Blair County Sports Hall of Fame

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward will be the main speaker for the 13th induction banquet on April 12, 2008 at the Blair County Convention Center.

“Without any question, Hines Ward will be the most popular speaker in this area for the Hall of Fame,’’ Blair Hall president Dave Andrews said. “He has such a great personality. He’s so well liked. He makes playing professional sports fun because he’s always smiling and laughing.’’

Five new people will be inducted into the Hall of Fame — former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Ron Blazier, former Penn State gymnast Nadine (DeLeo) Buchanan, former Bishop Guilfoyle football coach Tom Irwin, ex-St. Francis basketball standout Nick Leasure and former West Virginia University swimmer Renee (Riccio) McCutchan.

Fox Sports Pittsburgh’s Stan Savran will again return as the emcee.

Ward was the MVP of the Steelers’ Super Bowl XL victory over the Seattle Seahawks and is the team’s all-time receptions leader. He is also closing in on the Steelers’ all-time records for touchdown receptions and receiving yardage.

What appeals him most to Steelers fans, though, is his blue-collar approach to football. He’s been labeled the best blocking receiver in the NFL since he entered the league out of Georgia in 1998.

“Hines Ward just lights up a room with his smile and personality,’’ Savran said. “You can feel his energy, his competitive heart beating, driving his teammates in the locker room and on the field. Conversely, you can see every Steeler loss on his face. It affects him deeply.’’

Ward has also become a symbol of the value of multiculturalism in his mother’s homeland of South Korea and is currently championing the cause of biracial children in Korea.

“Hines Ward was really our first choice when seeking a guest speaker,’’ Andrews said. “Not only is he an excellent athlete for the Steelers, but he has also distinguished himself as a humanitarian with his work in Korea and he’s very active in the Pittsburgh community in charitable events. We also know he’s an excellent speaker.’’

Tickets for the event are $75 or $750 for tables of 10. Corporate tables, which include a photo opportunity with Ward, also are available.

For ticket information, call Kathy Millward at 296-2302.

Past Scholarship Winners

1989 Karen Dugan, Claysburg-Kimmel / J.J. Rusnak, Altoona

1990 Erik Klinger, Hollidaysburg / Mary Waibel, Hollidaysburg

1991 Joseph Chonko, Central / Pam Webber, Hollidaysburg

1992 Swati Agarwal, Hollidaysburg / Ed Steinbugl, Bishop Guilfoyle

1993 Steve Miller, Claysburg-Kimmel / Melissa Morrow, Tyrone

1994 Brian Krug, Bellwood-Antis / Jessica Unger, Hollidaysburg

1995 Kelly Irwin, Altoona / Bill Padamonsky, Hollidaysburg

1996 James Gerhart, Altoona / Valerie Miller, Bellwood-Antis

1997 Nichole Musselman, Claysburg-Kimmel / Bradley Wertz, Bellwood-Antis

1998 Kristyn Stopp, Altoona / Jeremy Guyer, Bellwood-Antis

1999 Erin Imler, Bellwood-Antis / Jason Shura, Bellwood-Antis

2000 Jessica Baker, Altoona / Tyler Piper, Hollidaysburg

2001 Katie Bloomquist, Central / Matt Garner, Bellwood-Antis

2002 Christina Burnett, Tyrone / Travis Lee, Williamsburg

2003 Amber DelBaggio, Tyrone / Tom Forr, Bishop Guilfoyle /Matt Stopp, Altoona

2004 Angela Greaser, Bishop Guilfoyle / Josh Lingenfelter, Claysburg-Kimmel

2005 Megan Duffett, Hollidaysburg / Tyson Maugle, Hollidaysburg

2006 Janelle Adams, Altoona / Jared Colmer, Hollidaysburg

2007 Mary Forr, Bishop Guilfoyle / Nathanial Supp, Hollidaysburg

2008 TBA

Each scholarship is in the amount of $2000.The scholarship program began in 1988 -- at the Hall of Fame's second banquet -- and has now awarded $57,000 to deserving winners. Reliance Bank became a Hall of Fame partner in 1995.

The guest speakers for the 13 Blair County Sports Hall of Fame dinners:2008 Hines Ward2006 Greg Gumbel2004 Jim Boeheim2002 Bobby Bowden2000 Rick Majerus1998 Mary Lou Retton1996 Joe Theismann1994 Dick Vitale1992 Bob Knight1990 Roy Firestone1989 Terry Bradshaw1988 Paul Evans1987 Joe Paterno

The Blair County Sports Hall of Fame dinner and ceremonies attracts roughly 900 attendees each year. Be sure to reserve your tickets early by contacting Kathy Millward at 814-296-2302.

Hines Ward on the Golf Course

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