Tacoma Community College raised more than $9,000 to benefit student athletic scholarships at the First Annual Hall of Fame dinner and auction on Nov. 3. The event honored former TCC players and coaches, and six athletes and two teams were inducted into TCC’s Hall of Fame.
Funds for scholarships were raised through a silent auction held during the event. Popular auction items included an autographed 2006 All-Star photo of NBA athletes Kobe Bryant and Dwayne Wade; an autographed basketball signed by Detroit Piston and Kent resident Rodney Stuckey; and an autographed 2007-08 team photo of the Portland Trail Blazers.
Nearly 200 people heard a keynote speech by Frank Bosone, former executive director of the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges.
The 2007 Hall of Fame inductees included Mike Blowers, 1983 to 1985 baseball player (1989 to 1999 Major League Baseball career with Yankees, Mariners and Dodgers); Tom Keegan, 1980 to 1989 men’s soccer coach (NWAACC Runner up 1983 and 1984), current president at Peninsula College; Don Moseid, 1967 to 1976 men’s basketball coach (NWAAC Championship in 1971 and 1974); Tom Patnode, 1967 to 1969 men’s basketball player (1969 most valuable player; later played at Pacific Lutheran University); Loyd Percy, 1967 to 1975 athletic director; and Phyllis Templin, 1977 to 1992 athletic director (first female athletic director in NWAACC). Team honorees included 1971 men’s basketball, and 1974 men’s basketball.
The Hall of Fame dinner and auction is one of many new efforts to support and develop relationships with TCC alumni.
“TCC’s athletic program adds a sense of commitment to a student’s overall educational experience,” said Carl Howell, director of athletics. “The coaching staff is committed to helping student athletes continue their education and athletic careers. Athletic scholarships are awarded to prospective and current students who have demonstrated an interest in sports and maintain good academic standing.”
“The inaugural Hall of Fame dinner was an outstanding event,” said Dr. Pamela Transue, TCC president. “It was a perfect opportunity to honor former coaches and athletic directors who were instrumental in establishing quality sports programs at TCC. It was also inspiring to hear from our former student athletes and how sports played a significant role in the achievement of their educational goals and success in their careers.”