The 2021 San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame Tribute is being transformed from an in-person gala to a one-hour television special airing on WOAI News 4 San Antonio at 9 p.m. on Sept. 25 and hosted by sports anchor Don Harris. It will also be streamed via San Antonio Sports’ web site. The televised special will serve as the official induction for the class of 2020: former UTSA Athletic Director Lynn Hickey, high school and college basketball scoring great Stan E. Bonewitz, professional and Golden Glove champion boxer Mike Ayala, former San Antonio Spurs chairman and former USAA Chairman Brig. Gen. Robert McDermott, and the 1972 Trinity University Men’s Tennis team who won the NCAA Division I title. The 2019 and 2020 San Antonio Express-News Sportsmen and Sportswomen of the Year will also be recognized.
The one-hour television special will include memorable inductee moments from years past and feature several top auction items. The Hall of Fame auction is online now and open to the general public (https://www.betterunite.com/sanantoniosportshalloffame) .
“This was a difficult decision for all of us but given the current state of the COVID-19 surge and out of an abundance of caution, it was in the best interests of our inductees and supporters to transform this special evening.” said Russ Bookbinder, President & CEO, San Antonio Sports. “The silver lining is that everyone can watch these inspiring sports figures join the hall.”
Last March, the 2020 San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame Tribute was canceled due to the pandemic and was rescheduled for Sept. 25. The class of 2022 is scheduled to be announced this fall and inducted on April 23, 2022.
The Tribute traditionally attracts more than 1,000 attendees, offers more than $500,000 worth of auction items, and serves as San Antonio Sports’ largest annual fundraiser. Proceeds from the San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame Tribute benefit San Antonio Sports’ kids programs. The San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame is a partnership between San Antonio Sports, the City of San Antonio, and San Antonio Express-News.