CENTREVILLE – A former coach and educator will be inducted into the Glen Oaks Community College Athletic Hall Of Fame.

Tom Soper will become the newest member of the school's Hall Of Fame. He began his career at Glen Oaks in 1967 as one of the first faculty members as the college. He coached some of the first athletic teams, including cross country. As an English instructor and a coach, his positivity was said to be infectious to everyone around him.

During a hiatus in 1981 when cross country was no longer a Glen Oaks sport, Soper formed the Viking Striders running club to keep running alive on campus. It was open to both students and residents of the community.

While on a sabbatical in 1986, Soper went to Southeastern Louisiana University to study exercise physiology and employee health assistance program. He returned to Glen Oaks and started the Fitness/Wellness Center.

Soper served 32 years at Glen Oaks before retiring in 1999 as Acting Dean Of Instruction. Prior to that he taught English Composition, Journalism, and Art Appreciation.

The induction ceremony will take place between the women's and men's basketball games on February 23 at the Ken Schuler Court on the Glen Oaks campus.