Athletics department aims to honor its best

By Dave Groves, news editor

The Oakland University Department of Athletics is asking the campus community for help in identifying outstanding student athletes, coaches and athletic department staff who have significantly enhanced the success of the university’s athletic programs.

Those fitting the description may be selected for induction into the Hollie L. Lepley Athletic Hall of Honor, which recognizes the contributions of individuals who have participated in athletics as undergraduates, have subsequently been associated with athletic programs at OU or have made notable achievements and accomplishments in athletics after leaving the university.

Nominations are being sought from current members of the Hall of Honor, current and past head coaches, and members of the Hall of Honor Selection Committee, the Alumni Association and university athletic programs.

“We are obviously very proud of all the accomplishments of OU student athletes past and present and we are glad to be able to recognize them,” said Paul T. Smith, assistant director of athletics media relations. “We have a tremendous amount of history associated with our athletics program and it is obviously important to recognize and celebrate our team and individual accomplishments.”

Three additional athletic department honors allow all members of the university community to submit nominations. They include:

• The Dr. Russi Service Award, which acknowledges individuals not associated with the university who have made significant contributions to athletic programs and to the community.

• The George Wibby Award, which honors a friendly and helpful university employee who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to enhance the success of the athletics program.

• The Team Award, which recognizes varsity teams that excelled in athletic competition. The honor is awarded retrospectively, as 10 years must have passed since the year of competition for a team to become eligible.

Nominations for these awards must be submitted to Smith no later than Thursday, Jan. 1. Submissions should include a nomination form and supporting information relevant to the nominee’s qualifications for consideration.

Nomination forms and further information about awards programs are available at the Hall of Honor Web site.