VU Hall of Fame 2024

[valpopal]

Four individuals will be inducted into the Valpo Athletics Hall of Fame Saturday, Feb. 10 as the Class of 2024. Raitis Grafs '03, Jon Robisch '64, Jordan Rutkowski '12, and Ozzie Young '96 comprise the 26th class in Hall of Fame history....

The Hall of Fame induction will take place as part of the inaugural All-Sports Reunion weekend Feb. 9-10, 2024. The induction luncheon is slated for midday on Saturday, Feb. 10, and the inductees will be honored at that afternoon's men's basketball game as well. Further details about the induction luncheon and registration information will be available in the coming weeks.

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[valpopal]

[valpotx]

Congrats to all, but especially to my one-time Berg few doors down neighbor, Raitis!  Well-deserved and I am glad to see him finally gain this recognition.  He was an absolute monster, especially when he was giving 100%.

[usc4valpo]

I nominated Eugene Parker who again did not get it, and for what he has done for minorities in sports it is a travesty Valpo has not elected him in the HOF.

[valporun]

When did Eugene Parker attend VU, what sport(s), and how notable was his contribution?

[usc4valpo]

He is one of the most influential African Americans who has had an influence in sports and was a great representative at Valparaiso. He was a student coach for 2 years and made a tremendous impact to many players. No Valpo HOF is complete without Eugene Parker.

[valporun]

He is one of the most influential African Americans who has had an influence in sports and was a great representative at Valparaiso. He was a student coach for 2 years and made a tremendous impact to many players. No Valpo HOF is complete without Eugene Parker.

You didn't really answer my questions about what sport he played/coached, or what years he did that.

[usc4valpo]

He coached basketball from 1980 to 1982.

[vu72]

He is one of the most influential African Americans who has had an influence in sports and was a great representative at Valparaiso. He was a student coach for 2 years and made a tremendous impact to many players. No Valpo HOF is complete without Eugene Parker.

You didn't really answer my questions about what sport he played/coached, or what years he did that.

Try this:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugene_Parker_%28sports_agent%29

[usc4valpo]

https://www.si.com/nfl/2016/04/15/eugene-parker-nfl-agent-death

[valpo64]

Eugene played his college basketball at Purdue.

[usc4valpo]

yes but coached at Valpo for 2 years and was a huge gamechanger and influencer in American sports. Valpo needs to recognize this, and it is really sad he does not get considered.

[valpotx]

yes but coached at Valpo for 2 years and was a huge gamechanger and influencer in American sports. Valpo needs to recognize this, and it is really sad he does not get considered.

Maybe some type of Distinguished Alumni HoF, if it doesn't already exist?  I get what you are saying on impact, but as a former VU athlete, I see the Athletics HoF as needing to be tied to accomplishments on the field/court or coaching/administering Valpo athletes in an exceptional way. 

[valpopal]

yes but coached at Valpo for 2 years and was a huge gamechanger and influencer in American sports. Valpo needs to recognize this, and it is really sad he does not get considered.

Maybe some type of Distinguished Alumni HoF, if it doesn't already exist?  I get what you are saying on impact, but as a former VU athlete, I see the Athletics HoF as needing to be tied to accomplishments on the field/court or coaching/administering Valpo athletes in an exceptional way.

Guidelines for Hall of Fame nominations seem to allow consideration of off the court post-graduation achievements:

Former athletes, coaches, administrators and support personnel at Valparaiso University are eligible for nomination to the Athletics Hall of Fame, as well as former students who have had outstanding careers in athletics-related fields after leaving Valpo.

[usc4valpo]

game, set, match. C'mon Valpo do the right thing!

ask Coach Prime:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BDqO7JNAH94/

[valpotx]

yes but coached at Valpo for 2 years and was a huge gamechanger and influencer in American sports. Valpo needs to recognize this, and it is really sad he does not get considered.

Maybe some type of Distinguished Alumni HoF, if it doesn't already exist?  I get what you are saying on impact, but as a former VU athlete, I see the Athletics HoF as needing to be tied to accomplishments on the field/court or coaching/administering Valpo athletes in an exceptional way.

Guidelines for Hall of Fame nominations seem to allow consideration of off the court post-graduation achievements:

Former athletes, coaches, administrators and support personnel at Valparaiso University are eligible for nomination to the Athletics Hall of Fame, as well as former students who have had outstanding careers in athletics-related fields after leaving Valpo.

Does the Law School represent such a thing?  I wouldn't view Law School folks as being core to an Athletics HoF, but they aren't my guidelines.

[usc4valpo]

tx - of course it does. I am totally blown away that Valparaiso University has not acknowledged Parker's contributions and impact on athletics.