LBSU honors athletes

By Eric Boyum, On-Line Forty-Niner

Monday, October 19, 1998

The 1998 Long Beach State Hall of Fame class was honored in a ceremony held at the Westin Long Beach Hotel on Wednesday.

The theme of the evening was best captured by former 49er softball player and current assistant softball coach Kim Kostyk-Sowder.

"I used to always say when I played that it is a great day to be a 49er," an emotional Kostyk-Sowder said. "I feel that way more than ever now. To be thought of so highly by so many people here is truly an honor for me."

Kostyk-Sowder kicked-off the evening's speeches, which followed after a night of media interviews, photo opportunities and dinner.

Brent Hilliard, a three time All-American selection in men's volleyball - who led the 49ers to a NCAA title in 1992 - reaffirmed Kostyk-Sowder's message.

"My days at The Beach were truly some of the best days of my life," Hilliard said.

Dana Wilkerson, former women's basketball player who is best remembered for making a game-winning shot against the USSR National Team in her first game as a 49er, said she was thankful for her God-given abilities.

Former 49er football linebacker David Howard delivered a positive message to the youth of America.

"It took me 17 years to graduate from college. I went back to school after my professional football career to set an example for kids," he said. "Once you start something, never quit."

Don Barbara, former 49er baseball All-American in 1991 and current 49er hitting instructor, brought cheers from the audience when he said, "Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa had great years. But in my eyes, nobody had a better year than Don Barbara."