Inaugural Athletics Hall of Fame Class Showcases More Than 100 Years of History

Olympians, national champions, Super Bowl winners, world-record setters and legendary figures from the University of Pittsburgh’s history make up the inaugural class of the Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame.
 
“I love to remind people that Pitt could have its own wing in so many different halls of fame,” said Director of Athletics Heather Lyke. “Our athletic history is that rich and accomplished. I certainly tasked the selection committee with a huge challenge in trying to pare down 150 years of history for this inaugural class. In looking at our many deserving candidates, it is obvious that this 2018 group will be the first of many legendary Hall of Fame classes at Pitt. We’re thrilled to celebrate their achievements with a fitting showcase.”

There are 12 living honorees and four posthumous inductees in the inaugural class. An induction ceremony will be held in September, as will a halftime recognition of the inductees at Heinz Field during the Pitt-Penn State football game.

Nominations for the Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame were solicited from the public in January and accepted through March 31. Candidates had to be five years removed from their final year of collegiate competition and not currently playing professional sports. An 18-member selection committee then evaluated the candidate pool and provided a recommendation on the inaugural class to the director of athletics.  

Click through our Facebook gallery to learn more about the outstanding athletes.