Geter, Ritchie Inducted into Ohio Athletics Hall of Fame
Sept. 23, 2005 2005 Hall of Fame Induction Banquet Photo Gallery Sept. 23, 2005 ATHENS, Ohio - Ohio University inducted Lewis Geter (basketball, 1990-92) and Josh Ritchie (cross country and track, 1996-98) into the Ohio Athletics Hall of Fame Friday evening at the Ohio University Inn Ballroom. The 1992 Mid-American Conference men's basketball Player of the Year and the cross country All-American comprise the Hall's 40th induction class. Each was greeted with a standing ovation in a packed ballroom with guests like Ohio University President Roderick McDavis and Ohio Athletics Director Kirby Hocutt in attendance. Their families were also there to take part in the memorable event. Geter originally went to Nebraska from Columbus to play for former Bobcat head coach Danny Nee but his desire to play in front of his family was too great. As a result, he transferred to Ohio and sat out a year due to NCAA transfer regulations. This allowed Geter to study former head coach Larry Hunter's system. The expectations for the 1990-91 season were low but Geter quickly changed the atmosphere, leading the team in scoring (18.1 ppg) and rebounding (6.8 rpg) on the way to a 16-12 record. He finished runner-up in the MAC Player-of-the-Year voting. The following year, he led the league in scoring (20.9) and was second in rebounding (8.4). The team finished 18-10 and he received the MAC Player-of-the-Year award and the MAC Scholar-Athlete Award. Tonight's hall of fame ceremony made the two-year letterwinner's accolades all the more meaningful. "I was overwhelmed because I didn't know when this was going to happen," said Geter. "I felt like I deserved to be here but when I received the letter, I was on cloud nine. It was a blessing." He said that his fondest memory during his career was playing his heart out against Miami in a triple-overtime 91-86 loss at the Convocation Center in front of the roaring Bobcat fans. His family always taught him to excel and never give up.
"It's a blessing to have all my family and friends here because like I said in my speech, they paved the way for me," he added. "They helped me become the person I am today." Ritchie made history as he joined his brother Shannan into the Ohio Athletics Hall of Fame. The Ritchie family became the third to have more than one member inducted and the brothers are the second set to receive the distinction. This Tallmadge native was a four-year letterwinner who won the cross country "triple crown" in 1996 by taking first place in the Central Collegiate Championship, the All-Ohio Championship and the MAC Championship. He followed those performances to place 25th at the 1996 NCAA cross country meet, making him the first Bobcat All-American since his brother in 1989. He also claimed Academic All-America honors that year, becoming the first Ohio male student-athlete ever to win both national awards. Even with all of his awards, though, he was still stunned about being inducted. "I was very surprised, being only out six years," said Ritchie. "It was a dream of mine. For it to come this soon was very rewarding." Ritchie always knew that he would run in cross country. "I started running when I was five years old," he said. "I ran all my life, following my brothers' footsteps. It was pretty much a given." Still, even after leaving Ohio University, he still has the drive to compete in athletics. "I just turned professional in the triathlon," he added. I am competing around the country. It's been great. It's tough but it's been a great experience. I couldn't ask for anything more right now. Ohio's a wonderful place and I always love coming back." Attending the event for the first time, Hocutt was eager to have the opportunity to speak at his first hall of fame inductions. "I was extremely excited," he said. "I've enjoyed the chance this evening to meet with Lewis and Josh. Both of them are fine young men. They have so much to be proud of, their accomplishments not only as student-athletes but also in their professional lives. It's exciting to connect with alumni who represent our institution the way that they do in a first-class manner. It was an honor for me to be a part of their induction." Seeing a crowded room and the inductees' families made the event a special night for him. "Ohio University and athletics have touched so many individuals in a positive way that it's an honor for me to be a part of the program," he added. "Tonight was a first-class event. It was a great turnout. The ballroom was full to capacity and I thought the comments by each of the inductees were both touching. You could tell they spoke from the heart and have terrific memories of Ohio." Originally scheduled to also be inducted, Amy Lockard (swimming, 1990-93) was unable to attend due to the events surrounding Hurricane Katrina. The Shreveport, La., native will officially join the Ohio Athletics Hall of Fame next year. |
