Anthony Hamm (2021) - Hall of Fame - Michigan State University Athletics

Anthony Hamm

Induction:
2021
Class:
1992

Anthony Hamm
Men's Cross Country and Track & Field (1987-92)
Flint, Mich.
MSU Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2021

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Six-time All-American, including two in outdoor track and four in cross country
• Two-time Big Ten 10,000 meter champion
• 1987 Big Ten Cross Country Freshman of the Year
• First track and field athlete to earn MSU's George Alderton Athlete of the Year Award (1992)

HALL OF FAME FEATURE: CLASS OF 2021

There is something about Flint, Michigan, that draws elite athletes to Michigan State. Before there were the Flintstones there was Anthony Hamm, who left his mark on both the Spartan cross country and track & field teams. The six-time All-American has found all-around success on the track and on the cross country course.

Hamm follows a long tradition of Michigan State distance runners into the Hall of Fame, including Crawford Kennedy, Ken Popejoy and Anne Pewe.

Upon hearing of his induction to the MSU Hall of Fame from Michigan State Director of Athletics Bill Beekman, Hamm was full of pride.

"He called and introduced himself, and I didn't have any idea I was being inducted, so it was puzzling," Hamm said. "So when he said that I'm being inducted into the Hall of Fame, it was just a lot of pride. I'm a Spartan at heart, and I bleed Green and White. I just felt like it was a tremendous honor being selected, with all the great athletes that have come in and out of Michigan State, so I just had a lot of pride."

His illustrious career includes capturing two outdoor Big Ten Championships in the 10,000 meters. In 1991, he won the title with a stellar time of 29:11.83. He repeated the title in 1992 with a time of 30:02.38. Hamm is one of only six athletes in the Big Ten to repeat titles in the 10k.

"I am really proud of the Big Ten championships for track and field," Hamm said. "I won a couple of Big Ten titles in the 10,000 meters on the track, and going to the National Championships. Then really, the big thing is, the relationships that I developed, great friends and teammates. Coach (Jim) Bibbs, Coach (Jim) Stintzi, those are the relationships that I just cherish; they are great people. So, those are some of the best memories that I have of my time at Michigan State."

Hamm's success translated well from the track to the cross country course. He began his illustrious Spartan career earning Big Ten Cross Country Freshman of the Year honors in 1987. Hamm helped Michigan State finish in the top five in the Big Ten Championships three times, including a second-place team finish in 1988. He is still the only Spartan men's cross country runner to be a four-time All-American. A three-time participant in the NCAA Cross Country Championships, Hamm helped MSU finish has high as sixth in 1991.

His competitive running did not end once he left East Lansing. Hamm ran professionally for six years with Adidas, where he ran marathons, 10,000m and road races.

"I have just a great appreciation for all the opportunities that Michigan State has provided for me. I'm originally from Flint, Michigan, and just getting the opportunity to be able to go away to college to a good university, to get a good education, and then to have opportunity to run and compete, all over the U.S. I was able to develop great friendships. I love being a Michigan State Spartan, I bleed Green and White," Hamm said.

The love of education that blossomed at Michigan State has continued for Hamm. He has lived in the Washington, D.C. area working in education. Hamm currently works for Pathway Schools as a career path coordinator. He works with students with special education needs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hamm helped established a virtual college and career center for special education students in partnership with a community development corporation.

Hamm is a proud Spartan who still follows the Green and White from across the country. He enjoys watching the success that the Michigan State cross country and track & field squads continue to have all these years later.