Vulcan hall of fame forms available

HILO — Nomination forms for the 13th Annual City Bank/Vulcan Athletic Hall of Fame Induction are available at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Athletic Department Office or by calling (808) 974-7606. This year’s inauguration luncheon will be held on Saturday, February 5. The nomination deadline is Tuesday, August 31. Over the past 12 years, the event has come to recognize the athletes and community members who have contributed to the legacy of Vulcan Athletics. The inaugural class in 1993 recognized the efforts of former Vulcan basketball all-American Jay Bartholomew and basketball coach Jimmy Yagi for their performances during the 1976-77 and 1977-78 season. Those two seasons pushed the Hilo program and community to the front of the State’s athletic arena with appearances in the NAIA National Tournament. That class also included volleyball standouts Edie Manzano and Alofa Tagataese whose careers began a string of four-consecutive NAIA Championships. During the 1981 season, both were contributing factors to the Vulcans winning two national titles – AIAW and NAIA. Over its short history, the Hall of Fame has recognized 13 community members, 33 athletes and the 1981 volleyball squad. This past year, long-time Honolulu Advertiser correspondent Hugh Clark was recognized along with basketball player Nelson Wong and volleyball players Glennie Adams and Cindy Whitworth. To qualify as an athlete inductee, the nominee must have completed their eligibility at UH-Hilo and completed their playing days at the end of the spring 1999 season. Exceptions are made for inability to complete due to physical/medical reasons. Preference is given to graduates but the selection committee is not held to making this a requirement but a contributing factor. To qualify as a community member, the nominee can be a member of the public, a coach or an administrator whose contributions have enhanced the image of Vulcan Athletics.

For more info: call Kelly 974-7606 or e-mail kellyl@hawaii.edu