Gardner-Webb to Honor Athletic Excellence at Hall of Fame Gala During Homecoming Weekend

Event Celebrates 120 Years of Runnin’ Bulldogs’ Legacy and Recognizes 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—A highlight of the annual Homecoming festivities at Gardner-Webb is the Athletics Hall of Fame Gala. This year’s event on Oct. 17 also kicks off the University’s “120 Years and Runnin’ Strong” celebration.

Alumni and friends will gather for an unforgettable evening to honor the Runnin’ Bulldogs’ legacy and the Hall of Fame Class of 2025 inductees: Amanda Steinmuller Bennett (lacrosse), Graham Whitlock (football), and the late Will Corn, GWU athletics facilities coordinator, who will receive the Chuck Burch Meritorious Service Award.

The semi-formal Hall of Fame Gala features a spirited red carpet walk at 6:30 p.m. and reception, celebratory dinner, and the induction ceremony at 7:15 p.m. Each of the inductees adds another unique chapter to 120 years of Bulldog pride.

Tickets are $35 per person, $65 per couple, or $250 for table of eight.

This celebration was made possible in part by the generous support of OrthoCarolina. Their continued dedication to excellence and community aligns closely with the mission of Gardner-Webb University.

Class of 2025 Inductees

Amanda Steinmuller Bennett

One of the program’s first signees, Bennett played on the women’s lacrosse team from 2015-2018 after a stellar high school career at Mount Hebron High School in Ellicott City, Md. At GWU, she was a three-time All-Big South Conference selection, received honorable mention twice and second team once. She finished her career as the program’s career leader in goals, assists and points. Bennett also set single-season program records for goals and points in both 2017 and 2018. She played in 68 games, collected 123 goals, 50 assists, and achieved a team-high and school-record 61 points in 2018. She also held a single game record for scoring eight goals versus Wofford.

After completing her undergraduate studies at Gardner-Webb, Steinmuller Bennett continued her passion for the sport as a graduate assistant coach at Capital University, Bexley, Ohio, where she also earned her master’s degree in school counseling. For the past six years, Steinmuller Bennett has served as a school counselor in Brentwood, Tenn., while coaching lacrosse for four years. “Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is a tremendous honor and a reminder of the incredible people, opportunities, and experiences that lacrosse has given me,” she affirmed.

Graham Whitlock

Whitlock played football at Laurens District 55 High School in Laurens, S.C. A punter for the Runnin’ Bulldogs from 2001-2004, Whitlock led the NCAA Division I-AA nationally in 2003 with a school-record and Big South-record average of 45.5 yards per attempt. He was a 2003 All-America and three-time, first-team All-Big South Conference selection (2002-2004). Whitlock had 28 career punts of 50-yards or more, which ranks fourth in Big South history, and had 16 of those kicks in 2003.

He was named to the Big South Conference All-Decade Team in 2013 in conjunction with the league’s 30th anniversary. He also made the National Special Teams Player of the Week on Sept. 10, 2002, after averaging 41.3 yards on 11 attempts at Georgia Southern. He also had a career-long, 73-yard punt at Georgia Southern in 2002, which is the second-longest in school history—and had a 71-yard punt at Liberty that same season.

After leaving Gardner-Webb, Whitlock played football in the American Indoor Football League for the Carolina Force. Whitlock is employed with Caliber Collision/Auto Glass as the business development manager for the Northeast. He is also the quarterback/kicking coach for the boys’ varsity and junior varsity football team at Southside Christian School in Greenville, S.C. “I’m very excited for the opportunity to thank a lot of people who impacted my life at Gardner-Webb,” he shared. “I’m also thankful for my parents and brothers who supported me, and for Coach Steve Patton and my teammates. We were a family. I’m also excited to share the honor with my wife and children. The greatest joy in my life is my wife, Nicole; son, Greyson; and twins, Paxton and Peyton.”

Will Corn

For more than a decade, Corn served as the athletics facilities coordinator at Gardner-Webb, where he became known not just for his tireless work ethic, but for the care, humor and warmth he brought to every interaction. He died June 14, 2025, at the age of 46.

Whether preparing fields, assisting a coach, or offering a kind word, Corn’s impact on campus extended far beyond his job description. His presence could be felt in every corner of the athletics community—and beyond. He displayed all the qualifications of the Chuck Burch Meritorious Service Award, which recognizes service to the University, reputation for good character as well as dedicated support for Gardner-Webb Athletics through all seasons.

Beyond his professional duties, Corn was deeply invested in service. He was an active member of the Boiling Springs Area Rotary Club, the Historic Mount Harmony Church board, and the security team at First Baptist Church of Shelby.

Friends and colleagues remember him as a joyful, selfless presence—someone who loved music and laughter, and showed up with a heart for others, friends and strangers alike.

“Will lived a life of deep friendship, love, compassion and true acceptance of everyone,” one friend shared. “One of a kind.”

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event.  Please call 704-406-4270 or email [email protected] with your request.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Learn more at gardner-webb.edu.