The University of the Virgin Islands inducted the first 16 members into its Athletics Hall of Fame Friday night as a prelude to the official opening of the new multimillion-dollar Sports and Fitness Center on the university's St. Thomas campus. The center also sees action this weekend as it hosts the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Invitational Basketball Tournament.
Most of the 14 men and two women in the inaugural class were overwhelmed by the new sports and fitness center. "This facility is just amazing, it's beautiful," said inductee Cletis A. Clendinen. "We have a facility that's long overdue. I only wish it was done 30 years ago."
Inductee Eugene Werts, who coached at UVI for more than 30 years, said, "We came a long ways. I dreamed of this back in '65-'66."
Among the other inductees was Ronald Harrigan, who played an integral role in getting the center built. Harrigan, as vice-president of student affairs, was directly involved in developing plans for the facility from the inception.
Juan Branningan, who was honored posthumously, was represented by his mother and two of his sons. "He has a crown here, like the one he has in heaven too," said his mother, Maria Branningan. Branningan's eldest son, Kwodwo, said, "Some of his talents rubbed off on me and I thank God for that."
UVI President Orville Kean said, "As we enter the third millennium at the university, in a 21st-century facility, we must honor those who came before and provided the momentum for this to be."
The other inductees include: Alphonso G. Andrews, Elridge Wilburn Blake, Nellon L. Bowry, Glenworth A. Bryon, Dr. Osbert W. Liburd, Rudolph A. Milligan, Glen F. Monticeux, Maureen W. Moorehead, Richard O. Skerritt, Elaine James Springer, Oscar Wells and Wallace D. Williams.
Ceremonies marking the official opening of the sports and fitness center take place Saturday afternoon.
