The concept for the Alma College Athletic Hall of Fame was an outgrowth of a series of three lettermen dinners held at various locations in the late 1960s to rekindle alumni enthusiasm and enlist support for the development of adequate athletic and recreational facilities. The initial Hall of Fame event was staged at the former Olds Plaza Hotel in Lansing on May 25, 1971.
Alma was the first Michigan college or university and one of the first in the nation to establish a Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame's purpose as originally stated was noble:
"It is the intent of the Alma College Hall of Fame to celebrate the past, present and future of Alma College through the recognition of excellence in those who have made significant contributions to the Scots' athletic tradition."
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Linda "Taco" Ban-Sandbloom
Hall of Fame Athlete (2007)
Volleyball
Class of 1982
Linda "Taco" Ban was the most dominating player on the Alma College Volleyball team in an era when Alma College was one of the most dominating teams in the MIAA. Linda was not only a four-year letter winner on the volleyball team, but a four-year Team MVP as well. In her sophomore, junior and senior seasons Ban served as a Team Captain and was also named to the All-State team all three years. In her junior season the Alma College Volleyball team finished fifth in the state tournament behind Ban's strong play and leadership. Her senior season was her best as the Scots finished third in the conference and she led the MIAA in scoring with 415 points in 49 games. Ban also participated in basketball, softball and tennis during her four outstanding years at Alma College.
Since leaving Alma College, Ban has lived in Chicago, Milwaukee, Ft. Lauderdale and Phoenix. For the past 13 years, most of Ban's time has been spent taking care of her two daughters: Amanda, 13, and Jenna, 10. During that time, Ban has worked for Avis Car Rental, served as a substitute teacher at the elementary level, and once her daughters were both in school, accepted a position at the Superior Court of Maricopa County. Ban continues to work for the Court as the supervisor of the Comprehensive Mental Health Court, where she provides assistance to judicial officers who hear competency cases for defendants who may be seriously mentally ill.
Linda Ban-Sandbloom currently resides in Phoenix, Arizona, with her two girls. They enjoy doing lots of activities together and love volunteering as a foster family for dogs and cats for a local rescue group. Ban's oldest daughter participates in softball, soccer, bowling, flag football and basketball. Recently she was named overall MVP for her 7th grade girl's basketball team. Her younger daughter is active in wide array of activities including gymnastics, ballet, tap dance, flag football and even plays the violin. The two girls, 8th grade and 5th grade respectively, are the pride of Ban's life.
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