Hall of Fame Banquet Postponed…Again

The Blair County Sports Hall of Fame has again postponed its 19th induction ceremony due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A decision will come this spring on a new date.

 

The induction was originally scheduled for May 2, 2020. It was then postponed until Jan. 23, 2021, and then again until May 22, 2021.

 

“Even with vaccines now being offered, there was concern from our board and honorees about Covid fatigue and how long that may take to lift,” Hall of Fame president Neil Rudel said. “We explored the possibility of conducting a socially-distant ceremony but even at that, we’d have to limit each inductee to a set number of tickets, and we didn’t feel that would offer the true celebration and recognition the honorees deserve.”

 

The Blair County Convention Center can currently accommodate 300 due to coronavirus restrictions. The Hall typically draws between 800 and 1,000. Set for induction are John Hayes (football), John Lingenfelter (auto racing), Eric Malone (watercraft sports), Eddie Miller (basketball), Tawney Nardozza Schmitt (swimming) and the 1970 Bishop Guilfoyle High School boys basketball team. Julie Roseborough will receive the Hall’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

 

Former NFL quarterback Doug Flutie, 1984 Heisman Trophy winner, remains committed to serve as the guest speaker.

 

The Hall is currently reviewing ticket orders and will be in touch with patrons. Kathy Millward of the Hall of Fame board handles tickets and can be reached at [email protected]. Because of her work schedule, please email rather than calling.

 

“We did not want to keep postponing,” Rudel said. “Obviously, we feel badly about the situation, but our first priority is to conduct our event as safely and responsibly as possible. We’d like to thank everybody for their patience during this frustrating time.”