Belmont University head men’s basketball coach Rick Byrd has been selected to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Hall of Fame.
Byrd, along with 21 others, comprises the Class of 2003-04. Induction to the NAIA Hall of Fame is considered the highest honor bestowed by the association, and the tribute is in recognition of a person exemplifying the highest ideals of intercollegiate athletics and fine moral character. Previous inductees include Bruce Jenner, Jack Kemp and Willis Reed.
The 22-year coaching veteran put together an illustrious career during his coaching tenure in the NAIA which came to an end following the 1995-96 season in which Belmont University jumped to NCAA-I competition.
During his 15 years of NAIA competition, Byrd posted a 367-152 record including an incredible 197-40 mark in conference play. In 1995, the Knoxville, Tenn., native was named NAIA National Coach of the Year on his way to leading Belmont to a school best 37-2 record, 18-0 conference record, first-ever number one national ranking and an appearance in the NAIA Final Four.
Byrd will be inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame .
