|
U of L Honors Lance Gremillion With Hickman-Camp Award
February 10, 2000 LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The University of Louisville Athletic Department honored longtime fan and supporter Lance Gremillion with the highest award it can bestow -- The Hickman-Camp Award. Gremillion was honored at halftime of the Cardinals' Feb. 10 upset win over nationally-ranked Syracuse in Freedom Hall. "Lance has been a special friend and supporter of our department and it's an honor to be able to recognize him with this award," said Director of Athletics Tom Jurich. "It is people like Lance and his wife, Gail, who have helped this athletic department grow and prosper." Gremillion, currently employed as general manager for Kiel Bros. Oil Co. Inc., has been a devoted follower of Cardinal Athletics since his move to the Kentuckiana area in 1994. "I was really shocked and humbled to find out I was selected to receive this award," said Gremillion who, with Gail's permission, came out of retirement in 1994 and moved to Louisville for Kiel Bros. "My wife and I have had wonderful experiences and made great friendships through our involvement with U of L. It's great to see the University headed in the right direction and to be a part of it." His support of U of L Athletics led Kiel Brothers to become a cornerstone sponsor of Papa John's Cardinal Stadium, donating $2 million to the construction of the on-campus facility. Kiel Brothers also has donated $500,000 to the development of Cardinal Park, an all-sports park which will service not only U of L Athletics but the entire Louisville community. The father of five and grandfather of seven, Gremillion is a native of New Orleans, La., and graduated from Tulane University. An avid golfer and follower of thoroughbred racing, Gremillion and his wife, Gail have been faithful followers of the Cardinals, rarely missing a home contest and very often traveling to away games. "From the moment Lance and Gail were introduced to Louisville Athletics you could see the upbeat positive attitude they had," said former U of L Director of Athletics Bill Olsen. "Lance's enthusiasm for advancing Cardinal Athletics goes deeper than the corporate commitment. Add that enthusiasm to many other reasons and he is a deserving honoree." The Hickman-Camp Award, which bears the names of legendary Cardinal head coaches Bernard "Peck" Hickman and Frank Camp, is given annually by U of L to the person or persons who have provided special service in support of Cardinal Athletics. The recipients also are acknowledged for exemplary leadership, loyalty and dedication in assisting the development and advancement of the athletic department. As a token of the department's appreciation, Gremillion will receive the Hickman-Camp Pin made of 14 karat gold and holding a pair of diamonds in the neck of the bird and a ruby in the eye. The diamonds represent the two U of L greats for which the award is named while the ruby represents the honoree's burning desire and dedication to Cardinal Athletics. Previous Hickman-Camp Awardwinners
1986 Otto Knop |
