CHICAGO – The University of Chicago announced the 21st induction class of its Athletics Hall of Fame on Thursday.
Norman Bickel (class of 1937) was a star men's tennis player for UChicago in the 1930s. The team captain captured three individual Big Ten championships – once in singles (1936) and twice in doubles (1936-37). He also led the Maroons to a pair of Big Ten team titles in 1935 and 1937. Bickel and teammate Norbert Burgess proved to be a formidable doubles duo, with back-to-back conference titles and many high placements in national and regional tournaments. Bickel and Burgess earned a No. 9 national doubles ranking in 1937, in part thanks to runner-up finishes at the National Clay Court and National Intercollegiate tournaments. Individually as a singles player, Bickel qualified for the U.S. Open five times from 1936 to 1944.
Dee Brizzolara (class of 2013) stamped his name in the Maroon record books as a multi-sport force. On the football gridiron, Brizzolara stood out as an elite wide receiver and kick/punt returner. His accolades included two-time All-Region, two-time UAA Offensive MVP, four-time First Team All-UAA and UAA Rookie of the Year. Brizzolara owns five career school records, including most receiving yards, receiving touchdowns and all-purpose yards. He holds four single-season and three game records as well. On the track, Brizzolara was a nine-time UAA champion in sprint events, with 19 All-UAA finishes. He was voted as the 2013 UAA Outdoor Track MVP. Brizzolara currently ranks in the school's all-time top 10 in three individual events and two relays. He was awarded the Stagg Medal in 2013.
Nicole Murphy (class of 2010) was one of the top throwers in UChicago women's track & field history. A seven-time national qualifier, Murphy claimed three All-American awards in the shot put. Her top finish was a national runner-up showing in the outdoor shot put in 2008. At the conference level, she was a six-time UAA champion with 11 All-UAA accolades between the indoor and outdoor seasons. The 2009 UAA Indoor Field MVP previously owned the UAA records in both the indoor and outdoor shot put. She scored at the UAA conference meets 19 times during her career in five throwing disciplines. Murphy is the current school record holder in both shot put events, with top-six rankings in the indoor weight throw, the outdoor discus and the outdoor hammer throw.
Isis Smalls (class of 2012) led the UChicago volleyball team to new heights from her outside hitter position. She became the first Maroon volleyball player to earn AVCA All-Region and All-American status in 2010. That same season, Smalls guided her squad to the NCAA tournament for the first time in program history. The Maroons posted a four-year record of 107-49 (.686 winning percentage) and reached the NCAA postseason twice during her career. A two-time All-UAA honoree, Smalls excelled in the front row both offensively and defensively. She established new school records for kills in a season (490) and a career (1,580). In the school's career rankings, Smalls currently stands second in kills, third in block assists and seventh in total blocks.
Inductees were selected by a committee composed of University of Chicago faculty, staff, alumni and Athletics Hall of Fame members. Twenty-five individuals were chosen for the inaugural class in 2003. A maximum of five individuals can be selected on an annual basis.
To be eligible for induction into the University of Chicago Athletics Hall of Fame, athletes must have attended the University, competed in an intercollegiate sport, and completed their participation in intercollegiate sports a minimum of 10 years prior to induction. Coaches or administrators must have ceased service in that capacity at least five years prior to induction.
The 2023 UChicago Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on Friday, October 13 at the University Club of Chicago.
NOTE: Due to a previous commitment, Dee Brizzolara will be honored at the 2024 induction ceremony when he is able to attend.
