First Posted: 10/11/2013
PEMBROKE — Joe Robisch, the second-leading scorer in men’s basketball history, Sasha Goerres, a key player in the men’s soccer team’s run to the 2004 NCAA Final Four, Melanie Cobb, a multiple school recorder holder in scoring and assists for the women’s soccer team, and Nicole McCorkle Headdings, a multiple-record holder in softball, have been named the newest members of the UNC Pembroke Athletic Hall of Fame, athletics director Dick Christy announced Friday.
The five-person search committee consisting of current Hall of Fame members Ronnie Chavis and Dee Hardy, Braves Club members Abdul Ghaffar and Pat Willoughby and faculty member Dr. Kevin Freeman had a very challenging task as a record number of nominations were reviewed in 2013.
“I am so thankful to our search committee for their diligence in reviewing candidates and identifying this year’s class. This is a special group of student-athletes and very deserving of this recognition,” Christy said.
Robisch, Goerres, Cobb and McCorkle Headdings will be inducted into the distinguished listing of former student-athletes, coaches and administrators at a special ceremony on Oct. 31 at 6 p.m. in the University Center Annex.
Blakeney signs international deal
BUENOS AIRES — Former UNC Pembroke center George Blakeney has opted to continue his playing career on the professional level as the Tarboro native inked a contract with the Buenos Aires team Wuber Estudiantes de Bahía Blanca, the organization announced on Monday.
“This opportunity is bittersweet, as I am excited to begin my professional career, yet sad to leave all those that have made such an impact on me during my time at UNC Pembroke,” Blakeney said. “I would like to thank #BraveNation, as well as my coaches and teammates over the last four years, for helping me make this dream become a reality.”
In his final season with UNCP, he ranked fifth, nationally, with 17 double-doubles and completed his senior season with averages of 14.7 points, 9.9 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game. He registered double-digit scoring efforts 27 times in the 2012-13 season, and also tallied nine or more rebounds in 20 outings as well. He posted a career-best 26 points in home wins over Flagler and North Georgia, while also posting a season-high 16 rebounds against Flagler and St. Andrews.
“We are all proud of George and excited for him” said UNCP head coach Ben Miller. “He has worked hard for this opportunity and I know that he will make the most of it.”
