Jan. 20, 2003

American University's Department of Athletics has announced the Class of 2003 for the Stafford H. Cassell Hall of Fame. Ed Clements '60 and Wilbur Thomas '75 will be inducted into the Hall during ceremonies held January 25, 2003 as part of the University's Hall of Fame Weekend. The announcement was made today by American University Director of Athletics Tom George.

While the induction of Clements and Thomas will highlight the weekend, it is only one part of a tremendous weekend-long celebration of American University athletics. On Friday, January 24, there will be a men's and women's basketball doubleheader versus Colgate. At halftime of the men's game the AU community will salute one of its all-time greats when Kermit Washington '73 will have his jersey raised to the rafters of Bender Arena.

On Saturday, alumni, fans and friends of AU are invited to the practices for the men's and women's teams as they prepare for Sunday's doubleheader with Holy Cross. Later that evening the Hall of Fame induction ceremonies will be held at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel.

On Sunday at halftime of the men's game versus Holy Cross, the AU community will again honor Clements' and Thomas' entrance into the Stafford H. Cassell Hall of Fame. Current members of the Hall will officially welcome the newcomers into the circle of honor. Prior to the game, the department will also sponsor a book signing featuring author of "The Punch," John Feinstein. The book features former AU standout Washington and Houston Rocket head coach Rudy Tomjanovich.

Clements is one of AU's all-time versatile and outstanding athletes. His versatility is quantified in the 10 letters he earned while competing for AU. His outstanding skill as an athlete helped American to three Mason-Dixon titles in four years on the hardwood, averaging 14 points per game while doing so from the guard position. His play punctuated the David Carrasco era and the bond Clements felt with Carrasco is reflected in his choice of presenters, David Carrasco, Jr.

In addition to his efforts in basketball, Clements earned four letters in track, one in cross country and one in baseball. He also served two years as president of the Varsity Club, was chosen by the Omicron Delta Kappa Honorary Fraternity as the Outstanding Senior Athlete and was selected for the Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities.

After his playing days were over, his coaching and teaching days began. Clements taught at Pennsylvania State University as a graduate assistant while earning a masters in science degree. He spent 35 years in the Montgomery County Public School System in Maryland. Clements served in such prestigious positions as middle and high school principal, supervisor of instruction and head officer in the office of the superintendent of schools.

As a coach, he led Montgomery Blair High School to a state title in basketball and two state titles in cross country. His 10 years of basketball officiating coincided with the two years he served as president of the Montgomery County, Md. coaches association.

Today, Clements' devotion to athletics and social causes continues. Golf is his primary athletic interest these days and recently he spent two years as president of Ocean Pines Golf Club. Clements currently serves on the board of directors of a volunteer organization in Worcester County, Worcester Gold, that supports less fortunate adults and children in that county.

Thomas was a standout during an era of excellence for American University basketball. He was a star for AU even though his teammate for two of his three varsity seasons was Washington. He started early, setting freshman and sophomore records for scoring during the 1971-73 seasons. As a freshman, he averaged 28.6 points per game during a 16-game stretch and punctuated that streak with a 48-point performance.

In his sophomore year, Thomas saved his best for last as he averaged 23.9 points per game over the last seven games and scored 26 points against Louisville in AU's first postseason appearance as a Division I squad.

Nearly 30 years after his last varsity game, Thomas still dominates the Eagle record book. He is fourth in career scoring average (19.8 ppg.), sixth in all-time scoring (1,543), seventh in all-time rebounding (803), 10th in field goal percentage (.505) and still has the 10th best single-season scoring record with 561 points.

Upon graduation, Thomas attacked the work field with the same fire he did on the court. Today, he is president of WIT Communications. While he has succeeded professionally, he has contributed to AU in many ways. The most visual might be in his son Jason Thomas, who is a sophomore and a key contributor to the men's basketball team.

Stafford H. Pop Cassell Hall of Fame Weekend Itinerary

Friday, January 24, 2003 5:30 p.m. Women's Basketball vs. Colgate
7:30 p.m. Men's Basketball vs. Colgate
Haftime: Raising of Kermit Washington's Retired Jersey
Saturday, January 25, 2003 10:00 am Women's Basketball Open Practice
4:00 pm Men's Basketball Open Practice
6:00 pm Cocktain Reception, Marriott Wardman Park Hotel
Sunday, January 26, 2003 12:30 author John Feinstein will be autographing copies of his latest book "The Punch" featuring former AU standout Kermit Washington
1:00 pm Men's Basketball vs. Holy Cross
Halftime: Hall of Fame Presentation
3:00 p.m. Women's Basketball vs. Holy Cross