UT Tyler Announces Athletics Hall of Fame
October 16, 2009


The University of Texas at Tyler athletics department has announced that the University will begin accepting nominations for its inaugural athletics Hall of Fame class in January 2010, with the first induction ceremony to take place in October of 2010.

The official announcement came during Friday’s Distinguished Alumni Award Luncheon at the UT Tyler Ornelas Activity Center.

“We are excited to announce the UT Tyler Athletics Hall of Fame,” said athletic director James Vilade. “Our goal will be to honor those who have brought distinction to themselves and UT Tyler through their achievement, commitment, sportsmanship, and leadership in athletics. “

Vilade noted that nominees may include alumni, coaches, faculty, administrators, or friends of the UT Tyler community, as well as teams that are exceptionally distinguished through outstanding achievement or significant accomplishment.

“UT Tyler still has a relatively new athletics program, but we have already had phenomenal success and made significant contributions to the University and the Tyler community, so we feel the time is right to begin honoring those who have had a positive impact on the program,” said Vilade.

For former student-athletes, nominees will be eligible for nomination three years after graduation and will be considered based on athletics accomplishments, academic achievements, community service, leadership, sportsmanship and citizenship. Non-student-athletes will be considered on their overall contribution and leadership to UT Tyler athletics.

The Hall of Fame committee will consist of UT Tyler’s director of athletics, director of alumni relations, and sports information director, as well as a faculty member, two coaching staff members, a representative from the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, a representative from the Alumni Board, two members of the local media, and three UT Tyler alumni.

Nomination forms will be available on the UT Tyler athletics web site in November.

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