UR announces hall class

Former basketball guard Kelvin Johnson and former running back Erwin Matthews highlight the University of Richmond's Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2009.

Also being inducted are Claudia Dodson (Class of 1963, field hockey, basketball, lacrosse), Bill Long (Class of 1949, football) and Dr. Larry Zacharias (Class of 1952, team physician). The 1982 AIAW Division II national championship women's tennis squad will be inducted as a team of distinction.

Johnson (Class of 1985) was a four-year starter and two-time captain who helped the Spiders to the 1982 National Invitation Tournament, Richmond's first postseason appearance. In 1984, Johnson stood out as UR beat Auburn in the NCAA tournament. In 1985, Johnson was named second team all-CAA.

Matthews (Class of 1989) gained 4,000 yards as a running back, receiver and kick returner. Matthews was named all-Yankee Conference in 1987. He holds the school record for all-purpose yards in a game (365 vs. Massachusetts in 1987).

Dodson, who died in 2007, went on to a distinguished career as an administrator at the Virginia High School League following her time at UR. Long became a highly successful football and track coach at Douglas Freeman High, then an assistant principal at the school. He later joined the Spiders' football staff as a volunteer.

Zacharias served as UR's team physician for men's basketball and football for more than two decades. Richmond's only national championship was captured by the 1982 women's tennis team.

This class will be inducted Jan. 17, at 4 p.m. at the Jepson Alumni Center. The inductees will be honored that night at halftime of the men's basketball game. - John O'Connor