On Saturday, Oct. 25 in the UNF Student Union Ballroom, the university held the 2015 Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony where Dr. Richard Gropper, former director of athletics who started the Hall of Fame in 2007, was inducted.

Those inducted during the ceremony included several student athletes, the entire 1990 men’s tennis team and Gropper. The Hall of Fame now has over 50 members.

Under Gropper’s reign from 1994-2009, the university witnessed a noticeable growth in terms of varsity sports programs and facilities. The Hayt Golf Center, the Dusty Rhodes indoor batting facility, Hodges Stadium and the no longer operational, Andy W. Sears Swimming Pool, were all constructed during his tenure. Gropper played an important part in the addition of the women’s soccer, swimming and diving programs to the list of varsity sports that UNF offers.

In UNF Athletic Director Lee Moon’s opinion, the committee that decides who goes into the Hall of Fame did another excellent job this year by selecting a cast of inductees who clearly exhibit the athletic greatness that UNF aspires to produce.

Dr. Sarah Davey, former cross country/track and field athlete, traveled all the way from London, England to be inducted into the athletics Hall of Fame. During her stint in athletics here at UNF from 1999-2002, she managed to rack up several accolades including the honors of cross country All-American in 1999 and a handful of All-American honors for indoor and outdoor track.

Kelly Lee, who played softball for the Ospreys from 1998-2002, was inducted for her numerous achievements as a player at UNF. She currently holds several of the team’s top single season offensive credits. Lee shined brightest in 2001 when she picked up All-South Atlantic Region honors and was named first-team All-American.

Dr. Heather Hyme Dore was inducted for her achievements as a women’s tennis player. She was a pivotal part of the women’s 1994 NCAA Division II national championship team that finished the year with a record of 25-3.

Her husband, Phillipe Dore, who played tennis here from 1992-95, was also inducted. Dore had an outstanding combined singles and doubles record of 116-49 during his tenure here at UNF. He finished his 1994 season of doubles play ranked No. 9 in the nation.

In addition to the individual student-athlete inductees, the entire 1990 men’s tennis team was also inducted during the ceremony. The team finished out their season with a program best record of 32-6. The team finished as the runner-up at the 1990 NAIA National Championship, but finished the season ranked No. 2 in the Volvo Tennis Collegiate Ranking. Several players from the 1990 Osprey squad were among the Top 20 nationally ranked, including Adam Kework, who was No. 3 at the time. Kework and doubles partner, Stefan Cambal, were ranked No. 3 nationally, as well.

All members of the UNF Hall of Fame to date can be seen in further detail on the second floor of the UNF Arena.

Email Lacey Wyndham at [email protected]
Email Jordan Ferrell at [email protected]