Virginia Sports Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2011

The Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum has announced the new members to be inducted into their Sports Hall of Fame.  The members of the Class of 2011 are chosen by a vote of the statewide Honors Court committee.

The 'Class of 2011' features:

•  Jeff Rouse, native of Petersburg, VA and 7-time NCAA Champion at Stanford University; Olympic Gold medalist and World Champion swimmer;  

•  Bill Littlepage, Bridgewater College alum and the winningest coach in Virginia AAA High School League history with 775 career wins; 

•  Dr. Jim Jarrett, led Old Dominion athletics in 28 National Championships and a reclassification to Division I in his 43-year career as Director of Athletics; 

•  Tiki Barber (photo shown right), 2nd all-time leading rusher in University of Virginia history and 10 year NFL career with the New York Giants, scoring 68 touchdowns; 

•  Johnny Newman, the all-time leading scorer for the University of Richmond and the veteran of a 16-year NBA career with 12,740 career points; 

•  Pernell “Sweatpea” Whitaker, native of Norfolk, VA and six-time World Champion boxer with a professional record of 41-3-1 with 17 knock-outs; 

•  Eugene “Pappy” Thompson, native of Bristol, VA, held a 50-year career as a journalist with the Bristol Herald Courier and 1982 inductee into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.   Hall of Fame President, Eddie Webb, stated “The Class of 2011 is an example of the quality of athletes and coaches that are being produced across the Commonwealth.  Each nominee’s resume is recognized on a national or international level proving the point that the State of Virginia is one of the leaders in producing this nation’s top competitors', he said.

On Monday, January 24, 2011, the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and the new Class of 2011 inductees will be presented and honored by the State General Assembly.

The 40th annual induction ceremony will take place on Saturday, April 30, 2011, at the Renaissance Portsmouth Hotel & Waterfront Conference Center, as the crowning event of Hall of Fame Weekend.  Tickets go on sale January 21, 2011.  For more information, call 757.393.8031.

 

The Hall of Fame honors great champions and celebrates the great characters of Virginia’s rich sports history.  The interactive family-friendly environment features college sports, media, Olympics, golf, auto racing and Redskins exhibits along with hands-on baseball, basketball, football, soccer and auto racing activities.

The Hall is one of only about 16 official state sports halls of fame in the country and a member of the International Association of Sports Museums and Halls of Fame.  More than 45 National Hall of Famers are among its ranks, as are more than 30 of the Top 50 athletes of the century recognized by Sports Illustrated.

The Virginia Sports Hall of Fame opened its doors on April 22, 2005.  The new state-of-the-art facility is the latest addition to the many high quality family attractions in Hampton Roads.  The 35,000 square-foot Hall is located in Downtown Portsmouth, directly across from the Children’s Museum of Virginia and about a block from the Portsmouth waterfront.

Here's what you can expect to find at the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum:

Hall of Honor The Hall of Fame's new Hall of Honor is a tribute to the inductees and includes electronic databases with multimedia displays as well as plaques honoring both athletes and media inductees.

Auto Racing Exhibit Learn about the history of auto racing in Virginia, or take a spin in our computer racing simulators in the Auto Racing Hall.  The exhibit is built around a real racecar that took the checkered flag in one of NASCAR’s centerpiece races with a Virginia driver at the wheel.

Campus Champions Every college and university in Virginia with an athletic program is celebrated as we honor their traditions, the great players, coaches and games from our rich sports history.  And be sure to look up as we trace Virginia's contributions to sports on the covers of Sports Illustrated.

Stars of the Commonwealth The stars and headline makers of today combine with the greats from the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in this exhibit area. You'll also find a look at some of the great high school championship teams from across the state.

COX Digital Theater The 125-seat theater introduces the Sports Hall of Fame and Museum to visitors through a multimedia presentation on the rich history of Virginia sports.  Along with hosting museum events and presentations, the theater can be used for business and social activities.

Chuck Boone Sports Complex & Barry Parkhill Gymnasium Here you can see if your fastball is ready for the big time. Hands-on fun for sports fans of all ages is what the museum’s Sports Complex and Gymnasium have to offer.  This interactive center includes baseball, football, soccer, & basketball activities.

Media Center New and traditional media and their role in sports are the topics for exploration in the Virginia Sports Center. And visitors have the chance to feel what it’s like to be behind the mic and “Make The Call” for some of Virginia’s most exciting highlights.

Bon Secours Training Room With virtual exercise equipment called Exerscapes and other interactive exhibits, visitors discover what it takes to be a highly conditioned athlete.  Computer games and hands-on displays help visitors to play and learn about training, fitness, nutrition and the science of sports medicine.

Redskins Skybox Experience Many call it “Virginia’s Team,” and few can deny the connection between the Washington Redskins and the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Skybox lets you watch a multimedia presentation on the history of the team in luxury, surrounded by artifacts of the team’s storied past.

Final Score Gift Shop The Final Score is more than a gift shop. It is a full scale fan's paraise featuring a wide variety of unique gifts, licensed merchandise and special sports themed gifts for young and.. well... not so young.

 

If you go to the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame

Admission Fees: $7 per person; Children ages 2 & younger FREE; $6 military personnel & senior citizens; $6 AAA/CAA Members.

 

About the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame

Established in 1972, the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum now honors more than 200 Virginia athletes, coaches, administrators, educators and journalists who have made a major impact on the world of sports.

The Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum is located at 206 High Street, Portsmouth, VA.  for more information, call  757.393.8031.

Click here to 'like' the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum on Facebook.

 

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David Cartier

757.478.0056 | David.Cartier@ANewDayInOldeTowne.com

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