The University of Hawaii at Hilo Vulcan Athletic Hall of Fame will be welcoming in James Bradley, Nick Mason and
Dr. John Uohara into its fraternity on Saturday, September 3.
This year's induction luncheon begins at noon in the Nani Mau Garden banquet hall. Tickets are $35 and available by contacting the Vulcan Ticket Office at 974-7702 or vtickets@hawaii.edu.
For more information, contact UHH Assistant Athletic Director of Community Engagement Joey Estrella at 808-974-7700 or josephe@hawaii.edu.
James Bradley
When there was a need for a sixth gear, Vulcan Hall of Famer and point-guard Mark Lovelace pointed to the bench to get James Bradley on the floor.
In his letter of nomination, Lovelace wrote, “James was noted for his overall athletic skills. Besides all of his offensive exploits, I consider James one of the best defensive players to don a Vulcans basketball uniform.”
During his two-year career, Bradley was third in team scoring behind Hall of Fame inductees Jay Bartholomew and Bill O'Rear during his first season and Todd Zirbel and Pat Fitzgerald during his second season.
A native of Ashtabula, Ohio, Bradley remained on the Big Island. After a 20-year career at the Kulani Correctional Facility, he continues to serve the community as an officer at the Hawaii Community Correctional Center.
Nick Mason
During Nick Mason's four years at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Vulcans golf rose to prominence in the NCAA Division II.
A two-time all-American and three-time all-Region selection, Mason's second place finish in the 2005 NCAA Championship led the Vulcans to fourth place in the team race.
That same season he won his first of three Hilo Invitationals – one as an amateur and two as a professional.
In his 2004 breakout year he won the Buzzini/Cal State Stanislaus Invitational, was runner-up finish at the NCAA Division I Taylor Made Intercollegiate and finished fourth at the NCAA Division II Championship.
Dr. John Uohara
Prominent Hilo Obstetrician & Gynecologist
Dr. John Uohara became associated with the Vulcans in 1979 as the women's volleyball team doctor. As the athletic department grew, Uohara extended his services to cross country, tennis, softball, golf and soccer.
In 1999, he teamed with the Vulcan athletic trainers to develop the foundation of the strength training for the competitive basketball players clinic. Proceeds from the clinics were targeted for a women's strength training program.
“The University and athletic department are a vital part of the Hilo community,” said Uohara. “I believe individuals are an important part of their purpose.
“The clinics were important to help coaches understand the mechanics of putting together a strength training program.”
Nominated by VHOF inductee Carla Carpenter-Kabalis, Uohara was also a long-time Vulcan Athletic Booster Club member and board member.
To be eligible for the HOF athletes must have completed their eligibility at UH Hilo and completed their playing days at the end of the spring 2005 season. Coach, administrator or community nominees must have made significant contributions that enhanced the image of Vulcan Athletics.
