Eureka College makes Hall of Fame inductions

The Eureka College Department of Athletics welcomed three former football student-athletes to its Hall of Fame on Friday night, as James Anderson (class of 1978), Sean McCormick (class of 2005) and Morgan Murphy (class of 2005) were inducted during a ceremony at Becker Auditorium inside the Cerf Center on the campus of Eureka College.

Anderson, who will be posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame, was a defensive end on the 1977 football team that was inducted into the Eureka Hall of Fame in 2006 He received NAIA All-District 20 and All-Illini-Badger Football Conference honors as a senior in 1977.

He also earned all-conference accolades following his junior season in 1976, Eureka's first season as a member of the league.

Anderson, who came to EC from Washington, graduated from Eureka College in 1978 with a degree in social science.

He was a dedicated worker in the inner-city of Chicago until his untimely death.

He will be inducted into the Hall of Fame Friday by his former Eureka football teammates and coaching staff.

McCormick starred for the Red Devils on the gridiron as a tight end from 2002 until 2005.

He was a four-time All-Illini-Badger Football Conference choice, including a pair of First Team nods.

Described as an outstanding run-blocker and sure-handed in the passing game, McCormick finished his career with 53 receptions for 684 yards and three touchdowns.

The Bloomington native graduated from Eureka College with a degree in physical education in 2005 and is currently in his seventh year as a physical education teacher and football coach at Tri-Valley Middle School in Downs.

Murphy started at center on the Red Devils' football squad from 2002 until 2004 and was a two-time All-Illini-Badger Football Conference First Team selection.

He was also a two-time winner of the Andy Nicks, Sr. Award, presented to the most outstanding Eureka College lineman.

Following his playing career, Murphy contributed to coaching staffs at Eureka High School and the River Valley co-op before joining the Eureka College coaching staff in 2009 as the offensive line coach.

He has served as the Red Devils' offensive coordinator since 2011.

A native of Lincoln, Murphy graduated from Eureka College in 2005 and holds a master's degree in special education from the University of Phoenix.

He is currently in his first year as a special education teacher at Metamora Township High School.

"We are very excited to welcome these three individuals to the Eureka College Athletics Hall of Fame," EC Director of Athletics Paul Bryant remarked. "Each of these graduates has represented our storied football program and institution with great respect and pride."