University of Wisconsin-Stout's Athletic Hall of Fame was inaugurated in 1978 to pay tribute and give deserved recognition to former athletes, coaches, and athletic personnel (and in exceptional cases, other individuals who have demonstrated outstanding contributions while on campus or since graduation) in order to enhance our athletic tradition.
Objectives
- Give lasting recognition to outstanding UW-Stout athletes.
- Display reminders before students and the public of those people and their athletic accomplishments which have been instrumental in creating an athletic tradition at UW-Stout.
- Promote continuing interest in UW-Stout's intercollegiate athletic program.
- Establish vehicle to further enhance relations between the university and its various communities.
Criteria for the Induction of Athletes
- The athlete must be a letter winner as reflected in official university records.
- The athlete must be a graduate of UW-Stout. (May be waived under certain conditions.)
- There will normally be a lapse of 10 years since the athlete last participated at UW-Stout. The board of Directors has the authority to give earlier consideration in unusual, outstanding cases.
- While athletic achievement is of prime importance, moral character and good citizenship during both undergraduate and post-graduate years will be taken in to consideration.
- Outstanding accomplishments after leaving UW-Stout will also be a factor in making the selections.
- Diversity (for example, in gender and race) will also be a factor.
- Alumni-athletes serving on the selection committee may not be considered for induction while serving in this capacity.
Criteria for the Induction of Coaches and Athletic Personnel
- Contributions to general athletics.
- Excellence in coaching or athletic responsibilities.
- Has demonstrated support of the NCAA Division III philosophy of the student athlete.
- Contributes to UW-Stout, the Stout and surrounding communities, the conference and the NCAA and other national athletic organizations.
- No longer employed by UW-Stout.
No more than two coaches or athletic personnel may be selected for induction in any given year. There need not be a coach or athletic personnel inductee in any given year.
Honorary Category
The honorary category exists for exceptional instances, to honor those who have made such a significant contribution to Stout athletics as to merit Hall of Fame inclusion.
Selection Procedure
The Hall of Fame Board of Directors (selection committee) generates a list of nominees for induction each year -- a maximum of 12 athletes are considered. Members research each nominee's qualifications and present findings to the committee. Discussion, and if needed, further research follows. Election is by secret ballot. Candidates must receive affirmative votes from half or more of those in attendence in order to be inducted. No more than five athletes are elected (plus one alternate) except in justifiable mitigating circumstances.
Selection of coaches and athletic personnel follow a similar process. No more than two coaches or athletic personnel are considered each year. There need not be a coach or athletic personnel inductee in any given year. Committee members research and present nominee's qualifications. Election is by secret ballot. Candidates must receive affirmative votes from half or more of those in attendance in order to be inducted. Selection is subject to approval of the UW-Stout chancellor.
Board of Directors
The Hall of Fame Board of Directors (selection committee) is comprised of the athletic director, two (men's and women's) faculty athletic representatives, a chancellor's representative, an athletic committee representative, an alumni representative, a coach's representative, a male student athlete, a female student athlete, three alumni letterwinners, and three community representatives. The sports information director is an ex-officio, non voting member.