Willamette University will recognize five athletes, two coaches, one team and one individual selected for meritorious service at The Willamette University Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The event will take place at the Salem Convention Center this Saturday, Nov. 5. Willamette is a private liberal arts university in Salem, Oregon. The purpose of the Willamette University Athletic Hall of Fame is to formally recognize outstanding contributions to the heritage and tradition of the Bearcat intercollegiate athletic program. Criteria for selection includes achievements while at the University, plus accomplishments in sports later in life. Each inductee receives a plaque that includes a photograph and citation highlighting the accomplishments of the inductee. A duplicate plaque is displayed in a glass case adjacent to the west end of Cone Field House, near the lobby of the Sparks Center. Willamette's Hall of Fame Class of 2011 includes five athletes, two coaches, one team and one individual selected for meritorious service: Athletes Robin (Heard) Buckingham Women's Soccer (1995-98) Beth (Fitzgerald) Rainford Women's Soccer (1995-98), Women's Track and Field (1996-99) Bill Hartman Football (1959-62) Nik Lubisich Baseball (1998-01), Men's Basketball (1997-01) Jimmy Watts Men's Track and Field (1997-00), Men's Basketball (1996-99) Coaches Marlene Piper Head Volleyball Coach (1994-01) Kelly Sullivan Head Cross Country Coach (1997-03), Head Track and Field Coach (1998-2002) Athlete at WU: Cross Country (1977-78), Track and Field (1978-79) Team 1998 Women's Soccer Team Head Coach: Jim Tursi Record: 19-1-4 (NCAA Final Four), 14-0-2 NWC (1st place) Meritorious Service Dick Carney Individuals interested in attending the reception and dinner should contact Willamette Athletics at (503) 370-6420. Reservations also can be made by sending an e-mail to athleticstickets@willamette.edu. The cost is $75 per person. Tables also are available.
