youth education.
“It is such an honor to be recognized by Marian University,” Calhoun said. “I am humbled since I have a heart for students and highlighting their academic and sporting success, and I really believe team sports is a way for students to learn the importance of working with others for a common goal,” Calhoun said.
Marian University’s longstanding Cycling Coach Dean Peterson is also being honored as a Wall of Fame Inductee. The award, established more than 50 years ago, recognizes individuals and teams who have made exceptional contributions to the prestige and honor of Marian University both on and off the field. Peterson has been the head coach of Marian University's cycling team, the most successful program in collegiate cycling history, for 16 seasons. Peterson’s “student-first” philosophy has contributed to the team's success in earning nine USA Cycling Club of the Year awards, as well as 14 consecutive Collegiate Track National
“To be recognized in this way is a real honor, Peterson said. “It gives me great joy to not only assist the student-athletes academically but also give them support and coaching to achieve their cycling goals and a team connection.”
The annual awards dinner celebrates Marian University athletics and honors those inducted into the Clayton Family Circle of Honor. In addition to Calhoun, several student-athletes were recognized for their accomplishments. Senior Bryce Carmack was recognized for winning the NAIA National Championship in the pole vault, Erin Oleksak for winning the NAIA National Championship in the indoor pentathlon, and the Marian Cycling Team for winning the national track championship in the team sprint.
Special guests in attendance included former Circle of Honor inductees Mark Miles, president & CEO of Penske Entertainment, and Allison Melangton, senior vice president of Penske Entertainment.
“The Clayton Family Circle of Honor was created because of our generous supporters, Joe and Jan Clayton, who believe in the character-building qualities associated with athletics in a university community,” said Marian University President Daniel J. Elsener. “At Marian, the tradition of faith and values is activated in many ways, including athletics. Student-athletes learn respect, fair play, the value of ethics and teamwork.”