‘Famers’ thank University for more than victories

Stories of wins and losses seem to take a back seat to ones of appreciation for the overall University experience and lifelong friendships, during the Phoenix Hall of Fame ceremony each year. Such was the case on February 6, the evening three Phoenix stars were inducted into the Phoenix Hall of Fame.

When inductees and former Phoenix stars (above, from left) Sue Pitroski (women’s basketball), Josh Lynk (men’s soccer) and Janelle Tomlinson Richard (volleyball) got the chance for a few remarks, they thanked the University that provided the opportunity and the circumstances to excel on the field and in the classroom.

Tomlinson, who came all the way from Alaska to receive her award, gave props to her teammates, coaches and teachers to be sure, but also the crazy swimming and diving team members that turned a subdued Phoenix Sports Center into a frenzied home court on match night. Lynk thanked his teammates who he called “world-class,” saying he couldn’t have asked for a better school, or a better experience. He made the trip from Minneapolis. Pitroski, from Manitowoc, who teammates recall as a woman of great talent but few words, thanked her family, her teammates, and the University for the “tremendous honor.”

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