WACO, Texas (TSHOF/SMU) – One of SMU’s most decorated divers in the history of the program, Janet Ely will add Southwest Conference Hall of Fame to her list of notable accomplishments. The National Champion and Olympian earns the honor alongside eight former standouts from the Southwest Conference, Texas Sports Hall of Fame officials announced.
A Mustang from 1978-80, Ely won the AIAW National championship in both the 1 and 3 meter in 1979, earning All-America honors on both boards. She was inducted into the SMU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016.
On the international stage, Ely was the first female from SMU to represent the United States in the Olympic Games, qualifying for the 1972 event in Munich. Ely was just off the podium, as she finished fourth on both the 3 meter springboard and 10 meter platform. Four years later, she qualified for platform at the Montreal Games. She also won the U.S. Diving platform championship in 1975.
Along with Ely, SMU women’s basketball head coach Travis Mays was included in the class.
The Southwest Conference Hall of Fame is one of four separate halls of fame housed within the Texas Sports Hall of Fame’s physical structure. The induction ceremony will take place Sept. 26. For more information on the event call 800-567-9561 or visit the event website.
Southwest Conference Hall of Fame Inductees
Joe Kleine – Arkansas
Roger Goree – Baylor
Doug Drabek – Houston
Valerie Tullock Cramer – Rice
Janet Ely – SMU
Travis Mays – Texas
Dave Elmendorf – Texas A&M
Mike Renfro – TCU
Del Ray Morris – Texas Tech
Swimming news courtesy of SMU Swimming & Diving.
