Rachel Essner
Contributing Writer
ressner1@murraystate.edu
A new plan has been set in place by Murray State Athletics in order to refine the number and jersey retirement process.
This new plan will differentiate between retiring a jersey or number, and it will outline the guidelines for requirements to become a honoree.
This protocol consists of public nominations that will later go through Murray State Athletics staff, Hall of Fame Committee, Director of Athletics and the University President for a thorough verification process.
“Honoring our past is critically important,” said Director of Athletics Kevin Saal. “Development of a transparent and consistent jersey retirement process is important for both the history and future of Murray State Athletics. We have been blessed with tremendous student-athletes throughout our storied history, who have paved the way for those who are privileged to represent us today. This protocol represents our desire to honor historical achievements and commitments, while charting a clear direction for future recognitions.”
Jersey retirement nominations may be made by any member that has been in the Murray State Hall of Fame or the Hall of Fame Committee for five or more years.
Any nominee will start with an evaluation from the Murray State Athletics Media Relations Office, followed by the director of Athletics conducting sport-specific research with a subcommittee consisting of current and former coaches and/or any administration who have knowledge of the nominee and their achievements within the sport.
The director will then create a report or recommendation to send to the Hall of Fame Committee for review.
The Hall of Fame Committee meets each spring, where they review the nominations and serve as an advisory capacity rendering a recommendation to the director of Athletics and the University president.
Any numbers that were retired prior to October 2020 in any sport will keep their retired status, unless it is a special circumstance and the honoree or family has approved its use. Retired jerseys, on the other hand, will remain in circulation, but displayed in their respective facility.
Currently there are 17 retired jerseys across basketball, baseball, football, soccer and volleyball.
Eleven of these 17 come from men’s basketball, two from football and one from women’s basketball, baseball, soccer and volleyball, respectively. The jerseys of these athletes will remain on display, never to be used again.