From the Kansas State sports information department:
Kansas State Director of Athletics Bob Krause announced Tuesday that the Wildcats will retire the jerseys of basketball greats Willie Murrell (1962-64) and Mitch Richmond (1986-88) in a halftime ceremony during the Nebraska game on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009.
“We are excited to announce the selection of Willie Murrell and Mitch Richmond for jersey retirement at Kansas State,” said Krause. “Each of these individuals played a tremendous role in the development of our storied men’s basketball program. They represent much more than just All-America honors, victories and NCAA Tournament appearances for K-State. They have each enjoyed very successful careers beyond the basketball court and have served as great ambassadors for this university.”
In addition to the retirement ceremonies at the Nebraska game, scheduled for 7 p.m. at Bramlage Coliseum, the two men, along with this year’s women’s retirees, will be honored at a public luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 28, at the Clarion Hotel. Tickets to the luncheon can be purchased for $20 by calling the K-State Athletic Ticket Office at (800) 221.CATS.
The duo becomes the fourth class of jersey retirements at Kansas State following those of Bob Boozer, Ernie Barrett and Jack Parr in February 2005, Mike Evans, Lon Kruger and Chuckie Williams in February 2006 and Rolando Blackman and Dick Knostman in February 2007. The criteria for determining the honor includes statistical achievement, conference and national records, honors received (i.e., all-conference, All-America, Academic All-America, etc.), character and sportsmanship. Murrell and Richmond become the first players with junior college ties to earn jersey retirement.