Athletics Hall of Fame
Rich Bindernagel ’79
A powerhouse on the golf course, Rich Bindernagel was inducted into the 2023 Athletics Hall of Fame for his achievements in golf. He played on the men’s team from 1976-79. Bindernagel earned All-Hoosier Buckeye Collegiate Conference honors all four years and was the first men’s golfer at Bluffton to achieve the feat. He was named All-National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) District 22 in 1976, 1977 and 1978.
In 1977 he was the NAIA District 22 medalist and qualified for the NAIA National Tournament in Saginaw, Mich. Bindernagel was a match and tournament medalist 21 times over his four years. During his senior year, Bindernagel was Men’s Varsity “B” President and earned the A.C. Burcky Award as the top senior male athlete.
A 1979 graduate in accounting and business, Bindernagel played professional golf for a year and a half including a time on the Space Coast Mini-Tour in Florida. Upon return to Ohio, he worked in accounting and sales before becoming the owner and president of The PAR Group, Inc., for 30-plus years. Now retired, Bindernagel lives in Middleburg Heights, Ohio, with his wife Gail. They have two adult children Richard Jr. and Faith.
“Bluffton offered an opportunity for me to grow academically and spiritually as well
as create many new friendships some of which have lasted a lifetime.”
Dr. Michael Anthony ’07
2007 graduate Dr. Michael Anthony was inducted into the 2023 Athletics Hall of Fame for achievements in basketball. A four year member of the team, Anthony earned Honorable Mention All-Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) accolades in 2004-05 and 2005-06 before being named First Team All-HCAC in 2006-07. That same year, he was also named HCAC Player of the Year and First Team All-Midwest District by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC).
A forward, Anthony made an impression on the record books. He’s currently number 20 on the all-time scoring list with 1,183 points, and at graduation, he was the best free-throw shooter in Bluffton history with an 83 percent completion rate. Anthony also racked up an impressive 408 rebounds.
A chemistry and pre-medicine double major, Anthony is now a podiatrist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, specializing in foot and ankle ailments and injuries. He graduated from Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine in 2011 and is certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. Anthony lives in New Albany, Ohio, with his wife Alisha and kids Gwen, 12; Griffin, 9; Hudson, 6; and Harper, 3.
“Seize every opportunity, even those that take you out of your comfort zone, and remember the more you give, the more life gives back.”