WATERTOWN, Wis. -- The Maranatha Baptist University Athletic Department announced tonight the induction of Pastor Randy Tanis into theÂ
Maranatha Athletics Hall of Fame class of 2024.
Tanis, known affectionately as "PR,"Â becomes the 14th member of the hall of fame.
The honor was given in recognition of Tanis's accomplishments on the field as a Maranatha Crusader (1978-1981), and off the court as a youth pastor, athletic director, camp director, father, and grandfather; and for his dedication to Maranatha athletes and athletic competition.
As a student-athlete, Randy Tanis competed in two sports: football for four seasons (1978-1981) and baseball (1979-1981) for three seasons, earning varsity letters in each. During his collegiate career, Tanis was selected as an Upper Midwest Football Conference (UMFC) All-Conference player. Throughout his career, Tanis has exemplified the spirit, enthusiasm, and work ethic that Maranatha Baptist University desires to instill in all its athletes.
Randy has demonstrated his heart for ministry as he served in numerous capacities in local church ministry during and after his college years, most notably as Youth Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Watertown (1983-2004). Tanis continues to serve in para-church organizations, as Director of Camp Chetek (2004-present), and Athletic Director of the Wisconsin Association of Christian Schools (1986-present).
Tanis's support of MBU has been evidenced by all six of his children attending and graduating from Maranatha, and his camp employment of numerous Maranatha students and graduates. Randy continues to influence countless young men and women as a camp director, instilling these same qualities in others as he serves in his community and in the local church for the cause of Jesus Christ.
"'PR' is just a fun guy to be around," said Maranatha's Director of Athletics, Paul Brown. "He loves the Lord, loves people, and just brings energy to whatever environment you find him in. PR can talk to anyone. He throws all of himself - personality included - into each conversation you find him in. All of these attributes have been a key success to all of his ministries over the years. Now, we get to add one more title to his repertoire, 'Hall of Famer.'"
Randy Tanis's legacy and testimony, both on and off the court of competition, shall ever remain as a testament to the Lord Jesus Christ and to Maranatha Baptist University Athletics.
