Trio of Mustang Greats Added to 2026 Hall of Fame Class
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - The Mount Mercy athletics department is honored to announce the Hall of Fame Class of 2026, with the ceremony taking place over Homecoming weekend in October. The list features a former men's basketball athlete, baseball athlete, and softball player.
Our first inductee is Dennis McKinney, who was a member of the men's basketball team. During his tenure with the Mount Mercy Mustangs from 2017 to 2021, McKinney distinguished himself as one of the most prolific scorers in the program's history. His remarkable career is punctuated by a series of record-breaking accomplishments that have solidified his status as a basketball legend at Mount Mercy. With 1,779 career points, McKinney ranks third in the school's history, a testament to his scoring prowess and consistency over four seasons. His ability to find the basket is further evidenced by his 650 career field goals, also ranking third all-time at the university.
McKinney's sharpshooting skills extended beyond the arc, as he amassed 231 career three-pointers, securing third place in the school's record books for most three-pointers made. Additionally, his defensive tenacity was showcased by his 85 career blocks, which places him within the top ten all-time for the Mustangs. These statistics underscore McKinney's versatility and all-around contributions on the court.
One of McKinney's most notable achievements came during the 2020-21 season when he averaged an astonishing 24 points per game. This exceptional scoring average not only highlighted his offensive capabilities but also set a new standard, positioning him first all-time for scoring average in a single season at Mount Mercy. McKinney currently plays professional basketball in South America.
Kobey Schlotman's tenure with the Mount Mercy baseball team was nothing short of remarkable. During his playing years from 2021 to 2022, Schlotman established himself as a formidable presence on the mound, earning accolades and setting records that have carved his name into the annals of Mustangs history. His performance in 2022 was particularly noteworthy, as he was honored with the second team All-American distinction by the NAIA Baseball Coaches Association. This prestigious recognition marked the first All-American honor for the Mustangs since 2012, underscoring Schlotman's impact and excellence in collegiate baseball.
Schlotman's prowess as a pitcher was further exemplified by his selection as the Heart of America Pitcher of the Year. His dominance in the conference earned him a place on the first team all-conference, a testament to his skill and competitive spirit. Leading the Heart of America conference with an impressive ERA of 1.64, Schlotman also ranked fourth nationally, showcasing his ability to perform at the highest levels of collegiate baseball. His remarkable season record of 9-1 on the mound highlighted his consistency and effectiveness in securing victories for the Mustangs.
Throughout his career, Schlotman demonstrated an unparalleled ability to challenge and overcome his opponents, as evidenced by his career batting average against of .221, placing him sixth in Mount Mercy history. His exceptional strikeout rate, averaging 11.09 strikeouts per game, set a new standard for the program, earning him the career record for strikeouts per game. Additionally, Schlotman's career total of 159 strikeouts ranks him fifth in school history, a testament to his sustained excellence and determination.
In the 2022 season alone, Schlotman achieved milestones that further solidified his legacy. His ERA of 1.64 was the third lowest in school history for a single season, while his record-setting 13.29 strikeouts per game established a new benchmark for pitching excellence at Mount Mercy.
Beyond his collegiate success, Schlotman continues to pursue his passion for baseball, currently playing for the Schaumburg Boomers in the independent league. This ongoing commitment to the sport exemplifies his dedication and love for the game, qualities that have been evident throughout his career at Mount Mercy.
Jayna Witzany's illustrious career with the Mustangs softball team spanned from 2019 to 2023, during which she set an exceptional standard of excellence and determination. Her tenure at Mount Mercy is marked by record-breaking achievements that have left an indelible mark on the softball program. With an extraordinary 85 victories in the pitcher's circle, Witzany holds the record for the most wins in school history. Her impressive earned run average (ERA) of 1.61 ranks third, while her opponent batting average of 1.91 is also third in the university's history.
Moreover, Witzany's 9.92 strikeouts per game rank her fifth in this category, showcasing her dominance and skill on the field. Notably, she holds the record for the most appearances, starts, and complete games in Mount Mercy history. Her legacy further extends into the national arena, as she is one of only ten players in NAIA history to achieve over 1,000 career strikeouts, marking her as a standout performer not just within her university, but on a larger competitive scale.
In recognition of her outstanding performance and contributions, Witzany was a two-time All-American and a three-time all-conference pitcher. In her final year, she was honored as the conference pitcher of the year and was voted Mount Mercy's top female athlete, accolades that underscore her exceptional skill and leadership.
The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on Friday, October 2, inside the Hennessey Rec Center.