Inaugural Hall of Fame Banquet Inducts Five

By Thijs Messelaar

After championship victories slip into memory, the crowning achievement for any athlete is the day he or she is awarded one of the few spots in the Hall of Fame.

And now UMass Boston student-athletes can dream of this honor too, as the Department of Athletics officially hung its first plaques last month.

On the evening of October 8, the UMass Boston Athletic Department held its inaugural Hall of Fame banquet. Four individuals and one team were inducted.

"While we're still a young program," says Charlie Titus, athletics director, "after 23 years as an NCAA member, it was clearly time to enhance a growing athletic tradition here."

"It was long overdue," echoed Luke Griffin, special assistant for development. "We've been in the talking stages of this for a long time. It' great to see it come together finally."

UMass Boston--as well as the former Boston State--athletes, coaches, administrators, and friends of the athletic program were all treated to a festive evening. WBZ-TV reporter and former Boston State student-athlete (hockey and baseball) Dan Rea served as master of ceremonies.
"Dan has been very loyal to the university over the years, and because of his line of work we felt he would be a perfect choice as emcee," said Titus.
Former Celtics Hall of Famer and acclaimed speaker Wayne Embry delivered the keynote address.

A 12-member committee, consisting of mainly tenured athletic staff and former athletes, voted in the inductees in April.

The following inaugural members were enshrined in the Beacons' Hall of Fame last month:

Genesia Eddins, UMass Boston Women' Indoor/Outdoor Track, 1985-1988, was the most impressive track and field athlete during the mid to late 1980s, when the Beacons dominated the sport. She earned All-American status in 15 events and won eight NCAA individual championships over her four-year career.

Eileen Fenton, UMass Boston Women' Basketball, 1987-1990, the university' only women' basketball player to have her number retired, also holds three school records, including the single-season point total of 490.

John "Boo" Rice, Boston State College/UMass Boston Men' Basketball, 1979-1982, played the first three years of his career with Boston State (1979-82) and in his senior year (1982-83) led the UMass Boston Beacons to their first NCAA basketball tournament appearance. He is the only men' player to have his jersey retired.

The 1985-86 Women's Indoor/Outdoor Track teams both rolled to NCAA Division III titles, making UMass Boston the first school to win both championships in the same school year.

For more information about the Hall of Fame and nominations, visit www.athletics.umb.edu/

Image 1: WBZ-TV's Dan Rea, a former Boston State student-athlete who served as master of ceremonies, smiles with Charlie Titus, director of athletics, and Chancellor Jo Ann Gora.
Image 2: Hall-of-Famers celebrate their new status with former coaches and peers. (Photos by Harry Brett)

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