Muhammad Ali, Hank Aaron honored in art exhibit at Louisville Slugger Museum

WDRB 41 Louisville News

LOUISVILLE, (WDRB) -- There's no denying the fact that Muhammad Ali and Hank Aaron are a dynamic duo that changed their respective sports.

Although towering giants in vastly different fields -- boxing and baseball -- Ali and Aaron both also played a pivotal role in the fight for civil rights. Now they are being celebrated together at the Louisville Slugger Museum. On Tuesday an original art installation called "Ali and Aaron: United in the Fight" was unveiled.

The interactive piece is 10-feet tall and 30-feet wide.

"What they did -- you can really tell they are phenomena in sports -- but it's what they did outside the ring that counts then and still counts," said artist Victor Sweatt.

Other figures included in the exhibit are victims of the 1963 Alabama church bombing, Louisville activist Anne Braden and U.S. Representative John Lewis.

Courtesy of WDRB News.

How Dr. Eric Heiden earned place among America's greatest athletes

Photo: AP Photo/File

When entering Heiden Orthopedics in Park City, Utah, some patients are unaware of all that the facility's namesake has achieved, or even his most famous feat. Then again, it's been 37 years since the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics, there are not many photos of him in the clinic, and Dr. Eric Heiden has never been the sort to brag.

"You would never know what Eric's accomplished unless someone tells you because he would never bring it up," four-time Olympic speedskater KC Boutiette said. "Then when most people find out, he's a little uncomfortable and just says, 'Yup, yeah, uh-huh, that was me, it was pretty cool.' But that's the kind of guy Heiden is."

Thus, if they are going to learn of his past, it often will be via friends or internet searches.

"I will have a patient I will see and take care of them and have a planned treatment and I will say, 'Come back after six weeks and we'll start with this,'" Heiden said. "And six weeks later they will be back and say, 'Hey! I looked you up!' Or, 'I told my friends I was seeing so and so, and they [told me about you]. I did not know you won five gold medals in the Olympics.'"

With the speedskating competition at the 2018 Winter Games in Pyeongchang starting one year from Friday, it's a good time to spread the word about Heiden's amazing legacy -- as an Olympian and beyond.

Heiden became arguably the greatest athlete in Winter Olympics history -- Michael Phelps on ice, if you will -- with his staggering performance in speedskating in Lake Placid. He remains the only Winter Olympian to have claimed five gold medals in a single Games, winning each of his sport's five events in Olympic-record times, including a world record in the 10,000 meters.

"It took me three Olympics to do what he did in one week," said American icon Bonnie Blair, who won five speedskating gold medals during the 1988, 1992 and 1994 Olympics. "He was a man before his time. He is, to me, still the greatest."

And not just in skating. As incredible as those five medals are, Heiden accomplished so much more that he should be considered among the greatest and most important athletes in American history.

After retiring from speedskating after the 1980 Olympics, Heiden briefly played hockey in Norway. Then he went into cycling, winning a U.S. road championship and competing in the Tour de France. And then he earned a medical degree at Stanford, becoming an orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee and shoulder injuries. He was the team physician for the Sacramento Kings for years and works with the U.S. speedskating and cycling teams.

A five-time gold medalist. A hockey player. A Tour de France rider and United States Bicycling Hall of Famer. A doctor who has provided treatment for athletes ranging from Olympians to Chris Webber. Match that, Phelps. Or Usain Bolt. Or Carl Lewis. Or, well, just about anyone.

As Jim Ochowicz said: "There is a lot there with Eric Heiden."

Ochowicz, president of the BMC Racing cycling team and a former cyclist and speedskater himself, has known Heiden for decades, having managed him in both cycling and skating.

Photo: AP Photo/George Widman

"He's a gifted athlete who could have chosen any number of sports and probably been equally successful as he was in speedskating and then in cycling," Ochowicz said. "He's got a very strong character along with that great talent and a great work ethic. I know he never missed a workout.

"Along with that strong will and great dedication, you really have to have to think of Eric as a fun guy to be around and with a sense of humor. And someone who really embraces the group he's with and brings them to a higher level."

So what does Heiden say of his many achievements when they are brought up to him in person?

"Yeah, I've had a good life. Can't complain," he said. "I've been lucky, and I think I appreciate it, too. When I look back, I keep pinching myself and saying, 'I've had some great opportunities, and I think I've made some wise decisions.'"

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HEIDEN GREW UP in Madison, Wisconsin, which is infamous for its sub-zero winters, playing many sports, including soccer and tennis. But he was best on the ice, learning to skate and play hockey on the frozen lake by his grandparents' home. He actually started out as a figure skater, but he wasn't as interested in the sport's jumps and twists as in just skating around the rink. So he went into speedskating.

With his natural ability and the superb instruction of coach Dianne Holum, Heiden first made the U.S. Olympic team at just 17 years old in 1976. His best finish at the Innsbruck Games was seventh, but he quickly advanced to the top of his sport, winning the world all-around championship each of the next three years.

"I was physically gifted," Heiden said, "and I had the ability to mentally push myself to the limit. ... Because if you're racing the clock, it comes down to suffering. The guy who's going to win is the guy who suffers the most."

Suffering? As part of his intense training, Heiden would hold 300-pound weights and do 300 knee squats. After taking a 20-minute or so break he would do another 300 squats. His thighs were a massive 29 inches around, nearly matching his 32-inch waistline.

Heiden's best times fall well short of today's records, but that's due to changes in the sport. In his era, speedskating usually was on outside rinks in all kinds of weather, using fixed skates rather than today's more efficient clap skates. "I don't know if the skaters today quite understand the significance of what Eric did back in his day because most skaters don't or will not ever skate outside or deal with the elements of wind, snow or rain," Boutiette said.

So what Heiden accomplished at the 1980 Olympics at age 21 remains extraordinary. He won the 500. And the 1,000. And the 1,500. And the 5,000. And then the 10,000.

Add his younger sister Beth's speedskating bronze medal in the 3,000 meters, and the Heiden family accounted for half of America's 12 medals at the third Winter Games contested on U.S. soil. Eric was the only American to win individual gold at in Lake Placid, and if he had competed as his own country, the Republic of Heiden would have placed third among all nations in victories.

"I couldn't have skated much better," Heiden said, adding later with a laugh, "I kicked everybody's ass."

Nonetheless, what most people know best from those Games is the Miracle on Ice U.S. hockey team. Even Heiden says his fondest memories from Lake Placid are watching the Americans beat the Soviets and go on to win the gold medal. After all, hockey was his favorite sport and he had played with U.S. team members Mark Johnson and Bob Suter while growing up in Madison.

Heiden attended the game against the Russians and was so amped by the U.S. victory that it took a long time to get to sleep that night. That was a problem, because he had to skate the 10,000 the next morning. Heiden always made certain to be at the rink two hours before a race. That day he overslept and was awakened around 90 minutes before his race. He rushed out, ate some toast, arrived at the rink -- and broke the world record by 6.2 seconds.

"As a younger skater, I kind of thought it was pretty cool what he did at Lake Placid," Blair said. "But as I started training and did more, it became much more amazing. That's when I really got it. What he did will never be done again."

And probably not what he did afterward, either.

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Photo: AFP/Getty Images

HAVING ACCOMPLISHED virtually everything he could in speedskating, Heiden retired from the sport soon after Lake Placid and concentrated on his other goals. He went to Oslo to play part of the season with the Manglerud Star hockey team -- "I just wanted to get that out of my system" -- and then went into cycling.

Cycling had long been a part of Heiden's offseason cross-training program for skating. He also was very good at it. He was a key member of the 7-Eleven cycling team when it started in 1981, raced in the 1985 Giro d'Italia and won the 1985 U.S. road championship. Unfortunately, he suffered a terrible crash in the 1986 Tour de France on a Stage 18 descent when he shot through a 180-degree blind turn.

““He apparently had a concussion, but when we showed up in the car, he was already up and going and didn’t want to stop. We had to make him stop and spend the night in a hospital.””

— Max Testa, 7-Eleven cycling team doctor, describing Eric Heiden's reaction to a 1986 Tour de France crash

"I hit a guardrail going probably 40 mph. Ka-boom!" he said. "And I go off a 30-foot embankment and land at the bottom of it. Ka-bam!"

Heiden suffered a concussion but still got back on the bike and was determined to finish the race until Ochowicz and team doctor Max Testa stopped him.

"He apparently had a concussion, but when we showed up in the car, he was already up and going and didn't want to stop," Testa said. "We had to make him stop and spend the night in a hospital. But until the last minute, he didn't want to stop. He was zigzagging on the bike. He wanted to make it to Paris. It was really hard to stop him."

After Heiden crashed again in the Tour of Colorado, he left cycling and focused on his medical career. He went into orthopedics to follow the footsteps of his father and because of the athletic connection. "I realized that orthopedics was a good profession to get into because you can still stay involved in sports," he said.

Indeed. During summer breaks from medical school, Heiden worked with Testa at the Tour de France. Testa says Heiden helped him a lot during the Tour -- "He knew the riders and he could see things they couldn't see" -- and also afterward when they partnered together for a number of years. Said Testa: "He helped me be a better doctor."

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WITH HIS GOOD HUMOR, friendly manner and surgical skills, Heiden is a bit like Dr. Aaron Conners, the Bill Hader character who treats LeBron James and Amar'e Stoudemire in the movie "Trainwreck." Except Dr. Conners never won a gold medal or rode in the Tour de France.

The Heiden Orthopedics website shows a photo of Eric wearing surgical garb while posed with a bicycle (but no skates). Now age 58, with graying hair and much thinner thighs, Heiden is still in great shape. He says he doesn't run anymore because of knee issues, but he still skates occasionally and bikes often. He enjoys cycling and knows pedaling is good for the joints.

After being based in Sacramento, where he worked with the Kings as well as UC Davis athletics, Heiden now works out of his clinic in Park City with several orthopedic doctors, including his wife, Karen.

"He's a very dedicated surgeon who works long hours and really cares about his patients," Testa said. "I still haven't found a weak side in him."

Heiden is so regarded for his background and sports medicine knowledge that he was the opening keynote speaker at the 2016 Sports Biometrics Conference in San Francisco.

"Eric has a special approach to the patients' needs," Testa said. "And I think that comes from his experience as an athlete. He really tries everything nonsurgical until it's proven that it's not working. That makes him really unique. I tell patients when they're facing two surgeons and one recommends surgery and one doesn't recommend surgery, I say, 'Go see Eric Heiden.'"

While he might not push patients recovering from ACL surgery to do 300 squats with a 300-pound weight, Heiden says that his sports career provides him with a broad picture when dealing with injured athletes.

"They appreciate the fact you've been around sports and I've been successful at it," he said. "So as a consequence, they have a lot of confidence in your abilities and how you're taking care of them."

Heiden says his approach to surgery has similarities to what it was in speedskating. As a skater, he would completely visualize a race from beginning to end, going over every step of a race and imagining almost every second in his mind, including taking off his bodysuit. He will do the same before a surgery, spending the previous night visualizing the procedure "from A to Z or step 1 to 100."

"Sport has taught me a lot," Heiden said. "It's taught me a lot about how to treat patients, really understanding the stresses of being an athlete and the issues they are dealing with."

Among those issues are ulnar collateral ligament injuries in the elbows of young pitchers that require Tommy John surgery. Baseball was not a sport he followed much while growing up, but he has gotten more into the game because his teenage son Connor is a promising ballplayer at the youth level who played in the USA Baseball National Team Identification Series (he also snowboards).

Based on his father's record, Connor very well could become a big leaguer who wins five World Series rings, though each July he would face the difficult choice between playing in the All-Star Game or riding the Tour de France. But if he suffers an arm or knee injury, well, there definitely is someone he knows who can treat it.

Regardless, hopefully many more people will know who that person is and just how much Dr. Eric Heiden has accomplished.

Story by Jim Caple, courtesy of ESPN.com

Two Rivers Lombardi Walk raises more than $12K for cancer care

TWO RIVERS - More than 100 walkers raised more than $12,500 for cancer care at the second annual Lombardi Walk to Tackle Cancer on Saturday at Neshotah Beach in Two Rivers.

All of the money raised will support survivorship care, integrative and holistic therapy options in the Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic at Aurora Cancer Care.

“Cancer has affected everyone in some way — our friends, neighbors and loved ones. It’s personal," said Rachel Rupnik, fundraising officer with Aurora Health Care Foundation. "That’s why we are so excited to partner with the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation and help enhance the programs that will be offered at the Vince Lombardi Cancer Center right in our community.”

This year, Aurora Health Care and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation expanded their Lombardi Walks to Tackle Cancer to include 10 locations across eastern Wisconsin, including the July 22 Walk/Run at Festa Italiana in Milwaukee.

All Lombardi Walks support local Aurora Cancer Care programs, services and cancer research in the communities in which they were raised. Funds raised also will receive a 50 percent match by the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation.

In addition to the walk, the event offered information about cancer prevention and included family-friendly activities.

Learn more at LombardiWalk.org or call 920-794-5284.

Courtesy of Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter.

Andy North and friends have fun, raise $1 million for Carbone Cancer Center

Photo: John Maniaci

Madison, Wis. – Professional golfer Andy North and his friends raised more than $1 million for the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center at a dinner and golf tournament this week.

The figure includes money raised at an event at Wisconsin Aviation Sunday night by auctioning off items such as a trip to golf as North’s amateur partner in the Smith-Cole Invitational at Cherry Hills, the golf course near Denver where North won his first U.S. Open in 1978.

Over the past nine years, North and friends have raised more than $9 million for the cancer center. Two-time U.S. Open champion Andy North is an analyst for ESPN. He’s also a survivor of skin cancer and prostate cancer, and committed to supporting the work of the UW Carbone Cancer Center, where he received treatment.

Dr. Howard Bailey, director of the UW Carbone Cancer Center, said the support from Andy North has been invaluable to move research from Carbone labs to the patients who need it.

“This event provides seed funding for cancer research projects that lead to much larger projects,’’ Bailey says. “When times are tough for federal funding, they often won’t even consider a project unless you show the likelihood of success through a pilot study. So a $100,000 gift here can lead to a $2 million federal grant, and more quickly move cancer discoveries to patients who are suffering with cancer, not just here, but around the state of Wisconsin.”

A direct example, Bailey said, is that money from the North event helped Carbone researchers Dr. Ryan Mattison and Dr. Robert Jeraj launch a national clinical trial to use imaging to test whether novel clinical imaging could replace painful bone marrow to check on the status of leukemia.

Golfers who participated at the ninth annual Andy North and Friends at Maple Bluff Country Club Monday included Green Bay Packer quarterback Aaron Rodgers; Charlotte Hornet Frank Kaminsky; Golf Channel announcer Terry Gannon; Golf Channel personality Billy Kratzert; LPGA golfers Judy Rankin and Sherri Steinhauer; Olympic speed skaters Bonnie Blair and Dan Jansen; and ESPN and ABC announcer Sean McDonough.

Photo: John Maniaci

Other former Badger athletes included basketball players Greg Stiemsma, Joe Krabbenhoft, Kirk Penny and Ben Brust, and hockey players Blake Geoffrion, Mark Osiecki.

The Andy North and Friends event has helped support UW Carbone pilot research projects on topics ranging from a novel therapeutic for head and neck cancer, a prostate-cancer vaccine and a study of follow-up care for breast cancer patients, among others.

Story courtesy of UWHealth.org.

Photos by John Maniaci, full gallery available at http://news.wisc.edu/photo-gallery-andy-north-and-friends-have-fun-raise-1-million-for-carbone-cancer-center/.

Wisconsin governor makes June 4 Jerry Kramer Day

Jerry Kramer continues to rack up accolades despite not being in Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Jerry Kramer is still waiting to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. But in the meantime, Kramer continues to earn accolades for what he was able to accomplish with the Green Bay Packers in the 1960s.

On Sunday, Wisconsin governor Scott Walker did something special for Kramer as he made June 4 "Jerry Kramer Day." Here's a look at the proclamation signed by Governor Walker.

#News @949WOLX: It is #Packers great #JerryKramer Day in #Wisconsin! Congrats to 64, now this is next: @JerryKramer4HOF! Let's do this...!💚💛 pic.twitter.com/B1OAcXgkzK

— Teri Barr (@TeriBarrMedia) June 4, 2017

Kramer, 81, went to the Pro Bowl three-times, was named to the All-Pro team six times and was named to the 1960s All-Decade Team. He is considered by many as the best player not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The only way Kramer can get into the Hall of Fame now is by the senior committee and they will decide their Hall of Fame finalists for the Class of 2018 in August.

Story by Brian Jones, courtesy of http://gnb.247sports.com.

Donald Driver Charity Softball Game Returns One Last Time!

Green Bay Packers All-Time Leading Receiver and Super Bowl Champion Donald Driver is going into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame this year and one of the ways he will say, “thank you” to fans for the memories, is by holding a charity softball game at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium on Sunday, August 13, 2017.  Game time is 1:05pm.

“When I first retired from the Green Bay Packers, I talked about touring the state of Wisconsin saying ‘thank you’ to fans for the incredible love and support during my career. This softball game holds a special place in my heart and I am excited to thank fans for all of their love and support while also raising money for charity,” said Donald Driver.

“As I look back on my 14-year career with the Packers, and the huge part of my life that included marriage to my beautiful wife and birth of 3 amazing children, this game will be a fun time to reflect and celebrate with family, friends and fans that we have connected with over nearly 20 years,” Donald added. The game will raise money for the Donald Driver Foundation.  The mission of the Donald Driver Foundation is to display Strong Hands, Strong Minds, and Loving Hearts to serve as a hand up, not a

The game will raise money for the Donald Driver Foundation.  The mission of the Donald Driver Foundation is to display Strong Hands, Strong Minds, and Loving Hearts to serve as a hand up, not a handout.

Donald and Peta Murgatroyd, who won a Mirror Ball Trophy with Donald as her dance partner on Dancing with the Stars, will each draft a team of All-Stars to compete in the softball game. Green Bay Packers Legends, NFL Legends, celebrities, media personalities, Betina Driver and other surprise guests will participate in the game. Specific players will be confirmed in future media releases.

Tickets for the softball game are $40 for a front row box seat, $30 for a standard box seat, $20 for a reserved bleacher seat, and $10 for a general admission grass seat.  There are also a limited number of patio tables – which seat four – available at $200. The patio tables will include one autographed item signed by Donald Driver.

There are 69 All-You-Can-Eat seats available for this game for $80 per seat.  This ticket includes admission to the game, an all-you-can-eat picnic for 90 minutes, and two beverages (beer, soda, or water).Fans may begin to purchase tickets for the Donald Driver Game at 10am on Wednesday, March 22. If you have already purchased tickets to the Jordy Nelson Charity Softball Game, there is an opportunity to purchase tickets for the Donald Driver Charity Softball Game before the general public starting at 10am on Wednesday, March 15. Online purchasers of tickets to the Jordy Nelson game will be emailed a code to allow access to the presale. If you bought Jordy Nelson tickets in person or over the phone, please contact the Timber Rattlers Ticket Office between March 15 and March 21 to order.

Tickets to the Donald Driver Charity Softball Game are available in one of the following ways:  Over the phone at 800-WI-TIMBER or (920) 733-4152; in person at the Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium Box Office; or through the internet at www.timberrattlers.com.

“Immortalized in Bronze:” Man writes book about WI sports legends inducted into Athletic Hall of Fame

MILWAUKEE -- Some of the greatest athletes in American history have connections to Wisconsin. Now, those standouts are being recognized -- for being recognized.

The physical future of sports in downtown Milwaukee is growing brighter by the day, but that doesn't completely overshadow the past. Just down 4th Street from the new Milwaukee Bucks arena sits the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame, with plaques honoring the inductees.

"This whole group of plaques were part of a 14-person induction class in 1951. This was a brand new place, the Milwaukee Arena, in 1951. In fact, some of my research says the state-of-the-art Milwaukee Arena," Gregg Hoffmann, author said.

Gregg Hoffmann

State-of-the-art is indeed a relative term. The members of the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame were the best of the best, and their contributions stand the test of time. Donald Driver is a recent inductee, and Paul Molitor an earlier inductee. Those players excelled while playing in Wisconsin. Ginger Beaumont, a much earlier inductee, was a state native.

"He was the first batter in World Series history. He made an out, but by doing so, created history. The family that I can speak closest to from these old-timers, because even I'm not old enough to have seen them play, is Ginger's family and I can tell you that it meant a great deal to them," Hoffmann said.

Hoffmann is a champion of inductees like Beaumont, and he is telling their stories in a new book "Immortalized in Bronze."

"In the book, I do have the greats in there. You have to have that, but I tried to concentrate on people that I thought if I don't get the stories down, this might very well be all that people know about them. Luckily, on many of these folks, I had more information and was able to get that into the book," Hoffmann said.

The subtitle of the book is "Stories about Wisconsin's Sports Legends," and this state really does have quite a few of those.

"I started as a fan, as a kid, and then have written about Wisconsin sports for over 40 years. You know, it's a small state, so I think they have a closer pact -- a closer bond with their teams. It means a lot," Hoffmann said.

It will continue to mean a lot when the latest state-of-the-art facility is finished. Those who are immortalized in bronze have laid quite a foundation.

Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame

Hoffmann's book is generating positive early reviews. It's available at select local bookstores and online through the Wisconsin Athletics Hall of Fame.

Story by Tim Van Vooren, courtesy of Fox 6 News.

Historic Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Announces “4 Kids” Partnership with Special Olympics Wisconsin, MACC Fund and Make-A-Wish Wisconsin

The historic Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame today announced the creation of the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame 4 Kids with three important Wisconsin causes; Special Olympics Wisconsin, the MACC Fund, and Make-A-Wish Wisconsin. This charitable partnership will allow attendees of the 66th Anniversary Induction Ceremony on April 29th the opportunity of donating 50% of their ticket cost to one of these three charities. Funds raised will help Special Olympics field games for intellectually disabled athletes, assist the MACC Fund in its fight against childhood cancer and related blood disorder research, and aid in Make-A-Wish in granting the wishes of seriously ill children.

Starting today, 50% of ticket sales will be donated to these amazing charities with anyone purchasing tickets using the corresponding promo codes through Ticketmaster. Using the promo code “SOWI” will benefit Special Olympics Wisconsin, “MACC” will benefit the MACC Fund, and “MAW” will benefit Make-A-Wish Wisconsin. The 66th Anniversary induction will honor Wisconsin Badgers Heisman Trophy winner Ron Dayne, LPGA Legend Sherri Steinhauer and Green Bay Packers Super Bowl Champion Charles Woodson as they join 137 of the state’s greatest athletic icons such as Vince Lombardi, Hank Aaron, Oscar Robertson, Barry Alvarez, Al McGuire, Bud Selig, Junior Bridgeman, Herb Kohl, Bart Starr, Bob Harlan, Robin Yount, Bonnie Blair and Bob Uecker.

Dayne, Steinhauer and Woodson will be inducted on April 29th, 2017 at the historic UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena, the site of the first Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame induction event in 1951. Tickets are available for $21, $33 and $80. Tickets are on sale now at the Milwaukee Theatre Box Office, 1-800-745-3000 or online here.

The Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame is maintained through the support of community partners Associated Bank, the Official Bank of the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame, Hupy & Abraham, Goodwill Industries, West Bend Insurance, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Bronze plaques located on 4th Street in Milwaukee’s downtown sports and entertainment district, contains bronze plaques commemorating the 137 members of the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame. This iconic, historic Hall of Fame is free and open to the public 365 days a year.

Historic Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Announces Donald Driver as Emcee for 66th Anniversary Induction Event

The historic Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame today announced that 2016 Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame inductee Donald Driver will serve as Emcee of the 66^th Anniversary Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Induction on April 29, 2017. Donald Driver is a Super Bowl Champion, and he has played in 205 games over his 14-year career with the Green Bay Packers, second in franchise history. As the Green Bay Packers’ all-time leading receiver, Driver is well-known as one of the most beloved athletes to ever play in Wisconsin, and he continues to show his commitment to bettering the lives of families in need through the Donald Driver Foundation and its work with various charities throughout the state. Wisconsin Badgers Heisman Trophy winner Ron Dayne, LPGA Legend Sherri Steinhauer and Green Bay Packers Super Bowl Champion Charles Woodson will join 137 of the state’s greatest athletic icons such as Vince Lombardi, Hank Aaron, Oscar Robertson, Barry Alvarez, Al McGuire, Bud Selig, Junior Bridgeman, Herb Kohl, Bart Starr, Bob Harlan, Robin Yount, Bonnie Blair and Bob Uecker.

Dayne, Steinhauer and Woodson will be inducted on April 29th, 2017 at the historic UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena, the site of the first Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame induction event in 1951. Tickets are available for $21, $33 and $80. Tickets are on sale now at the Milwaukee Theatre Box Office, 1-800-745-3000 or online here.

Ron Dayne is considered one of the greatest football players in Wisconsin Badger history, winning the school’s second Heisman Trophy in 1999 when he led the country in both rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. As a four-year starter for the Badgers, Dayne finished his college career as the NCAA’s all-time leader in rushing yards and led his teams to back-to-back Rose Bowl victories, earning the honor of Rose Bowl MVP both times. A three-time All-Big Ten selection and a consensus All-American, Dayne had his number retired at Camp Randall Stadium in 2007. He was also selected 11th overall in the 2000 NFL Draft and played seven seasons with the New York Giants, Denver Broncos, and Houston Texans. Already a member of both the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame, Ron Dayne is more than worthy of taking his rightful place in the historic Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame.

LPGA Legend Sherri Steinhauer is one of the greatest golfers of all-time from the state of Wisconsin. During her career on the LPGA Tour, she won eight tour events, including two major victories at the Women’s British Open in 1998 and 2006. Throughout her career, she posted 78 top ten finishes and served on the LPGA Player Director Board for the 2009-2011 seasons, serving as vice president for the 2009 Tour season. Steinhauer's success began well before her professional career started, as prior to officially joining the LPGA Tour, she had three consecutive wins at the Wisconsin State Junior Championship from 1978-1980. Already a member of the Wisconsin State Golf Association Hall of Fame, Sherri Steinhauer has proven to be a prime example of excellence in Wisconsin athletics.

Super Bowl Champion Charles Woodson made the most out of his seven seasons with the Green Bay Packers, putting together the best statistical stretch of his career after joining the franchise in 2006. He has scored the most defensive touchdowns in Packers history and is fifth all-time in total interceptions as a Packer. During his tenure in the Green and Gold, he was named AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2009, made four Pro Bowls, was named to the NFL’s 2000s All-Decade Team and led the league in interceptions twice. Woodson has achieved success at every level of his playing career, and his biggest accomplishment in a Packers uniform came in his role as a captain for the 2010 season that led to a championship-worthy playoff performance and a victory in Super Bowl XLV. Considered by many to be one of the greatest defensive backs of all-time, Charles Woodson’s time with the Green Bay Packers has cemented an amazing chapter in his Hall of Fame-worthy legacy.

The Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame is maintained through the support of community partners Associated Bank, the Official Bank of the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame, Hupy & Abraham, Goodwill Industries, West Bend Insurance, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Bronze plaques located on 4th Street in Milwaukee’s downtown sports and entertainment district, contains bronze plaques commemorating the 137 members of the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame. This iconic, historic Hall of Fame is free and open to the public 365 days a year.

Historic Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Offering Fans Exclusive Family Four Pack of Buy Three Get One Free Tickets to April 29 Induction Event

The historic Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame today announced the release of a buy three get one free ticket package to the Hall of Fame’s 66th anniversary induction event on April 29. This Family Four Pack is available while supplies last starting now through December 23 for all fans to have the opportunity to celebrate greatness with their friends and family by entering the promo code “FAMILY” at http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/07005151CD432D5B.

Wisconsin Badgers Heisman Trophy winner Ron Dayne, LPGA Legend Sherri Steinhauer and Green Bay Packers Super Bowl Champion Charles Woodson will join 137 of the state’s greatest athletic icons, including Bo Ryan, Donald Driver, Vince Lombardi, Hank Aaron, Oscar Robertson, Barry Alvarez, Al McGuire, and Bob Uecker. Additionally, Bud Selig will receive the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his efforts to advance athletics and improve his community in Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame is maintained through the support of community partners Associated Bank, West Bend Insurance, Goodwill Industries, Hupy & Abraham, Lammi Sports Management and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Bronze plaques located on 4th Street in Milwaukee’s downtown sports and entertainment districtcommemorate the 137 members of the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame. The iconic, historic Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame is free and open to the public 365 days a year.