Harney named as Hall of Champions star for October

Evan Harney was named as one of the San Diego Hall of Champions’ Stars of the Month for October.

The Hall of Champions named Harney as one of four amateur stars of the month. Four professional stars and six prep stars were also selected for October.

“It’s a really great honor to get that as well,” Harney said. “It’s a great honor to be recognized by them.”

Harney, a running back on the University of San Diego football team, was recognized for his October 23 performance against Davidson. Although Harney gained only 89 yards in that game, he was rested early in the second quarter after scoring three touchdowns in the first quarter. Harney had carried the ball 18 times during his limited playing time. His third touchdown of the quarter gave him 33 career touchdowns over two seasons, setting a USD career record for total touchdowns. USD won that game by a 56-0 score, and Harney earned Pioneer Football League Offensive Player of the Week honors for his performance in the Davidson game.

Hall of Champions staff members read newspapers, speak with coaches and athletic directors, and watch games to obtain information about potential nominees. Each month’s nominations are sent to the Hall of Champions’ Awards Committee for approval and selection of the best performers. After the Awards Committee makes its selections, they are presented to the Hall of Champions’ Board of Trustees for approval.

“I’ve heard it’s such a great committee and what not,” Harney remarked.

Joining Harney as amateur stars for October were USD volleyball player Devon Foster, La Costa Canyon High School graduate and William and Mary field hockey player Heather Kibbee, and San Pasqual High graduate and Michigan field hockey player Katy Moyneur.

Each year the stars of the month, along with the professional and amateur stars of the year and the inductees into the Breitbard Hall of Fame, are honored at the Salute to the Champions banquet. The banquet for the 2004 stars will be held on February 22. Harney has not previously attended a Salute to the Champions banquet, but fellow 2001 Fallbrook High School graduate Donny Lucy was honored at the February 2001 banquet as a Prep Star of the Month in 2000. “He said it was an incredible experience,” Harney said. “I feel the same way.”