Photo by: Courtesy University of Houston
2023 Hall of Honor Class Announced
2/22/2023 12:00:00 PM | Baseball, Football, General, Men's Golf, Track and Field
Seven Cougar greats set for induction, Houston Athletics’ highest recognition
HOUSTON – Seven former University of Houston student-athletes, including professional standouts, an NCAA record holder and Hall of Famers, will receive Houston Athletics' highest recognition with their induction into the Hall of Honor Class of 2023 to kick off a Big 12 Conference celebration weekend on Thursday, Sept. 14.
The 2023 Hall of Honor class is comprised of Mike Booker (Men's Golf), Michael Bourn (Baseball), Rick Brewer (Baseball), Sonya Watkins Ellis (Women's Basketball), Simon Fletcher (Football), Sandra Cummings Glover (Women's Track) and Case Keenum (Football).
The 2023 Hall of Honor Gala and induction ceremony will be held at the Post Oak Hotel and will include a live, Big Board, silent auction, dinner and presentation ceremonies. This once in a lifetime event will be emceed by three-time Emmy Award winner and five-time National Sportscaster of the Year, Houston's very own, Jim Nantz ('81).
The event will kick off a monumental weekend for Houston Athletics with the Football program hosting national runner-up TCU two days later (Saturday, Sept. 16) at TDECU Stadium in its inaugural Big 12 Conference contest.
Pricing for tickets, tables and sponsorship opportunities are available through Cougar Pride. For more information, please call Cougar Pride at 713-743-4684 or email cougarpride@uh.edu.
Fans are invited to join in making a true and lasting impact in the lives of Houston student-athletes by also donating auction contributions. Donations ensure success of the event and enable Houston Athletics to continue providing scholarships to 400+ student-athletes and 17 sport programs. To donate, please contact Cougar Pride at 713-743-4684 or email cougarpride@uh.edu.
The 2023 class marks the 23rd class inducted into the Hall of Honor and the 12th since the Hall was reintroduced in 1998. The current class will bring the membership to 119 individuals and two teams.
2023 HALL OF HONOR INDUCTEES
Mike Booker | Men's Golf (1977)
Mike Booker helped propel Houston Men's Golf to a pair of Southwest Conference Championships in 1976 and 1977 and an NCAA National Championship as an All-American in '77. His collegiate career paved the way for a Hall of Fame amateur career.
Booker is a three-time Texas Golf Association champion (2012, '14, '15), two-time U.S. National Club champion (2007-08) and was the 2014 Southern Texas PGA Amateur of the Year. He owns 12 Texas Golf Association event victories and is the only player to hold Texas Mid-Am, South Texas Match Play and Houston City Amateur Titles simultaneously (2002-2003).
In 2019, Booker was inducted into the Texas Golf Hall of Fame. He stands as the only golfer to be named Athlete of the Year by Houston Sports News.
Michael Bourn | Baseball (2003)
Michael Bourn's illustrious career for the Cougars was followed by equal success at the highest level of the game.
In his first season at Houston, Bourn earned Freshman All-America accolades and All-Conference honors while setting the program's freshman records in runs (55), stolen bases (35) and walks (50). The Nimitz High School product went on to earn back-to-back NCAA Regional All-Tournament honors (2002-03) highlighted by helping the No. 3-seed Cougars to an NCAA College Station Regional victory behind four straight victories, including two 7-6 wins against host Texas A&M. Bourn later went on to compete for USA Baseball.
To this date, Bourn is Houston Baseball's only two-time MLB All-Star, accomplishing the feat in 2010 with the Houston Astros and 2012 with the Atlanta Braves. His 11-year big league career included 1,361 games played, 1,272 hits, 341 stolen bases. He led the National League in stolen bases three times and was a two-time Gold Glove Award winner.
Rick Brewer | Baseball (1967)
Rick Brewer's decorated career and postseason heroics rank the pitcher among the greatest to compete at the University of Houston.
Brewer led the 1967 Cougars to the College World Series while making five postseason appearances and 17.0 innings pitched. Brewer was the winning pitcher in Houston's final two games of the College World Series against Boston College and Arizona State.
During his 1967 season, Brewer posted a 4.0 record alongside a 1.80 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 40.0 innings pitched. His 2.00 career ERA ranks third in program history and his .800 winning percentage is fourth in team lore.
Sonya Watkins Ellis | Women's Basketball (1982)
Sonya Watkins Ellis' name blankets the Houston Women's Basketball record books. Her decorated career includes 1,752 points – second in Houston career history – alongside a .574 field goal percentage, which ranks third in team lore.
The forward was three times named the team's MVP (1983-84; 1984-85; 1985-86) and became the first and only Cougar to earn Southwest Conference Player of the Year honors in 1985-86. She would later be named to the league's all-decade team.
The Detroit native is second in field goals (740), fourth in double-doubles (28), sixth in program history in rebounds (821) and ninth in made free throws (752). She was twice named to the All-Southwest Conference Tournament team (1983-84; 1985-86) and suited up for nearly 2,000 minutes in her distinguished four-year career.
Simon Fletcher | Football (1984)
Simon Fletcher thrilled Houston fans for three seasons before solidifying himself as one of the best edge rushers in National Football League history. The Second-Round selection by the Denver Broncos in the 1985 draft, did not disappoint. He played 172 consecutive games for Denver and holds the organization's all-time career marks for sacks (97.5). Fletcher led the Broncos in sacks for seven consecutive seasons from 1988-94.
At the time of his retirement, the Bay City native ranked 13th on the NFL's all-time sacks list. As a member of three Super Bowl teams, he wrapped his career with 181 tackles, 21 forced fumbles and 10 fumble recoveries. In 2016, Fletcher was inducted into the Broncos Ring of Fame, cementing his legacy among the organization's greats.
Sandra Cummings Glover | Women's Track (1991)
Sandra Cummings Glover dominated the track and Southwest Conference competitors during her time at the University of Houston on the way to a memorable professional career. The 1991 All-American captured the conference title in the 100-and 400-meter hurdles en route to national success.
The Palestine, Texas, native holds the Houston school record in the 400-meter hurdles (56.97) and is the outdoor facility record holder at 55.54. Glover medaled in the 400 hurdles at the World Championships in Athletics in both 2003 (silver) and 2005 (bronze). She was a national champion at the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships across four consecutive years (1999-02) and owns five IAAF Golden League circuit victories.
She competed in the 2000 Sumer Olympics in Sydney, Australia, where she finished sixth among 34 competitors. Glover ranked in the Top 10 in the U.S. from 1991-07, including a Top 10 world ranking from 1999-2006.
Case Keenum | Football (2011)
Case Keenum lit up scoreboard and opposing defenses to the tune of NCAA-record setting numbers across five seasons at the University of Houston. The Houston legend's 19,217 career passing yards and 155 passing touchdowns remain NCAA records as are his 20,114 total yards. Keenum played in 57 games, leading the Cougars to a 41-16 record and is the only player in Division I history to throw for 5,000 yards in three different seasons.
The two-time Sammy Baugh Award winner (2009, 2011) was a two-time Conference USA Most Valuable Player and three-time First-Team All-Conference honoree. He remains as Houston's career leader in a host of categories including completions (1,546). Keenum threw for 300+ yards 39 times and 400+ yards on 19 occasions with the Cougars. His 178 career touchdowns responsible for ranks first in NCAA career history, and his 69.4 completion percentage is seventh in NCAA lore.
Keenum completed in 10th season in the NFL in 2022, a testament to his character and durability. He has played in 78 games at the next level, passing for 14,884 yards and 78 touchdowns. His 61-yard game winning touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs in January 2018, lifted the Minnesota Vikings to a 29-24 NFC Divisional Round victory over the New Orleans Saints and has been ranked among the top plays in NFL history.
SUPPORT HOUSTON RISE
Join Houston Rise, a $150 million fundraising campaign for Houston Athletics dedicated to championship success in the Big 12 Conference.
Every Houston Rise contribution prepares our Cougars to compete and win when we start Big 12 competition in July 2023. Click here to rise and be counted.
The 2023 Hall of Honor class is comprised of Mike Booker (Men's Golf), Michael Bourn (Baseball), Rick Brewer (Baseball), Sonya Watkins Ellis (Women's Basketball), Simon Fletcher (Football), Sandra Cummings Glover (Women's Track) and Case Keenum (Football).
The 2023 Hall of Honor Gala and induction ceremony will be held at the Post Oak Hotel and will include a live, Big Board, silent auction, dinner and presentation ceremonies. This once in a lifetime event will be emceed by three-time Emmy Award winner and five-time National Sportscaster of the Year, Houston's very own, Jim Nantz ('81).
The event will kick off a monumental weekend for Houston Athletics with the Football program hosting national runner-up TCU two days later (Saturday, Sept. 16) at TDECU Stadium in its inaugural Big 12 Conference contest.
Pricing for tickets, tables and sponsorship opportunities are available through Cougar Pride. For more information, please call Cougar Pride at 713-743-4684 or email cougarpride@uh.edu.
Fans are invited to join in making a true and lasting impact in the lives of Houston student-athletes by also donating auction contributions. Donations ensure success of the event and enable Houston Athletics to continue providing scholarships to 400+ student-athletes and 17 sport programs. To donate, please contact Cougar Pride at 713-743-4684 or email cougarpride@uh.edu.
The 2023 class marks the 23rd class inducted into the Hall of Honor and the 12th since the Hall was reintroduced in 1998. The current class will bring the membership to 119 individuals and two teams.
2023 HALL OF HONOR INDUCTEES
Mike Booker | Men's Golf (1977)
Mike Booker helped propel Houston Men's Golf to a pair of Southwest Conference Championships in 1976 and 1977 and an NCAA National Championship as an All-American in '77. His collegiate career paved the way for a Hall of Fame amateur career.
Booker is a three-time Texas Golf Association champion (2012, '14, '15), two-time U.S. National Club champion (2007-08) and was the 2014 Southern Texas PGA Amateur of the Year. He owns 12 Texas Golf Association event victories and is the only player to hold Texas Mid-Am, South Texas Match Play and Houston City Amateur Titles simultaneously (2002-2003).
In 2019, Booker was inducted into the Texas Golf Hall of Fame. He stands as the only golfer to be named Athlete of the Year by Houston Sports News.
Michael Bourn | Baseball (2003)Michael Bourn's illustrious career for the Cougars was followed by equal success at the highest level of the game.
In his first season at Houston, Bourn earned Freshman All-America accolades and All-Conference honors while setting the program's freshman records in runs (55), stolen bases (35) and walks (50). The Nimitz High School product went on to earn back-to-back NCAA Regional All-Tournament honors (2002-03) highlighted by helping the No. 3-seed Cougars to an NCAA College Station Regional victory behind four straight victories, including two 7-6 wins against host Texas A&M. Bourn later went on to compete for USA Baseball.
To this date, Bourn is Houston Baseball's only two-time MLB All-Star, accomplishing the feat in 2010 with the Houston Astros and 2012 with the Atlanta Braves. His 11-year big league career included 1,361 games played, 1,272 hits, 341 stolen bases. He led the National League in stolen bases three times and was a two-time Gold Glove Award winner.
Rick Brewer | Baseball (1967)
Rick Brewer's decorated career and postseason heroics rank the pitcher among the greatest to compete at the University of Houston.
Brewer led the 1967 Cougars to the College World Series while making five postseason appearances and 17.0 innings pitched. Brewer was the winning pitcher in Houston's final two games of the College World Series against Boston College and Arizona State.
During his 1967 season, Brewer posted a 4.0 record alongside a 1.80 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 40.0 innings pitched. His 2.00 career ERA ranks third in program history and his .800 winning percentage is fourth in team lore.
Sonya Watkins Ellis | Women's Basketball (1982)
Sonya Watkins Ellis' name blankets the Houston Women's Basketball record books. Her decorated career includes 1,752 points – second in Houston career history – alongside a .574 field goal percentage, which ranks third in team lore.
The forward was three times named the team's MVP (1983-84; 1984-85; 1985-86) and became the first and only Cougar to earn Southwest Conference Player of the Year honors in 1985-86. She would later be named to the league's all-decade team.
The Detroit native is second in field goals (740), fourth in double-doubles (28), sixth in program history in rebounds (821) and ninth in made free throws (752). She was twice named to the All-Southwest Conference Tournament team (1983-84; 1985-86) and suited up for nearly 2,000 minutes in her distinguished four-year career.
Simon Fletcher | Football (1984)
Simon Fletcher thrilled Houston fans for three seasons before solidifying himself as one of the best edge rushers in National Football League history. The Second-Round selection by the Denver Broncos in the 1985 draft, did not disappoint. He played 172 consecutive games for Denver and holds the organization's all-time career marks for sacks (97.5). Fletcher led the Broncos in sacks for seven consecutive seasons from 1988-94.
At the time of his retirement, the Bay City native ranked 13th on the NFL's all-time sacks list. As a member of three Super Bowl teams, he wrapped his career with 181 tackles, 21 forced fumbles and 10 fumble recoveries. In 2016, Fletcher was inducted into the Broncos Ring of Fame, cementing his legacy among the organization's greats.
Sandra Cummings Glover | Women's Track (1991)
Sandra Cummings Glover dominated the track and Southwest Conference competitors during her time at the University of Houston on the way to a memorable professional career. The 1991 All-American captured the conference title in the 100-and 400-meter hurdles en route to national success.
The Palestine, Texas, native holds the Houston school record in the 400-meter hurdles (56.97) and is the outdoor facility record holder at 55.54. Glover medaled in the 400 hurdles at the World Championships in Athletics in both 2003 (silver) and 2005 (bronze). She was a national champion at the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships across four consecutive years (1999-02) and owns five IAAF Golden League circuit victories.
She competed in the 2000 Sumer Olympics in Sydney, Australia, where she finished sixth among 34 competitors. Glover ranked in the Top 10 in the U.S. from 1991-07, including a Top 10 world ranking from 1999-2006.
Case Keenum | Football (2011)
Case Keenum lit up scoreboard and opposing defenses to the tune of NCAA-record setting numbers across five seasons at the University of Houston. The Houston legend's 19,217 career passing yards and 155 passing touchdowns remain NCAA records as are his 20,114 total yards. Keenum played in 57 games, leading the Cougars to a 41-16 record and is the only player in Division I history to throw for 5,000 yards in three different seasons.
The two-time Sammy Baugh Award winner (2009, 2011) was a two-time Conference USA Most Valuable Player and three-time First-Team All-Conference honoree. He remains as Houston's career leader in a host of categories including completions (1,546). Keenum threw for 300+ yards 39 times and 400+ yards on 19 occasions with the Cougars. His 178 career touchdowns responsible for ranks first in NCAA career history, and his 69.4 completion percentage is seventh in NCAA lore.
Keenum completed in 10th season in the NFL in 2022, a testament to his character and durability. He has played in 78 games at the next level, passing for 14,884 yards and 78 touchdowns. His 61-yard game winning touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs in January 2018, lifted the Minnesota Vikings to a 29-24 NFC Divisional Round victory over the New Orleans Saints and has been ranked among the top plays in NFL history.
SUPPORT HOUSTON RISE
Join Houston Rise, a $150 million fundraising campaign for Houston Athletics dedicated to championship success in the Big 12 Conference.
Every Houston Rise contribution prepares our Cougars to compete and win when we start Big 12 competition in July 2023. Click here to rise and be counted.
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Friday, November 01
AD Eddie Nuñez Interview
Thursday, August 22
VP for Intercollegiate Athletics Eddie Nuñez Introductory Press Conference
Wednesday, August 21
Hall of Honor
Thursday, September 14