Wednesday, August 25, 2010
PORTALES, N.M.— Like many sports information directors, Mike Slinker’s work was more well known than he was. From 1974-1982, he made huge strides for the Eastern New Mexico University athletic department. On Saturday, Slinker’s service will be recognized, as he will be inducted into the ENMU Athletic Hall of Honor that he helped to create. Tickets for the Hall of Honors banquet and induction ceremonies can be purchased for $15, by contacting Norma Stroik in the office of athletics in Greyhound Arena.
Slinker managed the news bureau, sports information office, photographic and radio broadcast services at Eastern, receiving 19 national and regional awards for his efforts. He organized community efforts, which results in fellow Hall of Honor member, Bob Kirkley becoming the only NAIA selection to the Pizza Hut Basketball Classic.
He also started the effort to have photographs developed during ENMU basketball games and sent to the Albuquerque Journal, where they appeared in the newspaper the next day.
Slinker currently resides in Klamath Falls, Ore., with his wife and two sons.