Duane Wales Joins Allen Community College Hall of Fame

Allen Community College will honor one of its most distinguished baseball players, Duane Wales, during a two-day induction ceremony into the Athletics Hall of Fame on February 13-14, 2026. Wales, who played for the Red Devils in the early 1980s, is celebrated for his remarkable contributions to the college’s baseball program.

Originally from Portsmouth, Ohio, Wales joined Allen Community College in the fall of 1981. Although he was recruited as a pitcher, he quickly made a name for himself as a hitter. His freshman season in 1982 was nothing short of spectacular, as he set school records with 88 hits, 17 home runs, 86 RBIs, and a batting average of .379.

Record-Setting Achievements

Wales continued to excel in his sophomore year, further raising the bar by breaking his own records. In 1983, he recorded 92 hits, 25 home runs, and 88 RBIs, which earned him a spot on the Region VI All-Star team as a designated hitter. His performance during the 1983 NJCAA World Series in Grand Junction, Colorado, was particularly noteworthy. Wales led all hitters with an impressive .632 batting average, going 12-for-19 at the plate, including two home runs and eight RBIs.

For his outstanding play, Wales was awarded the prestigious “Big Stick” award and named to the Junior College World Series All-Tournament Team. These accolades cemented his legacy as one of the all-time great hitters in Allen Community College history.

A Legacy Beyond Allen

Following his time at Allen, Wales took his talents to the collegiate level, playing at the University of Texas-Pan American and Fort Hays State University. He carried the same dedication and skill that defined his career as a Red Devil, making significant contributions to his subsequent teams.

Wales’s records and achievements continue to be celebrated at Allen Community College, where his impact on the baseball program remains profound. As part of the Hall of Fame induction, the college invites the community to join in honoring his legacy.

In addition to Wales, five other individuals will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2026:

• Bob Saueressig, Cross Country & Track (1967–68)
• Kenny Norris, Track & Field (1973–74)
• Apple Jones, Women’s Basketball (1990–92)
• 1996 Golf Team
• Judith Bragg, Volleyball Coach (1973–82)

As this induction ceremony approaches, the Allen Community College community looks forward to celebrating the achievements and contributions of these remarkable athletes.