BERKELEY - Jill Costello, a former Cal coxswain who inspired so many Golden Bears and others from around the world throughout her brave battle with lung cancer, has been selected as the 2011 recipient of the Hall of Fame Service Award.
Costello, who passed away in June 2010 just one year after being diagnosed with the disease, will be honored with the other inductees to the Cal Athletic Hall of Fame during ceremonies on Friday, Nov. 11.
The Hall of Fame Service Award, begun in 2009, recognizes a former student-athlete, coach, administrator or friend of Cal Athletics who has made an outstanding long-term contribution to ideals of the Athletic Department. The award is presented to a deserving individual for demonstrating exemplary leadership and setting a standard for excellence in enhancing the Cal student-athlete experience.
Costello, a non-smoker, was diagnosed with an advanced stage of lung cancer in June 2009. Despite undergoing numerous chemotherapy treatments, she coxed Cal to the 2010 Pac-10 championship and a runner-up finish at the NCAA regatta. Costello was named the Pac-10 Athlete of the Year, and she graduated with a degree in political economy after making the Pac-10 All-Academic second team.
Through Costello's association with the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation, Jog for Jill has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for lung cancer research. In March, the foundation created a new advisory board, called Jill's Legacy, made up of 21 promising young professionals who have been personally touched by lung cancer. More information, including dates for future Jogs for Jill around the country, can be found at jillslegacy.org.
Long-time golf supporter Frank Brunk received the first Hall of Fame Service Award in 2009.
The complete 2011 Cal Athletic Hall of Fame class includes Ned Anderson (rugby player and coach), Amanda Augustus/Amy Jensen (women's tennis), Jan Brogan (women's tennis coach), Dave Butler (men's basketball), Deltha O'Neal (football), Bryan Price (baseball) and Maite Zabala (women's soccer).
The induction banquet will be held Friday, Nov. 11, at the Greek Orthodox Church Conference Center in Oakland. The new inductees will also be honored at halftime of Cal's Nov. 12 football game vs. Oregon State at AT&T Park. For more information about the banquet, visit bigcsociety.org.