Madonna Athletics Unveils Hall of Fame Plans
Nominations Being Solicited through August for First Full Class

April 8, 2008

LIVONIA, Mich. - - The Madonna University athletic department unveiled plans today (April 8) to solicit nominations for its first full Hall of Fame class, to be inducted in January 2009.  The PDF nomination ballot is downloadable via the MU athletics website until August 15^th.

Nominations may be submitted in one of four categories; student-athlete, coach, team and meritorious service.  No more than four total inductions will take place in a given year, with all nominations being thoroughly screened to meet the criteria for ballot placement set forth by the Hall of Fame committee.

"We are very excited about the next progression in our athletic department's development," said Madonna Athletic Director Bryan Rizzo.   “We had been looking at getting 20 years of history before starting the Hall of Fame and we are now at that point.  We're especially excited to have the chance to permanently honor those who have made the greatest contributions to Madonna Athletics.  I hope all of our alumni, fans and supporters will be impressed with what we have planned for the future."

Nominations will be accepted by the athletic department until August 15, 2008 with the committee selecting the first full class in late October.  Induction will take place as part of a Hall of Fame weekend January or February of next year, with the exact date announced this fall.

The first full class will join Jerry Abraham, the legendary MU volleyball coach, who was enshrined in September 2004, part of a surprise induction ceremony just months before his induction into the NAIA Hall of Fame.   Abraham is one of five volleyball coaches at any college level to reach the 800 career win plateau.

Those wishing to nominate an individual or team for the Hall of Fame should print and fill out the from via the web, and attach the requested supporting documentation to be mailed to the athletic department.  Anyone who needs assistance with gathering historical information or statistical information can contact the Sports Information Office at (734) 432-5610.

Madonna University athletics dates back to 1987 when women’s volleyball became the first varsity sport.  Now in its 22^nd year of athletics, Madonna University supports 11 varsity sport programs as a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference.

Hall of Fame Website  |  Nomination Form (PDF)

Contact:
Matt Fancett
Assistant AD – Media Relations
(734) 432-5610