(NEWARK, NJ) -- The Board of Trustees and the President of Essex County College has announced the creation of the institution's first-ever Wolverine Athletics Hall of Fame, a tribute to the rich and remarkable legacy of athletic excellence at ECC.
The inaugural induction ceremony will be held Friday, May 9, 2025 at 5:00pm at the College’s main campus (303 University Avenue) in Newark. The event will honor six outstanding individuals and a history-making basketball team whose impact continues to inspire and guide future Wolverines.
“We are now formally recognizing our college’s history of athletic prowess, spanning over 50 years, in a fitting manner. Our college has had many Olympians who have won medals. We have had many All-Americans in all our sports. Our teams have won national championships. The list goes on,” said Dr. Keith Kirkland, Dean of Student Affairs. “Now we have a beautiful home to recognize these amazing players, coaches, administrators, and their achievements,” he added.
“The unveiling of the Wolverine Athletics Hall of Fame at Essex County College marks a proud moment in our institution’s history,” said ECC President Dr. Augustine A. Boakye. “These honorees were selected not only for their outstanding professional achievements, but for the lasting impact they’ve made through mentorship, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the values of ECC athletics. This Hall of Fame reflects our deep commitment to celebrating individuals who embody the true spirit of ECC.”
The idea for the Wolverine Athletic Hall of Fame began under President Emeritus Dr. A. Zachary Yamba, and was brought to life by current President Dr. Augustine A. Boakye. Dr. Boakye played a key role in bringing the vision to completion — providing leadership, building key relationships, and securing the resources needed to make it happen. Thanks to the efforts of both leaders, the Hall of Fame is now a reality.
“Dr. Yamba, a celebrated Hall of Fame soccer athlete at Seton Hall University, has always understood the importance of honoring athletic achievement,” said Board of Trustees member Johanna L. Wright. “His passion and dedication to ECC, and its student-athletes, have been invaluable in bringing this recognition to our institution.”
The Wolverine Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2025 is as follows:
* Hon. Sharpe James – First director of athletics (1968–1986)
* Russell Rogers – First national champion; track and field coach (1971–1978)
* Cleo Hill Sr. – Men’s basketball coach and athletics director (1984–1995)
* 1973–74 Men’s Basketball Team – Set the national junior college scoring record
* Melaine Walker – Women’s track and field (2002–2004); Olympic gold medalist
* Novlene Williams-Mills – Women’s track and field (2001–2002); Olympic silver and bronze medalist
* Kerron Stewart – Women’s track and field (2003–2005); Olympic silver and bronze medalist
To reserve your seat at the Hall of Fame dinner, or inquire about advertisement and sponsorship opportunities, email ECCAthleticsHOF@essex.edu.
For over 50 years, Essex County College has been educating and enriching the lives of their students. Their academic programs consider the needs of the local community, but their quality attracts applicants from all over the world.
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