Olympic Medalist Jarrin Solomon, Hoops Star Ruben Douglas Among Six to Be Inducted in UNM Hall of Honor

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The University of New Mexico Alumni Lettermen’s Association has announced that five individuals: Pepe Caballero (Tennis), Ruben Douglas (Basketball), Kailin Downs (Golf), Mike Solomon (Track & Field), and Jarrin Solomon (Track & Field) will be inducted into the UNM Athletic Hall of Honor on Friday, November 1. In addition, Gary Hines (Wrestling) will be inducted as the 2024 Distinguished Service Award winner.

Along with the honorees, the 2023-24 Coach of the Year Richard Pitino (Basketball), Female Athlete of the Year Rachael Hathoot (Softball), and Male Athlete of the Year Habtom Samuel (Cross Country/Track & Field) will be celebrated.

A reminder that fans can attend the awards dinner, which will be held on Friday, November 1 at 7:00 p.m. at the Events Center at Sandia Golf Club. Tickets are $75 each or $750 for a table of 10. Call the Lettermen’s Association at 505-925-5905 to purchase tickets or inquire about sponsorship opportunities.

Below are biographical sketches on UNM’s inductees in the Hall of Honor for 2024.

Pepe Caballero (Tennis 1995-1999)

• All-American Doubles Selection (1998 and 1999)
• 11 National Doubles ranking (1998)
• 21 National Doubles ranking (1999)
• 57 National Singles ranking (1999)
• NCAA Division I Men’s Tennis Doubles Semifinalist (1998)
• NCAA Division I Men’s Tennis Doubles Quarterfinalist (1999)
• ROLEX Region VII Singles Champion (1996)
• Western Athletic Conference First Team All-Conference in Doubles and Singles (1999)

Ruben Douglas (Basketball 2000-2003)

• Mountain West Player of the Year (2003)
• Led NCAA in scoring during 2002-2003 season at 28.0 ppg
• Honorable Mention All-American (2003)
• First Team All-Mountain West (2002, 2003)
• Named to Mountain West 25^th Anniversary team (2024)

Kailin Downs (Golf 2001-2005)

• Mountain West Player of the Year (2002 and 2003)
• Mountain West Freshman of the Year (2002)
• Mountain West All-Conference Selection (2002-2005)
• All-American Selection (2003 and 2004)
• Edith Cummings Munson National Award Winner (2004)
• Academic All-American (2002-2005)

Michael Solomon (Track & Field 1973-1977)

• NCAA Champion in 600 yards (1975)
• All-American Indoor 600 yards (1975)
• Western Athletic Conference Champion 600 yards
• Olympic finalist in 400-meter (1980)
• Olympic Semi-finalist in 400-meter (1976)
• UNM School Record holder in 400 m from 1976-2007

Jarrin Solomon (Track & Field 2004-2009)

• 2012 Olympic Bronze medalist in 4x400m
• 2017 World Champion in 4x400m
• 2017 International Olympic Committee Athlete of the Year for North America
• All-American (2009)
• UNM School Record Holder in 400-meter
• Mountain West Record Holder in 400-meter (2009)

Gary Hines- Distinguished Service Award (Wrestling 1975-1979)

• Lobo Wrestling captain (1977-1979)
• Second place in Western Athletic Conference 1979
• NCAA Tournament qualifier
• Volunteer Coach for UNM Wrestling 1979-1982
• Business entrepreneur
• Longtime Lobo supporter who recently donated $1 million to Lobo Athletics
• Lobo Champions Council member
• Lifetime Lettermen’s Association member
• Highly involved in Albuquerque community support including to the local VA Hospital, Albuquerque Public Schools and other community non-profits