Eight new members will be inducted into the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame this Friday on Oct. 3. Invitation-only induction ceremonies will be held in Covel Commons, and the new inductees will also be introduced during halftime of this Saturday’s Oct. 4 UCLA-Washington State football game at the Rose Bowl.
The UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame was dedicated in 1984 with 25 charter members. The Class of 2008 brings the total membership to 223. The 2008 inductees are Traci Arkenberg, women’s soccer; Peter T. Dalis, administration; Leah Homma, gymnastics; Kurt Krumpholz, men’s swimming/water polo; Upsilon brother Robert Seaman, men’s track & field; Jackie Tobian-Steinmann, women’s golf coach; Eric Turner, football; and Todd Zeile, baseball.
Robert Seaman (Men’s Track & Field)
Former UCLA record-holder and a distinguished distance runner, Robert Seaman competed for the Bruins from 1955-57. In 1955, Seaman was a member of UCLA’s victorious conference mile relay team and finished third in the mile at the NCAA Championship to help lead the Bruins to a second place national finish. During the 1956 season, Seaman set a UCLA record by running the mile in 4:01.4, the second fastest mile in U.S. history at the time. He helped lead the Bruins to the conference title, winning the 880-yard event. Later that year at the NCAA Championship, he finished fourth in the 1500 as the Bruins took home the NCAA team title. Seaman served as team captain in 1957. During his UCLA career, in addition to the mile record, Seaman set records in the 880 yard run and relays. Additionally, Seaman went on to break the four-minute barrier in the mile in 1962 (3:58:07).
Note that Bob’s brother, John Seaman, was an Upsilon brother, too. John sadly died several years ago.
Congratulations brother Bob Seaman!