SALT LAKE CITY - Real Salt Lake Head Coach Jason Kreis was one of five new members enshrined into the Duke University Sports Hall of Fame in a ceremony held last Friday on the Duke campus in Durham, NC. Also slated for induction as part of the "Class of 2007" were Robert "Bob" Cox (football/coach), Christian Laettner (men's basketball), Ellen Reynolds (women's track & field) and Eric Steinhouse (men's swimming).
"To be inducted this early on is truly a special honor, as there aren't that many athletes in the Duke Hall of Fame yet," said Kreis. "To be inducted alongside Christian Laettner, one of the most recognizable athletes in Duke history, is a very special honor as well."
One of three three-time All-America selections in Duke men's soccer history, Kreis helped the Blue Devils to 55 wins from 1991-94. A first team All-America pick in 1993 and 1994, Kreis finished his career with 39 goals and 38 assists and ranks fifth on Duke's all-time scoring chart with 116 points. A fifth round pick of the Dallas Burn in the inaugural MLS Draft (1996), he went on to become the first player in league history to score 100 goals during Real Salt Lake's inaugural season in 2005 and, in 1999, was the first American-born player to earn the league's MVP honor. In addition, Kreis posted the first 15-goal, 15-assist season in league history and was a five-time all-star choice. Kreis moved from the field to the sidelines on May 3, 2007, when he was named the second-ever head coach of Real Salt Lake. Kreis also recorded 14 career caps as a member of the United States national team from 1996-99.
"We're pleased to announce the Duke Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2007," Alleva said. "These five individuals are more than deserving of induction into our Hall of Fame, and we look forward to celebrating their enshrinement."
There are currently 112 members in the Duke Sports Hall of Fame, dating back to the inaugural ceremony in 1975. Portraits of the inductees, painted by North Carolina artist John Furlow, hang in the Duke Sports Hall of Fame located in the Schwartz-Butters Building which sits adjacent to the famed Cameron Indoor Stadium.
