2016 Inductees Welcomed into the Hall of Fame

During this year’s College homecoming in October, several hundred alumni returned to campus to reconnect with each other and their alma mater—and, in many cases, to compete! A number of sports hosted alumni games, including men’s and women’s soccer, volleyball, rugby, and swimming. In addition, alumni and friends participated in a 5K Fun Run, Soccer Kick-Around, and Home Run Derby.

A highlight of this year’s homecoming was the sixth Gold & Blue Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Charles "Chuck" Cale (C’61), the Gold Award inductee, was honored for demonstrating exceptional character and leadership both as a student-athlete at Principia College and after graduation. Four individuals and two teams were honored as Blue Award inductees for achieving notable and respected levels of athletic performance during their time at Principia College. Here are the 2016 Blue Award inductees:

Blue Award Inductees

• Dr. Paul Kilburn (C'50)
• Marcia Valentine Nelson (C'79)
• Matthew Elmes (C'87)
• Christina Speer (US'05, C'09)
• 1987 Men's Tennis Team
• 2001 Men's Soccer Team

The College also celebrated the 50th anniversary of men’s soccer during homecoming. Back in 1963, four passionate young Principians formed a club soccer team, quickly organizing a season, holding tryouts, booking games with neighboring college varsity teams, and buying gold and blue uniforms. Despite taking on teams like Washington University, the team (named PRISOC for Principia Soccer) went on to win more than 50 percent of their games that season. Just two years later, Principia College varsity men’s soccer was born—and the program continues to thrive. Many soccer alums returned to celebrate this milestone, with more than 150 soccer alumni and friends attending the 50th anniversary dinner.

It’s not too soon to begin thinking about the next Hall of Fame induction ceremony, slated for 2018. Nominations are open for the next class of inductees.