Former athletic greats Realia Davis, Mike Johnson and the late Theodore “Teddy” Duhe were inducted into the Nicholls athletic hall of fame during a Homecoming reception Nov. 1 in the quadrangle.
The Nicholls athletic hall of fame, which started inducting former Nicholls athletes, coaches and athletics contributors back in 1981, has 41 members from baseball, softball, football, men and women’s basketball and golf.
After an eleven-year hiatus, the athletic hall of fame is back and running. In order to be considered for selection of athletic hall of fame, a student-athlete mush have earned two or more letters in a varsity sport at Nicholls, gained distinction because of superb athletic performance, maintained a personal reputation for integrity that reflected the University, earned a baccalaureate, professional or graduate degree from Nicholls or another regionally accredited institution of higher learning and have five years lapsed since completion of varsity competition or active coaching.
The selection committee consisted of Al Davis, who represented the Nicholls athletic council; Glenn Antizzo, faculty athletics representative; Dan Rivera, Alumni Association representative; James Symmons; Lee Rodgers, student government association representative; Rob Bernardi, Nicholls athletics director; and Bobby Galinsky, men’s sports information director.
The selection committee reviews and evaluates the nominees, and then makes a decision on the selections. The selections are then submitted to the Nicholls president for approval.
“I think I am going to challenge this committee next year to take a look at the past years of athletic competition and the individuals who have made such a contribution to Nicholls, so that we can identify a number of individuals who are deserving of recognition,” Stephen Hulbert, University president, said.
Davis, a first-team All-American women’s basketball player in 1987, was the first female in Nicholls history to be selected as player of the week. The three-time All-Gulf Star Conference player led the Gulf Coast Conference and Nicholls in total points, scoring per game, total rebounds, rebounds per game and field goal percentage in 1984, 1985, 1986 and 1987.
Davis still holds all-time records for points with 1,750, career field goals made with 724 and career free throws attempted with 558.
Davis said she was thrilled with the honor and was excited it was given to her on a special day.
“Actually, it’s an honor and I have been waiting for this for years,” Davis said. “It is extra special because today is my birthday.”
Duhe, a native of Houma who graduated from Nicholls in 1969 with a bachelor of science degree in business administration, was a member of the Colonels baseball team. By serving in the University of Louisiana System from 1988-2000, Duhe was an advocate of higher learning in Louisiana. He was a driving force behind the establishment of the $3.14 million Allied Health and Continuing Education Building in Houma, and the Betsy Cheramie Ayo Hall on the Nicholls campus.
Duhe, who died Sept. 28, 2002, at the age of 56, was represented during the ceremony by his wife Adrienne.
“He loved Nicholls; it was part of his life.” Adrienne Duhe said. “He worked hard, and I know he is enjoying this.”
Johnson, a four time All-American and three-time All-Gulf Star Conference golfer, holds every Nicholls and Gulf Star Conference record with for 36-hole score with a 9-under par 135, low 54 score with 10-under par 206 and lowest average in a single season with 73 average in 1977.
Johnson was named Nicholls most valuable player in 1977, 1978, 1979 and 1980. He won the Southern Mississippi Tournament, the DeAngelo Tournament and the Nicholls Invitational in 1978, 1979 and 1980.
“I had a great time at Nicholls,” Johnson said. “The atmosphere, from the University to the coaches, was very positive. I looked over the website, (and found) that Nicholls still tries to promote a personal touch, and I can tell that the years I was here, that is exactly what I experienced.”