Celebrating 35 Years

6 to be virtually inducted into Hammond Sports Hall of Fame March 9, 2021

HAMMOND, Ind. – The Hammond Sports Hall of Fame celebrates it's 2021 induction virtually this year, honoring six individuals from the city’s storied athletic past, Tuesday, March 9, 2021.

Members of this year’s 35th annual Hall of Fame induction class are:

Mike Coles, late 1990s/early 2000s Hammond High multi-sport athlete and Purdue University baseball player;

Robert Haack, 1960s Gavit High and Western New Mexico University athlete and longtime, distinguished high school basketball coach;

Trent Howard, 2000s Clark High, Central Michigan University and professional baseball pitcher;

John Novalich, 1930s Hammond High multi-sport and semi-pro/professional athlete;

Larry O’Bannon, 1960s Hammond High basketball player;

David Pierce, 1990s Morton multi-sports athlete/Purdue wrestler.

Haack, Novalich and O’Bannon are being inducted posthumously.

The continuing, COVID pandemic environment prompted the decision this year to forego a traditional, on-site after-dinner induction at the Hammond Civic Center for a virtual event.

A pre-recorded induction program may be viewed via YouTube and on the Hammond Sports Hall of Fame web site – www.hammondsportshalloffame.com – beginning at 7 p.m. (March 9, 2021.) The program will remain available for viewing thereafter. The School City of Hammond Area Career Center’s multimedia broadcast class is providing production assistance.

Download the 2021 program booklet here.