William Carey University inducted four members into the Sports Hall of Fame on April 21. Inductees included (from left) Clyde Moore, Dianne Evans Kennedy, Greg Moore, and Coach Bobby Halford, who was inducted into the Legacy Hall of Fame. Inductee Andrew Barron is not pictured.
William Carey University inducted four members into its Sports Hall of Fame during a ceremony on April 21 at Southern Oaks House and Gardens in Hattiesburg.
The inductees were Andrew Barron, Dianne Evans Kennedy, Clyde Moore and Greg Moore. WCU Baseball Coach Bobby Halford was inducted into the Legacy Hall of Fame.
Andrew BarronBarron is a native of Invercargill, New Zealand, and arrived at William Carey in the fall of 2000 as a member of the men’s soccer team. As a four-year starter at WCU, Barron was a three-time All-GCAC selection and a two-time NAIA All-American. During his sophomore year, he helped the Crusaders to a Final Four appearance in the NAIA national tournament.
Following graduation, Barron played for the New Orleans Shell Shockers and Minnesota Thunder, and had stints with Lisburn, Canterbury, and Team Wellington. He was a member of the New Zealand National Team and played in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and 2010 FIFA World Cup.
On July 20, 2010, Barron became the only amateur player to take the field in the 2010 World Cup. He played the last four minutes of New Zealand’s 1–1 draw against the 2006 World Cup champions, Italy. New Zealand’s draw against Italy is considered one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.
Barron currently works in investment banking in Australia.
Dianne Evans KennedyKennedy graduated from Taylorsville High School and enrolled at William Carey College in the fall of 1978. She was a member of the 1981 women’s basketball team that appeared in the AIAW National Tournament for the first time in program history. In 1982, she was crowned Miss Mississippi and finished as second runner-up to Miss America.
After graduation, Kennedy was a teacher and coach for four years. She has worked with Blue Cross/Blue Shield for the last 31 years.
Clyde Moore
Moore graduated from Leakesville High School and arrived at William Carey College in the fall of 1976 as a member of the men’s basketball team. As a three-year starter for the Crusaders, Moore was a two-time All-SSAC selection and team captain for three years. He finished his career with 1,585 points, which ranks ninth on the WCU all-time scoring list.
Moore graduated from WCU in 1981 and began a 26-year coaching career that included stints at George County High School, East Central High School, and Ben Lomond High School in Utah. In 2002, he was named the Utah 4A Coach of the Year.
Since 2007, Moore has been in education administration at various middle and high schools in Utah.
Greg MooreMoore graduated from Hattiesburg High School and enrolled at William Carey College in the fall of 1974. He was a three-year starter in center field for the baseball team. Moore was a two-time All-SSAC selection and a member of the legendary 1978 team that was ranked #1 in the NAIA and appeared in the NAIA World Series. Following his senior year, Moore was selected for the USA All-Star team and competed in international games in Korea and Taiwan.
At the conclusion of his baseball career, Moore went into the family business, Moore Funeral Service.
Coach Bobby HalfordHalford first arrived on the Carey campus as a student in fall 1971 after a stand-out prep career at Meridian High. He roamed the outfields for the Crusaders for four seasons playing for legendary Crusader coaches John O'Keefe and John Stephenson.
In 1976, Halford joined the Carey coaching staff as an assistant coach under Stephenson for baseball and became the first head coach of the women's basketball program. The Lady Crusaders had a 152-112 record over 10 seasons and Halford led the team to the 1982-83 GCAC championship. Three WCU players, Wanda Ard, Kathy Swilley, and Tommie Beasley, moved on to play professional basketball in the Women's American Basketball Association.
Halford was the assistant baseball coach for eight seasons. During this time, the Crusaders won three GCAC championships, captured the 1978 NAIA regional tournament and advanced to the 1978 NAIA World Series.
In 1986 Halford was named head baseball coach and began to rewrite the Carey record books. Halford's Crusaders have captured 16 GCAC championships, six NAIA District 30 Championships and participated in 18 NAIA Regional Tournaments. Eight times Halford has been named GCAC Coach of the Year. In 2009, 2011, 2013, 2016 and 2017 the Crusaders advanced to the opening round of the NAIA National Tournament. In 2017, Halford led the Crusaders to the NAIA World Series for the first time since 1978 and to a third-place finish. For his efforts, he was named NAIA Baseball National Coach of the Year. More than 35 former players have moved on to pro ball and several have moved into the coaching ranks.
Halford completed his undergraduate degree in education from William Carey in 1976 and finished his master's degree in education in 1977. During his time at WCU Halford served as athletic director from 1984-87 and he currently serves as an instructor in the School of Education.