Army West Point Athletics
Dual Role Earns Hall of Fame Recognition For Murphy
September 08, 2009 | General
Editor's Note: This is the final piece in a series of stories profiling the Kenna Hall of Army Sports inductees, Class of 2009. GoARMYsports.com will take a look at these outstanding athletes and their accomplishments, leading into the induction on Sept. 11.
WEST POINT, N.Y. – Ray Murphy would watch Bob Knight as the freshman basketball coach. Knight was charged with leading West Point’s plebe team and also assisting with the varsity squad.
Murphy was impressed by his knowledge of the game and how he handled practices and the cadet-athletes.
During his first term as Athletic Director, Murphy made the decision to hire Knight, at the time a 24-year-old with limited experience.
That choice -- as well as many others Murphy made during his two terms as athletic director -- has earned him a permanent place in Army athletics history. Murphy, who earned nine varsity letters during his time as a cadet and then twice served as the athletic director, will be inducted into the Army Sports Hall of Fame this weekend.
Murphy is one of eight who will be honored this year in the sixth class. The Class of 2009 also includes Bill Carpenter (football and lacrosse), Ralph Chesnauskas (football, hockey and baseball), Tracy Hanlon (track and field and women’s basketball), Mike Krzyzewski (men’s basketball player and coach), Nicki Robbins (softball), Jack Rust (lacrosse) and Thomas Truxtun (lacrosse and men’s soccer).
The eight honorees will officially be inducted into the Army Sports Hall of Fame on Friday, Sept. 11. A special afternoon plaque unveiling ceremony will be held in the Kenna Hall of Army Sports inside Kimsey Center, with the formal black-tie banquet presented by Lockheed Martin set for Eisenhower Hall later that evening. The group will also be recognized during Army’s football game against Duke the next day at Michie Stadium with a special photograph and autograph session planned in Black Knights Alley prior to the contest.
The Army Sports Hall of Fame is a subset of the Kenna Hall of Army Sports, a comprehensive museum displaying Army’s rich and proud intercollegiate athletic program. It is located on the third floor of the Kimsey Athletic Center, Army’s massive football training facility.
Murphy is being inducted in a dual role, celebrating his accomplishments as an athlete and administrator.
A member of the Class of 1942, Murphy won three letters each in football, basketball and lacrosse and was named the Army Athletic Association trophy winner.
He played on both sides of the ball for the football team and was a team captain his senior season. As a member of the lacrosse team, he was a part of 23 wins, including three against Navy.
Murphy served five campaigns as commander of II Field Force Artillery and as Chief of Staff of II Field Force in Vietnam before retiring as a Major General in 1975.
Murphy was twice chosen to work as West Point’s Athletic Director. His first stint as an administrator occurred from 1963-66 when Army compiled a winning percentage of .755. Among his hires was Knight, who was among last year’s inductees into the Army Sports Hall of Fame. Murphy was honored in 1967 with Sports Illustrated’s 25th anniversary “All-America” award.
“I felt Bob (Knight) had a lot to offer,” said Murphy. “His selection wasn’t without objection. There were some concerns about his inexperience and his age. I said that was all true but he was a talent that hadn’t been seen in a long time. And of course he was approved. I watched him work and just felt he had complete control. He always knew what needed to be done. He was well-versed and it was amazing for such a young man to have such knowledge.”
The Chief of Staff of the Army singled out Murphy to direct Army’s athletic program for a second time from 1977 to 1980.
Reaction When Received Letter You Were Chosen: I was surprised. It’s quite a thrill. I didn’t expect to even be considered. It was a surprise and a pleasant one.”
Favorite Athletic Memory: “My favorite memories are not necessarily of playing but when I was Athletic Director. It was a great thrill when we had a good team, a winning team that was able to elevate the whole Corps of Cadets. I would put Bob Knight and Mike Krzyzewski in this category. I saw it time and time again and that was one of the great thrills I had at West Point.”
Who Had The Biggest Influence On Your Athletic Career: “I would say my family and that started way much earlier than West Point. Both my mom and dad and whole family were very supportive of everything I did and really got me going in athletics.”
What’s The Biggest Difference At West Point Since You Were A Cadet: “The major changes are in the facilities. There were major, major improvements made. It’s quite amazing what has been brought about in the past number of years. One of my objectives when I was the athletic director was to improve the facilities. Smith Rink and Gillis Field House were two areas that we had to make improvements in and we did with the Holleder Center which was approved before I left.”
Tickets for the event are available to the public and can be purchased by calling Army's External Operations Office at 845-938-2322. Proceeds will be directed to a fund that supports the daily care, maintenance and growth of the Kenna Hall of Army Sports and Army Sports Hall of Fame.
WEST POINT, N.Y. – Ray Murphy would watch Bob Knight as the freshman basketball coach. Knight was charged with leading West Point’s plebe team and also assisting with the varsity squad.
Murphy was impressed by his knowledge of the game and how he handled practices and the cadet-athletes.
During his first term as Athletic Director, Murphy made the decision to hire Knight, at the time a 24-year-old with limited experience.
That choice -- as well as many others Murphy made during his two terms as athletic director -- has earned him a permanent place in Army athletics history. Murphy, who earned nine varsity letters during his time as a cadet and then twice served as the athletic director, will be inducted into the Army Sports Hall of Fame this weekend.
Murphy is one of eight who will be honored this year in the sixth class. The Class of 2009 also includes Bill Carpenter (football and lacrosse), Ralph Chesnauskas (football, hockey and baseball), Tracy Hanlon (track and field and women’s basketball), Mike Krzyzewski (men’s basketball player and coach), Nicki Robbins (softball), Jack Rust (lacrosse) and Thomas Truxtun (lacrosse and men’s soccer).
The eight honorees will officially be inducted into the Army Sports Hall of Fame on Friday, Sept. 11. A special afternoon plaque unveiling ceremony will be held in the Kenna Hall of Army Sports inside Kimsey Center, with the formal black-tie banquet presented by Lockheed Martin set for Eisenhower Hall later that evening. The group will also be recognized during Army’s football game against Duke the next day at Michie Stadium with a special photograph and autograph session planned in Black Knights Alley prior to the contest.
The Army Sports Hall of Fame is a subset of the Kenna Hall of Army Sports, a comprehensive museum displaying Army’s rich and proud intercollegiate athletic program. It is located on the third floor of the Kimsey Athletic Center, Army’s massive football training facility.
Murphy is being inducted in a dual role, celebrating his accomplishments as an athlete and administrator.
A member of the Class of 1942, Murphy won three letters each in football, basketball and lacrosse and was named the Army Athletic Association trophy winner.
He played on both sides of the ball for the football team and was a team captain his senior season. As a member of the lacrosse team, he was a part of 23 wins, including three against Navy.
Murphy served five campaigns as commander of II Field Force Artillery and as Chief of Staff of II Field Force in Vietnam before retiring as a Major General in 1975.
Murphy was twice chosen to work as West Point’s Athletic Director. His first stint as an administrator occurred from 1963-66 when Army compiled a winning percentage of .755. Among his hires was Knight, who was among last year’s inductees into the Army Sports Hall of Fame. Murphy was honored in 1967 with Sports Illustrated’s 25th anniversary “All-America” award.
“I felt Bob (Knight) had a lot to offer,” said Murphy. “His selection wasn’t without objection. There were some concerns about his inexperience and his age. I said that was all true but he was a talent that hadn’t been seen in a long time. And of course he was approved. I watched him work and just felt he had complete control. He always knew what needed to be done. He was well-versed and it was amazing for such a young man to have such knowledge.”
The Chief of Staff of the Army singled out Murphy to direct Army’s athletic program for a second time from 1977 to 1980.
Reaction When Received Letter You Were Chosen: I was surprised. It’s quite a thrill. I didn’t expect to even be considered. It was a surprise and a pleasant one.”
Favorite Athletic Memory: “My favorite memories are not necessarily of playing but when I was Athletic Director. It was a great thrill when we had a good team, a winning team that was able to elevate the whole Corps of Cadets. I would put Bob Knight and Mike Krzyzewski in this category. I saw it time and time again and that was one of the great thrills I had at West Point.”
Who Had The Biggest Influence On Your Athletic Career: “I would say my family and that started way much earlier than West Point. Both my mom and dad and whole family were very supportive of everything I did and really got me going in athletics.”
What’s The Biggest Difference At West Point Since You Were A Cadet: “The major changes are in the facilities. There were major, major improvements made. It’s quite amazing what has been brought about in the past number of years. One of my objectives when I was the athletic director was to improve the facilities. Smith Rink and Gillis Field House were two areas that we had to make improvements in and we did with the Holleder Center which was approved before I left.”
Tickets for the event are available to the public and can be purchased by calling Army's External Operations Office at 845-938-2322. Proceeds will be directed to a fund that supports the daily care, maintenance and growth of the Kenna Hall of Army Sports and Army Sports Hall of Fame.
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