FAMU inducts five into Sports Hall of Fame

FAMU inducted five Rattler greats into the Sports Hall of Fame last night --- Burney Adams (football), Christopher Burls (tennis), Eddie Shannon (football/supporter), Darrell Spence (basketball) and Tony Trifonov (volleyball coach) ---  as hundreds looked on at the Al Lawson Center. 

Burney Adams was a football star under legendary coach Jake Gaither. Adams, who had several of his former teammates in the audience, talked about how special it felt to be a part of two national championship football teams.

Chris Burls  helped lead the Rattlers to four consecutive MEAC mens tennis championships during his tenure.

Eddie Shannon, the 90-year-old veteran of the bunch, was FAMU's first full-time athletic trainer.  He reflected on his time playing  under legendary coach A.S. "Jake" Gaither, who he described as a jokester at times. He explained how Gaither gave him the opportunity to play football and remains an influence on his life today. Shannon  also acknowledged George "Godfather" Thompson in his message. Thompson is a hall of famer for his nearly 50 years as athletic trainer for the Rattlers. Shannon elaborated on the special bond between he and Thompson.

Darrell Spence, a two-time All American for the Rattler  basketball team from 1978-82. He was a sharpshooter and was a part of the teams transition from NCAA Division II to Division 1.

Tony Trifonov, Volleyball Coach (1997- present),has developed the FAMU Women's Volleyball program into one of Division One's most consistent threats during his 15-year tenure.  The Lady Rattlers have won 10 of their 13 MEAC titles during Trifonov's tenure, including nine (9) straight titles (2001-09), winning 91 consecutive conference matches at one stretch, and 48 straight conference bouts by 3-0 counts - an unprecedented run of dominance likely never to be equaled.