UNO Athletics Hall of Fame returning this November

HALL OF FAME | OPERATING PRINCIPLES | NOMINATION FORM | HALL OF FAME CEREMONY

NEW ORLEANS – The University of New Orleans Athletic Department is proud to announce the return of the New Orleans Athletics Hall of Fame this November.

“Reestablishing the Athletics Hall of Fame has been a passion of mine since arriving at New Orleans” said Vice President of Athletics and Recreation Tim Duncan.

“Nothing stirs emotions like a Hall of Fame induction ceremony. We must recognize and honor those Privateers who have laid the groundwork for our current and future successes while, at the same time, demonstrating to our current student-athletes what legendary success looks like at the University of New Orleans. I’m thrilled to relaunch the New Orleans Athletics Hall of Fame”

A 10-person Hall of Fame Advisory Committee has been assembled to assist with the evaluation and selection of Hall of Fame Inductees. The group includes former and current sports information and communications personnel from the athletic department, as well as other former departmental staff and local media members who have followed the University’s athletic programs over the years.

Everyone is encouraged to nominate former student-athletes, coaches, and athletic staff members by filling out this form, and emailing any supplementary information to Steve Stroud at sstroud1@uno.edu.

Student-athletes must have completed their final year of competition ten (10) years prior to nomination, while coaches must have coached their last game at the University five (5) years before being considered. Former athletic staff members must also have last worked at the University five (5) years prior to nomination. More information on the Operating Principles for the New Orleans Athletics Hall of Fame can be found here.

The New Orleans Athletics Hall of Fame was last active in 2009 when former men’s basketball guard Gabe Corchiani (1984-1988) was inducted, as well as the Privateer Baseball teams from 1974 and 1984 – the first two teams from the state of Louisiana to make the College World Series.

New Orleans Athletics Hall of Famer (and Hall of Fame founder) Ron Maestri recognizes the importance of bringing back the Hall of Fame.
“It’s important to the overall athletic department to the extent that you’re honoring some of our best athletes who gave everything to the sport and the University. It’s a real honor and anybody inducted is some of the best we have had.”

“It’s a showcase for our former athletes and it just shows not only their athletic prowess but their academics and community service. It’s an honor not only for the inductees but the University and community. There’s a lot of pride in being selected to a Hall of Fame.”

Three prior classes were inducted between 1988-1990 and include Michelle Anderson (women’s basketball 1980-1984), Randy Bush (baseball 1979), Wayne Cooper (men’s basketball 1974-1978), Jan Gernhauser-Ezzell (women’s basketball 1975-1979), Ron Greene (men’s basketball head coach 1969-1977), Wayne Harer (baseball, 1972-1973), Sandra Hodge (women’s basketball 1980-1984), Homer Hitt (former UNO President/Chancellor 1957-1980), Wilbur Holland (men’s basketball 1973-1975), Ron Maestri (baseball coach 1972-1985, athletic director 1979-2000), Eric Rasmussen (baseball 1973) and Stan Stopa (men’s golf 1970-1973).

Induction ceremonies for the Class of 2022 will be held on Friday, November 11th at the Homer Hitt Alumni Center. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. with the ceremony set to start at 7:00 p.m. Tickets for the event will go on sale in September and cost $50 apiece.

“For the inductees as well as their friends, family and teammates, we expect the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony to be an event that they’ll remember for years. These opportunities to come together and honor our legends are truly special. We are excited to make the Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony a key component of Homecoming Week and to welcome home all Privateers for this special event, this year and annually,” said Deputy Athletic Director Steve Stroud.

More information on the New Orleans Athletics Hall of Fame can be found by visiting here.

Everyone is encouraged to nominate former student-athletes, coaches, and athletic staff members by filling out this form, and emailing any supplementary information to Steve Stroud at sstroud1@uno.edu.

Student-athletes must have completed their final year of competition ten (10) years prior to nomination, while coaches must have coached their last game at the University five (5) years before being considered. Former athletic staff members must also have last worked at the University five (5) years prior to nomination. More information on the Operating Principles for the New Orleans Athletics Hall of Fame can be found here.

The New Orleans Athletics Hall of Fame was last active in 2009 when former men’s basketball guard Gabe Corchiani (1984-1988) was inducted, as well as the Privateer Baseball teams from 1974 and 1984 – the first two teams from the state of Louisiana to make the College World Series.

New Orleans Athletics Hall of Famer (and Hall of Fame founder) Ron Maestri recognizes the importance of bringing back the Hall of Fame.

“It’s important to the overall athletic department to the extent that you’re honoring some of our best athletes who gave everything to the sport and the University. It’s a real honor and anybody inducted is some of the best we have had.”

“It’s a showcase for our former athletes and it just shows not only their athletic prowess but their academics and community service. It’s an honor not only for the inductees but the University and community. There’s a lot of pride in being selected to a Hall of Fame.”

Three prior classes were inducted between 1988-1990 and include Michelle Anderson (women’s basketball 1980-1984), Randy Bush (baseball 1979), Wayne Cooper (men’s basketball 1974-1978), Jan Gernhauser-Ezzell (women’s basketball 1975-1979), Ron Greene (men’s basketball head coach 1969-1977), Wayne Harer (baseball, 1972-1973), Sandra Hodge (women’s basketball 1980-1984), Homer Hitt (former UNO President/Chancellor 1957-1980), Wilbur Holland (men’s basketball 1973-1975), Ron Maestri (baseball coach 1972-1985, athletic director 1979-2000), Eric Rasmussen (baseball 1973) and Stan Stopa (men’s golf 1970-1973).

Induction ceremonies for the Class of 2022 will be held on Friday, November 11th at the Homer Hitt Alumni Center. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. with the ceremony set to start at 7:00 p.m. Tickets for the event will go on sale in September and cost $50 apiece.

“For the inductees as well as their friends, family and teammates, we expect the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony to be an event that they’ll remember for years. These opportunities to come together and honor our legends are truly special. We are excited to make the Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony a key component of Homecoming Week and to welcome home all Privateers for this special event, this year and annually,” said Deputy Athletic Director Steve Stroud.

More information on the New Orleans Athletics Hall of Fame can be found by visiting https://unoprivateers.com/honors/new-orleans-athletics-hall-of-fame