Six LSU Greats Elected for Induction into Athletics Hall of Fame
Louisiana State University (LSU) is set to honor six of its most distinguished athletes with induction into the LSU Athletics Hall of Fame. This prestigious recognition celebrates their exceptional contributions to LSU sports and their lasting impact on the university’s athletic legacy.
🏆 1. Seimone Augustus – Women’s Basketball
Seimone Augustus is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in women’s college basketball history. During her time at LSU from 2002 to 2006, she led the Tigers to four consecutive Final Four appearances and secured the 2005 NCAA national championship. Augustus was a three-time All-American and the recipient of numerous accolades, including the 2006 Naismith College Player of the Year award. Her jersey was retired by LSU in 2006, and she went on to have a stellar career in the WNBA with the Minnesota Lynx, winning four championships and earning multiple All-Star selections.
🏈 2. Johnny Robinson – Football
Johnny Robinson was a standout two-way player for the LSU Tigers from 1957 to 1959. He was instrumental in LSU’s national championship win in 1958 and was known for his versatility, excelling both as a halfback and a defensive back. Following his college career, Robinson played in the American Football League (AFL) and later the National Football League (NFL), earning multiple All-Star selections and a reputation as one of the league’s premier safeties. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019.
🥎 3. Eddy Furniss – Baseball
Eddy Furniss was a dominant force in college baseball during his tenure at LSU from 1995 to 1998. As a first baseman, he led the Tigers to two College World Series titles and was a two-time All-American. Furniss set numerous Southeastern Conference records, including career home runs and RBIs, and won the Dick Howser Trophy as the nation’s top college baseball player in 1998. His number 36 jersey was retired by LSU in honor of his outstanding contributions to the program.
🥇 4. Matt Gordy – Track and Field
Matt Gordy was a pioneering pole vaulter for LSU in the early 1930s. In 1933, he shared first place at both the NCAA and national championships, helping LSU secure the NCAA team title. Gordy’s achievements in the pole vault were instrumental in establishing LSU’s reputation as a powerhouse in track and field during that era.
🏀 5. Gaynell Tinsley – Football and Baseball
Gaynell Tinsley was a multi-sport athlete at LSU in the mid-1930s, excelling in both football and baseball. In football, he was a consensus All-American in 1935 and 1936 and played professionally for the Chicago Cardinals. In baseball, Tinsley was known for his exceptional skills and leadership on the field. His contributions to LSU athletics were significant, and he later served as the head football coach at LSU from 1948 to 1954.
🏈 6. Billy Cannon – Football
Billy Cannon is one of the most iconic figures in LSU football history. He won the 1959 Heisman Trophy and led LSU to a national championship in 1958. Cannon’s legendary 89-yard punt return against Ole Miss in 1959 remains one of the most memorable plays in college football history. After his college career, he played professionally in the American Football League (AFL) and National Football League (NFL), earning multiple All-Star selections and winning league championships.
These six individuals have left an indelible mark on LSU athletics, and their induction into the LSU Athletics Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to their exceptional careers and lasting legacies.
