USF To Induct Four into Athletic Hall of Fame
Jan. 23, 2007
USF will induct basketball player Willie "Woo-Woo" Wong, golfer Juli Christopher Hilton, basketball star Marlene Henderson and former coach John Drocco into its Athletics Hall of Fame on February 9, 2007 at the annual Hub Flynn Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Dinner.
The 2007 honorees that will be honored on Homecoming Weekend are:
Juli Christopher Hilton, Golf - In 1993, just three years after the women's golf program was launched, Christopher led the team to its first tournament victory. She was also the first USF and first West Coast Conference women's golfer to qualify for an NCAA tournament. Runner-up in the 1992 and 1994 California State Amateur Championships, Christopher was a three-time collegiate runner up while competing for USF.
John Drocco, Special Category - A long-time coach and supporter of the Dons, Drocco served as defensive backfield coach for the football team (1964 - 1969); head coach for women's tennis (1989 - 2000) and head coach of the men's and women's cross country teams (1989 - 2003). He was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Green and Gold Club as well as the Hub Flynn Hall of Fame Committee.
Marlene Henderson, Basketball - A strong all-around player, Henderson was a two-time All-West Coast Conference first team selection as well as a two-time USF team MVP. She was just the third Lady Don to lead the team in scoring and rebounding for two consecutive seasons. In her last year for the Green and Gold, Henderson led the West Coast Conference in rebounds.
William "Woo Woo" Wong, Basketball - Recruited to USF by legendary coach Pete Newell, Wong became the first Chinese-American to play for a Division I college basketball team. As a Don in 1950, he was the first Chinese-American to play in the NIT Tournament and to play at Madison Square Garden. At 5' 5" with a one of the best set shots in the business, he was called the biggest little man in basketball. He will be honored posthumously.
The 1956 - 1957 men's basketball team will be honored for special recognition. The team drove USF to its third consecutive league title and to a third place finish in the final NCAA playoffs. They extended USF's then record winning streak to 60 games.
The Hub Flynn Hall of Fame dinner will be held at the McLaren Complex on February 9, 2007. The evening begins with no host cocktails at 6:00 PM followed by dinner and the program at 7:00 PM. Tickets are $45 per person. Call the USF Alumni Office: (415) 422-6431 for additional details.