The eighth class of inductees for the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame was announced Thursday at the Sheraton Society Hill, highlighting 15 of Phillys finest sports figures.
The athletes, coaches and broadcasters recognized in this years class are Bill Bergey, Mark Howe, Jimmy Dykes, James Biz Mackey, Moses Malone, Joe McCarthy, Al Meltzer, Ted Meredith, Wilbert Montgomery, William Speedy Morris, Ed and Steve Sabol, Curt Simmons, Dawn Staley, Ora Washington and a special enshrinement for the Penn Relays.
Hall of Fame vice president Bob Cassidy introduced the inductees, who will officially enter the Hall of Fame in November.
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Our effort is really to recognize and maintain the history of Philadelphia sports, Cassidy said.
Bergey, a former Eagles linebacker for seven seasons and four-time Pro Bowl selection, said his football career was never a job for him but a fun way of life, and that as he gets older, these kinds of awards mean more to him.
There wasnt one thing I didnt love about pro football, Bergey said. It could have been 90 degrees, 90 percent humidity and 9 oclock in the morning at training camp, and if I was out there on that tiny green acre of grass, I just thought it was the greatest thing in the world.
Bergey finished by saying his only regret was losing to the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XV in 1981.
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But, the one thing I can rest on is that we beat the hell out of the Dallas Cowboys in Veterans Stadium (in the NFC Championship), Bergey said.
Morris, meanwhile, was announced into the Hall of Fame for a lifetime commitment to Philadelphia basketball at the high school and collegiate level. He was accompanied at the press conference by his wife and three of his current players at St. Josephs Prep.
Morris began his coaching career as head coach of the Roman Catholic basketball team, where he amassed a record of 347-82 and six league titles in 14 seasons. He has also coached at La Salle University and William Penn Charter.
Its an honor for me to be inducted with so many great athletes who Ive watched, Ive cheered for and Ive admired over the years, Morris said.
Howe, who was joined by his father Gordie Howe, played for 10 seasons with the Flyers, and is the current holder of nine career records for a Flyers defenseman. Last week Howe was elected into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Howe said that in the beginning of his hockey career, many people only referred to him as Gordie Howes son, and he said while he is proud of that, he feels that this award is giving him an opportunity step out of his fathers large shadow.
Whats so special about this award for myself is that Ive always been known as Gordie Howes son, and Ive very proud of that, but Philly and the Flyers have given me a chance to create my own identity, Howe said. It gave me my chance to stamp my name on my own career, and for that Ill always be grateful.