The Freed-Hardeman University Sports Hall of Fame has three new members with the induction of Joe Burleson, Beau Caviness, and Hannah Griffin (Skelley) as the class of 2024. Also being recognized with the Distinguished Service Award is Gayle McDonald.
2024 Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony
Joe Burleson
Coaching After FHU
1960-1962
Playing basketball and baseball for the Lions while a student in Freed-Hardeman’s junior college days, Joe Burleson is most known for his half century of coaching at River Forest High School in Hobart, Indiana.
Burleson was a mainstay on the bench for the Ingots’ JV boy’s basketball team, serving as the head coach for 50 consecutive seasons. In that time, he was an assistant coach for 10 different varsity coaches. As an educator he taught fifth grade at River Forest Elementary for over 40 years.
Answering the call when needed, Burleson was the head coach for the Ingot cross country team for eight years and the track and field team for 11. He was the assistant softball coach for 17 years.
The floor of the gym at River Forest now bears his name and because of his half century of service, the no. 50 jersey has been retired at all levels.
Outside of sports, he was awarded the Sagamore of Wabash award - the highest award granted by the governor of Indiana. Previously serving as a deacon, Burleson is still an active member of the Traders Point Church of Christ in Indianapolis.
Beau Caviness
Baseball
2013-2018
Beau Caviness is recognized not only for his stellar work on the diamond, but as an outstanding Christian teammate. Caviness began a weekly Bible study which Lion baseball players have continued to this day.
Beginning his career in 2015, Caviness was tapped as the starter for four games where he struck out 10 in 17 2/3 innings of action before moving into a late bullpen role. He pitched in 48 innings his sophomore campaign where he punched out 51 batters, ending the year with a 6-5 record with four saves. In 2017 he tossed 34 1/3 innings where he upped his save total to six while striking out 38 and surrendering a career-low 15 walks.
Caviness saved his best for his senior season where he was called upon to shut the door as the closer in 33 games. In 47 innings of work, Caviness struck out 62 batters while maintaining a 2.68 earned run average. He tripled his saves total by finishing with an FHU record 18 saves in a single season and also tied for the most in NAIA baseball history.
As of 2024, Caviness made the walk to the mound in more games than any other Lion with 84 appearances. His 28 saves remain the FHU benchmark by more 13, while holding a spot in the top 15 with 161 career strikeouts. In a single season, Caviness holds three of the top 10 appearances marks with his 2018 total of 33 being the most by a Lion. In 2018, he had a K/9 mark of 11.87, third most of any Lion.
Outside of baseball, Caviness was named as Mr. FHU and was selected to the Academic All-Conference Team five times.
Graduating in 2018 with a degree in exercise science and married to Carly, he now works as a physical therapist.
Hannah Griffin (Skelley)
Women’s Golf
2012-2016
The first woman’s golfer to be inducted into FHU’s hall of fame, Hannah Griffin (Skelley) remains the only Lady Lion to qualify for the NAIA National Tournament.
At the national tournament in 2013, she finished fourth in the long drive competition. Across her career as a Lady Lion, Skelley was the low medalist four times while notching nine career top five finishes.
She was twice chosen as the TranSouth Conference player of the week while being chosen to the All-TranSouth Team in 2013.
As of 2024, her 74, 74, and 75 18-hole rounds have her with three of the lowest scores in FHU history.
Graduating in 2016 with a double major of Spanish and secondary education, she spent four years in the public school system as a Spanish teacher and a golf coach before becoming a golf professional for three years. She currently is an office manager and client care coordinator for the Voice of the Heart Center.
Hannah is married to Ryan Skelley and they have two boys, Griffin and Grayson. They live in Murfreesboro and enjoy spending time outside with their boys, exercising, being with their small group at church, and following University of Tennessee sports.
Gayle McDonald was voted to receive the Distinguished Service Award. McDonald is a professor of exercise science at Freed-Hardeman, serving the athletic department as both an athletic trainer and as the faculty athletics representative.
