THE MEMORANDUM OF THE SPORTS HALL OF FAME AT THE SUMMIT ATHLETIC CLUB

Home to the Hall of Fame Memorabilia
The Summit Tennis & Athletic Center

The Summit Tennis & Athletic Center has been the home to the Blair County Sports Hall of Fame’s impressive memorabilia display since 1996.

A generous donation by first Hall of Fame President Steve Sheetz and an arrangement coordinated by the Dave Andrews, the Hall’s president from 1995-2013, with Summit owner Gary Raymond, gave the Hall a place to showcase its inductees.

And what a perfect arrangement it has been.

A bio and plaque of each of the Hall of Fame’s 85 inductees is featured along with three large cases of memorabilia as each inductee is invited to provide the Hall with an artifact of their choice.
Some of the more notable items donated to the Hall include game jerseys worn by the likes of Johnny Moore (San Antonio Spurs), Doug West (Minnesota Timberwolves), Brad Benson (New York Giants), Troy Benson (New York Jets), Mike Iuzzolino (Italian League) and Ron Blazier (Philadelphia Phillies).

Blaine Earon, a member of the Detroit Lions’ 1952 NFL championship team, donated his commemorative jacket.
There are letter sweaters from numerous colleges as well as Ward McLanahan’s 1903 Yale track jersey. McLanahan, a Hollidaysburg native, was the first athlete in the world to pole vault 12 feet.

Also framed is an article from the Altoona Mirror announcing the Hall of Fame’s formation, when it was announced in 1986 along with a picture of the original selection committee.

“The relationship between the Hall of Fame and the Summit has been wonderful,” Hall of Fame President Neil Rudel said. “All of our memorabilia is safely protected, and the Summit attracts thousands of area youth each year, which allowed kids and their parents to see the great achievements that athletes from Blair County have reached.”

The public is welcome to view the Hall of Fame memorabilia by visiting the Summit, located behind Friday’s on Plank Road in Altoona. There is no admission charge.