Saturday, November 15, 2008

HALL OF FAME INDUCTION


So last night at my alma mater, Stanford University, I, along with 6 other former student/athletes from 5 other sports, was inducted into the Stanford Athletics Hall of Fame. It really is an outstanding honour and one that I would've not quite envisioned receiving due in a large part to the rich history of athletes that Stanford has had throughout the years. When you have athletes like John Elway, Tiger Woods, and John McEnroe also as former athletes, you just never know if your accomplishments will measure up.

There was a reception at first, followed by a dinner and then the induction ceremony followed and I'm telling you they did it BIG! Stanford spared no expense on the night and I'd guess that there were about 200 people there. The food was great, the company, even greater and to be able to share a night like this with my family and friends was the greatest!



Each inductee had to give an acceptance speech and I think mine went pretty well.


My former Stanford coach Brooks Johnson (he was also my coach this past year) flew all the way from Orlando to attend the ceremony and that really meant the world to me. I can only hope that I was able to convey to him in some small way all that his belief and faith in my ability has meant to me over all these years.



Aside from that, I just really had a good time. Today, Stanford is playing USC in a home game and they are going to recognize the inductees first at a tailgate and then at half time by presenting us to everyone down on the infield. I'm looking forward to that.

You know sometimes you don't even realize that others hold you in such high regard and it's only on nights like this that you can actually sit back, smile and appreciate all that you have accomplished in your career and be proud. I think it's easy to get so caught up in the "doing" that we forget to take the time to be thankful for all the blessings that have been bestowed on us along the way. Well, last I was definitely able to do that. Thank you Stanford for such a memorable night!

Me and my brother


Me and fellow inductee, Ed McCaffrey (3 superbowl rings with the Broncos and 49ers)


Me and my parents


Jumping at one of my first "professional" meets at Stanford back in the day


I invited my friend Jerry Rice to come


Stanford media guide picture from waaaay back, Lord have mercy, lol!


Me and the host for the night, legendary Stanford tennis coach, Dick Gould


Me and my bro again


The Hall of Fame Award (...it actually lights up, but you can't see that in the picture)

15 comments:

Garret said...

Jackie, congratulations! That's awesome. I was glad to see all of the pictures too. Maybe you can publish your acceptance speech? Not being a sports fan (the stereotype for a gay guy), I have no idea who any of those "famous" people were that you were photographed with! LOL.

-Garret-

Eternal Lizdom said...

Congrats!! It always feels great to have your accomplishments recognized!

Anonymous said...

A very big congrats Jackie! Now in addition to the greats like Elway and Woods, your name is right in the mix. Absolutely incredibible!

Brianna said...

yay jacks!!!

eclectik said...

YAY!!!!

Congrats!

Very well deserved, and it looked like a good time

AND

Your arms are 1derful wow

e.

anonymousnupe said...

Did you cry?

Nice dress.

I liked Ed McCaffrey. I remember vividly the play on which he broke his leg on a crossing pattern. It was kinda horrific. That injury essentially hastened the end of his career. He was good.

All-Mi-T [Thought Crime] Rawdawgbuffalo said...

congrats so proud

Mes Deux Cents said...

Jackie,

Wow, this is so exciting! I am so happy for you. It must be so nice to return to your alma mater like this. Congratulations! :)

Anonymous said...

What an awesome award! Congratulations, Jackie, on all of your accomplishments. You don't seem to have aged a bit.

Jackie E. said...

Thanks everyone!

Anonymousnupe: I didn't cry but I did have a moment where I had to regroup because I was about to, but thankfully I caught myself. I think the fact that my coach was actually there was the thing that almost got me....he cried tho, and he's SO NOT that kinda guy!

Jim and Garret: I might post the section of the speech that almost got me. The whole speech is too long to post in it's entirety.

anonymousnupe said...

Yeah, that's why I axed. I woulda been all verklempt if God has blessed me to be the spectacle that you are. And I mean that in the very best, most positive way. I blame all my kinesiological shortcomings on my father, or more like lack of one. But it's all good, 'cause now I have a template for what not to do if I want my kids to grow up to be like you.

Tha BossMack TopSoil said...

Respect!

k. carli said...

Jackie!!!

What an honor! Many props to you!! You certainly deserve that award as well as all of the accolades you've been presented with thus far. You've not only proved to be a success on the track, but your life and the way you live it speaks volumes beyond your dedication to your sport.

And you had so many special people there to share the unforgettable and honorable time with. The portion of your speech that you posted was awesome. Maybe you can post a small video clip for us. So what's next for you? More competition? Coaching?... ;-)

Eb the Celeb said...

COngratulations...

that throwback pic is too cute... you have great skin!

Vergil said...

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