We're always so quick to criticize when somebody gets it wrong.

We rarely give praise when somebody gets it right.

The Butler County Sports Hall of Fame gets it right — and the organization continues to improve itself.

The 45th annual Butler County Sports Hall of Fame induction banquet takes place this weekend at the Butler Days Inn. The seven inductees this year — Don Gaiser, Eugene "Pud" Craig, Ralph "Sonny" Westerman, Les Shoop, Elaine Carson, Jennifer Kopac and Matt Clement — will bring the HOF membership to 325.

That's impressive in and of itself, but the Hall of Fame committee hasn't stopped there.

This year, it changed its name from the Butler Area Sports Hall of Fame. Now the general public will know the organization for what it is: One that honors great athletes, coaches and sports legends from throughout the county.

Also this year, the Hall is honoring a legendary sports team from the county. Butler High's undefeated 1950 football team will be recognized at the banquet.

Other great teams in county history — high school, college, Eagle County, Legion or otherwise — will be recognized in future years. Nominations will be accepted for this honor, as they are accepted for individual candidates, further increasing public interest.

The Hall of Fame has increased its induction of female athletes in recent years, a move that makes sense given the fact that women's sports have gained so much momentum since the 1970s.

It has taken steps to ensure that deserving candidates who may not have been nominated by a noncommittee member can still find their way into the Hall.

Finally, the committee has added new members to strengthen the long-term health of the organization.

The Butler County Sports Hall of Fame could have rested on its laurels and no one could have complained. Its success speaks for itself.

The fact that this committee continually looks for ways to improve its product speaks volumes for how much it cares about its cause: making sure the athletic achievements of Butler County's own are forever etched in history.

Professional athletes and Olympians take their respective places alongside longtime county champions and legendary local coaches under the same banner: Butler County pride.

Indeed, it's an honorable place for one's name to be.

Each year, the respective inductees are treated to a night in which they're made to feel special. The banquet is a first-class affair, as is the hospitality gathering during the hour preceding it.

Whether you're a former major league pitcher like Clement, a versatile athlete like Craig or a standout sandlot ballplayer like Gaiser, deserving inductees become hometown legends, side by side with their neighbors.

It's a priceless moment made possible by other neighbors who are simply proud of their community.

That's getting it right.

John Enrietto is sports editor of the Butler Eagle