The Press Box The M a g azine f or M e mbe rs of V ir gini a Sports Hal l of Fa me
S pr i ng 2 0 1 0
Grid Iron Greats: Dwight Stephenson, Ace Parker, Bruce Smith featured with George Allen, Roosevelt Brown, Lou Creekmur, Bill Dudley Henry Jordan, Willie Lanier, and Lawrence Taylor
H a ll of F ame Week en d in P h o t o s p a g es 4 a n d 5
ADMISSION
Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum
206 High Street | Portsmouth, VA 23704 Tel (757) 393-8031 | Fax (757) 393-8288 www.vshfm.com
HOURS Memorial Day through Labor Day Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Labor Day through Memorial Day Tuesday– Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
STAFF Administration Donna Swain – Director Kathie Ahles – Reservationist & Administrative Assistant Education Jennifer Barnes – Director Marketing & Sales Betsy Riesbeck – Director Museum Exhibits Diana Blanchard-Gross – Curator Museum Services Elizabeth Goodwin – Director Gerry Ahles – Museum Services Supervisor David Hadaway – Museum Services Supervisor Morris Barco – Museum Guide George Fowler – Museum Guide Nathan Salinas - Museum Guide Sharmane Holeman – Museum Guide Margaret Phelps – Museum Guide Corry Gross – Museum Guide Michael Griffith – Museum Guide Special Events Assistant
ACCESSIBILITY
The museum is fully accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. Parking available in Middle Street Garage. Fee applies on weekdays; evenings and weekends are FREE.
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General admission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7.00 Seniors & Military . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$6.00 AAA members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$6.00 Children 2 & younger (with accompanying adult) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FREE Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FREE Group rates are also available. Hours & admission subject to change without notice.
FINAL SCORE GIFT SHOP Specializing in apparel and novelties for college and professional teams, as well as Hall of Fame logo merchandise, seasonal items, toys, and books. Hours of operation, same as museum hours. . . . . . . . . . (757) 393-8031 ext 17
DEPARTMENT DIRECTORY Dial (757) 393-8031, plus extension: Marketing & Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Museum Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Curatorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
FACILITY RENTALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (757) 393-8031 ext 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . events@vshfm.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.vshfm.com/facilities.html
RESERVATIONS Group tours, school field trips, and kids’ birthday and team parties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (757) 393-8031 ext 10
MEMBERSHIP ( Individual, Family and Corporate Membership Programs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (757) 393-8031 ext 10
INTERNSHIPS & VOLUNTEERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (757) 393-8031 ext 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.vshfm.com/volunteer.html . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . or riesbeckb@vshfm.com he Press Box is a membership publication prepared and distributed by the staff of the
T
Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum. Layout and content: Betsy Riesbeck and Eddie
Webb.
Vir ginia Sports Hall of Fa me • Spring 2010
President’s Note virginia sports hall of fame & museum Spring 2010
It is always a fun filled weekend when the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame hosts a new class of inductees and this year was certainly no exception. Over one thousand people came to Portsmouth April 23-24th to take part in the 39th Virginia Sports Hall of Fame Induction Weekend. With a new class that included, Larry Peccatiello, Whitney Hedgepeth, Jim Ducibella, Jim Dombrowski, Dave Robbins, Eddie Webb Herman Moore, Helmut Werner and Alonzo Mourning it is easy to understand why the State of Virginia has such a storied sports history. The Hall of Fame now includes a total of 268 inductees of which 63 are also enshrined into their National Halls of Fame. The Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum has continued to gain statewide notoriety with its vast array of education programs. Last fall, the Hall added programs for Pre-school ages and now can meet the needs of school children all the way through high school. Due to the demand for passing the State Standard of Learning Exams (SOL’s), school administrators are scheduling visits to the Hall of Fame daily as we assist them in their preparations. We have over 20,000 children taking part in our In-house and Outreach programs and I welcome you to visit and get a first hand look at the great work our staff is doing. Without a doubt, one of the best things to happen to the Hall of Fame has been the formation of our Education Foundation. The Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) state tax credits have greatly enhanced our ability to serve the Title 1 schools across the state and provide them with opportunities otherwise not available. With summer almost upon us, I hope you will fit a trip to the Hall of Fame into your vacation schedule. It is a wonderful experience for “kids of all ages”. Sincerely,
Eddie Webb President Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum Vir ginia Sports Hall of Fa me • Spring 2010
Ex ecuti Execu tive ve Committee David Tynch
Chairma Chair man no off th thee Board Board Port Po rtsmo smout uth h
Eddie Edd ie Webb Presiden Presid entt Virginia B Bea each ch
Bob Williams Vice Presi Vice Preside dent nt Suffolk
Bob Aston
Founda Foun dati tion on C Cha hair irma man n Portsmouth
Dr. Ronald Carrier Member-atMember-a t-L Larg argee Harrionsonburg
Mark Dean
Member-atMember-a t-L Larg argee Manassas
Ray Tate
Member-atMember-a t-L Larg argee Richmo Rich mond nd
Bo ard Boar d of Dire Di rectors ctors Chad Bales, Winchester John Brown Brown,, Chesapeake Authur Bryant, Orange George Burton, Virginia Beach Carroll Creecy, Chesapeake Robert Diberardinis, Norfolk Ken Easley, Norfolk Stephanie Foster, Richmond Paul Fraim, Norfolk Darryl Harman Harman,, Richmond Bill Magann, Portsmouth Bill Millsaps, Richmond Charles Moir, Salem Page Moir, Moir, Salem Ron Mosley, Haymarket Jack Reid, Reid, Richmond John N. Rodock, Falls Church Bobby Ross, Ross, Lexington Joel Rubin Rubin,, Virginia Beach Greg W. See, Verona Julious Smith, Richmond Jim Stutzman, Winchester Bryant L. Stith Stith,, Lawrenceville Charles W. Tysinger, Richmond Nancy Wren, Suffolk Page Pag e 3
39th Annual Hall of Fame Weekend 2.
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1. Twenty inductees and celebrities joined us for the Hall of Fame Celebrity Golf Tournament.
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2. Inductees Bryant Stith and Jim Coates. 3. Class of 2010 inductees Dave Robbins and Jim Dombrowski - ready to get started! 4. Barry Parkhill and two members of our Board of Dirctores, Jim Stutzman and Authur Bryant, enjoying the beautiful day on the golf course! 5. Class of 2010 inductees, Dave Robbins and Helmut Werner, in front of their display case at the VIP Reception. 6. Class of 2010 inductee, Jim Ducibella, and family at the VIP Reception. 7. Class of 2010 inductee, Larry Peccatiello, and his wife, Betsy at the VIP Reception! 8. Class of 2010 inductee and Olypmic gold medalist, Whitney Hedgepeth, with her display case. 9. Jim Dombrowski and Jim Ducibella at the VIP Reception! Page 4
Vir ginia Sports Hall of Fa me • Spring 2010
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1. The unveiling of the Dr. Ronald E. Carrier Stars of the Commonwealth. 2. The Honorable Lawrence Sidney Eagleburger, Former United States Secretary of State speaking on behalf of Dr. Carrier. 3. Dr. Ronald E. Carrier speaking at the Dedication.
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4. Inductees, Alonzo Mourning and William Fuller, prior to the start of the 2010 Induction Banquet! 4.
5. Jennings Culley, Class of 1998, making his entrance into the banquet. 6. Dave Robbins and staff from Virginia Union University.
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7. Class of 2010 inductee, Herman Moore, being interviewed by Bruce Radar. 6.
8. Presenting the Class of 2010 along with past inductees of the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame. 9. Jim Ducibella and Larry Peccatiello at the 2010 Banquet. 7.
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in Pictures! Vir ginia Sports Hall of Fa me • Spring 2010
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The Dr. Ronald E. Carrier Stars of the Commonwealth Exhibit Dedication On April 24, friends of the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum, James Madison University and educators across the Commonwealth gathered at the Hall of Fame to honor Dr. Ronald E. Carrier with the dedication of the “Stars of the Commonwealth”. Athletes born, bred and educated in Virginia, and who have gone on to some of the most memorable and storied careers in American sports are represented on the second floor of the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum. Carrier was recognized for his dedication to academics and athletics while serving as President of James Madison University and for his leadership in education in the Commonwealth of Virginia. David Tynch, Chairman of the Hall of Fame, said, “Ron Carrier has been a mainstay in state education for many years. He provided quality leadership for 31 years and was dedicated to building JMU into one of the top universities both in Virginia and our nation. “ During his presidency at James Madison University, the school’s enrollment grew to more than 14,500 students from less than 4,000. In the same period, College Board averages rose from 950 to 1200. The university added or approved $240 million in new facilities, and the operating budget grew to $220 million from $10 million. Athletic competition was a vital part of what is now James Madison University through the institution’s first six decades, although in a very limited and modest capacity. All of that changed with his arrival as the school’s fourth president. Carrier saw many advantages to a varied and extensive intercollegiate athletics program: as a means of attracting students, both male and female; as a catalyst for favorable publicity; and as a way of establishing the school’s coeducational nature firmly in the minds of prospective students, their parents and the public at large. In raw numbers the expansion of intercollegiate programs during his administration was unmistakable. The school added 16 programs—more than had been started in the 60-plus years since the school began. At the high point, JMU offered 28 intercollegiate teams—more than all but a handful of American universities. Programs were added and succeeded, often on a national level. The first JMU men’s sports to achieve regional success were soccer and baseball. Both reached the national NCAA playoffs during the 1970s, and the Dukes’ 1983 baseball team won the NCAA East Regional and became the only Virginia program to compete in the College World Series until the 2009 season. The football program had a modest beginning in 1972, but in only eight years, the team moved to Division I-AA of the NCAA. By the 1990s, they were making regular appearances in the national playoffs, and the program today is among the stronger participants in the Football Championship subdivision. “The athletic program, always an important part of JMU’s heritage, moved to a new level of national awareness during the Carrier Administration”, stated Eddie Webb. “Dr. Carrier showed people what athletics can do for a university. I believe a lot of people in the commonwealth owe their gratitude to the doors that he helped open. With as many people who attended the ceremony, it is obvious the impact he had and continues to have on their lives. The ‘Stars of the Commonwealth’ is the ideal place to honor such a man.”
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Vir ginia Sports Hall of Fa me • Spring 2010
The Virginia Tour North Golf in the Valley!
What: Where: When:
Virginia Sports Hall of Fame “The Northern Tour” Pro Am Shenandoah Valley Golf Club 134 Golf Club Circle Front Royal, VA 22630 (540) 636-4653 Wednesday, August 4, 2010 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Registration and Lunch: 11:00 AM Shot Gun Start: 12:00 PM Dinner and Awards: 5:00 PM
Tournament Single Fees:
$125.00 Team (3) $375.00 [3 per team + pro] Hole Sponsorship $100.00
The Virginia Sports Hall of Fame will once again host its Annual Golf Tournament at the Shenandoah Valley Golf Club in Front Royal, VA. This year’s event has been moved to Wednesday, August 4, 2010 with a new Pro Am format. Hall of Fame Board member Greg See, who serves as Tournament Chairman, said, “This has been a great event for several years. We changed from a Celebrity format to a Pro Am. I think it will create more excitement and fun.” Shenandoah Valley Golf Professional Richard Runyon also announced that moving the tournament from Spring to later in the Summer will help avoid conflicts with other events. Runyon said, “Everyone who plays this tournament always has a great time. The Hall of Fame Tournament continues to be one of our favorite events each year.”
In theHeadlines... Hall of Famer Roger Brown, Class of 1997, represented the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame at the 83rd Annual Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival in Winchester, VA. The former All-Pro NFL standout represented the Hall of Fame in a variety of activities that drew over 200,000 people for the weekend!
Vir ginia Sports Hall of Fa me • Spring 2010
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In Remembrance Harry “Red” Caughron Harry Caughron, Class of 2009, passed away Friday, May 28th at the age of 88. Known by his friends as “Red”, but addressed as “Coach” by his players for 60 years, he was a native of Sevierville, Tennessee. Caughron attended the College of William and Mary, where he received All-State, All-Conference and All-American honors during his collegiate career. He became Head Football Coach at James Wood High School in Winchester in 1950, before continuing his career at George Washington High School and Hammond High School in Alexandria. In 1960, Caughron moved to Woodberry Forest and, a year later, became Athletic Director and Football Coach, where he would remain until his retirement in 1992. In 31 years “Red” compiled a record of 217 wins, 56 losses and seven ties. His teams, eight of which were undefeated, earned 15 conference titles. He was selected Virginia Prep Coach of the Year eight times. He will be remembered not only for the level of excellence he demanded and received on the playing fields, but much more for his investment in developing young men of character.
Class of 2009
“Bullet” Bill Dudley
Class of 1972 inductee, Bill Dudley, died Thursday, February 4, 2010 at the age of 88. Nicknamed “Bullet”, Dudley was neither exceedingly fast nor very large, but he was instinctive, elusive and fearless. Those qualities translated into a legendary career at the University of Virginia, three seasons with the armed forces team, and nine seasons as a running back in the NFL. He is the only football player in the history of the sport who has won Most Valuable Player honors in collegiate, armed forces, and professional competition.
Class of 1972
Dudley graduated from U.Va. in 1942 and was the first player selected that year in the NFL draft. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers. In December ’42, he began his service in the Army Air Corps for World War II. Bill returned to the Steelers in October ’45 and led the league in rushing, punt returns and pass interceptions. In 1946, he went on to play with the Detroit Lions for three years before finishing his career with the Washington Redskins. Dudley retired from football in 1952. In the years to follow, Dudley coached for several years on the college and professional levels. He also spent eight years in the state’s House of Delegates
and was a member of U.Va.’s Board of Visitors. Dudley’s football legacy lives on, an annual award to the state’s best college player is named in his honor and he is an Inductee at the College Football Hall of Fame, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and the Washington Redskins Hall of Fame. Page 8
Vir ginia Sports Hall of Fa me • Spring 2010
EDUCATION NEWS
1 Goal, 1 Day, 100 Students Active Learning Grant Sponsored by the
Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum Education Foundation Our goal is to have 100 students a day actively learning one of our Education Programs until the end of the school year... How many will you bring?
On January 4, 2010 the above ad was sent to 182 Title 1 schools in Virginia. Teachers at these schools were given the chance to apply for the Active Learning Grant courtesy of the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum Education Foundation. As recipients of the grant, schools were given the opportunity to choose an In-house visit or an Outreach visit. All of our Math, Science, Health and Character Development programs were available for the teacher’s selection. Fortythree schools were awarded the grant. Of the twenty-six schools that booked to visit the Museum, this was a first time visit for many of the students. The majority of our seventeen Outreach visits were in the Richmond area with one Richmond school, A. M. Davis Elementary, being awarded both a a visit to the Museum and an Outreach program for their K-5 students. Kerensa Sheehan, the teacher who applied for the Active Learning Grant said, “The VSHFM offered engaging and motivating programs both through the Outreach and In-House visits. The students were excited about the lessons and had fun at the same time.” The Active Learning Grant has allowed the Hall of Fame the opportunity to give back to the community by offering hands-on learning with a sports theme or an active lesson where the students are moving while learning. These teachers were able to use our programs as a review to their own lessons, an introduction to an upcoming lesson, or a reward to students. “I am truly looking forward to the upcoming school year and being able to award more grants to more schools,” says our Director of Education, Jennifer Barnes. To learn more about the Active Learning Grant and how you can help, please contact Director of Education, Jennifer Barnes at (757) 393-8031 ext. 14 or barnesj@vshfm.com. Vir ginia Sports Hall of Fa me • Spring 2010
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University Report
George Mason University Fairfax, VA
The George Mason 1985 NCAA Division I Nation Championship Team This fall a group of women will get together in Fairfax, Va. to mark a very special anniversary as members of the 1985 George Mason women’s soccer team will gather to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of winning the NCAA Division I national championship. GMU defeated North Carolina 2-0 in the NCAA Championship game on November 24, 1985 before a then-NCAA record 4,500 people in Fairfax. The Tar Heels were 18-1-1, with a loss to UMass and a tie at the hands of George Mason. But UNC had championship experience. The Tar Heels entered the match 10-0 all-time in the NCAA Tournament while Mason was 4-3. Accompanying Mason out on to the field were the bad memories of two years earlier, when Mason had lost to UNC in the national finals, 4-0. In the previous three championship matches, the Tar Heels had not allowed a goal. How historic was the victory for George Mason? Considering that the program was only four years old, that GMU had never won a national championship in any sport, and that North Carolina went on to win nine straight national titles beginning that historic streak the following season, it's fair to say that George Mason's 1985 women's soccer national championship was one for the record books. To this day, Mason, which finished that season 18-2-1, is one of just seven schools that can boast an NCAA Division I title in women’s soccer and the only school from the state of Virginia.
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Vir ginia Sports Hall of Fa me • Spring 2010
Small College Report Emory & Henry College Emory, VA
The 2010 football fortunes of Emory & Henry’s 95 years of small school, big tradition rest with two men. Don Montgomery enters his sixth season coaching the Wasps. Montgomery’s past two seasons built upon the foundation of legendary Lou Wacker, who led Emory & Henry to 11 Old Dominion Athletic Conference championships, more than any institution in the 35-year-old Division III Conference. Field renovations and FieldTurf applied in 2008 to Fullerton Field added new assets for recruiting, with a new field house and new press box expected to begin this year. If Montgomery is to win his first outright ODAC championship, he’ll do so on the fleet feet and fearlessness of two-time All-American halfback and return specialist Caleb Jennings. Jennings finished the last two seasons ranked 3rd nationally in all-purpose yardage (1,919 in 2009 and 2,161 in 2008), accumulating 4,552 in three seasons. He’s poised to be E&H’s first three-time All-America running back since the Wasps Virginia Sports Hall of Famer Bob Miller of the early 50’s. At 5’7”, the Richlands, Va. product plays as big as anyone on the field, reminiscent of another Richlands native and E&H legend, Sandy Rogers, instrumental to the 1980s Wasps first run into the Division III playoffs. The Wasps led the ODAC in rushing offense and turnover margin during the 2009 season, and return most starters on both sides of the ball. With maturity at key skill positions, the 2010 season could be a magical one for the Wasps.
Trivia Question
Caleb Jennings (above) in action.
The Virginia Sports Hall of Fame has a total of 63 athletes also enshrined in their National Halls of Fame. Only two have received that honor in the sport of lacrosse. Can you name them? (answer on p.12)
Vir ginia Sports Hall of Fa me • Spring 2010
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Spotlighting our Volunteers Chairman of the Board, David R. Tynch David R. Tynch assumed the duties of Chairman of the Board for the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in July 2008 and thus, continued a long running record of volunteer and community service in Virginia. David’s talents and leadership style have produced a creative energy which has served to exhort the hall’s board of directors to “expand their vision.” Born in Portsmouth and with degrees from Old Dominion University (BS), St. Mary’s University of San Antonio, Texas (J.D.) and Southern Methodist University (LL.M Taxation), David is a partner with the law firm of Cooper, Spong and Davis in Portsmouth. He and his wife April, have three children and five grandchildren.
David Tynch, pictured above, with LyLa and Peyton, two of his five grandchildren.
David has served throughout the Portsmouth community, the Hampton Roads region and the Commonwealth of Virginia on a wide variety of boards and commissions. Many of these have had a direct bearing on the Commonwealth’s economic development. His work has helped most dramatically enhance Portsmouth’s downtown redevelopment and revitalization efforts.
“Since 1995, I have been fortunate to have worked with many individuals who have given their time and energy to help make the Hall of Fame & Museum an organization all Virginians can be proud of,” stated President Eddie Webb. “David ‘s leadership has been pivotal in the success of the Hall of Fame, and I am really excited about his vision for the future. ” Tynch was also selected as Portsmouth’s First Citizen in 1999 in recognition of his contributions to the Portsmouth community.
Trivia Answer: Gene Corrigan was
inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in 2007. He was a standout player for Duke University from 1948-1952. He was inducted into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 1993.
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Tom Duquette was
inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in 2009. He was a 4-time All-American selection for The Virginia Cavaliers. He was inducted into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2001.
Vir ginia Sports Hall of Fa me • Spring 2010
Inductees in the Spotlight... Alonza “Al” Bumbry
Class of 2002
Alonza “Al” Bumbry, a Fredericksburg native, first distinguished himself on the basketball court, averaging 32 points per game at Ralph Bunche High School . After accepting a basketball scholarship to Virginia State College, Al played four years and was captain during his senior year. When Virginia State College re-started the baseball program during Al’s final academic year, he decided to play baseball. Al captained the Trojans, batted .578 and was the teams Most Outstanding Player. The decision to play baseball has led Al to a life long dedication to America’s past time. Upon his 1969 graduation from VSC, Al fulfilled his military obligation of two years. He was discharged as a first lieutenant after serving a year in Vietnam where he was decorated with the Silver Star. Bumbry joined the Baltimore Orioles in 1973 after a brief minor league career. That season he hit .337 and was named American League Rookie of the Year. In 1980, he became the first Oriole to obtain 200 hits in one season, was the Orioles MVP and was selected to the American League All-Star team. Throughout his career, Bumbry compiled statistics that rank him in 7 of 10 Oriole All Time Offensive categories. Bumbry’s speed made him the Orioles all-time stolen base leader and he ranks second in career triples. In 1987, he landed permanently among Orioles legends with his induction into the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame.
J.R. Wilburn
Class of 2004 Wilburn graduated from Cradock High School in Portsmouth as a promising receiver and was awarded with a scholarship to the University of South Carolina. He was named to the All-Atlantic Coast Conference team and finished his senior year with the second most catches (38) in the ACC. He was also awarded runner-up ACC Athlete of the Year, Honorable Mention All-American, and All-State honors twice. He set a game record of 10 receptions in the 1965 Blue-Gray game. In 1965, he was named South Carolina’s Athlete of the Year and Virginia Beach Sports Club’s Outstanding College Football Player from the Commonwealth of Virginia. In addition, Wilburn was named to Alabama’s National Championship All-Opponent team that same year.
At the end of his college career, Wilburn was a draft pick by the NFL Pittsburgh Steelers and the AFL Buffalo Bills. He opted to play for the Steelers as a wide receiver and tight end, where he set a Pittsburgh single game pass-catching record of 12 catches that stood for 31 years. In 1967, he led the Steelers in receiving with 51 receptions for 767 yards and five touchdowns. After five years of playing for the Steelers, Wilburn was traded to San Diego, where he played for the Chargers for one year before a leg injury ended his professional football career. Vir ginia Sports Hall of Fa me • Spring 2010
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Recognizing our Student Athletes...
Back L to R: Andrea Beale, H-F President Eddie Webb, Kelsey Goodin, Amy Miller, Nick Warack, Grey Davenport, Preston Marquis, Alexandra Connell Front L to R: Paul Parker, Abby Steele, Joseph Henry McCarthy, Elisa Trent, Mariah Coker, Reagan Bracknell, Toby Buchanan, Tyler Barry Not Pictured: Paul Dillon
Each Fall, the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum accepts nominations for the Hall of Fame StudentAthlete Achievement Awards. The awards are to honor young people dedicated on the field to their sport and off the field to academics and their community, as nominated by teachers, coaches and parents. Finalists were selected from among applicants in four awards categories (boys ages 8-13, girls 8-13, boys 14-18 and girls 14-18). The final 16 gathered at the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum on Sunday, December 6, 2009, with their parents, teachers, coaches, families, and friends to enjoy a night at the museum. One individual from each category was announced that night as the Student Athlete of the Year, and has been featured in a special display at the Hall of Fame through the first quarter. The four finalists were Kelsey Goodin, Paul Dillon, Alexandra Connell and Tyler Barry. Congratulations to all of our nominees and finalists! To nominate an athlete for the 2010 Student Athlete Achievement Awards, please contact Betsy Riesbeck at riesbeckb@vshfm.com or (757) 393-8031.
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Vir ginia Sports Hall of Fa me • Spring 2010
Currently on Display.... Grid Iron Greats Born in the 1890s, the sport of American football itself was relatively new. Its roots stemmed from two sports, soccer and rugby, which had enjoyed long-time popularity in many nations of the world. For the next three decades, pro football faced its ups and downs as the game was played primarily in small towns throughout western Pennsylvania and the Midwest. Many problems plagued the game of pro football with increasing regularity. On September 17, 1920, a group of men, including George Halas, gathered in Canton, Ohio at the Hupmobile showroom of Ralph Hay, owner of the hometown Bulldogs. The result of the meeting was the founding of the American Professional Football Association, later renamed the National Football League in 1922. The league's first president was Jim Thorpe. Without a doubt the most famous athlete of his time, Thorpe helped add credibility to the sport. While not front-page news in 1920, the league's formation was the start of a journey that has made the NFL this country's favorite sport. In this exhibition, the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame inductees exemplify not only the high credentials to be inducted into the Hall of Fame but also the Pro Football Hall of Fame. These individuals – George Allen, Roosevelt Brown, Lou Creekmur, Bill Dudley, Willie Lanier, Ace Parker, Bruce Smith, Dwight Stephenson and Lawrence Taylor epitomize the ideals of a football legend through long-standing careers, numerous records and astonishing statistics.
The Sports of Summer Long days and short nights mark the beginning of summer. Taking advantage of the warmer weather and longer days, people spend more time outdoors during the summer season and sports play a big part in the activities. Sports such as volleyball, baseball, softball, tennis, golf, and water skiing, are played and have been enjoyed for centuries. On view at the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum, Sports of Summer showcases four different sports and the inductees that played them. Featured in the Virginians in the Spotlight Gallery, artifacts from inductees Donna Andrews, Donna Fales, Bob Holland and Bud Metheny will highlight their hall of fame career.
The Stars of the Commonwealth The second floor of the Hall of Fame is dedicated to honoring the stars and headline makers of today combined with the greats from the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame. As a changing exhibit, The Stars of the Commonwealth is now showcasing 3 new athletes - Denny Hamilin, Kara Lawson and Michael Cuddyer. Denny Hamilin is a currently making his mark in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series finishing the 2009 season fifth place in the overall standings. Kara Lawson plays guard for the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun averaging 10 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists per game. Michael Cuddyer is a standout right fielder for the Minnesota Twins with a career batting average of .269. Make sure you check out the new displays on your next visit to the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum! Vir ginia Sports Hall of Fa me • Spring 2010
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Update from the Gift Shop! Raise Funds for the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum at No Extra Cost to You! The Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum is excited to announce its involvement as a Museum Partner with ShopforMuseums.com. As a Museum Partner, anyone shopping online with their favorite national retailers can have a portion of their purchase directed to The Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum at no additional cost. ShopforMuseums.com is nationally recognized with hundreds of Museum Partners across the country. Whether you are in the market for books, office supplies, apparel, gifts, travel reservations, home improvement, school supplies, toys, electronics, flowers or gourmet food…You name it, the place to start is at ShopforMuseums.com! Participation is simple and secure. To designate a portion of your next online purchase to the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum, simply: • Go to www.ShopforMuseums.com. • Log in. • Click on Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum. • Then just click on the link of the store you want to visit and go about your shopping. Stores are organized by categories. The percentage of your purchase will be tracked automatically as long as you begin each time at ShopforMuseums.com. Please use ShopforMuseums.com each time you shop online and spread the word to friends and family. The Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum appreciates your support.
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Vir ginia Sports Hall of Fa me • Spring 2010
Have You Met…
Betsy Riesbeck?
Betsy Riesbeck joined the Hall of Fame staff in August 2009 as Director of Marketing and Sales. A native of Newport News, she graduated from Georgia Southern University in 2005 with a B.S. in Sports Management and a minor in Business. While completing her education, she worked in the Athletic Department in media relations and sales. Her experience paid off immediately when she was hired by The Atlanta Spirit, LLC, where she was involved in marketing efforts for the NBA Atlanta Hawks, NHL Atlanta Thrashers and the Phillips Arena. After a two year stint with professional sports, she was hired as a promotional consultant in Savannah, Georgia before returning to her roots in Hampton Roads. “Betsy has a work ethic that helps motivate people around her”, stated Eddie Webb. “I like her ability to take charge of a project and produce an outcome that the Hall of Fame can be proud of.” In addition to her marketing duties, Betsy works with Museum Curator Diana Blanchard-Gross in designing displays to help constantly present a new and fresh look for the museum. Some of her recent work can be seen on the museums second floor in the Dr. Ronald E. Carrier “Stars of the Commonwealth” where Minnesota Twins, Michael Cuddyer, Olympic Basketball Gold Medalist Kara Lawson, and NASCAR Racer Denny Hamlin are displayed. Betsy currently resides in Virginia Beach where in her spare time she plays competitive volleyball and competes in triathlons throughout Virginia.
Check out all the pictures from our Student Achievement Awards Banquet, the new Grid Iron Greats exhibit and the 39th Annual Hall of Fame Weekend! http://likeadreamphotography.smugmug.com/ Professional-Portfolio/Virginia-Sports-Hall-of-Fame *Event photos in this issue of The Press Box are courtesy of Like a Dream Photography. Vir ginia Sports Hall of Fa me • Spring 2010
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Non-ProďŹ t Org US Postage
PAID
Portsmouth, VA Permit No. 332
206 High Street Portsmouth, VA 23704 Industry Partners
No matter the event, the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum provides a state-of-the-art facility guaranteed to entertain and make your special event an affair to remember. From meetings, retreats and fundraisers, to banquets, reunions and holiday parties, our dedicated staff turns event planning into a stress-free occasion for you! The Virginia Sports Hall of Fame is one of only 16 state sports halls of fame in the nation. This sparkling, two-story building features multiple spaces for entertaining, surrounded by exciting exhibits and interactive play areas on NASCAR, football, golf, health & wellness, media, & college sports. The Hall of Fame is conveniently located in Olde Towne Portsmouth, just across the Elizabeth River from Downtown Norfolk and one block from the Renaissance Portsmouth Hotel.
Book your event today! www.vshfm.com