Illini Stars Align in Chicago at Hall of Fame Gala
June 23, 2017 | Baseball, Football, General, Men's Basketball, Men's Gymnastics, Men's Tennis, Women's Golf, Women's Gymnastics, Volleyball, Wrestling, Men's Golf, Men's Cross Country, Women's Cross Country, Women's Track & Field, Men's Track & Field, Hall of Fame
Plenty of big names on hand as first Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame class recognized at Field Museum
Illinois Hall of Fame | Meet the Inaugural Class | Photos: A Night to Remember | Gallery
CHICAGO – The stars were shining Friday night as the University of Illinois introduced its Inaugural Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2017 at the Hall of Fame Gala, presented by Deloitte and A&R Mechanical, at Chicago's Field Museum.
The Gala, hosted by NBC Sports personality Mike Tirico, celebrated the history of Fighting Illini Athletics and honored the Inaugural Hall of Fame class. Nearly 600 attendees filled the spectacular Stanley Hall of the Field Museum of Natural History.
Members of the 28-person 2017 Hall of Fame class, as well as other notable former Illini and UI alumni, were in attendance and participate in the program. In addition, 2017 Illinois Dike Eddleman Athletes of the Year Nicole Evans (softball) and Isaiah Martinez (wrestling), as well as 2017 Big Ten Medal of Honor recipients Evans and Joe Spencer (football), were recognized at the Gala.
2017 ILLINOIS ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME CLASS
Nick Anderson, Basketball (1988-89)
Lou Boudreau, Baseball/ Basketball (1937-38)
Dee Brown, Basketball (2003-06)
Tonja Buford-Bailey, Track and Field (1990-93)
Dick Butkus, Football (1962-64)
Jerry Colangelo, Basketball/Contributor to Sport (1960-62)
Dwight "Dike" Eddleman, Football/Track/Basketball (1943, 1947-49)
Perdita Felicien, Track and Field (2000-03)
Harry Gill, Track Coach (1904-29, 31-33)
Harold "Red" Grange, Football (1923-25)
Abie Grossfeld, Gymnastics (1957-60)
George Halas, Football/Basketball/Baseball/Contributor to Sport (1916-18)
George Huff, Football/Football Coach/Baseball Coach/Athletics Director (1901-36)
Mannie Jackson, Basketball/Contributor to Sport (1958-60)
Karol Kahrs, Coach / Athletics Administration (1966-2000)
Nancy Thies Marshall, Gymnastics (1976-77)
Herb McKenley, Track & Field (1946-47)
Allie Morrison, Wrestling (1927-29)
Harold Osborn, Track & Field (1920-22)
Andy Phillip, Basketball/Baseball (1942-43, 47)
Renee Heiken Slone, Golf (1990-93)
Steve Stricker, Golf (1986-89)
Mary Eggers Tendler, Volleyball (1985-88)
Craig Tiley, Tennis Coach (1992-2005)
Craig Virgin, Cross Country (1973-77)
Deron Williams, Basketball (2003-05)
Claude "Buddy" Young, Football/Track & Field (1944, 46)
Robert Zuppke, Football Coach (1913-41)
The Inaugural Class of the University of Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame. Some of the best to ever do it. Not just here. Anywhere. #ILLINI pic.twitter.com/Krzgo5iSVr
— Josh Whitman (@IlliniAD) June 24, 2017
Looking good @SUEtheTrex! ??#Illini Hall of Fame Gala tonight! ???? pic.twitter.com/kFIOz2eVsx
— Illini Athletics (@IlliniAthletics) June 23, 2017
Loving this... #ILLINI pic.twitter.com/c4ikLKnqNO
— Josh Whitman (@IlliniAD) June 24, 2017
Historic night for the #Illini here at the @FieldMuseum! Celebrating our inaugural Hall of Fame class! I-L-L! ???????? #WeWillWin #IlliniPride pic.twitter.com/TcSI2oZL03
— Jon Salvani (@jonsalvani) June 24, 2017
First round of HOFers speaking with emcee Mike Tirico! #ILLINIHOF pic.twitter.com/kUyTVjmBun
— Josh Whitman (@IlliniAD) June 24, 2017
What a night! #Illini Hall of Fame ?????? pic.twitter.com/QMnSY1uhgf
— Illini Athletics (@IlliniAthletics) June 24, 2017
Butkus. Colangelo. Jackson.
— Illini Athletics (@IlliniAthletics) June 24, 2017
Talk about an #Illini power trio. ?? pic.twitter.com/z08NhuDJH2
What. A. Night. I-L-L pic.twitter.com/ncOdsJvss3
— Josh Whitman (@IlliniAD) June 24, 2017
