University of the District of Columbia Honors Third Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Class

University of the District of Columbia Honors Third Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Class

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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 was held on February 15th, 2014 at Maggiano's Little Italy on Wisconsin Avenue in Washington, DC.

The event, which included a reception, dinner, and induction ceremony, was attended by more than 140 of the Firebird faithful. The Master of Ceremony was James "Butch" McAdams, University of the District of Columbia, Class of 1981. The evening featured speeches from several members of the Athletic Department as well as Interim President, Dr. James E. Lyons. Each inductee, or a representative of the inductee for those who were inducted posthumously, were given an opportunity to speak as well, and each inductee was represented in a slide show. On Sunday, February 16th, the inductees were recognized at halftime of the Firebirds Women's Basketball game against Roberts Wesleyan College, and a special reception was held in their honor.

According to Director of Athletics Patricia Thomas, the event continues to be a great success in its third year.

"Like the previous two Hall of Fame classes, the 2014 Athletics Hall of Fame inductees are exceptional individuals who demonstrated excellence as student-athletes and continued to demonstrate success after leaving their alma mater," Thomas said. "Having the opportunity to recognize outstanding alumni and spend a wonderful evening together in celebration is extremely gratifying and important to the life of the University.  I appreciate the tremendous efforts of athletic department staff, especially Matthew Rienzo,  in making the entire Hall of Fame weekend possible.  Congratulations and thank you to the 2014 University of the District of Columbia Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees!"

 

University of the District of Columbia Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Class 2014

 

Dr. 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 – 1996

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.

 

Earnest Green

District of Columbia Teachers College – 1969

Basketball Student-Athlete and Coach

Earnest 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 as 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.