CCBC to Establish Athletics Hall of Fame

Former longtime Community College of Baltimore County Essex baseball coach George Henderson said there have been hundreds of great student-athletes that have played for the three CCBC campuses through the years.

However, there has never been a formal way to recognize all of their achievements. But that's about to change.

CCBC is currently seeking nominations for the Hall of Fame, which is expected to induct its first class late next year. While CCBC has been a single college with multiple campuses–in Essex, Dundalk and Catonsville–since 1998, Henderson said nominations would be expected for those dating back to the birth of the individual campuses.

"We are seeking the names of those who earned individual or team NJCAA, Region XX or Maryland JUCO honors while at CCBC," said Henderson, chairman the CCBC Athletics Hall of Fame committee. "The committee is also interested in academic honors and GPA while attending CCBC.

"We are looking for well-rounded individuals who not only had a great career while here but has also been a positive influence on society after they left."

Henderson said there are already hundreds of potential nominees dating back more than 40 years. He points out that many former student-athletes at CCBC went on to successful athletic careers at four-year schools, while many of his former baseball players went on to be selected in the Major League Baseball amateur draft.

"Some student-athletes are late bloomers while others just didn't receive the proper attention in high school," Henderson said. "There is great competition at this level and is not just a place people go when they couldn't get in anywhere else."

Selected student athlete alumni, former and current CCBC coaches and athletic administrators and current CCBC staff from all three campuses are on the steering committee, which had its kickoff meeting in October.

"It's not an easy process to go through so many quality candidates," said Brian Farrell, director of college athletics for CCBC. "We want to be able to honor as many from all three campuses as possible."

Nominations will be accepted through February 2011 with plans for the first induction ceremony in the fall.  Nomination forms are available online by clicking here. 

For additional information, contact Farrell at (443) 840-4197 or bfarrell@ccbcmd.edu.