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thedrifter
08-19-04, 05:57 AM
Hall of Fame immortalizes Marine athletes' achievements
Submitted by: MCB Quantico
Story Identification #: 2004817123134
Story by Cpl. Justin P. Lago



MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. (Aug. 12, 2004) -- The United States Marine Corps Sports Hall of Fame recognized three former Marines for their achievements in sports played during their time of service with an induction luncheon ceremony held Friday at The Clubs At Quantico.

Gen. William L. Nyland, assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, hosted the luncheon where former Marines Ken Norton, Richard Guerin, and Art Donovan were inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Guerin, a former Marine first lieutenant, and a six-time NBA all-star, was named the NBA Coach of the Year in 1968.

Norton is a two-time heavyweight boxing champion and a former Marine corporal whose name currently resides in the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Donovan, a former Marine private first class, is in the National Football League Hall of Fame, and was selected to five Pro-Bowl appearances.

The United States Marine Corps Sports Hall of Fame, which honors former Marines who have excelled both on and off the athletic field, was founded in 2001.

Those elected to the Hall of Fame will be recorded here, in the National Museum of the United States Marine Corps and Heritage Center, which is scheduled for completion in 2005.

In addition to the three Hall of Fame inductees, other champion Marine athletes were recognized at the luncheon ceremony, including the 2003 Marine Corps Male and Female Athletes of the Year: Master Sgt. Michael Kidd and First Lt. Kristen Kavanaugh.

Marine Corps Sports also presented a first-ever lifetime achievement award to 1st Sgt. Douglas Marocco at the ceremony. Marocco is a top armed forces triathlete competing in national and international championships throughout the year. He is a former Armed Forces Athlete of the Year and two-time Marine Corps Athlete of the Year.

Kavanaugh, who distinguished herself as a member of both the All-Marine Women's Basketball Team and the Armed Forces Women's Basketball Team in 2003, said meeting the Hall of Fame inductees was an unforgettable experience.

"I wouldn't trade it for the world," said Kavanaugh. "I was honored to be in the same room with these former Marines. You don't often get an opportunity to meet people who have excelled in the way they have. It gives me something to strive for."

Kavanaugh said she admired Hall of Fame inductee Richard Guerin, and called his athletic accomplishments especially noteworthy.

"I was in awe of him," said Kavanaugh. "To play in the NBA is one thing, but to be a player/coach is awesome. He's someone to add to my list of people to look up to."

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/2004817125821/$file/HallofFame2_lowres.jpg

National Basketball Association great and former first lieutenant Richie Guerin react to videos about his professional careers during the Marine Corps Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony held for them Friday at The Clubs At Quantico. Also inducted was Ken Norton Sr., a two-time World Heavyweight Boxing Champion and former corporal.

Photo by: Mark Turney

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/2004817125930/$file/HallofFame3_lowres.jpg

National Fooball League Hall of Famer and former private first class Art Donovan react to videos about his professional careers during the Marine Corps Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony held for them Friday at The Clubs At Quantico. Also inducted was Ken Norton Sr., a two-time World Heavyweight Boxing Champion and former corporal.

Photo by: Mark Turney

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/2004817133541/$file/HallofFame1_lowres.jpg

Former Heavyweight Boxing Champion of the World, Ken Norton Sr., signs an autograph for seven-year-old Morgan Dougherty after his induction into the Marine Corps Sports Hall of Fame on Friday. Norton and two other inductees - Football great Art Donovan and basketball star Richie Guerin - received commemorative plaques and statues from Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. William L. Nyland.

Photo by: Mark Turney

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/EAC300E2FA976B9C85256EF3005AC827?opendocument


Ellie