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Sports hall of fame marks 50-year history

Butler County Hall of Fame president Dan Cunningham looks over a collection of photographs that will soon be displayed at the Butler County Courthouse. The hall hasn't had a home the past few years.

BUTLER TWP — The Butler County Sports Hall of Fame celebrates a half a century tonight at its annual banquet.

The organization is having its 50th induction dinner Saturday night at the Butler Days Inn.

It has honored 356 athletes and will induct another seven tonight.

Among those enshrined are NFL players Bill, Rich and Ron Saul and Terry Hanratty, major league pitchers Ron Kline, John Stuper and Matt Clement, Olympic swimmer Eric Namesnik and diver David Pichler, legendary coaches Paul “Red” Uram, John “Pump” McLaughlin, Beverly Fry, George Mihalik and Martha Altmire.

Some of the inductees go as far back as the 1930s.

More than 15 sports are represented in the hall. For example, the first female inductee, Jordie Ritz in 1979, was a national judo champion.

Hall President Dan Cunningham considers the organization a “work in progress” even after 50 years. He's upgraded the website and has actively sought the gathering of more resumes to consider for induction.

Pictures and artifacts of hall members soon will be displayed in the Butler County Courthouse. The hall had been without a “home” for the past few years.

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