TACOMA, Wash.  – The University of Puget Sound inducted its newest slate of Athletic Hall of Fame Members during its Homecoming Celebration on October 6-7, 2023. The Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony honored its newest members, which included Brian Brendel (track and field), Danita Erickson (cross country/track and field), Jeff Halstead (baseball/football), Julie Vanni (basketball/track and field), and the 2003 Women's Crew Team. The collective group was recognized for their achievements, including All-American honors, school records, and national team finishes.  

    Meet the new Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees

Both President Isiaah Crawford and Director of Athletics Amy Hackett delivered their remarks honoring the inductees, while Athletic Hall of Fame committee member Craig Bennett served as the master of ceremonies. The inductees were again recognized during halftime at the Homecoming football game, where the Loggers secured a dramatic victory against George Fox University, delighting the fans.  

The Athletic Hall of Fame was rededicated in 1987 after a 10-year hiatus. The Hall's first inductees entered in 1966, and have now reached 123 members, along with four teams, covering nearly 100 years of Puget Sound's 135-year history. These members include coaches and student-athletes involved in 17 different sports, as well as members who are recognized for their contributions as administrators and community members.  

The Athletic Hall of Fame Committee is comprised of seven current members including Bill Baarsma '64, faculty emeritus and former mayor of Tacoma; Craig Bennett, former assistant athletic director for sports medicine; Marc Kincaid '97, Hall of Fame member for swimming; Erin Peterson '00, Hall of Fame member for softball; Julie Vanni '02, DPT '05; Rick Walker  '78, Hall of Fame member as an individual and part of the 1976 men's basketball national championship team; and Alika Antone '00, DPT '05, chair of the Athletics Committee of the Alumni Council.