University of New Orleans Athletics unveils 2023 Hall of Fame Class 

NEW ORLEANS ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME | TICKETS AND SPONSORSHIPS ARE NOW AVAILABLE 

NEW ORLEANS – The University of New Orleans Athletics Department is proud to announce the five inductees to the 2023 New Orleans Athletics Hall of Fame. These athletes, coaches, and supporters have been the driving force behind numerous championships and successes throughout the storied history of New Orleans Athletics.

“It is an honor to celebrate this year’s New Orleans Athletics Hall of Fame Class. What each inductee accomplished during their time here has brought favor and distinction to not just this University but the city of New Orleans,” said Vice President for Athletics and Recreation Tim Duncan.

“The committee did a fantastic job on the selection of this year’s class. I am looking forward to welcoming them back to campus in November!”

The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on Friday, November 10 at Lakefront Arena.  At 6 p.m., doors will open for a reception with the program set to begin at 7 p.m. Fans can purchase tickets and sponsorships here.

2023 NEW ORLEANS ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME CLASS

Tim Floyd – Men’s Basketball / Head Coach (1988-1994)

In his six seasons at the helm, Tim Floyd led the Privateers to a 127-58 (.686) record. Under his guidance, New Orleans made two NCAA tournament appearances and three National Invitation Tournament appearances in six seasons. Floyd distinguished himself as one of only four NCAA Division I coaches to win four conference championships in their first five seasons at a school.

The Privateers were American South Regular Season Champions for three consecutive seasons (1988-89, 1989-90, 1990-91), American South Tournament Champions (1989-90), and Sun Belt Regular Season Champions (1992-93). Floyd also led the Privateers to five victories over AP Top-25 teams, which is the most by a Privateer basketball coach. Following the 1992-93 season, the Privateers earned a no. 17 ranking in the final AP poll. New Orleans was ranked in the AP poll nine different weeks under Floyd’s leadership. Floyd also coached New Orleans Hall of Famer Ervin Johnson to All-American status in addition to nine All-Conference selections. Floyd made his professional head coaching debut with the Chicago Bulls in 1998.

Rick Gaille – Men’s Golf (1969-1972)

Rick Gaille played golf for the University of New Orleans from 1969 to 1972. The first scholar-athlete ever signed at the University of New Orleans, Gaille got his career off to a flying start – finishing second individually at in the 1970 NCAA Championships as a true freshman. Gaille went on to become the school’s only three time All-American in any sport earning the distinction following the 1969-70, 1970-71, and 1971-72 seasons. He was a team captain for both of Privateer Athletics’ only two national championships in 1971 and 1972 and still owns the lowest single round in school history after shooting a 63 during the 1971 season.

While at New Orleans, Gaille won the 1971 Louisiana Open before winning the New Orleans Golf Association’s City Championship in 1990. Following graduation Gaille found another passion – football. Gaille served as an assistant coach locally at Chalmette High School, Archbishop Rummel, and Bonnabel High school, as well as for the Tulane Green Wave. In 1992 Gaille was named head coach and athletic director at St. James High School where he compiled a 170-69 record in 19 seasons, with 17 playoff appearances. After his coaching career, Gaille worked in local media, broadcasting and writing about prep football and the New Orleans Saints. Rick Gaille passed away due to pancreatic cancer in 2018 at the age of 67.

Bo McCalebb – Men’s Basketball (2003-2008)

New Orleans native Bo McCalebb is the all-time leading scoring in University of New Orleans and Sun Belt history with 2,608 career points. McCalebb is still one of just 39 Div. I basketball players with 2,600+ points. As a Privateer he was an honorable mention All-American (AP) during the 2006-07 season and an All-American (Mid Major Madness / Collegeinsider.com) – 2007-08. McCalebb completed his collegiate career as a three-time first team All-Sun Belt Conference, 2006-07 Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year, a two-time Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year, and the 2003-04 Sun Belt Freshman of the Year.

Following his time at New Orleans, McCalebb enjoyed a successful 11-year career in Macedonia that included a two-time all-Europe Second Team selection and a two-time all-EuroLeague Second Team selection. The New Orleans native also led the EuroLeague in steals in 2010 and 2013.

Augie Schmidt – Baseball (1980-1982)

Augie Schmidt remains the only Golden Spikes Award winner in program history (1982). Schmidt was inducted into the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2014 and the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in 2005. Drafted second overall to the Toronto Blue Jays in 1982, Schmidt is the highest Major League Baseball pick in Privateer history. While on the Lakefront, Augie put his name in several career top ten lists in the program record books. He hit 30 home runs and scored 184 runs in 190 career games over three seasons. He also ranks in the top ten in program history in career walks, slugging percentage, and RBI. During his Golden Spikes season, Schmidt slugged .676 and scored 73 runs over 65 games.

Augie is currently coaching at Carthage College in Wisconsin where he has had 979 career victories to date and a winning percentage of .647. Smith has been named Division III Central Regional Coach of the Year nine times.

Scot Craig – Friend of the Program

Among University of New Orleans graduates and Privateer fans, few can match the passion and support shown by Scot Craig.  Scot is the owner of beloved New Orleans eateries Katie’s and Francesca’s Deli, Pizzeria and Catering. Craig earned a history degree from UNO in 1987, especially enjoying Privateer sports and intramural flag football during his time on the lakefront.  Since that time, the New Orleans native has continuously put his Privateer pride on display. His connection to Privateer Athletics deepened in 2011 when he first met new Head Coach Mark Slessinger, and since that time, Scot’s devotion to his alma mater has been amplified.  Not only has he fed nearly every coach, student-athlete and administrator over the past decade, but Katie’s menu-favorites the “Oysters Slessinger,” and the “all-you-can-eat catfish” in honor of head baseball coach Blake Dean can attest to his very public support.

In addition, Craig has contributed countless hours of his time to the Athletics program over the years as a Privateer fan. His dedication to New Orleans Athletics extends beyond his presence at sporting events and includes his generous donations to each sport in the department over the years.  Scot’s heart, grit and passion for the city of New Orleans, the University of New Orleans and Privateer Athletics is a model for all who meet him.

NEW ORLEANS ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME MEMBERS (25)

2023 CLASS
Tim Floyd , Men’s Basketball / Coach
Rick Gaille, Men’s Golf
Bo McCalebb,  Men’s Basketball
Augie Schmidt, Baseball
Scot Craig, Friend of the Program

* 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.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Fans are encouraged to follow @UNOPrivateers on Twitter, @UNOPrivateers on Instagram, like /UNOPrivateers on Facebook and subscribe to the UNOPrivateers YouTube channel.