CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA — Twenty-seven individuals and who have made outstanding contributions to high school athletic and activity programs have been selected to the 2016 inaugural class of the Virginia Interscholastic Association Heritage Association Hall of Fame (VIAHA). The class features 11 athletes, 10 coaches, six contributors and one selection of special recognition. The inaugural Hall of Fame induction dinner will be held on Monday, June 20, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Charlottesville.

The Hall is dedicated to preserving the rich heritage and legacy of African-American students and adults who participated in the Virginia Interscholastic Association from 1954-70 and its predecessor organization the Virginia Interscholastic Athletic League (VIAL). Some notable inaugural inductees include pro football hall of famer Roosevelt Brown; Walter Bowser; basketball great Earl Lloyd; coaches Thad Madden, Stretch Gardner, Bill Lawson, Sr., and George Lancaster; and a special recognition to the Armstrong-Walker Football Classic. Prior to school desegregation, one of the most influential organizations in the state of Virginia was the Virginia Interscholastic Association (VIA), which served young African-American students who attended segregated high schools in the state. The impact that this association had on shaping the lives of these students went far beyond governing athletic events, it brought together students, parents, and mentors to develop within students a strong foundation of character and ethical responsibilities that advanced these men and women into successful citizens and leaders. “The VIA was a powerful equalizer in a time of state sanctioned inequality, its impact upon thousands and thousands of young men and women present them with a lifetime of hard earned accomplishments,” said Jimmy Hollins of the Burley Varsity Club in Charlottesville and the VIA Heritage Association in Charlottesville. “While the memories of the VIA are fading, its impact needs to be preserved and the memories of the VIA revitalized for future generations of students and their families. “I am honored to be involved with the VIA Heritage Association, a group of community spirited individuals who believe the values instilled by the VIA can be preserved through a Hall of Fame.”

Athletes and coaches considered for nomination are those who excelled on VIA athletic teams. Contributors are professionals who may have excelled in VIA non-athletic activities or in such areas as school administration, media, officiating, medical services and other areas. A fourth group is best described as the Legacy category. This includes such potential nominees as VIA athletic teams that gained extraordinary distinction or coaches, athletes, contributors and/or teams from VIAL or post-VIA era history. The VIAL/VIA`s original home was Virginia State College from 1954- 1969. After merging with the Virginia High School League all of the VIA records are now stored at Virginia State University. The nomination deadline is June 30 for each class. About the VIA Heritage Association Hall of Fame The VIA Heritage Association Hall of Fame (VIAHA) is organized as a means of recognizing and preserving the rich heritage and legacy of African-American (Black) high school sports and activities under the direction of the VIA from 1954-70 and promoting greater appreciation and understanding of the contributions of Blacks to the history of high school sports in the Commonwealth of Virginia.