PITTSBURGH—University of Pittsburgh inducted the inaugural 16-member class of the Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame in a night of celebration at the Petersen Events Center Friday, Sept. 7. Nearly 500 Pitt Athletics supporters turned out for the event featuring a VIP reception with the inductees, a four-course dinner and the induction ceremony of the 12 living honorees and four posthumous selections.
“What an amazing celebration of the tremendous history of our athletic department,” said Director of Athletics Heather Lyke. “Tonight was a special evening of celebration with 16 individuals being inducted into Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame. This inaugural class displays the diversity and longevity of success here at Pitt and is a testament to what can be accomplished at the University of Pittsburgh. I look forward to honoring past Panther greats and watching new ones emerge in the years to come.”
The group of inductees is composed of Olympians, national champions, Super Bowl winners, world-record setters and legendary figures whose names and achievements resonate well beyond Pitt.
Listed in alphabetical order, these are the members of the inaugural Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame class and their primary sport of distinction.
• Henry Clifford “Doc” Carlson (Athlete: Football, Basketball, Baseball; Coach: Basketball)
• Mike Ditka (Football)
• Tony Dorsett (Football)
• Herb Douglas (Track and Field)
• Bill Fralic (Football)
• Marshall Goldberg (Football)
• Hugh Green (Football)
• Trecia-Kaye Smith (Track and Field)
• Roger Kingdom (Track and Field)
• Billy Knight (Basketball)
• Dan Marino (Football)
• Lisa Shirk (Gymnastics)
• Charles Smith (Basketball)
• Kathy Stetler (Swimming)
• John Bain “Jock” Sutherland (Athlete: Football; Coach: Football)
• John Woodruff (Track and Field)
Nominations for the Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame were solicited from the general public in January and accepted through March 31. Candidates had to be five years removed from their final year of collegiate competition and not currently be playing professional sports. An 18-member selection committee then evaluated the candidate pool and provided a recommendation on the inaugural class to the director of athletics.
On Saturday, Sept. 8, the inductees will be introduced at Heinz Field when the Panthers host historic rival Penn State. MORE