BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – The Gardner-Webb University Athletics Department has proudly announced the induction of two individuals into the 2024 Hall of Fame Class. This year's ceremony will take place on Friday, October 18 and will include former standout wrestler Dustin Porter and women's basketball star Margaret Roundtree.
 
Porter, a native of Burton, Ohio, put together an illustrious career while donning the Gardner-Webb singlet from 2005-2010. After redshirting his rookie season at GWU, Porter started to immediately make an impact on the mat as he won the first of four East Region Titles while advancing to the NCAA Championship in each of his final four seasons. During that season he was able to lead the Runnin' Bulldogs with 28 wins, five coming via pin.
 
That was only the beginning for Porter as he followed that up in 2007-08 with his second consecutive East Region Title after winning three straight matches to earn an automatic bid into the NCAA Championship. Once again, Porter led the Runnin' Bulldogs with 28 wins.
 
During the 2008-09 campaign, Porter began to receive national recognition after being nationally ranked for the majority of the season, jumping to as high as No. 10 in the country. He was able to grab a career high 31wins while going 21-2 in dual matches.
 
Porter wrapped up his final year with the Runnin' Bulldogs, placing 5^th at the Southern Scuffle before capturing his fourth and final East Region Crown. One year after graduation Porter placed in the top 7 at the US Open Tournament, qualifying him for the world team trials. He was ranked in the top 10 on the Olympic ladder in the heavyweight division from 2-11-2013.
 
When asked what it means to be selected into the 2024 GWU Hall of Fame Class, Porter replied, "Building things has become my life's work. That journey began at Gardner-Webb University, with the goal of building the wrestling program at the Division I level. Being inducted into the University's Hall of Fame is the greatest validation of achieving that goal I could possibly imagine."
 
"For many years I struggled with the fact that my career aspirations did not equal my career accomplishments," added Porter. "Only with the passage of time have I been able to appreciate the significance of my accomplishment."
 
Roundtree, coming to Gardner-Webb from Durham, N.C., was a four-year member of the Runnin' Bulldogs women's basketball team. In total, Roundtree played in 126 total games for GWU, which ranks third most all-time.
 
Roundtree was a household name for the women's basketball program from 2006-2010, sitting in the top-10 of the record books in a range of categories. The 2009-10 Big South Player of the Year led her team to an astounding 28-5 overall record and 15-1 mark in league play while earning a berth into the Women's Basketball NIT. She was named to the Big South Conference All-Tournament Team during her senior campaign as well as First Team All-Conference after averaging 12.2 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.
 
A menace on the glass, Roundtree holds the fourth-most rebounds in program history with 789 while also sitting fifth in total field goal percentage at .469. Her 1,337 career points lands her in the top 10 in scoring and can be contributed to the 161 baskets made during the 2007-08 season, which ranks fourth all-time for most field goals made in a season. For her efforts during a stellar career, Roundtree was named conference player of the week on three occasions.
 
"Being selected as a Hall of Fame inductee at this university is an honor beyond words," said Roundtree. "It's a testament to the hard work, passion, and dedication I poured into the game I love. More than that, it reflects the impact of my coaches, teammates, and the community who believed in me, challenged me, and stood by my side. This recognition isn't just about my achievements-it's a celebration of every moment, lesson, and connection that made my journey unforgettable."
 
Roundtree added, "Looking back 15 years later, basketball at this university was more than just a game; it was a journey of growth, resilience, and unity. Every dribble, every shot, every moment on the court taught me that true success wasn't measured by the scoreboard, but by the heart, determination, and bonds we built along the way. With the unwavering support of my coaches guiding me and my teammates lifting me up, I learned that together, we rose higher than we ever could alone."
 
Gardner-Webb University President Dr. William Downs joined in celebrating Porter and Roundtree and their return to campus during Homecoming Weekend: "Our student-athletes do so much for GWU, and we are delighted this year to give special recognition to two who rose to a uniquely lofty stature as a result of their accomplishments. Induction into the Hall of Fame ensures their legacy, and both Dustin Porter and Margaret Roundtree will serve as inspiration for generations of Runnin' Bulldogs to come." 
 
Vice President and Director of Athletics Andrew Goodrich added, "Margaret and Dustin are two incredible additions to an already outstanding collection of Gardner-Webb Athletics Hall of Fame honorees. Their efforts are inspirational, and their accomplishments are aspirational to our current student-athletes. I look forward to honoring each of them in front of their friends, family, and teammates this year."

This year's Hall of Fame induction ceremony is open to the public and will take place on Friday, October 18, inside the Tucker Student Center beginning at 6:30 p.m.