NEW LONDON, Conn. – The ribbon cutting for the Otto Graham Hall of Athletic Excellence in Billard Hall will take place on Thursday night at 6:30 followed by the induction of the 2016 Hall of Fame Class at 7 p.m. to kickoff Homecoming Weekend festivites.
NBC Connecticut was on campus on Tuesday. To view the piece which tells more about the legendary Otto Graham and his journey to the Coast Guard Academy -- CLICK HERE
The 2016 CGA Athletics Hall of Fame & Alumni Association Awards Dinner is sold out, but you can still the live stream by CLICKING HERE
The Otto Graham Hall of Athletic Excellence pays tribute to the history of Academy Athletics, great teams, outstanding individual athletes, as well as, the pioneers of men's and women's sports. This $2.3 million project is the culmination of efforts that began over a decade ago. The Athletic Hall of Fame was moved from Roland Hall to this new, more prominent location. The Class of 1964 presented a new bust of Otto Graham (by CT artist Tony Falcone) to the Academy during their recent 50th reunion, which is the centerpiece of the athletic displays.
In addition to the ribbon cutting, Thursday's event will include the 2016 CGA Athletics Hall of Fame Induction and Alumni Association Awards presentation. This year's inductees and recipients include…
2016 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees
Mrs. Janine Bowman (Lavallee), '95
- Achievements in Pistol
CDR Mark Harris, USCG (ret), '96
- Achievements in Basketball
CDR Kathy Hamblett, USCG (ret), '80
- Achievements in Crew
CAPT Ty Rinoski, USCG (ret), '89
- Achievements in Football and Baseball
Coach Tom Bell (Honorary)
- Achievements as Football Coach 1986-92
2016 Alumni Award Recipients
Distinguished Alumnus - Mr. James Ellis II, '66
- For exemplary service in the Coast Guard and beyond in advancing the U.S. and international maritime industry
Distinguished Faculty - Prof. Richard Zuczek, Dept. of Humanities
- For dedication to cadets as professor of Humanities
Distinguished Philanthropist - Mr. Alexander Ogg, '76
- For his growing, generous, and genuine spirit in support of Athletic programs
Distinguished Service - Dr. Robert Byrd, '66
- For modeling the way as a key leader in the Alumni Association
Distinguished Volunteer - Mr. Paul Duddy, '71
- For providing over 10 years of volunteer/unpaid services in posting over 750,000 photos of cadet life
Alumni Achievement - Mr. Christian Soto, '03
- For leadership, commitment, and service to youth and the betterment of the community
Distinguished Mentorship - CDR Chris German, '96
- For exceptional mentorship and inspiration while serving as Executive Officer aboard USCGC MELLON
