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The Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame has an all-star lineup for its 2011 event.
Among those scheduled to be inducted at the annual dinner and ceremonies on Sept. 21 (cocktails at 6 p.m., dinner at 7) at Hawthorne Race Course are Connecticut basketball coach Jim Calhoun, Chicago Blackhawks legend and Hockey Hall of Famer Bobby Hull, Boston Celtics coach Glenn “Doc” Rivers, pro football Hall of Famer Barry Sanders and former Notre Dame and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rocky Bleier.
Jim Calhoun is to receive the Ray Meyer Award.
Calhoun will receive the Ray Meyer College Coach of the Year Award. Hull will receive the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award. Sanders is to receive the Gale Sayers Award. Bleier is the recipient of the George Connor Award. Also in this year’s class are former NFL players Howard Griffith (Illinois, Mendel Catholic and Julian H.S.) Dave Casper (Notre Dame), Mickey Pruitt (Colorado and Robeson H.S.), Paul Flatley (Northwestern), John Holecek (Illinois and Loyola Academy) and the late Mike Rabold (Indiana, Fenwick H.S.).
Other inductees include Milt Pappas (Chicago Cubs, 17 years in MLB), Mabel Landry Staton (DePaul, Olympic Games), Steve Zucker (athlete representation). Former WGN sports editor Jack Rosenberg is to receive the inaugural Jack Brickhouse Media Award. Also in the Class of 2011 are Saint Xavier University basketball coach Tom O’Malley, longtime Gordon Tech football coach Tom Winiecki, volleyball player and coach Therese Boyle-Niego (Loyola, Pacific, Mother McCauley) and veteran Big Ten Conference football official Frank Strocchia.
Veteran sportscaster Tom Shaer is to be master of ceremonies. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Father John Smyth Standing Tall Foundation. Tickets ($125 each) and information are available at www.chicagolandsportshalloffame.com or from Howard Fagan at (708) 780-3679 or (708) 426-5212.
“Every September, we are proud to welcome distinguished men and women to the Hall and the group we present in this, our 15th year, is among the best ever,” Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame chairman of the board Charles Carey said. “The remarkable and truly memorable careers of these legendary figures of sport deserve the grand celebration with which we will salute them. Most of all, we’re happy to welcome so many fans and supporters to join us. Together, we will honor greatness.”