The Cincinnati Department of Athletics inducted eight individuals into the James P. Kelly Athletics Hall of Fame on Friday night at Fifth Third Arena, making them part of its 50th anniversary class. Hosted by Dan Hoard, the ceremony recognized figures spanning decades of athletic achievement during the University of Cincinnati’s 100th Homecoming weekend.
The Bottom Line
- Eight standout figures entered the James P. Kelly Athletics Hall of Fame during the 50th anniversary class induction ceremony at Fifth Third Arena.
- The honorees include record-setting athletes, national champions, and NFL alumni such as Jason Kelce and Connor Barwin.
- Inductees are scheduled for further recognition during Cincinnati’s football matchup against Texas Tech at noon Saturday at Historic Nippert Stadium.
Honoring Half a Century of Bearcats Legends
The 50th anniversary class brings together championship coaches, record-setting athletes, and individuals whose contributions shaped the trajectory of Cincinnati Athletics. Longtime athletic trainer Bob Mangine received the Bob Goin Service Award, named in honor of the Cincinnati Athletics Director from 1997 to 2005. Mangine first joined the university in 1977 before returning to spend nearly a quarter-century serving student-athletes, coaches and staff.
Jason Kelce, Connor Barwin, and Bob Huggins were inducted into the Cincinnati Athletics Hall of Fame Friday night. Barwin and Kelce shared their thoughts on the honor and what it means to be inducted alongside Huggins. #Bearcatshttps://t.co/QeO3nU2Wws
The induction ceremony also welcomed Bob Huggins, who guided Cincinnati from 1989 to 2005. Huggins accumulated 399 wins, leading the program to 14 NCAA Tournaments, including the 1992 Final Four, three Elite Eights, and four Sweet Sixteens. His 1999-00 roster boasted Kenyon Martin and DerMarr Johnson, who went on to be selected as the first and sixth overall picks in the NBA Draft while the team held the No. 1 national ranking for a span of 12 weeks.
Gridiron Standouts and Diamond Greats Take Their Place
Jason Kelce and Connor Barwin joined the elite roster. Kelce walked on as a linebacker in 2006 before transitioning to the offensive line, where he earned All-BIG EAST honors twice and started three seasons from 2008 to 2010 under head coaches Mark Dantonio, Brian Kelly, and Butch Jones. Barwin led the BIG EAST with 11.0 sacks in 2008, setting a single-season program record with three blocked kicks.
On the baseball diamond, Mike Kinnett established benchmarks that remain intact decades later. Kinnett holds the program record for the highest career batting average at .372 across 193 career games. He hit .407 during his 1985 sophomore campaign, standing as one of five Bearcats to hit at least .400 in a season.
Track, Field, and Soccer Pioneers
Loretta Blaut entered the hall as the most decorated female high jumper in Bearcat track and field history. A six-time All-American and five-time AAC Champion, Blaut captured national runner-up honors at both the 2018 NCAA Indoor and Outdoor Championships. Track and field athlete Wayne Mason joined her, earning First Team All-American status in the outdoor 110-meter hurdles in 1980.
Christy Hoffman anchored women’s soccer from 1997 to 2001, guiding the program to its first Sweet Sixteen appearance and two Conference USA Tournament Championships. The complete class highlights the multi-generational depth of a department now competing in the Big 12.
| Inductee | Sport | Years Active | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bob Huggins | Men’s Basketball | 1989–2005 | 399 wins, 1992 Final Four |
| Jason Kelce | Football | 2006–2010 | Two-time All-BIG EAST offensive lineman |
| Loretta Blaut | Track and Field | 2015–2019 | Six-time All-American high jumper |
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
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