Howard is set to celebrate its athletic history with the Bi-Annual Athletic Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Friday, Nov. 1 at Martin’s Crosswinds in Greenbelt, Maryland.
This year’s celebration will feature two standout honorees, Keith Pough and Richard Louis, each who has made a substantial impact on the Howard athletic legacy.
Pough was successful in the line of Howard’s football history. During his four-year career as a captain and starting linebacker, he gathered a staggering 350 tackles. His record-setting career includes multiple Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) national records: tackles for loss in a season (29), tackles for loss in a game (six) and career total tackles for loss (72.5).
“It’s an indescribable feeling with this. There’s so much that went into getting to that level and so many people to thank. I won’t name them all, but they know who they are,” Pough told The Hilltop.
He was a three-time SBN Sports Black College All-American, three-time First Team All-MEAC selection and the 2012 MEAC Defensive Player of the Year. He also captained the defense in the 88th East-West Shrine Bowl.
Much of Pough’s legacy is marked by achievements off of the field as well. He received the Pat Tillman Character Award in 2013 and graduated from Howard in 2013 with a bachelor of arts in physical education. Pough’s contributions to Howard football are celebrated not just for their statistical significance but for the leadership he exhibited throughout his career.
“Leadership is huge for me, and I think it’s in everything you do as far as being an athlete, being a student and being a man. It’s the ultimate mode of self-accountability,” he continued.
Joining Pough in this class is the former track and field athlete, Richard Louis. The two-time Olympian and All-American was a member of the record-setting NCAA 4×400 meter relay team back in 1982, being the only HBCU 4×400 relay to have held the NCAA record.
He holds numerous records within the Howard track and field program and was inducted into the hall of fame for the historic relay. His induction this year serves as his individual athlete induction.
David Oliver, track and field program director and a first-ballot hall of famer, showed support for Louis and said, “It’s pretty dope when you think about it.” He also noted that Louis being inducted was “overdue.”
Former Howard runner and All-American Bernard Oliver, also a member of the historic 4×400 relay, commented on Louis as an athlete.
“He didn’t boast, he didn’t beat his chest but he was the fastest leg on the relay,” Oliver said. He believes more track and field athletes need to go into the hall, “Anyone that’s an NCAA, D1 All-American should automatically be considered for the hall of fame.”
Many of the athletes took responsibility in representing the university in athletics, and this honor provides the ultimate acknowledgement of their efforts. All-time MEAC assist leader Yolanda Lockamy opened up about the special environment that Howard athletics provides, and the way it cultivates success.
“When I stepped on the court at Howard University, there was an innate requirement to be great and the best I can be and that just happened to parlay itself into this induction. And for that, I am forever grateful,” Lockamy told The Hilltop.
The eligible athletes as stated by Bison Express are those that completed their final collegiate athletic competition at least 10 years ago, are of “good character”, have achieved recognition as a record holder and/or are a recipient of the conference, regional and/or national honors. Participants in world-class amateur competition are also considered.
“I knew immediately that me and my group were changemakers. So to be honored amongst these great athletes all these years after the fact is extremely exciting,” said Dale Mcneal, former softball player and class of 2024 inductee.
Additional Inductees
The 2024 induction ceremony will also honor a host of other individuals and teams, including:
Athlete Inductees:
- Dan Ambrose – Football
- Robert Carpenter – Football
- Chishona Cosby – Tennis
- Warren Craddock – Football
- Steven Davis – Wrestling
- Scott Facyson – Football
- Gene Fleet – Baseball
- Frank Glinton – Wrestling
- Bancroft Gordon – Men’s Soccer
- Rupert Grant – Football
- Don Hackney – Baseball
- Donkor Hardie – Football
- Derrick Henson – Wrestling
- Warren Hollins – Men’s Basketball
- Zachery Jones – Track & Field
- Fred Killings – Football
- Yolonda Lockamy – Women’s Basketball
- Greg McGhee – Football
- Dale McNeal – Softball
- Lauren Pruitt – Women’s Soccer
- Howard Ward – Football
- Sherman Washington, MD – Track & Field
Administrator Inductees:
- President Wayne A.I. Frederick, MD
- Terry Thompson, MD
Team Inductees:
- 1964 Howard Crew Team
- 1966-67 Runner-Up NAIA Championship Team
- 1973 Men’s Wrestling Team
- 1975 Men’s Soccer Team
- 1992 & 1993 MEAC Championship Women’s Tennis Teams
Buffalo Soldier Award Inductees:
- Isaac “Ike” Darden
- Jake Felton
- Lawrence “Gus” Johnson
- Robert E. Moore
Copy edited by Camiryn Stepteau
