March 26, 2009
Orlando, FL (www.UCFAthletics.com) - In commemorating the 10 previous UCF Athletics Hall of Fame inductions, UCF Athletics Communications will run a series of archival flashbacks to the previous classes. Today's flashback is the 1999 class, which featured UCF athletics icons Amy Allmann, Tim Barker, Jerry Prather and Laura Smith.
Below is the press release written on Jan. 12, 1999.
Amy Allmann, Tim Barker, Jerry Prather and Laura Smith reached incredible heights during their playing careers at the University of Central Florida, now they comprise the 1999 class of the UCF Athletics Hall of Fame. They will be inducted in a ceremony in conjunction with the Coca-Cola/Continental Airlines "Night of Knights" Feb. 13, in the Presidential Ballroom at Church Street Station.
They were selected by the UCF Athletics Hall of Fame Committee from a list of more than 100 nominees. The UCF Athletics Hall of Fame honors those individuals who, through their demonstrated athletics achievement or service, have distinguished themselves and the University.
"These four athletes had truly outstanding careers and it's only fitting that they end up honored like this," Hall of Fame Chairman Gary Walker said. "They set a standard of excellence for others to follow in the years ahead and are a great compliment to last year's inaugural class of Bo Clark, Torchy Clark and Michelle Akers."
Allmann, who played on the women's soccer team from 1984-87, earned All-America honors in 1987, and was also named Adidas Goalkeeper-of-the-Year that year. She teamed with Akers and led UCF to three NCAA Tournament appearances, including a trip to the Final Four in 1987. She went on to compete for the US National team which won the initial Women's World Cup in 1991. She is currently an assistant coach at the University of Washington.
Barker, who played two seasons (1984-85) at UCF after transferring from Seminole Community College, is one of only three athletes at UCF to have their jersey retired. Bo Clark and Akers are the other two. During his senior season, Barker set NCAA records for stolen bases (104) and hits (142), a record that still stands. As a result, he earned All-America honors and was a Golden Spikes Finalist. He is currently working at Horizon Christian School in San Diego.
Prather, who led UCF to the Division II Final Four in 1978, was a four-year starter (1974-78) for Torchy Clark's teams. He helped UCF to three consecutive Sunshine State Conference Championships, and earned All-America honors as a senior. He finished his tenure with 1,707 points and 849 rebounds, which rank him fourth in career scoring and second in career rebounding. He lives in Orlando and is working for the Travelers.
Smith, who played on the volleyball team from 1977-79, had a distinguished career at UCF as both a player and coach. As a player she was a two-time All-American and led UCF to a 165-11 record, including a 55-0 mark and the AIAW Small College National Championship in 1978. As a coach she led the team to a 188-74 record in seven seasons (1991-97), including six consecutive Trans America Athletic Conference titles and four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. She is currently coaching volleyball in San Diego.