FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 5, 2007

Contact: K.E. Schwab  

724.738.2199

 karl.schwab@sru.edu

SRU alumna tapped for Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. -- Rita Belavic Harrell, a 1974 graduate of Slippery Rock University, will be inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, East Boros Chapter, Oct. 11.

           The Rankin High School graduate was a walk on to the Slippery Rock University women’s basketball team in 1971 and as a senior helped lead the team to an 11-0 record.

           Harrell honed her athletic skills playing pickup games against men since organized sports for women were not offered at the varsity level when she attended high school.

           Her success at SRU led to an invitation to play basketball in Germany and to participate in the 1975 Olympic trials for the women’s basketball team.

           Harrell, who is the director of athletics, health and physical education at Shannon Forest Christian School in South Carolina, also enjoyed success on the softball field. She was a member of four world championship USSSA teams and was chosen to the All-World team in 1976.

Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.