As a young gymnast, Sue McCarthy gazed at the Hall of Fame plaques with admiration, but never considered she would be honored with such an elite distinction.

This Friday, McCarthy will be inducted into the Western Michigan University Athletic Hall of Fame along with five other members of the Class of 2012.

"It's so nice to be remembered," said McCarthy. "I never thought this would happen."

McCarthy, a Michigan native, attended Western Michigan University from 1988-92. She participated in gymnastics at WMU from 1988-90. Her experience as a student athlete is something she cherishes to this day.

"It was a wonderful experience," McCarthy said. "I was so thankful for being able to have that opportunity."

McCarthy earned Mid-American Conference championships on the balance beam and all-around in 1989. She was the second person to ever win MAC All-Around.

"When it happened I didn't believe it," McCarthy said. "I just went out and did what my coaches asked of me and the hard work paid off."

She was also named to the 1989 All-MAC team and team's Most Valuable. In addition to her athletic awards, McCarthy earned accolades in the academic community. In 1990 McCarthy earned Academic All-MAC and was named Presidential Scholar in 1992.

McCarthy credits hard work and her coaches for her success as a gymnast at WMU. This Friday, her hard work and dedication will be commemorated by her induction into the WMU Athletic Hall of Fame. She feels her induction represents all that she gave to WMU as a student athlete and the impact that experience had on her life.

"Western Michigan University provided me with everything I needed: an education and a chance to do something that I loved."