Every community has its legends. The people whose dedication, leadership, and love for the game leave a mark long after the final whistle. In the NIRSA Championship Series, those individuals have a home: the NIRSA Championship Series Hall of Fame. What began as a way to recognize excellence in NIRSA Championship Series Flag Football has evolved into something much greater. It’s a celebration of all the people who have built, shaped, and carried The Series forward. Over the years, the Hall of Fame has honored players, coaches, and contributors whose efforts have defined what the Championship Series stands for: community, competition, and connection. But like The Series itself, the Hall of Fame continues to grow. Through conversations with NIRSA members, one truth became clear: our previous format didn’t fully reflect the reach and depth of our community. Many of The Series’ most impactful leaders have influenced multiple sports, mentoring officials across disciplines, serving countless tournaments, or setting the standard for what it means to lead through service. So, we listened.
New format
This year, the Hall of Fame has been redesigned to better tell those stories. Now, nominations can highlight a person’s work as a player, coach, or contributor and attach one or more sports to showcase the full scope of their impact. Because our Hall of Fame shouldn’t just represent moments on the fields or courts. It should capture the people who have built a lifetime of moments across the entire spectrum of NIRSA Championship Series experiences. That change opens the door to recognize people like Dave Peters, Senior Associate Director, Campus Recreation, Florida State University and a true man of many talents. From flag football and basketball to tennis, Dave has long been the voice of the Series. He has supported Series Live webcasts—including the soccer lottery show—and created soccer and tennis pool play videos. Over the years, Dave has worn countless hats, and today you’ll often find him leading all things tennis. His passion for The Series is unmistakable. We can also celebrate leaders like Oscee Wheatfall, Associate Director of Operations & Events at Texas A & M University-College Station, who served as Chair of the Series not once, but twice. Oscee has contributed to numerous committees and work teams, always focused on “moving the needle forward.” His impact on those who have followed in his footsteps is undeniable—through his leadership, mentorship, and willingness to return and lend his expertise when the Executive Team needed it most. We can recognize Brooke Turner, Director of Recreation Programs at the University of Alabama, who has been involved across basketball, flag football, and tennis. Brooke is our primary Director of Competition and truly knows how to run a tournament. Her no-nonsense friendliness—especially when reminding tennis teams to stop warming up and start playing—is legendary. Brooke has also led The Series as Executive Team Chair, bringing a passion for elevating and improving The Series that is unmatched. And then there’s Scott Flickinger, Director of Campus Recreation at SUNY Cortland and former Championship Series Chair, he’s another individual who has worn many hats. Scott has mentored dozens of students and young professionals, capturing moments behind the camera (or phone), supporting officials and staff at fields and courts, and serving as a trusted friend to many. These are the kinds of leaders whose influence spans years and reaches across sports. They are the people who remind us through their commitment what service through NIRSA truly looks like. Each spring, at the NIRSA Conference, we come together to honor the newest class of inductees. In 2026, that celebration will take place in National Harbor, April 7–10, where we’ll once again gather to reflect on the people who helped to make us who we are. It’s a ceremony that doesn’t just look back but also reminds us that the spirit of The Series is carried forward by those who continue to show up, lead, and give back. Now, it’s our turn! It’s our responsibility to lift up those who have given so much to us. The Hall of Fame is our chance to say thank you and to make sure the people who poured their hearts into this community are acknowledged, celebrated, and remembered. If someone’s name just came to mind, don’t keep it to yourself. Nominate them. Tell their story. Share their impact. Nominations for the 2026 NIRSA Championship Series Hall of Fame are open now through January 15. Because honoring the past isn’t just tradition. It's how we build the future. After all, they are, and always will be, the Heart of the Series.
- For more information, contact NIRSA Director of National Sports Programs, Nicole Jackson.
