SENATOBIA - Northwest Mississippi Community College enshrined six additional members in the Northwest Sports Hall of Fame on Thursday, October 16, as part of the college's Homecoming ceremonies.

This year's inductees are rodeo champion Virgil Alsup (1993-95), football stars Bobby Gaston and Terry Lawrence (1981-83), baseball star Chris Lindsey (1981-83), and a pair of basketball standouts - Calvin Madlock (1979-81) and Rochelle Thompson Serrell (1979-81).

Additionally, Northwest recognized its Alumni of the Year Artie and Tina Smith (1976-78) during the ceremonies, as well as the Golden Circle Recognition for the Class of 1975. 

VIRGIL ALSUP: RODEO 1993-95
 
Though the Northwest rodeo program has received a lot of well-deserved national attention lately, the Rangers have had several legends pave the way for the program's current success. Virgil Alsup is one of those legends.

A native of Byhalia, Alsup burst onto the scene for Coach Lawrence "Bud" Young in the fall of 1993, first competing in the program's annual Bull-O-Rama event. In the spring of 1994, Alsup placed near the top of the NIRA Ozark Region standings in bull riding, earning a spot in the College National Finals Rodeo later that summer in Bozeman, Montana. He placed 10th nationally in bull riding and rode again for his sophomore year.

As a sophomore, Alsup placed first in the region standings and third in the national standings by the season's end, sending him back to Bozeman for another shot at glory in the College National
Finals Rodeo.

At the time, Alsup became just the second male rodeo participant from Northwest to make the College National Finals Rodeo, with only steer wrestler Trey Cochran going before him in 1990. Alsup was just the third NWCC rodeo participant to make the CNFR, also joining Merrie Carol Martin, who competed in breakaway roping in 1990. For many years, Alsup was the only Ranger bull rider to earn a spot in the CNFR. That distinction was held until 2011, when Brian Dowdy punched his ticket for the national event.

After Northwest, Alsup pursued his bull riding career within the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and finished in the top 50 his first year. Alsup continued riding for another 12 years in various associations. His top moments include winning the 2002 IPRA Oklahoma rodeo series, along with a new Ford truck, and being the first bull rider to ride all six bulls in three nights at the finals of the National Federation of Professional Bull Riders. Alsup considers his biggest win to be the friendships and memories made along this journey.
 
BOBBY GASTON: FOOTBALL 1981-83
 
It doesn't take much to highlight the accomplishments of the Northwest football program from the early 1980s, but Bobby Gaston was an integral reason for the Rangers' success. Gaston's passion for the sport was nurtured by his parents. From an early age, he envisioned a future in football and was inspired by members of his own family who played college football.

A tenacious defensive lineman, Gaston and his teammates helped pave the way for the program's first-ever NJCAA Championship in 1982. However, his freshman year wasn't all that bad either, as Northwest finished 6-3-1 overall and capped off the season with a victory against Hinds. It was that 1981 season that marked Coach Bobby Ray Franklin's first season leading the Rangers, setting up a long legacy of success.

That success was evident in 1982, when Gaston and Northwest finished the season with a 12-0-1 overall record, with the lone blemish coming in a 7-7 tie to Mississippi Gulf Coast in the MACJC title game. Despite the draw, the Rangers were slotted to play Ferrum College (Va.) in the Eastern Bowl, defeating the Panthers by a 16-9 final.

It was Gaston that would come up with the most crucial plays of the game for Northwest. With the Rangers clinging to a 14-7 lead in the fourth quarter, Gaston made a tackle in the end zone that resulted in a safety, giving Northwest its final two points of the game. During his sophomore season, Gaston accumulated a total of 114 tackles.

Later, Gaston was chosen for a slew of postseason honors, including All-MACJC, All-Region 23 and NJCAA Kodak All-American accolades. He was also named an MACJC All-Star and caught the attention of Arkansas State University, where he suited up for the Indians from 1983-84.

While at ASU, Gaston was part of a remarkable turnaround for the Indians. As a junior, Arkansas State finished with a 5-5-1 record, but turned that into an 8-4-1 overall mark in 1984, earning the Indians an appearance in the NCAA Division I-AA Playoffs. Gaston and his teammates earned an opening round victory against Chattanooga before the postseason run ended with an early December loss at Montana State.

After college, Gaston became the father of five children: Brooke Gaston, Brittany Gaston, Kisha Baker-Williams, Aaron Baker, and Sheena Baker-Jackson, and husband to his lovely wife Patricia Gaston. He has since welcomed eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Gaston eventually relocated to Orlando, Florida, where he founded his own trucking business, Pat Dawgs LLC. He also earned his certification in Electronic Board Assembly at Orange Technical College, demonstrating his commitment to both professional growth and family legacy.
 
TERRY LAWRENCE:  FOOTBALL 1981-83
 
Lawrence played a pivotal role in the Rangers' offensive success during the 1981-82 seasons. The Holly Springs native was labeled a two-time All-MACJC selection and garnered All-Region 23 and NJCAA All-American recognition in 1982, the same season that Northwest captured the program's first national title.

Lawrence had his fair share of pivotal moments in several games during the 1982 season. As the Rangers trailed 15-14 to Copiah-Lincoln four minutes into the fourth quarter, Lawrence scored a short touchdown which was later aided by a safety, pushing Northwest to a 22-15 lead. He later added a 57-yard touchdown that helped the Rangers go on to a 31-22 Homecoming victory.

In the next game against Coahoma, Lawrence scored a touchdown from 79 yards out, helping Northwest to a 27-7 win. It was one of two touchdowns that he would score during the contest.

Against Northeast, Lawrence caught a 50-yard screen pass from quarterback Mark Robbins, setting up a touchdown from the Rangers' signal caller. The score was one of several on the evening from Northwest, as the Rangers earned a 41-0 shutout victory.

Lawrence also scored a pair of touchdowns against Jones County, helping the Rangers advance to the MACJC Championship game. 

Following his college career, he continued pursuing his passion for the game and signed with the Memphis Showboats, where he showcased his skill and competitive spirit at the professional level.

After his time in football, Lawrence chose a different path of service—dedicating his life to his country by joining the United States military. Over the course of his career, he served with honor and distinction, completing three overseas tours and spending part of his service stationed in Frankfurt, Germany. His leadership, commitment, and resilience earned him the respect of his peers and superiors alike.

After a long and decorated career, Lawrence retired at the rank of master sergeant, leaving a legacy of service, sacrifice, and dedication both on and off the field. His journey reflects not only the pursuit of excellence in athletics but also an unwavering devotion to duty and country.
 
CHRIS LINDSEY: BASEBALL 1981-83
 
Chris Lindsey was a standout player on standout teams.

Lindsey was a two-sport athlete at Millington Central High School who was selected to the All-Memphis Metro baseball team following both his junior and senior seasons and chosen as All-Shelby County in football after his senior year.  He was Trojan baseball's most valuable player as a senior and was even a part of the 1979 Mickey Mantle World Championship team.

Lindsey made an immediate impact upon arriving in Senatobia.  He hit .414 in 1982 as a freshman and led the team in doubles. Perhaps his most memorable moment as a Ranger came against rival Gulf Coast when he hit a three-run home run with two outs in extra innings to win the MACJC championship.

He was named team captain before his sophomore season in 1983 and continued to lead by example.  Lindsey led the team in runs batted in and was second in home runs and doubles.  He was selected as a Mississippi Juco All-Star and was chosen as an All-State Honorable Mention pick. 

During his career, Lindsey remarkably only struck out three times and took 40 free passes as one of the centerpieces of the Ranger lineup.  He was a major contributor to teams that still sit in the top 10 of six major categories, including batting average, slugging percentage, on base percentage (twice), and fewest strikeouts (twice).  The team won both the north division and MACJC state championships each year of his career, and the 1982 team's 33 wins is still the seventh most all-time by a Ranger team.

Following his time at Northwest, Lindsey continued to make his mark at Christian Brothers, where he led his team in hits, doubles, home runs, runs batted in, batting average, and slugging percentage.  Many of his marks still stand on the Buccaneers' all-time lists, including those for highest career batting average (.376) and highest career slugging percentage (.688).  In all, he remains in the top 20 in 16 single-season and eight career statistical categories, despite playing just two years for the squad.

For his efforts, Lindsey was voted the team's most valuable player in 1985 and was selected as the Volunteer State Athletic Conference's All-Conference first baseman.

He continued his winning ways as a salesman for Novartis Pharmaceuticals, winning numerous national sales awards during his time with the company. He retired from Novartis after 31 years. 

Lindsey and his wife Sheila reside in Eads, Tennessee, and have five children and four grandchildren.
 
CALVIN MADLOCK: MEN'S BASKETBALL 1979-81
 
Northwest has a rich tradition on the hardwood, and Calvin Madlock is just one of many to thank for the Rangers' basketball success.

Madlock played for one of many talented teams coached by Northwest Sports Hall of Fame coach Kenneth "Cat" Robbins and helped the Rangers finish with a combined 55-7 overall record from 1979-81. In his two seasons in Senatobia, Madlock and his teammates also accomplished back-to-back 12-0 MACJC North Division records.

A native of Sardis, Madlock helped Northwest capture a pair of division titles, as well as the MACJC Championship during his 1979-80 freshman season. The Rangers also made more history that season, finishing 33-1 overall and reaching the NJCAA National Tournament for the first time in the program's history, advancing all the way to the Sweet 16 round.

As a sophomore, Madlock's skills increased as he led Northwest in scoring, averaging 22 points per game and 12 rebounds per game. His talents helped the Rangers post a 22-6 overall record, earning him All-MACJC and All-Region VII accolades. Madlock was also chosen to compete in the MACJC All-Star Game. Off the court, Madlock was voted Mr. NWJC and continued to succeed in his academics.

Receiving a Division I scholarship, Madlock transferred to Northwestern State University. His talents continued for the Demons from 1981-83, where he averaged 15.0 points per game during his senior campaign at Northwestern State. As a junior, Madlock helped NSU to a 19-9 overall record and in 2013, NSU selected Madlock and several of his teammates to the Demons' "Fab 50" all-time basketball team, which was compiled to celebrate 100 years of NSU basketball.

As an undrafted rookie, Madlock was invited to and participated in the 1984 NBA Summer Pro League in Los Angeles/San Diego, California, showcasing his talent before an injury ended his pro career aspirations. In 1996, he earned the Drew League MVP award, along with a Drew League Championship with team Cheaters, where he continued competing alongside NBA players after shifting his career focus.

Madlock holds a Master of Science in Information Technology from Capella University and currently serves as chief director of IT for the Santa Monica Community College District in California. In addition to his professional achievements, Madlock is deeply committed to community service. He currently serves as president of the Heights at Ladera Board of Directors and has been actively involved with organizations such as the Weingart YMCA, University of Irvine Advisory Board, and Boys-To-Men Club of Los Angeles, which he incorporated to mentor young men in underserved communities.
 
ROCHELLE THOMPSON SERRELL:  WOMEN'S BASKETBALL 1979-81
 
Rochelle Thompson Serrell's love for athletics began in Oxford, where she grew up playing basketball in the backyard with her brothers. Her sports journey took a pivotal turn in junior high when her coach said she was too tall for gymnastics and needed to be on the basketball team. She established herself as a standout athlete with commitment and leadership on the court.

As the 1970s turned into the 1980s, the Northwest women's basketball team quickly rose to prominence at both the state and national levels. Thompson Serrell is one of the many reasons behind the Lady Rangers' rise to success.

Led by Northwest Hall of Fame coach Harry Adair, Thompson Serrell and the Lady Rangers captured the 1979-80 MACJC North Division title, en route to MACJC and NJCAA Region VII championships. Even more impressive was the overall 33-1 record, with the lone loss of the season occurring in the NJCAA National Tournament, the first appearance on the national stage for the Northwest program.

Though game results and records weren't recorded for Thompson Serrell's freshman season, her talents still caught the eyes of the conference, as she garnered All-MACJC recognition. She would also earn NJCAA All-American honors for helping the Lady Rangers through their inaugural national tournament run.

As a sophomore, Thompson Serrell would also garner All-MACJC honors for the second consecutive season, helping the Lady Rangers to a 26-1 overall record and a 14-0 mark in the MACJC North Division. Northwest would repeat as the division champions that season, but fell in a close battle to Shelby State (now known as Southwest Tennessee) in the Region VII Tournament.

Following her Lady Ranger career, Thompson Serrell would sign to play at Ole Miss under legendary coach Van Chancellor. While with the Lady Rebels, she helped Ole Miss to an appearance in the inaugural NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament in 1982, and the Lady Rebels would return there the very next season.

At Ole Miss, Thompson Serrell helped the Lady Rebels to a combined 53-11 record during the 1981-82 and 1982-83 seasons. During her senior year, she led the team with 55 steals, averaging 1.7 steals per game.

Professionally, Thompson Serrell has devoted her life to serving others. She currently works as a lead case manager for Dallas County Health and Human Services, helping individuals and families access critical resources. She has also coached the Lady Sparks 12 and under AAU basketball team, volunteered with the North Texas Food Bank, led United Way campaigns, and remains deeply involved in community and youth initiatives.

At the center of her life is family. She is the devoted wife of David Serrell, proud mother to Jarvis and Jaelin, and adoring grandmother to Uriah and Skylah. She is a committed member of Mount Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church, where she serves in the Adult Choir and Children's Ministry.