Photo Gallery

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pa. – The Lincoln University Department of Athletics honored 11 members into the 2012 Inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame on Friday night.
 
Lincoln University Alum Robert E. Knox was the Master of Ceremony for the night and ushered in a new era of Lions athletics.
 
“Lincoln University is such a wonderful place,” Knox said. “I have so many memories of some of the members of this class.”
 
The Inaugural Hall of Fame Class included, Dr. Leonard L. Bethel, Barrington “Barry” Fearon, Munford Merrill “Monte” Irvin, Rhondale Jones, Ashley Parker, Dr. Tarron Richardson, Robert Eugene Smith, Dr. Tehma Hallie Stanton Smith and Clive Terrelonge. The two inductees who were honored posthumously were Dr. Frank “Tick” Coleman and Manuel Rivero.
 
Accepting the honor for Manuel Rivero was his daughter Marita.
 
“I can't tell you how proud my father would be at this moment,” Marita Rivero said.
 
Lawrence Montgomery, grandson of Dr. Frank “Tick” Coleman said he had no idea how famous his grandfather was.
 
“Lincoln University was his home,” Montgomery said. “He loved Lincoln University and always wanted to give back.”
 
Dr. Walter Chambers accepted the award on behalf of Robert Eugene Smith, who lettered all four years in three sports – baseball, basketball and football – while being on the dean's list.
 
“He was not only great on the field, but he was also great in the classroom,” Dr. Chambers said. “He was a true Lincoln man.”
 
Members of the 2012 Inaugural Hall of Fame Class will be honored at halftime of Saturday's Lincoln University football game against Johnson C. Smith University. Kickoff is at 1 p.m., at Lincoln University Stadium.