January 10, 2014
University of the District of Columbia Announces Third Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Class; Induction Ceremony and Dinner to be Held February 15th, 2014
WASHINGTON, DC – The University of the District of Columbia Department of Athletics is proud to announce the third Athletics Hall of Fame induction class. The Athletics Hall of Fame celebration will be held on February 15th, 2014 at Maggiano's Little Italy on Wisconsin Avenue in Washington, DC. The event will begin at 6:00 pm with a reception. The dinner and induction ceremony will begin at 7:00 pm.
Date: Saturday, February 15, 2014
Time: 6:00 pm Reception, 7:00 pm Dinner and Induction Ceremony
Location: Maggiano's Little Italy
5333 Wisconsin Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20015
Washington, DC 20015
The Hall of Fame celebration begins on February 15, 2014. Don't miss this historic event. For more information, to register for the event, and for sponsor information visit us athttp://www.udcfirebirds.com/Athletic_Hall_of_Fame or contact Matt Rienzo, Associate Director of Athletics, at mrienzo@udc.edu or (202)274-6796.
University of the District of Columbia Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Class 2014
Gerald Boyd
District of Columbia Teachers College – 1963
Basketball Student-Athlete
Gerald Boyd was a standout basketball student-athlete at District of Columbia Teachers College under legendary coach and UDC Athletics Hall of Famer, Hiram "Dutch" Usilaner. Boyd was the captain of the team, and he was the second leading scorer averaging 14 points per game. He also set the school record for points in a single game with 41. As a senior, Boyd received the Reslyn Woodruff Henley award, the Athletic Department's most prestigious award.
Boyd earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from District of Columbia Teachers College.
Valerie Curtis
University of the District of Columbia – 1995
Basketball Student-Athlete and Coach
Valerie Curtis was a starter and leading scorer for the women's basketball team for all four years. As a senior in 1995, Curtis led the Firebirds to a record of 20-6, and a berth in the 1995 Division II NCAA Tournament. In 1993, Curtis led all of Division II with 6.1 steals per game (135 total). She still ranks second all time for steals in a single season and third in career steals average with 4.7 steals per game (318 total). Following her stellar playing career, Curtis joined the UDC coaching staff as an assistant coach for two seasons from 1995-1997. After stints at Fresno State and Lock Haven University, Curtis is now in her seventh year as Head Women's Basketball Coach at Georgian Court University.
Curtis earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health in 1996 and a Master's degree in Public Administration in 1998 from the University of District of Columbia.
Ernie Green
District of Columbia Teachers College – 1970
Basketball Student-Athlete
Ernie Green transferred to District of Columbia Teachers College in 1967 from Elizabeth City College. At DCTC, Green played for UDC Athletics Hall of Famer, Tony Upson, and he excelled in basketball earning All-conference honors. In 1969, he was the leading rebounder, second leading scorer, and team MVP on the league championship team. That same year, Green was awarded the Reslyn Woodruff Henley award, the Athletic Department's most prestigious award.
Green earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Business Education from DCTC and a Masters of Education in Administration from Howard University. After graduating from DCTC, Green was the assistant coach at DCTC and finished with a 17-4 record and a fourth straight league championship. In 1971, he became the head coach of the men's basketball program, and he led them to a 13-8 record.
Robert Jefferson
District of Columbia Teachers College - 1971
Basketball Student-Athlete
Robert Jefferson was a standout on the men's basketball team at District of Columbia Teachers College. He was elected co-captain of the team and led the area in scoring. Jefferson was an instrumental part of the DCTC teams that won four league championships in a row.
Jefferson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from DCTC.
Harold Benjamin Plummer
District of Columbia Teachers College – 1964
Football Coach
Harold Plummer was a football coach in the 1970's at the District of Columbia Teacher's College. He was a DC Public School teacher and coach for 25 years as well as founder of The District of Columbia Interscholastic Athletic Association (DCIAA) ski program. The program teaches DC Public School students how to ski and is complemented by tutoring sessions and life skills training. The Harold Plummer Achievement Award, formed in 2005, was created in honor of Plummer and his dedication to teaching District of Columbia students how to ski.
Plummer graduated from District of Columbia Teacher's College in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, and he also received a Masters degree from George Washington University in 1964.
"The Athletics Hall of Fame is an excellent occasion to reconnect with the University of the District of Columbia's esteemed alumni. These former student-athletes and coaches represent the best of the best from the university and its legacy institutions," Director of Athletics Patricia Thomas said. "Intercollegiate Athletics at this institution has a glorious history to celebrate. Students and staff achieved remarkable accomplishments while representing the institution with excellence. The first two Hall of Fame classes were outstanding, and the 2014 class is second to none. We look forward to the upcoming induction ceremony and celebration weekend with great anticipation."
The University of the District of Columbia Athletics Hall of Fame was established to pay tribute and give recognition to former student-athletes, coaches, and administrators who have significantly contributed to the athletic success and history of the institution. The Athletics Hall of Fame honors outstanding individuals and celebrates the university's rich history of intercollegiate athletic competition which began in the early 1900's when students attending Miner Teacher's College competed in basketball and tennis. The Hall of Fame inductees have significantly contributed to the athletic success and history of the Myrtilla Miner School for Colored Girls, the Washington Technical Institute, Wilson Normal School, Wilson Teachers College, the District of Columbia Teachers College, Federal City College and the University of the District of Columbia over the last 160 years.
For more information on the Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony or to buy tickets for the event, please visit us on the web athttp://www.udcfirebirds.com/Athletic_Hall_of_Fame.
