Sport Oregon Announces 2024 Oregon Sports Hall of Fame Inductees for Night of Champions
Historic induction ceremony set for October 29th at the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts; Oregon Sports Awards winners recognized during memorable evening of sporting achievements in Oregon
Portland, Ore. (Sept. 17, 2024) — Sport Oregon unveiled its esteemed 2024 class of inductees into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame. Emceed by KGW’s Orlando Sanchez and Oregon legend Neil Everett, the Hall of Fame induction and Oregon Sports Awards celebration will take place at the Night of Champions on Tuesday, October 29. Marking Sport Oregon’s inaugural year hosting the event, the evening will not only honor these exemplary individuals, but also the positive and widespread impact of sport in Oregon.
This year’s Oregon Sports Hall of Fame class features distinguished athletes, including soccer legend and Olympian Megan Rapinoe, three-time College World Series champion coach Pat Casey, Portland Timbers icon Diego Valeri, Team Handball Olympian Rick Abrahamson and the 1984 and 1985 Portland State Volleyball teams will be honored, recognizing their significant contributions to Oregon’s rich sports legacy.
The Night of Champions also features a celebration of the many standout achievements from the top athletes and teams across the state of Oregon over the past sporting year. A highlight in Oregon sports for decades, this year’s Oregon Sports Awards will recognize the top athletes, teams and coaches at high school, college and professional levels throughout the state.
In addition, the Oregon Sports Awards annually recognizes exemplary athletes, teams and coaches at high school, college and professional levels throughout Oregon. This year's distinguished recipients include:
Johnny Carpenter Prep Athlete Player of the Year Award
Will Semler (Lincoln High School - Tennis) and Addisen Fisher (Bend High School - Softball)
Slats Gill Person of the Year Award
Mike Johnston (Head Coach, Portland Winterhawks)
Harry Glickman Professional Athlete of the Year
Award Sabrina Ionescu (Former University of Oregon and current NY Liberty - Women’s Basketball) and Ryan Crouser (Olympic Track & Field)
Bill Hayward Amateur Athlete of the Year Award
Jade Carey (Oregon State and Olympic Gold Medalist - Gymnastics) and Travis Bazzana (Oregon State Baseball)
Ad Rutschman Small College Athlete of the Year Award
Alison Takamiya (George Fox - Golf), Carolina Moreno (Southern Oregon - Women’s Wrestling), and Hunter Sparks (Eastern Oregon - Wrestling)
“The Night of Champions is not just about reflection, it's a forward-looking celebration of the talent and dedication that these athletes and teams have brought to our community," said Jim Etzel, Chief Executive Officer of Sport Oregon. "It is with pride that we gather to honor this diverse group of sports legends and champions whose achievements have left an indelible mark on Oregon’s sports history."
The Night of Champions is a tribute not only to the state’s historic greats but also to the emerging athletes who are poised to shape Oregon's sporting future. Through celebrating their accomplishments and ongoing commitment, Sport Oregon seeks to ignite passion and ambition in young, aspiring athletes across the community. This event plays a crucial role in strengthening community bonds and pride, united by a collective enthusiasm for sports to enhance Oregon's social and economic landscape.
Attendees will include luminaries from Oregon’s sports scene, past and present athletes, and fans from everywhere, all gathered to appreciate the state’s commitment to excellence in sports.
Tickets for the Night of Champions are available now and can be purchased online here or at the Night of Champions site.The event takes place on Tuesday, October 29th at The Reser with a reception starting at 5:30 p.m. including complimentary food and nonalcoholic beverages with the awards presentation beginning at 7 p.m.
About Sport Oregon
Sport Oregon understands that the impact of sports is undeniable. It's economic. It's social. It's emotional. A dedicated, thriving sports tourism environment is crucial to the wellbeing of our state. Sport Oregon has an unapologetic love for Oregon and wants to share it with the world. The natural scenery is our playground, and the vibrant hospitality community is eager and ready to host you, your events, your teams, your fans and your families.
About The Oregon Sports Hall of Fame and Museum
The Oregon Sports Hall of Fame and Museum was founded in 1978 to recognize and appreciate Oregon’s rich athletic history. Our goal for this legacy is to inspire participation in sport and foster awareness of the values and life-long rewards gained from this participation. The organization is built on the premise that the lessons of sports have a tremendous impact on society.
About The Oregon Sport Awards
In 1948, the Oregon Sports Writers and Sportscasters’ Association hosted the first-ever Bill Hayward Banquet of Champions. The event began as a sit-down affair, honoring past and present Oregon sports greats. Later, in 1986, the event was rebranded and renamed the Oregonian Banquet of Champions. In 2001, the event became the Oregon Sports Awards, presented by Nike. In 2021-22, the Oregon Sports Awards began following a seasonal schedule with fall, winter, and spring awards given after each season, finishing in an end-of-year Celebration of Champions, recognizing every winner in every sport and overall Athlete of the Year Awards. This shift allowed the Oregon Sports Awards to shine the spotlight on the student-athletes when their season has recently completed while celebrating all winners equally including collegiate, professional and team awards. Past award winners have included the likes of Terry Baker, Dick Fosbury, Steve Prefontaine, Joni Huntley, Neil Lomax, Danny Ainge, Dan O’Brien, Gary Payton, Tiffeny Milbrett, Joey Harrington, Nick Symmonds, Jordan Kent, Kevin Love, Liz Brenner, Megan Rapinoe, Ashton Eaton and Marcus Mariota.