NSU Inducts Class XXVI to Athletics Hall of Fame

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. --- Northeastern State University inducted three former student-athletes into its Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday, May 21. Enshrined as Class XXVI were: Robert Jackson, Zdena Rebekova and Rodger Lefler.

Robert Jackson graduated from Northeastern State University in 1963. He was a four-year football letterman for the Redmen from 1958-1961 and started every game all four years. Jackson played on both sides of the football --- quarterback, halfback and defensive back --- and earned All-Oklahoma Collegiate Conference honors four consecutive seasons. The captain of the 1959, 1960 and 1961 teams, Jackson helped lead the Redmen to the 1958 NAIA National Championship as a freshman.

After graduation, he embarked on a prolific coaching career. Jackson was a football and track coach in El Paso, Texas, at Bel Air and Eastwood high schools. He also served as head football coach and athletic director at Parkland High School and later was the offensive coordinator at Berkner High School in Richardson, Texas.

Zdena Rebekova graduated from Northeastern State University in 2000. She was a four-year letter winner for the Women's Tennis Team from 1996-2000 and turned in one of the best careers in NSU history.

Rebekova was honored by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association as a Singles All-American in 1997, 1998 & 2000, as well as a Doubles All-American in 1997 & 1998. She also excelled in the classroom and earned Academic All-American in 1998, 1999 & 2000. A four-time All-Conference performer, and the Lone Star Conference Player of the Year in 2000, Rebekova is Northeastern State's only recipient of the prestigious ITA Arthur Ashe Award for Leadership and Sportsmanship.

Rodger Lefler graduated from Northeastern State University in 1962. He was a four-year letterman for the Redmen in basketball where he became a three-year starter and captain of the 1961-62 squad. Lefler was chosen All-Oklahoma Collegiate Conference in 1961-62, and led the team in scoring and rebounding as a senior in 1961-62.

Following his graduation, he began a career in education as a teacher and coach in the Tulsa area. His coaching career was highlighted by leading East Central High School to a baseball state championship in 1970. Later, Lefler was honored as the Tulsa All-City Baseball Coach of the Year, and by the Oklahoma Coaches Association as Basketball All-State Coach of the Year in 1980.