University of North Carolina Athletics
Justice Elected To SoCon Hall Of Fame
April 16, 2009 | Football
April 16, 2009
SPARTANBURG, S.C. - After 88 years, the Southern Conference's first Hall of Fame induction will take place May 4 at the Chapman Cultural Center in Spartanburg, S.C. Eight of the 10 inductees will be present for the event to honor their legacies and contributions to the league. Megan Dunigan (Furman), Dick Groat (Duke), Sam Huff (West Virginia), Melissa Morrison Howard (Appalachian State), Adrian Peterson (Georgia Southern), Frank Selvy (Furman), Jerry West (West Virginia) and Valorie Whiteside (Appalachian State) have all confirmed their attendance at the event next month. Relatives of the late Charlie Justice (North Carolina) will be present to accept the honor on his behalf. Due to a prior commitment, Arnold Palmer (Wake Forest) will be the only inductee not present for the event, however Palmer has submitted a taped message to be played for those in attendance.
A two-time All-American, Justice was the 1948 National Player of the Year and helped the Tar Heels earn three bowl bids during his four years in Chapel Hill. He was the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy in 1948 and 1949. Justice was a four-time first team all-conference selection and was named the Southern Conference Player of the Year in 1948 and 1949.
Tom Werme, "The Voice of the Southern Conference," will serve as the emcee for the evening. Following a reception at the Chapman Center, the event will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the David Reid Theatre. Commissioner Iamarino will make his remarks on the historic event, prior to the formal induction. Following the ceremony, the inductees will be available for a meet and greet session with the public.
"We are thrilled to have representation from all the inductees join us in Spartanburg for this remarkable event," said Iamarino. "With 88 years of history, this is truly a historic class that represents a cross section of all the great student-athletes who have competed in the conference."
Student-athletes who competed for a minimum of two seasons in the Southern Conference were eligible for consideration, along with coaches and administrators who spent at least five years in the league. A pool of 254 candidates from the conference's current and former member institutions were nominated for the inaugural class. The pool of former student-athletes, coaches and administrators was cut down to 45 individuals who comprised the final ballot. A voting panel of 20 media members and league administrators made the selection of the inaugural class in January.
