UIW Set to Induct Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2023
San Antonio – September 19, 2023 – From student-athletes to a history-making team to an inaugural award, the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is set to induct the Class of 2023 into the UIW Athletics Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. on Friday, September 22, in the Student Engagement Center Ballroom located on the UIW Broadway Campus. The class is the first to be inducted into the UIW Hall of Fame since 2016.
“This class of Hall of Famers exemplifies what it is to be exceptional both on and off the playing field,” says UIW Athletic Director Richard Duran. “Around the athletic department we talk about being champions in the classroom, in the community and in competition. These individuals personified those words and we are blessed to have them be a part of our UIW family.”
The UIW Class of 2023 Athletics Hall of Fame inductees are:
Terry Delgado – Volleyball, 1995-1998
Terry Delgado was a standout volleyball player for UIW leading her team to the NAIA National Tournament. Terry was named NAIA All-America, All-Region and Southwest Region Player of the Year while earning All-Heart of Texas Conference honors three times throughout her career. Delgado capped off a phenomenal senior season leading the team in kills, attacks and points. Terry is a double UIW graduate having earned her Bachelor of Education in 2000 from the Dreeben School of Education and a master’s degree in 2002.
Denzel Livingston – Men’s Basketball, 2011-2015
Denzel Livingston was an outstanding point guard earning a host of accolades during his time at UIW. Among the many honors and awards, Denzel was named Southland All-Conference First Team and All-Defensive Team, NABC First Team All-District, College Sports Madness Southland Conference First Team, Breitbart Sports Southland First Team, 2014 College Hoops Daily Southland Player of the Year and was named UIW’s Male Student-Athlete of the Year in 2014 and 2015. As a junior, Denzel averaged 20.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.5 steals per game. He followed that with 21.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.6 steals per game as a senior. Denzel earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the H-E-B School of Business and Administration in 2017.
Alex Yatsko – Men’s Swimming, 2008-2011
Alex Yatsko was a two-time NCAA Division II National Champion (2008 and 2009). In addition, throughout his outstanding competitive career, Alex was named a NCAA Division II All-American a remarkable twenty times and was recognized as the All-Rocky Mountain Conference Swimmer of the Year. Out of the pool, Alex earned CSCAA Scholar All-America, CoSIDA Academic All-District, Rocky Mountain All-Academic and UIW Student-Athlete of the Year honors. Alex graduated from UIW in 2010 with a Bachelor of Computer Information Systems and earned a Master of Communication Arts in 2013.
Trent Rios – Football, 2009-2012
Trent Rios was the first-ever UIW football signee. He was named Lone Star Conference Honorable Mention All-Conference and All-Academic teams in addition to inclusion on the Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll. Trent finished his football career holding 40 UIW records while also making a name for himself nationally, earning ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District, FCS Super Region Third Team and Capital One Academic All-District. Trent graduated from UIW in 2013 with a Bachelor of Business Administration.
2004 Men’s Soccer Team – Honor Team
The 2004 UIW Men’s Soccer team, coached by Dennis Currier, was crowned Southwest Conference Champions, won the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional Championships and made an NCAA Division II Championship Quarterfinals appearance.
Kate and Robert Crosby – Order of Merit
Kate Crosby and her late husband Robert are the first recipients of the inaugural UIW Athletics Hall of Fame Order of Merit Award. Kate graduated from UIW in 1996 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and is an alumna of the inaugural class of students in the ADCaP program, now called the School of Professional Studies. Kate and Robert have been long-time friends and supporters of the University and were members of UIW’s Development Board. Kate and Robert were also instrumental in the development of the Quarterback Club, which became the present-day Cardinals Club. Kate and Robert embodied the spirit of UIW through their leadership in developing the football tailgate experience as well as in rallying community support for UIW football.
The Order of Merit is presented to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the advancement of intercollegiate athletics at the University of the Incarnate Word.
The UIW Hall of Fame Class of 2023 will also be honored during the UIW Homecoming game taking place at the Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium located at 4301 Broadway at 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 23.