For Immediate Release
Contact:
Terry Spicer
Director of Sports Media & Athletic Relations
Shaw University
(919) 546-8269
tspicer@shawu.edu

Shaw University Athletic Hall of Fame Inducts New Members

 

Raleigh, NC – (October 16, 2006) October 12th marked a special day for the legacy of the Shaw University Athletic Hall of Fame. A special part of Homecoming festivities, five members were inducted into the Class of 2006 during the Annual Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet at Spaulding Gymnasium on October 12th before a room filled with returning legends of the Hall of Fame, alumni, administration, family and friends.

Dating back to 1975, the Hall of Fame has honored countless athletic giants from Shaw University in all disciplines; James E. Lytle was the first and only inductee that year.

Art Bridges ‘67 was inducted for his excellent sportsmanship in football. He was a split-end and served as co-captain in 1967. He earned All-CIAA honors, was a team starter for three years and lettered for four years. Following graduation, he attended the University of the District of Columbia and earned a Master’s degree in Psychology. He earned a doctorate in Psychology from American University. An educator for more than 30+ years, he retired as a principal in 2004 and is currently teaching high school in Maryland.

Jacques Curtis is the Head Coach of Women’s Basketball at Shaw University. The only coach to win four CIAA Conference Championships in Women’s Basketball, he has graduated 100% of the student athletes of his award-winning program. He is extremely proud of their scholastic and athletic honors that include All American, All Conference Players and Academic Awards. The team has won the South Atlantic Regional Championship for the last two years and advanced to play for the National Championship. Curtis is a graduate of Savannah State University and received a Master’s degree from North Carolina Central University.



Doris Russell-Freeman ’81 graduated from Bertie High School in Windsor, North Carolina. She enrolled at Shaw University and earned a degree in Health and Physical Education. While a student, she earned the MVP Award as a member of the Women’s Softball team. She also gained the title of “Miss Physical Education Major” because of her athletic ability and outstanding competition as a volleyball player.

Jesse A. Jones ’68 was a star athlete; lettering in both track and football. Endowed with great speed and agility, he was known as a true “60 Minute Man” from kickoff to the final whistle. He was often described as a smaller version of the great Jim Parker. He had numerous defensive tackles, fumble recoveries, blocked punts and interceptions made him an invaluable asset to the team. He and his wife keep the spirit of Shaw University alive with an annual cookout at their home in Irvington, New Jersey.

Peter O. Curry ’60 was a football halfback, now called a running back. He was recruited by the late Coach Howard K. “Brutus” Wilson to help establish a competitive wrestling team for the University. Curry was successful in his contributions to both sports and his leadership in training and coaching other team members was extremely successful. He earned three letters and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. He was voted the “Most Talented Male” in his class.

This year’s slate of Inductees epitomizes the highest standards of excellence in their athletic accomplishments and careers.

Dr. William Spann, ’56, Chair of the Athletic Hall of Fame Committee, hosted the festive event. Dr. Quincy Scott, Jr., Dean of the Thomas J. Boyd Chapel led the invocation. Willie Mae Cox, National Alumni Association North Carolina Regional, Vice President, introduced the dais. Alfonza Carter, Director of Athletics provided Athletics updates and Dr. Carolyn G. Ennis ’52, Hall of Fame Committee Member, presented the Inductees.

Dr. Clarence G. Newsome, President of Shaw University administered the Oath of Induction and stated, “Shaw University congratulates and welcomes the 2006 honorees into the Athletic Hall of Fame. We are very proud of your accomplishments and honor your excellence and commitment.”

Attorney Willie E. Gary, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and a fellow Hall of Fame member could not be present because of trial but extended his greetings of congratulations.

Hall of Fame Committee members include: Dr. William Spann, Chair, Mary D. Aldrich, Agnes B. Baxter, Randolph Bazemore, Johnnie Burke, Alfonza Carter, Willie Mae Cox, Dr. Carolyn G. Ennis, Reekitta Grimes, Lythel Hickerson, Carston Hunter, Willie Jones, James Joyner, Dr. John H. Lucas, Emeritus; Preston McClain, Tonya McNeil, Vivian Sansom and Robert Smith.

Congratulations to the 2006 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees. The Shaw University Family congratulates and salutes you! Congratulations to the Committee for an outstanding job!
 

“Strides to Excellence: Only the Best!”

Note: Filed with Photos for Website