World-record holder Doug Padilla and NBA guard Danny Ainge head the list of this year's inductees to the BYU Athletic Hall of Fame.
Joining Padilla and Ainge are swimming All-American LeLei Fonoimoana, wrestling All-American John Mecham and former BYU vice president Ben E. Lewis.These five contributors to BYU's athletic success will be inducted in ceremonies on Nov. 21 at the Cougar Room in the BYU football stadium. A reception will begin at 6 p.m., with the formal induction at 7 p.m.
Padilla, an eight-time All-American at BYU, broke seven American records in three distances, four of which are currently standing: outdoor 3,000 meters (7:35.84), indoor two mile (8:15.02), indoor 5,000 meters (13:20.55) and road 5,000 meters (13:30). He was a member of the 1984 and 1988 Olympic teams. He was the 1981 NCAA indoor two mile champion.
Ainge made six first-team All-America squads as a senior, leading BYU to the elite eight in the NCAA post-season tournament in 1981. He was selected as college basketball's player of the year in 1981. Ainge currently plays for the Portland Trail Blazers.
Fonoimoana was BYU's first female All-American, winning five of her 11 All-America citations as a freshman. She still holds five school records at sea level - 50, 100 and 200 butterfly and 100 and 200 individual medley. She was a 1976 Olympian.
Mecham placed fourth twice in the NCAA Wrestling Championships and was a two-time All-Western Athletic Conference champion at 142 pounds in 1977-78.
Lewis assisted in planning, obtaining board approval and making financial arrangements for the BYU Stadium, Marriott Center, Richards Building, racquetball courts, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, the annex for the George Albert Smith Fieldhouse, and the baseball field. His 28-year service at BYU includes being BYU Executive Vice President from 1969-1979.