If you log onto Neumannathletics.com to check out your favorite sports scores or new stories, you will be prompted with a pop up advertisement for the Neumann University Athletics Hall of Fame.
But what is a “Hall of Fame” and why does Neumann University Athletics need one?
The concept of “Hall of Fames” originated in 1853 in Munich, Germany as a new spin on art museum and history, but was not incorporated in America until the early 1900s when the Hall of Fame for Great Americans was established.
[Text Wrapping Break]Modern day there is a “hall of fame” for almost any topic or group of people one could think of. From the International Ballet Hall of Fame, to the Pennsylvania State Hall of Fame, to the Professional Football Hall of Fame, everything has a hall of fame.
[Text Wrapping Break]This brings us to the next question – so why does Neumann Athletics have a Hall of Fame?
Neuman Athletics first created the hall of fame in 1996 with a ten person class of the best athletes who had played at Neumann up to that point. Then it went dormant. The next class wasn’t inducted until 2011, a 15 year gap in between enshrinement.
Athletes were continuously introduced from 2011- 2018 and then another gap occurred.
[Text Wrapping Break]Recently in 2024, the Neumann Athletics Hall of Fame has been reorganized and refreshed. Previously athletes were selected by a board, and the set number would change by the year. Now in a collaboration with the Neumann University Alumni Association, Hall of Fame Classes will become a Biannual event hosted on homecoming weekend.
Athletic Director John Krimmel made it his mission to recognize Neumann Athletics of the past along with the present.
“Having been around collegiate athletics pretty much my entire working career, I think the hall of fame has a great ability to connect past graduates and bring them back.”
In the upcoming months plans are in place to completely revamp the Hall of Fame display at the Mirenda Center. The current Hall of Fame set up is in the back corner of Mirenda Center near the athletic department offices, but with planned upgrades, the new display will move front and center to the atrium.
“Its going to be brand new, it’s going to be very different.” “Im excited to see what the final product looks like.” says Krimmel.
The Neumann Knights Athletics Hall of Fame means so much not just to the people working for the athletic department, former inductees, but also current players who have future aspirations of making the Hall of Fame.
Trey Edmonds who is an active player with the Men’s Volleyball team and former track and field athlete strives to one day earn the distinction of being inducted into the Neumann Athletics Hall of Fame.
Edmonds who is the all time leader in kills and service aces, 2nd in career digs, and top 5 across a number of blocking categories for the Men’s Volleyball team has paved a path for himself to be a future Neumann Athletics Hall of Fame candidate.
“Being inducted into the Neumann Athletics Hall of Fame would truly be an honor. It would represent the hard work, dedication, and impact I’ve had in the team and would record a lasting legacy for me to show my family and friends.”
Edmonds will have to wait until at least 2032 to be eligible for this prestigious award.
The Neumann Athletics Hall of Fame Ceremony for 2026 is slated for homecoming weekend this fall. For more information on the event and how to nominate future inductees, visit https://www.neumann.edu/alumni/hall-of-fame.
