Rice Athletics Hall of Fame Criteria

Nomination Information for Rice Athletics Hall of Fame

The "R" Association inducts a new class into the Athletic Hall of Fame, Distinguished "R" Award, and Honorary "R" Award every odd year; 2021, 2023, 2025, etc. Nominations must be submitted no later than March 31st of a Hall of Fame year. The induction ceremony is usually held in October or November.

We invite you to assist the Board of Directors in nominating a new class by returning your nominations to us. There are three (3) awards; please read about them below. If you have already submitted information about a candidate, we have your information on file. Please contact the "R" Association office for a complete list of candidates. (713) 348-6915 or rassoc@rice.edu

Rice Athletics Hall of Fame Criteria

The recipient must be a member of the "R" Association, and achieved one of the Hall of Fame criteria below. In addition, the recipient shall possess, or have possessed, other qualifications such as sportsmanship, character, and integrity and shall have brought great distinction to Rice University; and

Shall have completed his or her athletic eligibility with the Athletic Department of Rice University at least five (5) years prior to his or her selection.

Shall be a current or former employee with service in the Athletic Department of Rice University prior to his or her selection.

Individual athletes shall be eligible for the Hall of Fame by achieving any of the following criteria during their athletic career at Rice (Five-year waiting period after the Hall of Fame qualifications have been achieved):

Olympic Team or National Team Member
World Record Holder: Recognized National Federation Mark
American Record Holder: Recognized National Federation Mark
NCAA All-American – Team and Individual Sport (Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Soccer, Swimming, Indoor Track & Field, Outdoor Track & Field, Tennis, Volleyball)
NCAA First Team All-Conference in the "primary" recognized poll - Team Sports (Baseball, Basketball, Football, Soccer, Volleyball)
Selection to a National Hall of Fame for his/her sport
Conference Champion in Cross Country, Golf, or Tennis

Eligibility for special admittance

The "R" Association Hall of Fame Committee may choose to make a special exemption for a deserving athlete, who does not meet above athletic criteria (for example: exceptional statistics in their sport but did not make first team all-conference). This must be a unanimous decision by the Hall of Fame Committee and the Board of Directors.

Qualifying for the Hall of Fame does not guarantee admittance.

The "R" Association is the caretaker of the Hall of Fame. The "R" Association Hall of Fame Committee, currently consisting of David Gibbs, John Coles, Wanna Hadnott, Gene Walker, the "R" Association President, the "R" Association Vice President, the "R" Association Assistant Director, former "R" Association Executive Director Don Knodel, and former Rice University athletic director Bobby May, makes recommendations to the R Association Board of Directors for admittance of individuals meeting the criteria and athletic accomplishments.

Distinguished "R" Award Criteria

The recipient must be a member of the "R" Association, lettered in athletics at Rice, shown interest in athletics at Rice after graduation from Rice University, have led an exemplary life, with respect to his or her personal, family, civic and public responsibilities and serving his or her community in an outstanding manner; and have excelled in his or her chosen field or profession.

Honorary "R" Award Criteria

The recipient need not have been a student-athlete at Rice or have attended the University. The recipient is selected for his or her long-standing support of the Department of Athletics by his or her attendance, enthusiasm, and involvement.