Clark, Owens lead Idaho hall of fame inductions

Longtime University of Idaho coach and administrator Kathy Clark and former Vandals basketball standout Kenny Owens are among five slated for induction into the Idaho Athletic Hall of Fame.

They are joined by Bobbi Hazeltine, Merril Hoge and the late Leonard Walker. The inductions will take place at the North Idaho Sports Banquet on April 12 at the Coeur d’Alene Inn. Hoge will be the featured speaker at the event, which honors top area athletes, coaches and teams.

Clark, who retired in 1999, began at UI in 1974 as the head of women’s athletics, volleyball coach and track and field coach, as well as a physical education instructor. She later served as women’s bowling coach and an assistant track and field coach. Clark was an assistant athletic director from 1977-91 and a senior associate A.D. from 1992-99.

Owens helped Idaho to a 27-3 record, a Big Sky Conference title and a spot in the Sweet 16 in the 1981-82 season under coach Don Monson. Owens earned Big Sky Tournament MVP honors and was selected to the Big Sky’s 25th anniversary team, along with teammate Brian Kellerman.

Hazeltine, a Craigmont, Idaho, native, who played basketball at North Idaho College, coached Troy High volleyball and girls basketball teams to a combined nine state championships. She has been the women’s basketball coach at Walla Walla Community College since 1999.

Hoge, an Idaho State University graduate, played for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1987-93, leading the team in rushing and receiving four times. He played two years with Chicago before retiring because of post-concussion syndrome. He’s an analyst for ESPN.

Walker, who boxed at Idaho along with his brother, Norm, won Pacific Coast championships in 1949 and 1951 and won NCAA championships in 1949 and 1950. His record at Idaho was 38-5. Idaho and Gonzaga shared the 1950 NCAA championship.