Knox College Inducts 2026 Hall of Fame Class
The Knox-Lombard Athletic Hall of Fame honors three individuals and the 1970 football team.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Awards
Knox College has officially announced its 2026 class for the Knox-Lombard Athletic Hall of Fame. The new honorees include three standout individual athletes and one historic team.
Why it matters
The induction honors significant athletic achievements in Galesburg history, recognizing athletes and teams that meet strict tenure and post-graduation requirements.
The 1970 football team finished their season with a 6-3 record and scored 225 points. Individual honoree Jon Ripperger recorded a .488 batting average and 13 home runs during his senior season.
The players
Knox College
A private liberal arts college located in Galesburg that maintains its own athletic hall of fame.
Jon Ripperger
A former Knox College student-athlete noted for a senior season batting average of .488.
Sonia (Hibberd) Kesselring
An inductee in the 2026 Knox-Lombard Athletic Hall of Fame class.
Chris Bejbl
A late athlete who is being posthumously inducted into the 2026 Knox-Lombard Athletic Hall of Fame.
1970 Football Team
A historic Knox College athletic squad that finished their season with a 6-3 record.
The details
The 2026 class features Jon Ripperger, Sonia (Hibberd) Kesselring, Chris Bejbl, and the 1970 Football Team. Nominees for this recognition must have attended Knox or Lombard College for at least two years and be five years removed from the institution.
Timeline
March 5, 2026: Chris Bejbl passed away.
October 22-25, 2026: Homecoming and Family and Friends Weekend.
October 23, 2026: The Hall of Fame induction ceremony takes place.
Culture Shift
This induction reinforces the ongoing importance of collegiate legacy programs that preserve local athletic heritage. These ceremonies connect historical athletic achievements with current students and alumni during the annual homecoming tradition.
Alumni and fans should prepare for increased activity on campus during the October 23, 2026, induction ceremony. Residents living near the college may experience higher traffic levels throughout the surrounding Homecoming and Family and Friends Weekend.
The takeaway
Honoring these specific athletes highlights the long-standing athletic traditions that define the Knox College experience. Residents and alumni can reflect on these historical records as part of the college's broader cultural legacy.
What happens next
The formal induction ceremony will occur on October 23, 2026, during the scheduled Homecoming and Family and Friends Weekend in Galesburg.
Further reading
Learn more about local achievements in the Awards section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Prairie Communications, LLC.
