Designation to the University of Mount Olive Athletics Hall of Fame is a distinguished honor which brings recognition to the individual, the community, and the university.
In order to be considered for the Athletics Hall of Fame, alumni must have attended University of Mount Olive or Mount Olive College (any subsequent references to UMO also include MOC) for at least two years and exhibited athletic prowess of an outstanding nature in an intercollegiate sport sponsored by the institution. Evidence of “outstanding nature” will include peer evaluation, honors and recognition received, statistical evidence, and quality and competition of teams/sport. Alumni must have graduated with an associate’s, baccalaureate or graduate degree, although exceptions may be granted in special circumstances as long as the candidate left the school in good academic standing.
Also eligible for induction will be coaches, staff, and other individuals who have worked to enhance the athletics program at UMO. Coaches and staff nominees must have been employed by the University for a minimum of five years and made outstanding contributions to the athletics program.
A minimum of ten years from a student-athlete’s last official involvement with UMO must elapse before consideration is given to any nominee. In the case of athletic eligibility expiring prior to an individual’s graduation, the ten years will begin from the time of the nominee’s eligibility expiring. A minimum of five years from a coach’s or administrator’s last official involvement with UMO must elapse before consideration is given to any nominee. The Hall of Fame committee may waive the waiting period in special circumstances.
The Director of Athletics shall chair the Athletics Hall of Fame Committee and enlist the services of at least six and no more than eleven other individuals to serve on the committee. Committee members shall include the Director of Athletic Communications and others who have knowledge and appreciation of UMO’s athletics tradition.
Nominations may be submitted by any interested party to the Department of Athletics via letter or email. Nominations should include detailed information about the nominee’s contribution to the athletics program, as well as current contact information. A list of prospective nominees for consideration by the Athletics Hall of Fame Committee will be developed by the Director of Athletic Communications, as well as solicited from alumni and friends of the University. At least 60% of the committee members must vote in favor of a nominee for that individual to be elected to the Athletics Hall of Fame. Ordinarily, no more than five nominees will gain entrance to the Athletics Hall of Fame each election. Inductions will occur every year; however, this schedule may be adjusted depending on the number of qualified individuals for consideration.
The Committee will recommend nominees to the President of the University who makes the final determination.
The Hall of Fame induction will occur in conjunction with the University’s Homecoming activities (Pickle Classic). Nominees or a representative if the nominee is deceased must be available to attend the induction ceremony in order to be elected.
Any revisions or exceptions to these guidelines must be approved by at least 60% of the committee members.
Please submit any nominations to the Athletics Hall of Fame to Alex King, Director of Athletic Communications, at aking@umo.edu
