LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — Arkansas sports activities followers have an enormous night time on deck this Friday because the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame will get prepared for its 68th annual induction banquet, celebrating athletes, coaches and sports activities figures from throughout the state.
Executive Director Steven Riffle mentioned the Hall of Fame has been honoring and preserving Arkansas sports activities historical past for almost seven many years, and the choice course of begins months in advance.
“Well, it starts in June, whenever we start our nomination list and our voting list, and then in October, we send out our list of potential inductees to all of our members,” Riffle mentioned. “And then our members get the chance to vote on our next inductees every year.”
Riffle mentioned “anyone can vote as long as they join as a member with the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.”
This yr’s class contains:
- Nathan Brown
- Louis Cella
- Alex Collins
- Jerry “Buck” James
- Van Compton
- Peter Doohan
- Jim Haney
- Lee Hardman
- Erica Smith Leak
- D. Wayne Lukas
Riffle mentioned the Hall of Fame works to ensure the honorees symbolize the entire state and a variety of sports activities.
“We try to make sure that it’s diverse,” he mentioned. “We try to make sure that every region of Arkansas is seen and that all sports are recognized. And we just want to make sure that everyone in Arkansas understands the importance of sports. And we don’t want anybody’s legacy to go unnoticed.”
Riffle mentioned the banquet can be an opportunity to focus on the work it takes to succeed in the highest ranges of competitors.
“I think it’s more of just making sure that everyone sees what sports can do for one as well as what work is put in to being at this level of these individuals’ careers,” he mentioned.
The occasion additionally helps student-athletes via scholarships. Riffle mentioned the Hall of Fame awards “10 $1,000 scholarships to deserving pupil athletes in Arkansas going to an Arkansas college.”
As for tickets, Riffle said the banquet is sold out, though a few seats may still pop up.
“But there might be a few tickets here and there. If anybody’s interested, they can call me and I can maybe squeeze them in.”
Anyone looking for last-minute availability can call 501-313-4158.
The banquet will take place Friday at 6:30 p.m. at the Oaklawn Event Center Ballroom.
To learn more about the banquet and inductees, visit the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame web site.