Induction Year: 2007

The 2002 NCAA Division II champions were determined. In 2001, GVSU suffered a three-point loss to North Dakota to be denied the national crown. The vast majority of that team returned in '02 to run roughshod over the opposition, capped by a 31-24 victory over Valdosta (Ga.) State in the Division II championship game.

The Lakers outscored their opponents by a combined 654-231 margin, including a 199-65 margin in four playoff games. Since that inaugural national crown, Grand Valley has gone on to win three more national football titles and is regarded as a national powerhouse.

"One of the problems when deciding on a team to vote into the Hall of Fame from Grand Valley is figuring out where to start recognizing its success," GRSHF president Mark Kimball said during the team's induction. "But it's obvious that 2002 football championship at Grand Valley sort of got the ball rolling in a big way."