Mario Bailey, Ja'Warren Hooker Headline UW Hall Of Fame Class

The UW today announced the induction of six individuals and two teams into its 2014 Hall of Fame Class.  The inductee list is highlighted by Husky legends Mario Bailey and Ja'Warren Hooker in addition to the recent national champion Women's Cross Country (2008) and Softball teams (2009).

The induction of Mario Bailey is an event that many Husky fans have been waiting for ever since Mario Bailey made his mark as the top receiving threat on UW's 1991 National Championship team.  Bailey, an All-American in 1991, was known for his jitterbug quickness, Velcro hands and meticulous route running.  He achieved several statistical milestones in his career including catching a school record 18 TDs his senior season.  His 2,306 career receiving yards are 2nd all-time despite the fact that he only played in three seasons (Bailey did not red-shirt as a freshman in what was probably Don James's most notorious red-shirt "burning" mistake).  Bailey is most famous for his "Heisman Pose" celebration on his last play as a Husky - an acrobatic TD reception in the 1992 Rose Bowl against Michigan. Younger fans can acquaint themselves with his highlights in the Pac 12 video below.

Ja'Warren Hooker is inducted into the Husky Hall of Fame for his accomplishments in multiple sports.  In football, Hooker lettered in both 1997 and 1998 and made most of his contributions on special teams as he struggled through injuries.  His best football moment was an 89 yard kickoff return for a TD at Arizona in his first career kickoff return attempt.  It was in track and field where Hooker really shined.  He was an All-American in 2000 when he earned Pac 10 Track Athlete of the Year honors.   He competed as a sprinter in several international events and was a member of the 2000 Olympic team that traveled to Sydney, but as a stand-by to the 4x400 team that would eventually win the Gold Medal.  Many Washington track and field aficionados consider the Ellensburg native to still be the fastest prep in the history of the state.

The rest of the inductees include former administrator Joseph Kearny, Anna Mickelson Cummins (Crew), Dave Williams (Football), Christal Morrison (Volleyball) in addition to the aforementioned national champion Women's Cross Country (2008) and Softball (2009) teams.

The inductees will be honored in a ceremony on campus in October.

The full press release is as follows:

For Release on July 8, 2014UW Announces 2014 Husky Hall of Fame ClassSEATTLE - The University of Washington announced the inductees to the 2014 Husky Hall of Fame class today. Inductees include Mario Bailey (football, 1988-1992), Ja'Warren Hooker (men's track and field, 1998-2001, football, 1997-1998), Joseph Kearney (administrator, 1969-1976), Anna (Mickelson) Cummins (women's crew, 1999-2002), Christal Morrison (volleyball, 2004-2007), Dave Williams (football, 1964-1967, men's track and field 1964-1967), as well as two national championship squads in the 2008 women's cross country team and the 2009 softball team.

"The 2014 class features individuals who enjoyed great success as Huskies and served as first-class representatives of our university," John Otness, Director of the Big W Club, said. "We are very excited to welcome them into the Husky Hall of Fame."

The class will be inducted Thurs., Oct. 23, 2014 at the 2014 Husky Hall of Fame Ceremony presented by Air Van Moving in Alaska Airlines Arena. Event details are scheduled to be released in late summer.