Dear Indiana County Sports Fan;

Athletics were at the heart of life in Western Pennsylvania throughout the 20^th Century and their impact on Indiana County continues to grow today. As we look back on the last century, the pride and dedication demonstrated by so many county athletes were a reflection of lives that were both challenging and fulfilling.

The members of the Indiana County Sports Hall of Fame, Inc. celebrate the sizable positive effect athletics have had in our communities. A primary focus of the Hall since its founding in the early 1980s is to ensure that the county’s greatest athletes and athletic contributors are recognized for their achievements. From all-star professional athletes to local heroes, the presence of the Indiana County Sports Hall of Fame, Inc. makes certain that excellence in athletics will not be forgotten.

But though enshrining all-time greats remains the highlight of every annual banquet held each May since 1984, the Indiana County Sports Hall of Fame, Inc. has also become the voice of the present and future. The Hall now honors approximately 10 outstanding achievers in county athletics from the previous year. State champions, college standouts and selected coaches receive plaques and are recognized. Receiving an Indiana County Sports Hall of Fame, Inc. honor plaque has become the most prestigious local award for a current athlete or coach. In 1999, the first "special honor" for outstanding promotion of Indiana County sports was presented.

A new era began in 1998 when hall members awarded their first Indiana County Scholar-Athlete of the Year scholarships. The top male and female scholar-athlete from each county school are acknowledged at the annual banquet, with one boy and one girl announced as the scholarship winners.

Like the induction ceremony and the honor recognition, the scholar-athlete acknowledgement and scholarship awards have become a highlight of the year in county sports. It is the lone forum that spotlights the very best in Indiana County athletics.

The remarkable success of the hall can be traced directly to the membership. Those that join via an annual $10 fee and those that choose lifetime membership by making a $100 donation provide the support necessary to allow for such growth. The better than 100 members can attest that an organization celebrating the best of the past, present and future is an organization worth supporting. Besides recognition by name in the annual banquet program, members enjoy the unique privilege of being able to nominate individuals for induction into the Indiana County Sports Hall of Fame.

A Hall of Fame web site, the addition of more scholarships and the eventual building of a museum that will feature memorabilia from every sport, every era and from every county community are all in the planning stages. You can turn those plans into reality by joining with us.

In order to join us, complete a membership form and remit the fee to:

Indiana County Sports Hall of Fame, Inc.

You can request membership and nomination materials via e-mail. Send inquiries and requests to [email protected].

The 21^st century is bringing Indiana County new sports heroes. Let’s make certain there is a hall of fame to harbor the memories they will create along with those we already preserve!

Sincerely,

Board of Directors, Indiana County Sports Hall of Fame, Inc.