University of Massachusets Athletics
George "Trigger" Burke UMass Athletics Hall of Fame
George "Trigger" Burke UMass Athletics Hall of Fame
History
Founded in 1969 to recognize excellence in athletic achievement, the UMass Athletics Hall of Fame currently houses more than 170 members who left everlasting marks on UMass Athletics. Dormant since 1982, the Hall received new life in Dec., 1996 as a result of the generosity of George "Trigger" Burke, a UMass Athletics Hall of Fame honoree who was a letterman in basketball. The Hall is located on the third floor of the Mullins Center and is open to the general public.
UMass was known as the Massachusetts Agricultural College from 1863 to 1931, and then as Massachusetts State College until 1947, when it became the University of Massachusetts. Athletic teams were known as the Aggies and Statesmen in the early years, and were called the Redmen until the early 1970s. In the spring of 1972, a group of Native Americans from New York wrote a letter to the UMass administration asking if it was aware of the defamatory connotations of the word Redmen and if it could be curtailed. The student senate, through a poll of the student body, came up with several options for a new nickname, including the Minutemen. The name has an historical and patriotic relationship with the Commonwealth. Women's athletic teams became known as the Minutewomen.
Nomination Information
The George "Trigger" Burke UMass Athletics Hall of Fame is accepting nominations for the Class of 2026. Any previous nominees that were not selected will automatically be considered for three years, after which they must be re-nominated if not selected. Nominations received after December 31, 2025 will be considered for the Class of 2027.
There are no restrictions on who may submit a nomination, but an individual must be nominated by someone other than himself or herself, and all nominations must be signed. Nominations must contain a rationale for consideration and other pertinent biographical information. Director of UMass Athletic Events & Fan Engagement Jason Germain and the Athletic Communications staff will gather and verify information on each qualified nominee and present it to the committee for review.
Nominations should be sent NO LATER than December 31, 2025, to the following email address:
Jason Germain: jag@umass.edu
Any questions regarding criteria and nomination procedures, please contact Jason Germain.
Selection Criteria
Qualifications and criteria shall be based upon the candidate's athletic excellence while attending or serving at the University of Massachusetts. Consideration shall be given for personal conduct in life and personal contributions to the high ideals of intercollegiate athletics. Significant post-University accomplishments should be included with nominations and will be considered in the selection process. The individual must have performed with extraordinary levels of excellence and brought honor and distinction to his or her team, the athletic program and the University of Massachusetts.
A. Student-Athlete
A student-athlete is eligible for nomination a minimum of 10 years following the graduation of his or her class. The individual must have completed his or her collegiate athletic career at the University of Massachusetts and must have been a varsity letterwinner at the University. To be considered, a student-athlete must have achieved at least one of the following: National Player of the Year, NCAA Champion (Individual sport), All-American, All-Region, Conference Player of the Year, All-Conference, conference record holder, school record holder, national statistical champion, lettered in at least three different varsity sports, world record holder, American record holder, U.S. Olympic Team member.
B. Coach or Administrator
A coach or administrator is eligible for nomination a minimum of five years following his or her tenure with the University (retirement, death, departure), or in the case of active personnel, having reached the age of 60. The individual must have served the athletic program in some capacity for a minimum of five years.
C. Team
A team is eligible for nomination a minimum of 10 years following their competitive accomplishment. To be considered for induction, a team must have achieved significant national recognition for the athletic program and/or University.
D. Special Admittance
Special admittance will be made only in recognition of truly exceptional contributions and service to the athletic program at the University of Massachusetts.