TISHOMINGO, Okla. – Three former Aggie standouts have been chosen for induction into the Murray State College Athletics Hall of Fame, Athletic Director Brandon Bowling announced on Thursday.
 
Mark Hamilton, Al Smith and Tierani Smith will be honored at the Murray State College Alumni Banquet on November 9, 2024, at the Murray State College Event Center in Ardmore, Oklahoma.
 
"As the new Athletics Director here at Murray State College, it is exciting to get to honor and be part of recognizing the rich history of this institution and the people who gave of themselves to wear the uniform and commit to this community," said Brandon Bowling.
 
The Hall of Fame is the highest athletic honor an institution can bestow upon someone. The inductees become etched in history for eternity.
 
"We are thrilled to welcome Mark, Al and Tierani back to Murray State and to celebrate their outstanding accomplishments as proud Aggies," said Murray State College President Dr. Tim Faltyn. "Their contributions have left a lasting impact on both our campus and the broader community. It is truly an honor to recognize individuals who have made such a meaningful difference.
  
You can purchase tickets to the Alumni Banquet here.
 
Mark Hamilton
Originally from Filmore, Oklahoma, Mark Hamilton graduated from Murray State College in 1981 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He furthered his education at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, earning degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science in 1984. Hamilton has had a distinguished career in education, spending 16 years at Coleman High School, where he taught Mathematics and Computer Science while also coaching multiple sports.
 
Hamilton began his tenure at Murray State as the Head Softball Coach for 10 years, Women's Basketball Coach for seven years, athletic director for three years and classroom instructor for 12 years. From 2000 to 2012, his teams won nine regional championships, made five Softball World Series appearances, produced seven All-American players and garnered 23 Academic All-American awards with 11 Academic All-American teams.
 
Now residing in Fillmore, Oklahoma, Hamilton is the General Manager of his family's businesses, which include Tri-Agri Farm Center, Hamilton Feed & Grain, and Native American Specialty Products, providing agricultural services and pecan processing. Active in the pecan industry, he serves on various boards, including the American Pecan Council and the Oklahoma Pecan Growers Association. Outside of work, Hamilton enjoys flying, skiing, scuba diving and watching sports, especially when it comes to cheering on his grandchildren. He has been married to his wife, Lori, for 43 years and has three children and eight grandchildren. Hamilton values the long-lasting friendships he has formed with fellow alumni from Murray State College and feels
humbled and honored to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
 
Al Smith
Originally from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Al Smith now resides in Ardmore, Oklahoma. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Cameron University and began his academic journey at the University of New Orleans. Smith's passion for golf and coaching began early. In 2011, He became Murray State's Men's and Women's Golf Head Coach, helping pioneer the golf program. Under his leadership from 2011 to 2019, his teams achieved great success, including 11 All-American players, eight regional championships, and a best finish of third place at the national tournament. Smith's contributions earned him a nomination for the 2019 Ping National Coach of the Year.
 
In addition to his coaching accomplishments, Smith is semi-retired and works at Lakeview Golf Course in Ardmore, Oklahoma. Outside of work, he enjoys playing golf and supporting his granddaughters in softball. Smith is married to Cynthia Kay Smith and has two children, Julie Charnock and Ryan Smith.
 
Tierani Smith
Originally from Sulphur, Oklahoma, Tierani Smith graduated from Murray State College in 2015.. During her time at Murray State, she excelled both academically and athletically, earning a spot on the 2014 NJCAA All-Star Team and being named MVP of the 2015 NJCAA Regional Tournament. Smith led her team to a Region 2 Tournament Championship and a national tournament appearance in 2015. She finished second in the country for three-pointers made and holds Murray State records for the most points and most three-pointers made in a single game. Smith averaged 20.3 PPG, shooting 37.6% from the three-point line and 78% from the free-throw line.
 
Following her time at Murray State, Smith continued her athletic career at Arkansas Tech University before deciding to focus on her educational goals and transferring to the University of Central Oklahoma. She would go on to graduate as Class Marshal in 2018. Smith later completed her master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Oklahoma in 2020, also Summa Cum Laude.
 
Now residing in Yukon, Oklahoma, Smith works full-time as a Speech-Language Pathologist at Sensational Kids and PRN in skilled nursing facilities. In her free time, she enjoys watching University of Oklahoma sports, playing golf with her husband Chad, traveling, walking her dog, Zeno, and crafting.
 
She was a member of Murray State College's President's Scholar Program and was crowned Ms. Murray State College in 2015.


Sports Information Director: Justin Wagner | jgwagner@mscok.edu
Aggie Athletics: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram