Special Member of 2011 SMU Athletics Hall of Fame

[Water Pony]

Although there are many worthy recipients in this class, I can think of no Honored name greater than "Red" Barr. Having swum for Coach Barr in the sixties, he was first and more most a gentleman, whose commimtent to his swimmers and divers was unmatched. The dynasty that became SMU Swimming was a direct result of Coach Barr, his assistant Coach Mac and the quality of swimmers and divers he recruited, trained and led. When I left, we had won our 12th consecutive SWC Championship. During my varsity years, we placed 5th, 7th and 5th over the three years at the NCAA's. He graduated everyone, cut no one and Lettered more than could reasonably expect. Congratulations to his family and a big salute to all who competed for him.

March 21, 2011

DALLAS (SMU) - The SMU Athletic Department, in conjunction with the SMU Lettermen's Association, today announced the newest class of its Athletics Hall of Fame. The 2011 inductees - A. R. Barr, Tommy Bowers, Sr., Lisa Cole Zimmerman, Luchi Gonzalez, Craig James and Gene Phillips - will be honored at a dinner and induction ceremony on Friday, May 6, at the Hilton Anatole.

A brief listing of the class and their accomplishments:

Alfred R. "Red" Barr (1971) - As the head coach for SMU swimming from 1947 to 1971, Barr coached his teams to 17 SWC Championships. Barr, who coached fifty All-American swimmers and divers, had SMU's pool named in his honor. The 1971 Collegiate and Scholastic Swimming Trophy recipient coached two Olympians during his career.

Tommy Bowers, Sr. (1955) - The only baseball player in program history to be named as an All-American, Bowers helped lead SMU to its only share of a league title by tying with Texas for the SWC title in 1953. The three-time all-conference selection played professionally with the Dallas Eagles and was honored as the Texas League Pitcher of the Year in 1957.

Lisa Cole Zimmerman (1990) - The 1990 All-American led the team in goals for four straight seasons (1987-90). Cole-Zimmerman scored 34 goals and 24 assists, both single-season highs, during her freshman season. Cole-Zimmerman is SMU's all-time leading career scorer with 101 goals and 44 assists.

Luchi Gonzalez (2001) - The 2001 winner of the Hermann Trophy, which is presented to the nation's top men's soccer player, Gonzalez ranks third in program history with 128 career points. The NCSAA First-Team All-American helped lead the Mustangs to regular season conference championships in each of his years at SMU. Gonzales ranks fourth all-time in career totals of goals (48) and assists (32).

Craig James (1982) - SMU's third all-time leading rusher (3,743 yards) led the Mustangs to the Southwest Conference (SWC) Championships during the 1981 and 1982 seasons. The three-time All-SWC selection teamed with Eric Dickerson to form the "Pony Express" backfield forming one of the best running back tandems in NCAA football history. The NFL Pro-Bowler was drafted by the New England Patriots and played in the 1985 Super Bowl with the team.

Gene Phillips (1971) - Ranks second in program history with 1,932 career points. Phillips averaged 26.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per game during his three-season career on the Hilltop. The three-time SWC Player of the Year was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1971 NBA Draft and played two seasons with the ABA's Dallas Chaparrals.

The dinner and induction ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 6, at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas. Tickets are available for $200 and can be purchased by calling (214) 768-4314. Tables of 10 are available for $1,500.

[Bergermeister]

Although there are many worthy recipients in this class, I can think of no Honored name greater than "Red" Barr.

A true legend. A remarkable man.