New Orleans Athletics announces 2022 Hall of Fame Class

NEW ORLEANS ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME | PURCHASE TICKETS 

NEW ORLEANS – The University of New Orleans Athletic Department is proud of announce the first seven inductees to the New Orleans Athletics Hall of Fame in over 12 years.

“I’m so excited to bring back the New Orleans Athletics Hall of Fame with a tremendously talented and decorated class of former student-athletes and coaches. We are proud to honor these legends and their families as we recognize them as the best to ever lace them up for Privateers,” said Vice President for Athletics and Recreation Tim Duncan.

The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies will take place on Friday Nov. 11 in the Homer Hitt Alumni Center. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. with the program set to start at 7:00 p.m. Fans can purchase tickets for $50 a piece here.

The Class of 2022 includes:

Javonne Brooks – Volleyball (1988-1992)

Javonne Books was a dominant force on the volleyball court during her time on the Lakefront. Brooks finished her career with an NCAA record 2,932 kills. Javonne holds program records in hitting percentage (.345), blocks (798) and aces (272). Brooks became the only volleyball student-athlete in program history to be named All-American following the 1992 season. Her 878 kills that season remain the second most in a single season in NCAA history. She was named Louisiana Newcomer of the Year in 1989, Louisiana Player of the Year three times, and was a first team All-Louisiana selection in all four of her seasons at UNO. A four-time All-Region selection, Brooks was inducted into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in 2011 and named the Sun Belt’s Greatest volleyball player in 2015.

Bob Brown – Men’s Golf / Administrator (1964-2000)

Bob Brown was the first coach hired by the Athletic Department in 1964. Brown led his “Bombers” as they were known back then to the school’s only two National Championships in 1971 and 1972. Under his tutelage New Orleans Athletics Hall of Famer Stan Stopa won the 1971 individual National Championship as a freshman, and Rick Gaille became the school’s only three-time All-American in any sport. During his 31 seasons at the helm of Privateer Golf Brown was named national Coach of the Year twice, the 2000 Sun Belt Coach of the Year, and coached 14 All-American selections. Bob served in a variety of roles outside of Golf coach for UNO, including business manager, director of intramurals and assistant athletic director. Brown was a 2000 recipient of the prestigious Cooper R. Macklin Medallion which is presented each year to those who have made a distinguished contribution of the development of the University. 

Ervin Johnson – Men’s Basketball (1989-1993)

In four seasons on the Lakefront Ervin Johnson led the Privateers to 87 wins, two NCAA tournament appearances, and an NIT appearance. Named a consensus All-American in 1993, Johnson finished his UNO career first all-time in field goal percentage (59%), blocks (294), double-doubles (55), and rebounds (1,287). He finished second in total points (1,608), third in double-figure scoring games (81) and eighth in steals (109). Ervin set 26 school records during his time at UNO, including rebounds in a game (27) and blocks in a game (12). Johnson was also the 1993 Sun Belt Player of the Year and was selected All-Conference three times.

Burzis Kanga – Men’s Tennis (1980-1984)*

Burzis Kanga was an All-American selection who compiled an all-time singles record of 81-9 while on the Lakefront. A team captain while at New Orleans, Kanga played in the Orange Bowl World Junior Tennis Championships. He also won the Vespa-Bianchi Open Classic in 1980. After starring as a student-athlete for UNO, Kanga has been the head coach for the Privateers since the program came back in 2008 and is a two-time Southland Coach of the Year (2021 – Women, 2022 – Men).

*being inducted as a former student-athlete. 

Carvie Upshaw – Women’s Basketball (1985-1989)

Carvie Upshaw became the first Privateer to eclipse 1,000 career rebounds and is the program’s career leader in blocks (492). Carvie was a Freshman All-American in 1986, a National Player of the Week, and a two-time American South First Team selection. Upshaw became the second Privateer women’s basketball alum to be inducted into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame, joining Sandra Hodge. Upshaw was inducted in the Class of 2022.  

Pierre and Cheryl Champagne – Friends of the Program

Anyone who has been around the University of New Orleans over the past five decades will have run into the Champagnes. Pierre and Cheryl first met as undergrads in the University Center in April of 1971 and were married in 1973.  They have been major figures around campus and Privateer athletic events ever since, contributing countless hours of their time to the Athletics program over the years as both volunteer staff and as the Privateers’ No. 1 fans. Their generosity not only supports Privateer Athletics but has grown to support countless programs and areas of need throughout the University.  

The New Orleans Athletics Hall of Fame was established in 1988 with classes selected in 1988, 1989 and 1990. A fourth class was added following the 2008-2009 academic year.

Following an almost 13-year hiatus Deputy Athletic Director Steve Stroud thought it was important to bring back the Hall of Fame.

“Bringing back the Athletics Hall of Fame has been a priority for the department.  It is so important to honor those student-athletes, coaches, administrators and Friends of the Program who helped move the department forward to greater heights.  Welcoming the Hall of Fame Class of 2022 back to campus will be a special moment for everyone involved,” said Stroud.

NEW ORLEANS ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME MEMBERS (20)

* the 1974 and 1984 Privateer baseball teams were also inducted in 2009 as the first teams in the state of Louisiana to reach the College World Series.

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