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March 19, 2002

Water Ski Hall of Fame inducts ULM's Tom Murphy

The American Water Ski Educational Foundation Hall of Fame Selection Committee recently announced the 2002 recipients of its prestigious Award of Distinction. Among this year's recipients is the late Tom Murphy from ULM. Other inductees are: Kimberly Laskoff of Winer Park, Fla; Al Frozini of Richmond, Calif; David Saucier of St. Cloud, Minn., and Jim Rusing of Homeland, Calif.

Murphy was a pioneer in the recruitment of water skiers and in boosting the importance of water skiing in the collegiate hierarchy, Coach, founder, mentor advisor, recruiter, motivator fund raiser, publicist, business manager, cheer leader-Murphy was all of these and more fir the ULM water ski team. Under his leadership the team became the most successful collegiate program in the United States. He believed in the team concept of competition. He stressed that each individual should strive for a personal best but that the team together won championships. Murphy died February 2000.

"Tom Murphy was recognized not only nationally but internationally for his contributions to the sport of water skiing. Known affectionately as the Bear Bryant of collegiate water skiing, Tom Murphy's water ski team set a standard for all collegiate water ski programs throughout the world. He was a great motivator, loyal to his students and their needs, and was friendly and caring. He continued to coach even a few years into retirement. The University is honored that Tom has been recognized in the Water Ski Hall of Fame", said Charles McDonald Dean of Student Affairs and long time colleague of Tom Murphy.

The five Award of Distinction recipients will be honored at the 20th annual Hall of Fame Induction ceremonies, April 27, at Fantasy of Flight in Polk City. FL. For more information call the Water Ski Hall of Fame at 863-324-2472

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