MONROE, La. ? The 2009 ULM Hall of Fame
induction ceremonies are set for Saturday, Apr. 25, on the campus of ULM. The
festivities will take place in the University Conference Center on the seventh
floor of the library beginning at noon.
In part one of a four part series the ULM
media relations department will feature the four inductees ? Raymond Philyaw,
John Clement, Angela (Black) Moon and Marlena Mossbarger ? of this year's hall
of fame class.
Philyaw became one of ULM's great
quarterbacks during his four-year career in Monroe. Throughout his time he
earned a pair of all-independent honors (1994, 95) and three all-Louisiana
distinctions (1994, 95, 96). By the end of his senior campaign, he had written
his name into the program's record book with his 52nd career touchdown pass, at
the time the most in ULM history
His touchdown total ranks second on the
career list today while his 7,061 career passing yards are the third-most in
ULM history.
“It means the world to me to be inducted into the ULM Hall of Fame,”
Philyaw said. “To be chosen beside some of the greatest athletes that have come
through ULM is a blessing.”
Playing at Nevada on Oct. 14, 1995, Philyaw
enjoyed one of the greatest quarterbacking days in ULM history. ULM dropped the
final decision, but Philyaw connected on 486 yards, the second most in program
history, and a record-setting five touchdown strikes.
“To be able to get a full scholarship was an honor and to be a three
year starter was amazing,” Philyaw said. “Even though we made the transition to
Division I, I was lucky enough to see different universities and play against
some of the best college athletes in the country. I had the chance to see where
I stood against other athletes from major colleges. My time at ULM was the best
four years of my life.”
Since departing ULM, Philyaw is most recognized for his successful
career in the Arena Football League. In his nine-year career he has played for
four different franchises and passed for over 24,000 yards while connecting on
over 450 touchdowns. In the process, Philyaw set an AFL record of 9.03
TD-to-INT ratio ? second place is a distant 7.93 TD-to-INT. He also has the
fourth highest completion percentage and passer rating in league history.
The Shreveport, La., native played for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers prior
to joining the AFL. He also put on the pads for the Madison Mad Dogs of the
Indoor Football League in 1998.
Outside of the football field Philyaw is taking classes at ULM and seeking
a sociology degree with the intention of graduating in Dec. of 2009. Currently
the AFL has suspended the 2009 season with plans to re-launch the 23-year-old
league next year.
