HALL OF FAME: Inaugural class celebrated with induction ceremony
February 19, 2022

HALL OF FAME: Inaugural class celebrated with induction ceremony

Cedar Rapids, IA – Kirkwood Community College, the Athletic Department, and friends of Kirkwood celebrated the 2022 Inaugural Hall of Fame.  This year's class was recognized with a formal social, dinner, and induction ceremony on Friday, February 18th at The Hotel at Kirkwood Center. The class was also recognized between the Kirkwood Women's and Men's Basketball games vs. Northeast CC on Saturday. 

The Athletics Hall of Fame class featured three highly decorated individuals in Kirkwood athletic history, two former Kirkwood student-athletes and a prominent head coach.  The inductees are Desiree Francis (Women's Basketball, 1996-98), John M. Lewis (Baseball Head Coach, 1979-2011), and Lu Ann Campbell Schlafke (Softball & Women's Basketball, 1983-85).

Desiree Francis Walker – Women's Basketball, 1996-98

  • NJCAA All-American First Team (1997 & 1998)
  • WBCA Kodak All-American (1998)
  • 1997 NJCAA national championship team (34-3)
  • 1998 NJCAA 5th place team (34-2)
  • Played for Hall of Fame Coach, Kim Muhl  
  • Completed her collegiate career at Iowa State University
  • Played professionally for the New York Liberty – 2nd round pick

John M. Lewis – Head Baseball Coach, 1979-2011

  • 32 years as Head Coach with an overall record of 1095-589
  • 1,000+ wins, multiple Region Coach of the Year awards, multiple trips to the NJCAA World Series
  • 6x Iowa Community College Head Coach of the Year
  • 4x District B Coach of the Year
  • 4x World Series participant
  • 19 players drafted to play professionally
  • Estimate 750+ players recruited and coached over his tenure
  • Numerous All-Region and All-American players
  • Iowa Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame member
  • Cedar Rapids Softball Hall of Fame member

Lu Ann Campbell Schlafke – Softball & Women's Basketball, 1983-85

  • First Kirkwood athlete to receive All-American recognition in two sports (softball & basketball)
  • Second Team NJCAA All-American, Softball (1984)
  • Honorable Mention NJCAA All-American, Women's Basketball (1984)
  • First Team NJCAA All-American, Softball (1985)
  • 1985 NJCAA National Tournament 3rd place finish
  • Completed her collegiate career at Mount Mercy College
  • IGHSAU Pitchers Hall of Fame
  • IGHSAU Softball Hall of Fame

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