Nine new inductees were named to the Norwich University Athletic Hall of Fame at a banquet in their honor last week.

Each year since 1983, when the Hall of Fame was established, a group of former Norwich athletes has been honored.

The standards for becoming a member of the Hall of Fame are explicitly laid out in the by-laws and selection process. The honor goes beyond athletic accomplishments while at the Hill. The criteria states that inductees must have continued in their lives to "distinguish themselves to their organizations through outstanding achievement and serve as examples of outstanding character, courage and leadership which the University seeks to develop in its athletic program."

According to Athletic Director Tony Mariano, nominations are received year-round and the selection committee meets twice to make selections. Each year the committee can nominate six individual members, one or two Distinguished Alumni Letter winners, one honorary member and one team.

Selections are usually tied to a candidates' milestone anniversary as alumni. This year, all inductees graduated in a year ending in either a '4' or '9' and will be on the Hill to celebrate a five-year increment anniversary of graduation from Norwich.

Part of the process in preparing for the ceremony banquet is writing a biography of each inductee for the evening's program. This includes gathering Norwich statistics from the sports information office, searching special collection archives and conducting personal interviews.

Connecting with alumni of various ages, backgrounds and geographical locations while hearing about their life and perspective on Norwich is humbling, rewarding and inspiring.

Jill Hartsock-Johnson, class of 1999 and inducted for swimming said that she'd re-live her four years at Norwich in a heartbeat since they were "the best years of her life."

Lisa Trujillo-Fenton, class of 1994 and inducted for basketball, gives back in her own community by coaching since her Norwich coaches made such a difference for her.

Kevin Kropp, class of 1989 and inducted for cross-country and track, is grateful for the help his Norwich education provided his 20 year military career as a navy pilot.

Anthony Rocco, class of 1984 and inducted for lacrosse and football, is grateful for the trust and confidence that his lacrosse coach instilled in him.

Mark Rosow, class of 1969 and inducted for soccer, believes the Norwich first year experience is so unique that all colleges should offer it.

Fran Brennan, Distinguished Letterman winner from the class of 1964 and inducted for hockey, is a highly decorated Vietnam army veteran and thanks his coaches at Norwich for instilling in him the true meaning of team and putting aside individual ego.

Bill Ouellette, class of 1954 and inducted for football and baseball, and a long time youth sports coach credits Norwich for giving him both life-long discipline and the desire to give back.

Paula Gills, Honorary Member, three decade Norwich staff member and local resident, never thought she would be honored for something that was "just part of her natural existence at Norwich" and has "permanent goose bumps" as a result of receiving the honor.

Rick Pembroke, a member of the inducted 1984 Men's Basketball team, acknowledges the chemistry of his fellow players on the court for learning appreciation and respect on a successful team.

All inductees have a picture and plaque added to the wall in the Hall of Fame room in honor of their accomplishment. The Hall of Fame room will transform as part of the Athletic Complex upgrade which will be completed in Fall of 2010.