University of Richmond Athletics
Hall Of Fame Inductees Share Emotions And Memories
02/12/2016 | General, Spider Athletic Fund
Honored. Surprised. Thankful. Thrilled. Unique emotions of four individuals who excelled in four different sports in four vastly different eras of Spider Athletics. But come Saturday, these four former student-athletes, whose paths on campus have likely never crossed, will forever be weaved together when they are inducted into the University of Richmond Athletics Hall of Fame.
The four-person class includes Washington Redskins' Team President Bruce Allen, a standout punter for the Spiders from 1974-77; George Edelman (1985-89), the first men's swimmer to be enshrined; Warren Mitchell, men's basketball standout from 1953-57; and Kristen Samuhel Clarey (1998-2001), the most decorated women's soccer goalkeeper in program history.
The induction ceremony and reception will be held at noon in the Jepson Alumni Center on campus. The 40th Hall of Fame class will be introduced at halftime of the men's basketball game against Fordham at 6 p.m. in the sold-out Robins Center.
Their athletic achievements, accolades and accomplishments are well-documented. But as their moment in the spotlight grew closer this week, each reflected on their emotions and their memories – with insight, humor, seriousness, and mostly, Spider Pride.
BRUCE ALLEN – Football 1974-77
“When I received the call, I was wondering how (Hall of Famer) Mike Bragg got (Athletic Director) Keith Gill to pull this prank on me! But my next thought was that I wished I could call Coach Jim Tait and thank him for giving me an opportunity to be a Spider.
One of my favorite memories was beating The Citadel to win the Southern Conference championship (in 1975). That was our finest hour. Of course, we were also pleased that the championship rings didn't have our overall season record on them!”
GEORGE EDELMAN – Men's Swimming 1985-89 
“I was honored to be selected to join an elite group of athletes that represented the University of Richmond. I was informed of the selection on a Friday and that led to a weekend full of reflection and fond memories. Since then, I've been reconnecting with teammates that I have not heard from in many years. It has been wonderful.
“My most memorable moment was my senior year at CAA Championships when I won the 200 Freestyle, the 500 Freestyle and the 1650 Freestyle and was ultimately named CAA Male Swimmer of the Year.
“I was a distance swimmer at UR. For the distance events, the swimmer has a counter at the end of the lane to keep track of the number of laps. I was afforded the luxury of manhandling most of my opponents in the distance events. To keep things interesting and more challenging, I would often stop and talk with my counter, clear my goggles and allow my opponent to get a lead. Then I would hunt them down for the win! That was lots of fun.”
WARREN MITCHELL – Men's Basketball 1953-57
“To be honest, at first I was surprised. I certainly feel very privileged to have received such a distinguished honor as a Spider!
“My first year as a Spider we handed the division-leading West Virginia Mountaineers their only Southern Conference loss of the season by winning in the Richmond Arena by 40 points! A great memory.”
KRISTEN SAMUHEL CLAREY - Women's Soccer 1998-2001
“My initial reaction was surprise and then I was absolutely thrilled! I was definitely satisfied with my career but I never imagined this honor given the caliber of the athletes that have attended Richmond. Then I began reminiscing over the great memories I had and it really brought a fantastic conclusion to my UR career.
“I have two special memories, one on field and one off.
The first was the first time the women's 
soccer team was in the NCAA tournament and we had a home game against West Virginia. I don't remember many details of the game (though we won 5-1!) but I distinctly remember looking over from the goal area up into the stands. We had an amazing fan turnout that brought unbelievable energy and excitement to the game that night. Everyone was painted and dressed up and chanting and drums were playing. They were definitely our "12th man" that game.
My other memory is of 9-11. I was a senior that year. Coach Albright brought the team to sit together at midfield of the soccer field so we could be together and support one another. We sat in a circle and leaned on one another sharing our feelings for an hour. We were really a family those four years.”
