UC Hall of Fame inductions of Corie Blount, Antwan Peek bring out Bob Huggins

The James P. Kelly Athletic Hall of Fame at the University of Cincinnati expanded by four Friday night at the school's annual Legion of Excellence Gala.

Those who now can sign "UC H of F" at the end of their autographs include former NBA player Corie Blount from the early 1990s basketball teams and former NFL player Antwan Peek, the school's all-time sacks leader.

A surprise guest

Appearing at the function was former UC Bearcat basketball coach Bob Huggins who at last check had legal representation in an attempt to regain his West Virginia coaching job. He was immediately surrounded by his former players.

"There's a whole lot more deserving too," Huggins said when asked about Blount's induction. "These guys have been phenomenal. Corie's the best. To be able to get Corie, Terry (Nelson) and Erik (Martin) in one class was incredible."

When asked if he would coach again, the Naismith Hall of Famer said, "I don't know what I'm going to do."

Track, women's soccer royalty

Also feted Friday were UC assistant track and field coach Chris Wineburg, a two-time Conference USA decathlon champion who now joins his wife, Mary Danner Wineberg, as a Bearcat Hall of Famer. From women's soccer, former All-American Ann Thomas completes this year's fabled foursome.

Corie Blount, men's basketball

In 1991. California junior college recruits Blount, Erik Martin and Terry Nelson drove cross-country in a rented Plymouth Sundance to play for Bob Huggins. Among those joining that class (ranked No. 6 in the nation) were Nick Van Exel, Anthony Buford and LaZelle Durden (who had to sit the Final Four year as a Proposition 48 recruit). Considering their collegiate successes and that Blount and Van Exel had long NBA careers, it's arguably UC's best-ever recruiting class.

"As soon as we all see each other it's like the old days," Huggins said. "Everybody loves each other and cares about each other so much."

Only one UC team has advanced to the Elite Eight since Blount played and none have made the Final Four. He was a first-round pick of the Chicago Bulls and later played with the Los Angeles Lakers in addition to several other teams.

"It's been an amazing journey!" Blount said. "This has given me the ability to look back and really question some of the things and figure out why. When I look back, the answers are there. I had a hell of a career here at the University of Cincinnati, made a great impact, was part of the 'resurrection' team and it was an honor."

Antwan Peek, football

Peek came from Woodward High School as a wide receiver and was converted to a defensive lineman by way of a phone call from coach Rick Minter. It worked well as he became Co-MVP of the 2002 Conference USA championship team and became UC's all-time leader in sacks (27), tackles for loss (56), forced fumbles (17) and blocked kicks (7).

It all started as a freshman on special teams.

"For my family to have the opportunity to see me on TV just inspired me to be physical," Peek said. "That physicality is what led them to believe I could play on the defensive side of the ball. Coach Minter gave me that call and said, 'This is where we think you should be and pretty much we think you should buy in. Not to mention you don't have a choice.'"

Peek was a third-round pick of the Houston Texans in 2003 and also spent a season with the Cleveland Browns.

Lest anyone forget, he also was part of a small circle of football players that Bob Huggins suited up for the basketball team.

"Bob Huggins was one of the main reasons I signed here at the University of Cincinnati," Peek said. "They told me I had the opportunity to play both sports and I was excited about the thought of that."

Peek's linebacker son Antwan Jr. was recently put on scholarship by the Bearcats.

Ann Thomas, women's soccer

Thomas was twice a Conference USA All-Conference member and was named an All-American in 2001 when the Bearcats went 10-0 in the league.

Chris Wineberg, men's track and field

Wineberg's first phone call when notified of his honor was to his wife Mary who also is a Bearcat Hall of Famer. Chris held the school record in the decathlon until it was broken in 2021. He won the C-USA decathlon in 2002 and 2004 and was a 2004 All-American.

In addition to coaching at UC, he helped train his wife during her USA Track and Field days which included an Olympic gold in 2008 in Beijing in the 4x400 relay.

"We were trying to figure out if we were the only married couple in the Hall of Fame at the University of Cincinnati," Wineberg said. "I'm honored to be able to join with my wife and share this with her."

Bob Goin Distinguished Service Award

Dr. Angelo Colosimo, formerly of UC Health, was the Bearcat orthopedic surgeon during the UC basketball Final Four and Elite Eight years and beyond as well as on the football field from the early 1990s through last season.

"It's an emotional night after 35 years," Colosimo said. "All of these kids here that I've operated on and taken care of. I've been blessed. I've had the best job in the world. It's just a thrill. I'm honored and humbled."

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: UC 2023 Hall of Fame inductions: Blount, Peek, Thomas, Wineberg