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2020 Lamar Hall of Fame inductees. -
Christine Kita Player of the week banner image. Christine was named Offensive Player of the Week.
The Lamar University Cardinals Hall of Honor Class of 2020 has had to wait a full year to be recognized, but the day has finally arrived. This Saturday, Oct. 23, the Hall of Honor will welcome seven new members in a ceremony to be held in the Setzer Center Ballroom at 11:30 a.m. Limited seating is still available for the induction ceremony for $35.
The seven inductees include five different sports and an administrator who spent 40 years with the university. From an All-American on the diamond to a point guard who helped guide the Cardinals through one of their best runs in program history, to arguably the best women’s tennis player in school history, the 2020 class represents six decades of success at Lamar University.
The newest members to the Hall of Honor include Michael Ambort (baseball, 2004-07), Norman Bellard (men’s basketball, 1976-79), Larry Blackmon (track and field, 1970-72), Dr. Hsing-wei Chu (administrator, 1995-2020), Thomas Gage (football, 1969-72), Mariaryeni Gutierrez (women’s tennis, 2006-10) and J.C. Modica (track and field, 1961-64).
In the final round of the Little Rock Invitational, the men’s golf team shot a total of 290 strokes, which was their highest of the tournament. However, with their three-round total of 863 strokes (287-286-290), the Cards came in second place shooting 1-under par while trailing overall winner Little Rock by 17 strokes on Oct. 19.
Senior Hugo Hellman was the top finisher for Lamar with a sixth-place finish of 214. Guillermo Estivill finished with a 216, which was good enough for 10th.
“It was good to put three consistent rounds together,” said head coach Jessie Mudd. “We’re happy with the tournament overall. We really wanted to play better today but the way Little Rock played I’m not sure we could’ve caught them. All-in-all, we’re happy with the results with one more tournament to go in the fall and we’re looking forward to it.”
LU will head to the Bahamas next weekend for a three-day tournament Oct. 29-31.
Despite splitting their two matches this past week, the women’s soccer team was honored by the Western Athletic Conference for the play of one of their players. Earning the WAC Offensive Player of the Week for the first time in her career was Christine Kitaru.
In two games, the senior Nairobi, Kenya had both goals for the Cardinals while tallying 11 shots in total and seven shots on goal. Leading her team to a 2-1 road win over the Bearkats of Sam Houston, which was the first time in 13 years, Kitaru netted her two goals to go with six shots including four on goal.
Although the Cardinals were blanked 1-0 by Stephen F. Austin, it didn’t stop Kitaru from being an offensive force as she put up five shots with three shots on goal.
Kitaru has six goals and two assists for the Cardinals while leading them with 41 shots, including 23 on goal.
The Cards (7-7-1) will travel to South Texas to play UT Rio Grande Valley on Saturday, Oct. 23, at 7:30 p.m.
The football Cards lost their fourth consecutive game last weekend at Abilene Christian University losing 24-17 to fall to 2-4 overall and 0-2 in WAC play.
LU will return home for the first time since Sept. 25 when they host Central Arkansas (2-4) on Saturday, Oct. 23, at 6 p.m. UCA has dominated the series winning eight of nine games.