Meet the 2020 RecSports Hall of Honor Inductees

Established in 2017 as part of the department’s Centennial Celebration, the RecSports Hall of Honor recognizes influential alumni, staff, supporters, and athletes who have had a significant impact on Recreational Sports throughout its long history.

The Early Birds

This group of exercise enthusiasts was formed in 1961 when State Representative Bob Armstrong was referred to UT professor Stan Burnham to seek advice on his health and fitness levels. They met three times a week to exercise and were soon joined by several other local area professionals. Fast forward a few years, the Early Birds had evolved into a full-fledged exercise group that offered workouts twice a day–early in the mornings and during lunchtime. Local attorneys, judges, professors, and executives all partook in this daily calisthenics, followed by breakfast. The Early Birds were a staple in Gregory Gym for over 40 years.

Nancy Walling

First got involved with RecSports as an intramural athlete playing different sports with numerous teams. Helped bring the intramural women’s team, Bombers, to victory in the National Flag Football Championships in 1982, 1983 and 1985. Earned defensive All-American, offensive All-American, and offensive MVP titles throughout the several years she competed. In 2009 was inducted into the National Championship Flag Football Hall of Fame.

Howard Nirken

UT student body president in 1992–93, he was a leader in the initiative to secure funding for the renovation of Gregory Gym. Worked with Recreational Sports staff, met with thousands of students, and attended countless meetings in order to garner support for the project. Also earned an intramural basketball championship with Zed’s Dread in 1993.

Max Smith

Former member of the intramural winning team and men’s Co-op, Oak Grove, from 1950–54. Played a variety of intramurals with the group including football, basketball, softball, water polo, volleyball, handball, and tennis. Earned a coveted spot on the Intramural Wall of Fame when he won Best All-Around Athlete in 1953–54.

G. Charles Franklin

A true behind-the-scenes hero for RecSports during his tenure. Began his career at UT as the business manager in 1969 and retired after 22 years of service as the senior vice president and chief financial officer. Instrumental in obtaining financial resources for the construction of the Recreational Sports Center and the Gregory Gym renovation.

Fred Kelly

Part-time firefighter and part-time store clerk at the Intramural Fields, Fred was a constant at RecSports for over 45 years. Supervised equipment checkout, informal recreation activities, and intramural games and mentored hundreds of students with a smile. Appears on the Intramural Wall of Fame over 35 times for softball, table tennis, and miniature golf.

Eric Stoutner

Began his career at RecSports in 1982 as an assistant director in the facilities area and served the department for over 35 years. Was an integral leader as well as a mentor and advisor to many UT RecSports full-time staff. He was instrumental in constructing RecSports’ major facility projects, including the Recreational Sports Center, the renovation of Gregory Gym, the addition of the Aquatic Complex, and the renovations of Caven-Clark Field and the Wright-Whitaker Complex. Retired as the director of programs in 2017.

Tracey Kennedy

Joined RecSports as an intramural athlete in the 1980s. A member of two Hall of Honor inductee groups, Bombers, and Quiet Storm, winning championships in football and soccer. Also helped The Thumpers teams earn places on the wall of fame in soccer and softball.

Recruits

Formed a team when then Intramural Director Sonny Rooker put out a notice looking for free agents to form an intramural football team. Captured the All-Year Trophy in the independent intramural division for six consecutive years.

Set national intramural track records in the 440 and 880 relays and had several individuals win the title of Best All-Around Athlete in the 1960s. Recruits’ teams and individuals appear on the Intramural Wall of Fame over 60 times.

Quiet Storm

Began an eight-year tradition of excellence when they created a team in 1984. Played various sports, including football, softball, and co-ed soccer. Won two football championships, two soccer championships, and one softball championship. The team also includes Hall of Honor individual inductees Lewis Wright IV and Tracey Kennedy.