Recently the AFA/Hall of Fame selection committee completed its annual task of reviewing personal profiles of qualified individuals nominated for induction into the Semi-Pro Football Hall of Fame as the. . . "Class of 2011". Information submitted by HOF alumni and subsequent review by the selection committee resulted in the selection of 19 people for enshrinement this year. The American Football Association is a national 501(c) (3) non-profit, tax exempt corporation in its 31st year of operation and is dedicated to the advancement of adult (semi-pro) football from coast-to-coast.
This year's group of Hall of Famers will be enshrined as the “Class of 2011” during the AFA's 31st Annual Semi-Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Dinner at the Canton Marriott Courtyard, 4375 Metro Circle NW, North Canton, Ohio. The induction dinner will be part of a busy Semi-Pro Football week for the AFA National Association, which will run from Thursday, June 23rd thru Friday, June 24th.
This year we are honored to induct NFL Pro Bowler Michael Lewis of the New Orleans Saints into our hall of fame. Mike started his semi pro football career in 1994 with the Kenner City Chiefs and went on to become the New Orleans Saints all-time career leader in punt returns (142) and punt return yardage (1,482). Mike is also currently the team ambassador of the New Orleans Saints. Click here to view Mike's bio http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Lewis_(wide_receiver)
Events Scheduled:
• Annual AFA/HoF Legends - meet the new inductees "Alumni Huddle Cocktail Party - 7pm Thursday, June 23rd
• AFA Board of Directors Meeting - 10am Friday, June 24th
• Pro Football Hall of Fame Tour - Friday, June 24th
• 31st Annual AFA Semi Pro Hall of Fame Induction Dinner - 7pm Dinner (Cocktails 6pm) Friday, June 24th. This will also be a live internet broadcast.
The American Football Association is proud to present the names of those who will be enshrined into the AFA Semi-Pro Football Hall of Fame as the "Class of 2011" (names in parentheses indicate sponsors of the new inductees):
PLAYERS CATEGORY:
• Lynn Patrick - LaFargeville, NY - (George Ashcraft)
• Carl Neal - Manteno, IL - (Elmhurst Travelers, Mal Yarke,Don Busch,Al Klaeren,Jack Perry)
• Dale Berman - North Aurora, IL - (Ron Hansen, Jim Benja, Pat Albanese, Fred Fiorelli, James Kulton)
• Brett Wilson - Munster, IN - (Greg Skowronski)
• John Rogan - Columbia, SC - (Jerry McGonigle)
• Terry Gorton - Queensbury, NY - (Dick Leland)
• Mike Lewis - LaPlace, LA - (Keith Ballard)
• Daris Steen - Doral, FL - (Rev Gary Wilder)
• Andy Tranchita - Northlake, IL - (Neal Anderson, Bob Beshk, Ben Ward)
• Beau Jarrell - Groveland, FL - (Don Jonas)
• Mickey Morris - Middleburg Heights, OH - (Dennis McEllicott)
• Dave Friese - Shippensburg, PA - (Dave Bonsell)
• Christopher VanStone - Carpentersville, IL - (Sue Berg, Eliseo Saldivar)
EXECUTIVE CATEGORY:
• Bill Christie - Jackson, MI - (Ceil Real)
• Alan Perkins - Crystal Lake, IL - (Craig Ochoa)
OFFICIALS CATEGORY:
• Tom Rudzinski - Clarks Summit, PA - (Bill Higgins)
COACHES CATEGORY:
• Anthony Bartley - Las Vegas, NV (BoD/Bo Brooks)
• Robert Harrison - Aurora, IL (Larry Schmidt, Gary Thomas, Jerry Schropp, Roman Strzala)
PIONEER CATEGORY:
• Lawrence Haynes III - Portland, OR (Dave Burch)
We predict that this will be a sellout event and we encourage you to make your dinner and hotel reservations NOW! Guests will be responsible for calling the hotel directly at 800-228-9290 and making their own guest room reservations. Room rates are $115 single/double. This special room rate will be available until June 1st or until the group block is sold-out, whichever comes first. We have been advised that this will be a very busy weekend in Canton so please do not procrastinate. Be sure to mention that you are connected with the American Football Association (by name) to take advantage of the AFA's discount room rate. To book online click:
http://cwp.marriott.com/cakcc/afahalloffameinductions/
Tickets are $55 each for the 2011 AFA Semi Pro Hall of Fame Induction Dinner. Click below to purchase tickets by June 15th .......
Note: We will be conducting our sports memorabilia auction fundraiser again this year. Come prepared to bid and bid often..........
This year as part of our event fundraiser, we are soliciting sponsors and raffle items in advance. Sponsors and donors will be acknowledged during our live hall of fame Internet broadcast, will be listed in our souvenir program and posted on our event banner. Please complete the linked form to make a raffle donation or become a sponsor.
