SU Hall of fame inducts 2012 class

 
The Southern University Hall of Fame welcomed the Class of 2012, including Bobby Phills and John Ned posthumously, Saturday for athletic excellence in their respective sports.
This year’s class joins the ranks of Melvin Blount, Robert Love, Willie Davenport, Arnett W. “Ace” Mumford, Avery Johnson and former athletic director Marino Casem.
Bobby Phills was inducted into hall of fame posthumously for basketball, Mary Phills his mother accepted the honor on his behalf and his wife Kendall Phills made remarks.
“I know if Bobby was here he would be humble, because this is where our humble beginnings began. Thank you and God bless,” Phills said.
John Ned inducted into hall of fame posthumously, for athletic training service, his mother accepted the award.
Ned’s sister, Judith Tessia Ned said, “John loved this university, he bled blue and gold. I am grateful and my family is grateful.”
SU athletic director William Broussard served as the keynote speaker and was honored at the end of the ceremony for his participation.
Broussard spoke about current experiences and the preparations for the home opener against MVSU on Thursday.
“I am thrilled to be athletic director. I want to build the electricity on the field and courts that I remember whenever I came to the SUBR campus playing for the opposition,” Broussard said.
Broussard anticipates the plans for the new facility for baseball and the projects currently underway in athletics.
“Bringing the Old Southern back is important but, I have also heard that we need a new Southern.What has been my motivation is to bring the old Southern back and marry it to the new Southern,” Broussard said.
Broussard affirmed that supporters’ presence at the ceremony was a sign of loyalty.
“The fact that you are here tonight is proof of your loyalty to Southern. Thank you for all of your support so far, Go Jaguars,” Broussard said.
Charlie Granger, Southern University sports hall of fame commission chairman began the ceremony honoring Edgar Fullwood for football 1970-1973 followed by Roderick Hill inducted for football for 1992-1995.
“I am humble to join a league and fraternity of great players who have truly defined the game and I congratulate my fellow inductees,” Hill said.
Hill cited his thankfulness for the sacrifices of those before him, acknowledging himself as only part of the honor in a greater purpose.
“It’s about all the people who have sacrificed. I am humbled and honored but recognize it’s not about me.I praise the lord tonight for being the love of my life. That is who this is all about,” Hill said.
Granger described Maurice Hurst the next inductee for track, baseball and football, Maurice “Sweetness” Hurst, “He was so fast, Maurice is a good example of a true student athlete.”
Hurst talked about when he first came to campus, and how he didn’t want to stay after being exposed to Grandison Hall.
“When I was introduced to Grandison Hall, I was saying I didn’t want to stay here. I know I would not get this without the coaches sacrifices and even the players I played with made sacrifices. Moral support, my family, without them this wouldn’t have been possible. I am grateful and I thank you,” Hurst said.
Edward Jordan was inducted for football 1971-1974 and shared a call to action for everyone to put their little into the hands of God to multiply.
“I want to call you to action, this school needs us.That little placed in the hands of God can be a lot. Great things started right here in Baton Rouge,” Jordan said.
Raymond Lockett and Woodrow Thompson were inducted for services rendered from 1975-2010, both thankful for different reasons.
“I must thank my family who put up with me, I would thank my wife & all of my friends who came to support me,” Lockett said.
Thompson reflected on his past and was thankful to God for his success and honor.
“I am the legend, those who participated against me they don’t call me by my name they called me champ or legend. Without God it would not have been possible, he’s able but we have to keep the faith, he’s able. To God I give the glory I will always be a Southernite,” Thompson said.
Michael Washington was inducted to hall of fame for football, track and swimming.
“The true glory and honor on the field or off the field that honor and glory belongs to God,”Washington said.
Herman Weston was inducted for basketball, garnering a scholarship and letters for years at Southern until 1965.
Bobby Phills was inducted into hall of fame posthumously for basketball, Mary Phills his mother accepted the honor on his behalf and his wife Kendall Phills made remarks.
“I know if Bobby was here he would be humble, because this is where our humble beginnings began. Thank you and God bless,” Phills said.
John Ned was inducted into hall of fame posthumously, for athletic training service, his mother accepted the award.
Ned’s sister, Judith Tessia Ned said, “John loved this university, he bled blue and gold. I am grateful and my family is grateful.”
Aeneas Williams was inducted to the hall of fame for football and track from 1988-199, he urged the crowd of supporters to utilize their potential and recognized those who helped him do so.
“A lot of people go to their grave not fulfilling their potential.Maurice Hurst allowed me to go on and realize my potential. I want to thank everyone, thank you, thank you, if you are still breathing there is still potential in you,” Williams said.
Williams echoed the gratitude to be honored by the selection committee.
“I want to thank the committee and I like being among this distinguished group,” Williams said.
In closing, Chancellor James Llorens echoed Jordan’s call to action and reflected on the night’s honors.
“The thing that will turn this university around is going to be support.This is one of those things that high lights what Southern University has to offer. We know that what we do is important. Thank you on behalf of Southern University,” Llorens said.