2010 Hall of Fame Class Inducted Friday
10/2/2009 8:00:00 AM | Terrapin Athletics
Oct. 2, 2009
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - One of the highlights on the Terrapin Athletics calendar took place on Friday evening as the Maryland Athletics Hall of Fame grew by seven members in ceremonies at the Inn and Conference Center.
In addition to the induction of Johnny Holliday, Desmond Armstrong, Conrad Hemphill, Katie Kauffman-Beach, C. Rennie Smith, Dale Castro and Missy Meharg, several other awards were given on the evening.
Athletics business office supervisor Phyllis Wallace, Terrapin Club past president Stan Goldstein and Alumni Association past president Charles "Chip" Sollins were honored with Honorary 'M' letters.
The Honorable Steny Hoyer was presented the Robert C. James Distingiushed Citizen Award by director of athletics Deborah A. Yow.
The Hall of Fame Class will be announced to the crowd at halftime of Saturday's football game between Clemson and Maryland.
Brief features on the members of the Hall of Fame class are below:
Desmond Armstrong
Men's Soccer `84
Desmond Armstrong is a man who has not only contributed to the soccer community, but is someone who has been celebrated for his contributions to society.
Armstrong played midfield and defense for the Terps from 1982-85. He was a three time All-Atlantic Coast Conference honoree and four-year letterwinner. He was also chosen to be a member of the ACC 50th Anniversary Men's Soccer Team.
"He is absolutely the best as far as I am concerned," said longtime friend Pastor Robert Davis Jr.
After an impressive collegiate career, Armstrong went on to play professionally. He played in the Major Indoor Soccer League and the American Professional Soccer League.
He was also a member of the U.S. Olympic team in 1988 and 1992 and started for the U.S. in the 1990 FIFA World Cup.
After Armstrong retired from playing professionally, he became a community leader when he started an inner-city soccer outreach program
"I have enjoyed watching him train inner-city youths. He helps them fall in love with the game and he trains them in life through his House of Heroes soccer outreach program," said Davis.
Armstrong has proven to be an inspiration to the children he coaches and to his friends throughout the years.
"Desmond has taught me a lot about pouring yourself into what you love and to not hold anything back. He taught me that sometimes you must take risks in order to do what you believe in.
"In terms of his Hall of Fame Induction, I am very proud. He is worthy of his induction for what he did on the field, but also in terms of breaking down barriers as an African-American soccer player," said Davis.
Armstrong's life has been one of integrity, hard work and determination which has been shown on and off the field.
"I think the word that best describes his life is passion," said Davis. "He is filled with passion about whatever he is committed to doing at that time."
Career Highlights
• Played midfielder and defense for the Terps from 1982-85
• A three-time All-ACC nominee and four-year letterwinner
• Named to the ACC 50th Anniversary Men's Soccer Team
• Earned 81 caps playing for the U.S. National Team and started for the U.S. in the 1990 FIFA World Cup
• A member of the U.S. Olympic Team in 1988 and 1992
Dale
Castro
Football `79
Dale Castro sets records. From 1977-1980 he was a record-setting place-kicker and punter for the University of Maryland. In 1979 he was not only a consensus All-American, he also set what was then a NCAA record by connecting on his first 16 field goal attempts, a streak that is still fresh in many people's minds.
"Sometimes I'm not sure how the ball made it over" said former teammate Ralph Lary. "It wasn't always pretty, but it was fun to be around."
Having Castro on the team also made playing the game a little easier.
"It's great to know that you have a kicker that can make the kick," said former teammate Kervin Wyatt. "In 1979 he was the best player on our team
"He was very productive and focused. He did his job as well as he could do it and that is what all athletes strive for. They want to be better than everybody else, and that season he was."
Castro's record-setting punts and kicks are still ranked at the University of Maryland. He is currently fourth in career punting yardage, seventh in career field goal percentage and 10th in career field goals.
Castro's contribution to the football team is not only evident in his statistics and awards. His former teammates also recognize what his presence did for Maryland.
"The fact that he was good at what he did gave Maryland increased recognition," said Lary. "He did some tremendous things at Maryland."
One of the most memorable games for Castro, teammates and fans came during a homecoming game against North Carolina.
"It was a game that we won when I kicked a field goal with about a minute to play, putting us up to win," said Castro.
Maryland's respect for Castro goes both ways. He has as much regard for the University as it has for him.
"The `Terp for Life' motto has a great meaning," he said. "I have been in high schools for 20 years and I have been like an ambassador for the University of Maryland because I had such great experiences.
"It's a great sense of pride having gone to the University of Maryland."
Career Highlights
• A record-setting place-kicker and punter for Maryland from 1977-80
• Consensus first team All-American in 1979; also received the Walter Camp Award and honored by the Sporting News and Football Writers Association following that season
• Ranks fourth in career punting yardage (8,584), seventh in career field goal percentage (.692) and 10th in career field goals (27) at Maryland
Conrad "Connie"
Hemphill
Baseball `54
When asked, everyone agrees that Connie Hemphill's induction into the University of Maryland Athletics Hall of Fame was a long time coming.
"He was a representative for the University of Maryland. He fit the bill for a true All-American and deserves to be in the Hall of Fame," said Robert Weiss, Hemphill's former baseball teammate at Maryland. "He was one of the team leaders, and when Connie was on the hill he was a take-charge person. He was very competitive and did not give an inch when he was out on the mound."
Hemphill still holds the University of Maryland's career record for wins while compiling a .750 career winning percentage.
"When Connie played his junior year, Maryland was in the Southern Conference, and in his senior year they were in the ACC," said Jack Flynn, a Terrapin historian who worked with Hemphill for a time at the M Club.
"As a result there was no record of him having won more games than any other pitcher in Maryland history. That was also a time when they only played about 25 games a year. Also he was ineligible for varsity (in his first season) because then they had a freshman team, so he only had three years of eligibility. He achieved that record while only playing three years. That again shows what an excellent pitcher he was.
"Also in the first year of the ACC, Maryland was the co-champions (with Clemson) and that is not really reflected in the statistics," said Flynn. "They beat Clemson in a doubleheader as co-champions in the ACC in 1954.
That 1954 doubleheader against Clemson for the ACC Championship is one of the memories that stick out for Hemphill and his teammates.
"I think the most outstanding time was the doubleheader that Bob Weiss and I pitched against Clemson in our senior year," said Hemphill. "I thought that was outstanding. That put us in first place in the ACC."
Although Maryland tied with Clemson for the ACC Championship, Clemson went on to the NCAA tournament because during that time, there were no real playoffs.
Hemphill not only contributed to Maryland on the pitching mound. He came back to College Park and served as president of the M Club from 1976-1977.
"I would say here's a prime example of someone giving back to the University what the University has given to him, and giving back more," said Flynn. "He was a real leader and accomplished a lot. It shows his loyalty to the University"
After graduating from the University of Maryland, Hemphill went into the insurance business. He now resides in Florida and is an avid golfer.
"I certainly appreciate it [being inducted into the Hall of Fame]. It has been the highlight of my career" said Hemphill.
Being inducted into the University of Maryland Athletics Hall of Fame may be the highlight of his baseball career; however Hemphill may have another sports career in his future.
"Since I have been playing golf in Florida I have made three holes in one," he said proudly.
Career Highlights
• Pitched for the Terps from 1951-54
• Maryland's career leader with 21 victories and owns a .750 career winning percentage
• A two-time first team all-conference honoree (All-ACC and All-Southern Conference)
• Helped Maryland win 60 games during his career
• Drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 1954 Major League Baseball Draft
Johnny
Holliday
Meritorious Service
Johnny Holliday has been the voice of the University of Maryland basketball and football for 30 years. In that time he has broadcasted more than 1,100 Maryland basketball and football games, including 12 bowl games, 20 Sweet 16 and two Final Four appearances.
"When I began working at Maryland alongside him, I was well aware of his resume and all the things he had done. But the fact of the matter is that he just a regular guy" said Terrapin men's basketball analyst Chris Knoche.
Holliday is not only known around Maryland as one of the top sports broadcasters in the country, he is also thought of as a true professional who has stayed humble throughout his impressive career.
"Johnny never lets his ego get in the way. He listens and allows his guests to make their points" said Maryland head basketball coach Gary Williams. "He is a true professional."
Holliday has been recognized numerous times for his great work in the sports broadcasting world. He has been honored by Washingtonian Magazine as "Washingtonian of the Year" and has been inducted into the Television Broadcasters Hall of Fame and the Baltimore Sports Media Hall of Fame.
"He is at the top," said Knoche. "He has always had the smooth delivery. He is very self-assured and aware of what is going on.
"One of the things he's got and what a lot of people in his position don't have is that he has a very good grasp of the game. He understands what's going on."
Holliday is not only great at what he does but after 30 years, he still makes sure that he and his co-workers have a great time doing it.
"It's a real fun experience working with him" said football analyst Jonathan Claiborne. "He is incredibly talented; a true professional and still keeps things light and entertaining at the same time."
"Johnny is a friend" said Williams. "He is always a professional who makes the person working with him at ease."
However, what he brings to the University of Maryland is not just in his words but with his actions as well.
"He is involved in a lot of charity work and does a lot of good deeds around the community, and people associate that with the University of Maryland," said Claiborne. "It comes across that the University of Maryland is as classy a program as Johnny Holliday is."
Holliday's legacy at the University of Maryland has been and will continue to be one of a broadcaster who is professional, talented and humble.
"Johnny Holliday and the University of Maryland are synonymous" said Knoche. "They are tied at the hip and it has been a great relationship for both."
Career Highlights
• Recently began his 31st season as the play-by-play voice of the Terrapins
• Has broadcasted more than 1,100 Maryland football and men's basketball games
• Has been honored by Washingtonian Magazine as ʻWashingtonian of the Year'
• Previously inducted into the Radio Television Broadcasters Hall of Fame and the Baltimore Sports Media Hall of Fame
Katie
Kauffman-Beach
Field Hockey `96
Katie Kauffman-Beach has not only left her mark on Maryland field hockey, but also on the national and world stages.
Kauffman-Beach earned first team All-America honors in 1994 and 1996. She was also an All-ACC honoree and was a three-time All-ACC Tournament selection. She helped the Terps claim the 1992 ACC Tournament title and the 1993 national championship.
"I think the best memory I have of Maryland was during my sophomore year winning the national championship in 1993," she said. "Just being a part of that, being a member of that team. It was just a great team and it was just the perfect season in many ways.
"I don't think it was a perfect record but it was a great year and to cap it off with a national championship was just exciting. It was really a fun part of my career at Maryland."
Kauffman-Beach's hard work and dedication not only made her a better player, but also inspired those around her.
"Katie made me such a better coach," said Maryland field hockey head coach Missy Meharg. "She gave her teammates every bit of herself every day physically and mentally. Her level of work was contagious"
Kauffman-Beach was chosen as field hockey Athlete of the Year in 2000. She was also a long-time member of the U.S. National Team and served as its captain in 2004. She also was a member of U.S. teams that played in the World Championships and in the Summer Olympics.
"Katie showed Olympic-level work while at the University of Maryland," said Meharg.
Attending the University of Maryland has not only helped Kauffman-Beach in her game, but has benefited her in all aspects of her life.
"The degree I received and being a part of a great field hockey program says a lot about who I am today. It has become a huge part of my life," she said.
"I learned commitment, dedication and discipline and made life-long friends. It has had a huge impact. I probably wouldn't have been an Olympian, and I wouldn't have met my husband Keith and have two wonderful daughters with him."
The legacy left by Kauffman-Beach on the University of Maryland field hockey program will not be forgotten anytime soon and her induction into the Maryland Athletics Hall of Fame is certainly deserved.
"Kate Kauffmann-Beach represents every bit of excellence that Maryland Athletics has to offer," said Meharg.
Career Highlights
• A decorated player at Maryland from 1992-94 and 96
• Earned All-America first team honors in 1994 and 1996
• Helped the Terps claim the 1993 NCAA championship and 1992 ACC Tournament title
• Chosen as 2000 U.S. Field Hockey Athlete of the Year
• A member of the U.S. Olympic and World Cup teams
Missy
Meharg
Field Hockey Coach `88-Present
The imprint Missy Meharg has made on the University of Maryland field hockey program is obvious.
This fall, she is in her 22nd season as the Terrapins' head coach. The previous 21 seasons include six national championships and seven Atlantic Coast Conference titles.
"It is incredible when you look back at the success that her program has had," said head athletic trainer Sandy Worth. "I have said to her that excellence is not an accident, it happens for a reason, and she is a large part of that reason."
Meharg will tell you humbly that a large part of the success of the Maryland field hockey team is the players that she has coached.
That group includes four players who received the Honda Award (presented to the nation's most outstanding player), 78 All-Americans, six ACC Rookies of the Year, nine ACC Tournament MVPs and 77 All-ACC performers.
"She is a very knowledgeable coach," said Worth. "She knows field hockey, and if she doesn't know something she will find out."
Meharg does not only focus on the athlete in the young women she coaches, she reminds them that they are students first.
"She does an excellent job with the players; most of them have been honored for their grades in the ACC," said former co-worker Anne Byrdy.
Worth adds, "Without a doubt the student-athlete piece is for real in her program. It is one of the things she stresses from the time the students are being recruited to the time that they leave. It is really a priority in her program."
Meharg has shown such dedication to her work for so long that she has been an inspiration to her co-workers.
"She has established a level of winning which all of us aspire to achieve," said retired Maryland gymnastics head coach Bob Nelligan. "Most coaches move around chasing financial windfalls, but Missy is a true Terp through and through."
Meharg has brought more to the University of Maryland than championship banners and trophies. She has brought leadership and has become a mentor for the young woman she coaches.
"At the end of that day she is most happy being a friend, a mentor and a leader for the young women who have come to this program," said Worth.
Meharg has not only been an inspiration to Maryland field hockey players, she has solidified herself as one of the top coaches in the sport.
"These young women want to be with the best and they want to take the opportunity to work with the best," said Worth.
"Missy has not only energized the field hockey program, but has established herself as one of the top coaches in the world," said Nelligan.
Career Highlights
• Has guided the Terps to six NCAA titles (1987, 1993, 1999, 2005, 2006 and 2008)
• A seven-time National Field Hockey Coaches Association Coach of the Year honoree
• Has led the Terps to seven ACC Tournament titles and six regular-season crowns
• Her players have garnered four Honda Awards, presented to the nation's most outstanding player, 78 All-Americans, nine ACC Players of the Year, and six ACC Rookies of the Year
C. Rennie
Smith
Men's Lacrosse `55
C. Rennie Smith has dedicated much of his adult life to the University of Maryland. He was not only a decorated lacrosse player, but he also enjoyed a long career as an assistant coach for Maryland.
In the years he played for the Terps (1952-1955) Smith earned second team All-America honors following each of his three seasons. He was also the co-captain of the 1955 national championship team, which was the first undefeated lacrosse team in school history.
"He was very reliable. He made all-American, and he was the outstanding player on the team all the years he played," said former teammate Frederick Mitchell. "He made honorable mention all the way through, and in 1955 they went undefeated and won the championship."
Following the 1954 season, Smith was the recipient of the Jack Turnball Award for Most Outstanding College Attackmen. After his last season at Maryland, Smith was named Maryland's Athlete of the Year and received the Charles McCormick Award as the Most Outstanding Baltimore Athlete in 1955.
However, Smith has not only had an effect on collegiate lacrosse, he is also highly regarded off the field.
"As a person he is a great guy with a great sense of humor, and he has been an athlete all his life. He loves to play sports," said his cousin C. Peter Smith.
Mitchell agrees, "He is very highly thought of, I think it's excellent he is being inducted into the Hall of Fame and I think it's well-deserved."
After playing lacrosse at Maryland, Smith decided it was time to bring his magic touch back to the game. He served as an assistant coach from 1960 to 1976, helping guide the Terps to three national championships.
When asked how he feels about the University of Maryland, Smith sums it up in just a few words.
"What else can I say but that it is great to be a Terp."
Career Highlights
• Played for the Terps from 1952-55, garnering All-America honors in each of his final three seasons
• Co-captain of the 1955 national championship team - the first undefeated lacrosse team in school history
• Recipient of the 1954 Jack Turnball Award for Most Outstanding College Attackman
• Served as an assistant coach from 1960-76, helping guide the team to three national championships.
