‘One of the greatest honors’: 11 inductees named to UW Athletic Hall of Fame’s 2022 class

MADISON, Wis. — UW-Madison athletics officials on Friday announced the 11 inductees for the 2022 class of the UW Athletic Hall of Fame.

The inductees cover a range of sports, from football to basketball and hockey, as well as supporters of the university’s athletics programs. They include:

• Laura Abbinante (volleyball)
• Cheryl Bailey (administration)
• Travis Beckum (football)
• Monsignor Michael Burke (special service)
• Hilary Knight (women’s hockey)
• Jim Lemon (men’s golf)
• Erica Palmer (women’s cross country, women’s track and field)
• Carl Silvestri (football)
• Gary Suter (men’s hockey)
• Jordan Taylor (men’s basketball)
• Reggie Torian (football, men’s track and field)

It’s a phone call inductees likely won’t forget, but Taylor almost didn’t answer because he thought it was a telemarketer calling.

“Just to be in that company, it’s like, wow, you really did some great things along with your teammates here,” Taylor said. “It’s something that someone can’t really ever take away from you regardless, and it’s honestly one of the greatest honors you could ever have.”

Beckum described the feat as the “icing on the cake” of his football career.

“(I) was very fortunate to win a Super Bowl in New York, but this is by far the most important accolade that I’ve ever received,” he said.

An induction ceremony is set for September 9. Inductees will also be honored at the Badgers’ football game at Camp Randall the following day against Washington State.

The hall of fame was established in 1991. For a full list of inductees from each year, click here.

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