Former UMES Hawk on College Baseball Hall of Fame ballot

2010 MEAC Hall of Fame Induction Photo Gallery for Ira "Dude" Smith

LUBBOCK, Texas --The College Baseball Foundation has announced that Ira "Dude" Smith, former Hawk and two-time Division I batting champion, has been placed on the ballot for the National College Baseball Hall of Fame.

While attending the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Smith became the first player in NCAA history to get back-to-back batting titles, hitting .488 in 1989 and .519 in 1990. Both years he was selected to the All-MEAC team. His 1990 season ranks sixth all-time in single-season play in NCAA history while his .431 career average ranks 14th all-time.

Smith also played a few seasons with the Virginia Shores, under the direction of veteran coach Dave Tyler.

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UMES' Boozer named to College Football's Hall of Fame

PRINCESS ANNE, MD -- Emerson Boozer, who has garnered various honors for his abilities on the gridiron, can now add another accolade to his resume -- College Football Hall of Famer.

The former NFL running back and University of Maryland Eastern Shore graduate will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Ind., the weekend of July 16-17. Boozer will be the third UMES football representative inducted, following legendary coach Vernon "Skip" McCain in 2006 and Roger Brown last year.

"I was at home and my wife was on the computer and she says, 'Come here for a minute and read this,' " Boozer said. "Then I read about being accepted in the College Football Hall of Fame and being enshrined in July. I had to read it a couple of times to make sure that I had read what I had read."

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EMERSON BOOZER, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Halfback (1962-65)

A four-year letterman and storied halfback under legendary coach Vernon "Skip" McCain at Maryland Eastern Shore (formerly Maryland State College), Emerson Boozer ran over opposing defenses to secure a spot in the 2010 College Football Hall of Fame Class.

A two-time First Team All-America by the Pittsburgh Courier, Boozer amassed 2,537 yards and 22 touchdowns during his career. He averaged a remarkable 6.78 yards per carry and was named a Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) All- Conference pick in 1964 and '65. He was also inducted into the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Hall of Fame in 1982.

The New York Jets selected Boozer in the sixth round of the draft, and he played with the franchise for 10 seasons. He was named the 1966 Pittsburgh Courier AFL Rookie of the Year and was twice named a Pro Bowl selection. He also helped the Jets defeat the heavily favored Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III.

After his time in the pros, Boozer worked with CBS as an NFL analyst. He has been inducted into the State of Georgia and Suffolk Sports halls of fame. Now retired, he lives in Huntington Station, N.Y.

LINK: http://www.collegefootball.org/