Saturday, December 10, 2011

Honor Roll of Program Builders Created

The MAAC has just announced a nice feature, the creation of a conference "Honor Roll," in which honorees will be enshrined in the MAAC Experience exhibit at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass.

The exhibit will remain on display for the duration of the league's affiliation with the city, which will host the MAAC's post-season men's and women's tournament for the next three years.

For the inaugural honorees the league selected one men's player and one women's player from each of the 10 current league members. Those selected aren't necessarily the best players from their respective programs, although in many cases they are that, but are being recognized as individual who helped build programs at each of the current league schools.

"By clebrating the past, the MAAC ensures that our current student-athletes have the proper role models as they navigate their way toward success in the classroom and on the court," saiid Rev. Jeffrey P. von Arx, president of Fairfield University and president of the MAAC Council of Presidents.

A private dinner event will be held on Friday, March 2 at the Hall of Fame, and the honorees will also be recognized and introduced at halftime of a men's preliminary-round game that begins at 7:30 p.m. that night.

Here's a link to the story about the Honor Roll that appears on the MAAC website. There is also video available to be viewed: http://www.maacsports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=17400&ATCLID=205344610

And, if you'll permit one suggestion. With the MAAC now in its 31st year, your hoopscribe believes there is enough history and enough superb players that have come through the conference for the creation of a league Hall of Fame, honoring the best individual players.

Large plaques could be created and displayed in Springfield and, later, at other sites of future MAAC tournaments.

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