Fall Festival begins with a 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21 Honors Convocation and continues with a full slate of activities throughout the weekend, including the Hall of Fame Athletic events described below.

Wheeling, W.Va. Sept. 14, 2007 - Wheeling Jesuit University will welcome home former athletes, their families and friends as it celebrates its Fall Festival, Friday, Sept. 21 - Sunday, Sept. 23.

A full weekend of sports and fun is scheduled as the university honors past athletes and plans for the future. Headlining the event is the Hall of Fame brunch and induction of three Cardinals into the Athletic Hall of Fame, at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 22 at the Erickson Alumni Center. This event is open to the public.

The three new members of the Cardinal Hall of Fame for 2007 are: Jill Sassaman Neuhaus '95, Michael J. Gerrasch '96 and James W. Findlay '96.

The Cardinal Athletic Hall of Fame was established in 1987 to honor former student-athletes, coaches or other members of the WJU community who have made significant contributions to the success of the WJU athletic programs. To date, 43 individuals have been enshrined in the Athletic Hall of Fame. Nine individuals who represent the athletic department, WJU faculty, alumni office, Cardinal Athletic Club and the Jesuit Community make up the Hall of Fame committee.

Criteria for Nominations are: candidates must be a graduate of Wheeling Jesuit University who graduated 10 years ago or longer, must have participated on a varsity, intercollegiate team and shown athletic excellence in the candidate's given sport(s). Candidates must also be a significant contributor to the Wheeling Jesuit University athletic program (special "honorary" category for faculty members, coaches and administrators).

The 1993 men's soccer team will also be honored at the festivities.

The Hall of Fame brunch isn't the only event marking the weekend of athletic renewal. There are lacrosse and soccer scrimmage games, a slowpitch softball game for family and friends, a red/gold alumni swim meet and a red/white baseball scrimmage.

There is also a festive meet and greet social from 5 - 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22 when alumni and friends can take time to meet new athletic director and head men's basketball coach Danny Sancomb in the Erickson Alumni Center. An RSVP is requested for the meet and greet.

At 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, the Cardinal women's soccer team plays University of Pennsylvania at Johnstown and at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 23 Cardinal men's soccer team plays Lenoir Rhyne University. Both games are at the James LaRosa field.

For more information or to make reservations for the brunch or the meet and greet, please contact Athletics at 304-243-2365 or e-mail at athletics@wju.edu.

For complete information on all events for the athletic Hall of Fame weekend, visit http://www.wju.edu/athletics/homecoming.html.