Aug. 19, 2008

THIBODAUX, La. - The Nicholls State University Athletics Department will induct five new members and one entire team into its athletics Hall of Fame at a reception on Saturday, September 13, 2008, Athletics Director Rob Bernardi announced Tuesday.

The 1970 Nicholls baseball team, men's basketball player Kenderick Franklin, football player Brad Zeller, men's track athlete Kevin Smelley, and former head softball coach Cathy Compton comprise the 2008 class of inductees.

"We are excited about the new group of inductees to our Hall of Fame," said Nicholls Athletics Director Rob Bernardi.

"Each new member contributed in a special way to Colonel athletics. We are especially pleased to induct, for the first time ever, an entire team to the Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony should be a memorable event."

Coached by Ray Didier, the 1970 Colonel baseball team competed for the NCAA College Division National Championship, finishing as runner-up. It was the closest any Colonel team has ever come to capturing an NCAA national championship.

Kenderick Franklin was a three-time, First Team All-Southland Conference selection from 1996 through 1998. Brad Zeller was selected All-Southland Conference in 1998 and led the Southland Conference in passing that same year.

Men's track athlete Kevin Smelley captured two individual Southland Conference championships and is among the program's all-time statistical leaders in numerous categories. Cathy Compton led the Lady Colonel softball team to three conference championships during the 1992, 1994 and 1995 seasons. She is the first female coach to be inducted to the Hall of Fame and holds an impressive 200-77-4 career mark.

In addition to the induction ceremony, some current members of the Hall of Fame will be in attendance to welcome in the new members. Ken Berthelot, the Voice of the Colonels, will emcee the event.

The reception will be part of Hall of Fame Day at John L. Guidry Stadium. Football coach Jay Thomas and the Fighting Colonels are scheduled to take on Bowie State with kickoff set for 6:00. A social hour will begin at 3:00 p.m. followed by the Hall of Fame inductions at 4:00 p.m. The induction ceremony and social will take place at the Envie Restaurant in Thibodaux, La.

Tickets for the Hall of Fame induction are $10. For information about the ceremony contact Michelle Keife at 985-448-4794 or michelle.keife@nicholls.edu.

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