Pitt Announces 2019 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Class

Chris Rossetti

Chris Rossetti

Published June 14, 2019 4:16 am
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Pitt Football BurdickPITTSBURGH — University of Pittsburgh Director of Athletics Heather Lyke announced Thursday, June 13, the 2019 Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame induction class, a highly distinguished 12-member group composed of All-Pros, All-Americans and legendary all-time greats.

(Photo by Paul Burdick. Check out more of Burdick’s work here)

“It is a tremendous thrill to announce our latest Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame class,” Lyke said. “We have an inspiring tradition of excellence at Pitt and our 2019 inductees are an outstanding reflection of that. They set lofty standards of excellence which continue to inspire and motivate us today. We look forward to celebrating this group’s extraordinary achievements at our induction ceremony on September 20th.”

Lyke additionally announced that Panthers basketball great Billy Knight has been named to the newly created position of Chairman of the Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame. Knight, who starred for the Panthers from 1971-74, was a member of Pitt’s inaugural Hall of Fame class last year.

“Billy reflects the very best of Pitt, not only as a former All-America basketball player but also as an exceptionally accomplished alum and professional,” Lyke said. “His insight and passion for Pitt will be great assets for all facets of the Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame.”

Listed in alphabetical order, these are the members of the 2019 Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame class.

Sam Clancy (Men’s Basketball)
Jimbo Covert (Football)
Don Hennon (Men’s Basketball)
Najuma Fletcher (Women’s Track and Field)
Sue Heon (Women’s Swimming)
Charley Hyatt (Men’s Basketball)
Lorri Johnson (Women’s Basketball)
John Majors (Coach: Football)
Mark May (Football)
Lee McRae (Men’s Track and Field)
Joe Schmidt (Football)
The Peery Family (Wrestling)

Nominations for the Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame were solicited from the general public this spring. 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 class to the director of athletics.

The 2019 class will receive induction at the Pitt Hall of Fame Dinner on Friday, Sept. 20, at the Petersen Events Center. On Saturday, Sept. 21, the inductees will be introduced at Heinz Field when the Panthers host UCF.

For bios on the inductees visit the Pitt Athletic Website

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