Michigan Sports Hall of Fame 55th Induction Class

MICHIGAN SPORTS HALL OF FAME INDUCTION EVENT RETURNS TO SUBURBAN COLLECTION SHOWPLACE FOR 2^ND CONSECUTIVE YEAR

OAKLAND COUNTY EXECUTIVE L. BROOKS PATTERSON

AND DETROIT MAYOR DAVE BING TO SERVE AS HONORARY CHAIRMEN

Waterford, Mich. (June 24, 2011) -- The Michigan Sports Hall of Fame (MSHOF) announced today that a new class will be formally enshrined on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2011 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi – marking the 55th Induction Event in the Hall’s history. Class members are:

·        MSU All-American and NFL All-Pro linebacker from Flint Beecher H.S., Carl Banks

·        Detroit Mackenzie H.S., Notre Dame, and NFL All-Pro running back, Jerome Bettis

·        1997 National Champion head football coach at the University of Michigan, Lloyd Carr

·        UM softball coach, led team to 2005 NCAA National Championship, Carole Hutchins

·        Former Detroit Lions’ All-Pro defensive back and NFL Hall of Famer, Dick LeBeau

·        Top U.S. distance runner, last American to win the Boston Marathon, Greg Meyer

·        Local fast-pitch softball legend and ASA Hall of Famer from Detroit, John Spring

·        Former Detroit DePorres’ H.S. head football coach, youth sports mentor, Ron Thompson

MICHIGAN SPORTS HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES 2011 INDUCTION EVENT, OAKLAND COUNTY EXECUTIVE L. BROOKS PATTERSON AND DETROIT MAYOR DAVE BING TO SERVE AS HONORARY CHAIRMEN.

“We are very excited to announce the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame’s 55^th Induction Event will return to the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi,” said Scott Lesher, MSHOF chairman. “We greatly appreciate the support of our Honorary Co-Chairs’ Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson and City of Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, and look forward to a tremendous evening of honoring the inductees in an exciting setting that promises to be the Academy Awards of sports in Michigan.”

Patterson said he is looking forward to the MSHOF Induction Event returning to Oakland County. “This is a premier event for Oakland County and southeast Michigan,” said Patterson. “We are building on last year’s success when more than 900 individuals attended the induction ceremony.”

Patterson added that he wants the MSHOF to find a new home in Oakland County. “If the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame were to relocate here, it would enhance the quality of life for Oakland County and southeast Michigan residents.”

The MSHOF’s 55th Induction Event will begin at 5 p.m. with a private VIP reception. Festivities will include a strolling dinner reception beginning at 6 p.m. followed by the induction ceremony. More than 100 current Hall of Famers have been invited to honor this induction class.

 “We are thrilled to announce that our event is returning to the Suburban Collection Showplace,” said Jim Stark, executive director of the MSHOF.  “It’s an honor to have the support of L. Brooks Patterson as a home for the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in Oakland County.”

Tickets and further information for the MSHOF’s 54th Induction Event will be available beginning July 1 by calling 248-473-0656, or by visiting the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame’s Web site (http://www.michigansportshof.org/). 

A limited number of the private, VIP reception tickets are available at $225, general event tickets are $125 and a special youth ticket for those 15 and under is priced at $75. Ticket packages and group rates are also available.