UL Hall welcomes four honorees

Bruce Brown, Daily Advertiser, Oct. 16, 2011

Some know their day will come, some find it a surprise, but induction into the UL Athletic Hall of Fame is worth the wait.

The Hall added four new members at induction ceremonies during homecoming weekend as football safety Orlando Thomas, tennis ace Bill Bryan, softball pitcher Cheryl Longeway Hogan and basketball great Byron Starks were added to the list.

"You think it will come along, and I always wanted it," Bryan said of the induction.

"But I finished playing 31 years ago, so I figured I missed the boat. Hands down, this is the biggest honor I ever had."

Bryan was a 5-time singles/double All-Southland Conference performer for the Cajuns from 1977-80. He ranks second in total career wins, second in doubles career wins, third in singles career wins and never lost a dual match in four years.

"Some have a chip on their shoulder; I had a boulder on my shoulder," Bryan said. "I had a lot of pride in the school. Whenever I put on that Cajun shirt, I was playing for respect.

"I can’t remember ever playing before empty stands. I figured if they took the time to watch, I would make it worth their time by trying to win."

Bryan, who learned under his father John Bryan, saw younger brothers Vaughan and Boyd play for UL, while Mike played at ULM. He is a two-time USTPA Coach of the Year and twice coached Jr. Davis Cup for Louisiana.

Longeway Hogan made Women’s College World Series history in 1995 by throwing a no-hitter against Michigan.

She was a two-time first Team All-American, All-Louisiana and All-South selection, and was the 1996 Louisana Player of the Year.

She ended her Cajun career with 32 shutouts and 486 strikeouts.

Starks lettered at UL from 1992-95, earning first-team All-Sun Belt Conference honors and helping UL to two NCAA Tournament berths.

"It’s an honor to be selected as a member of the UL Lafayette Hall of Fame," Starks said. "I am grateful to those who nominated me and for those who voted for me. This is a humbling experience that my family and I can experience for years to come.

"I was blessed to be in a basketball system under coach Marty Fletcher that allowed my talents to shine, and to have teammates and coaches who helped me be the best I could be."

Starks ranks 6th in 3-point season accuracy, 10th in career scoring (1,592 points) and 10th in career steals at the school.

A member of the LHSAA Hall of Fame, Starks played professionally in Europe and was named District Coach of the Year in 2006, 2008 and 2011.