Virginia sports Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2010
Herman Moore
Whitney Hedgepeth
Alonzo Mourning
Jim Dombrowski
Dave Robbins
Larry Peccatiello
Helmut Werner
Jim Ducibella
Click here for more information about these amazing athletes
The 39th annual induction ceremony will take place on April 24, 2010, at the Renaissance Portsmouth Hotel & Waterfront Conference Center, as the crowning event of Hall of Fame Weekend. Tickets go on sale January 19, 2010.
For more information call (757) 393-8031. |
In Remembrance
Bill “Bullet” Dudley, class of 1972, died Thursday February 4th after suffering a severe stroke on Saturday morning January 30th. He was 88.
Nicknamed “Bullet Bill”, Dudley was neither exceedingly fast nor very large but he was instinctive, elusive and fearless. Those qualities translated into a legendary career at the University of Virginia, three seasons with the armed forces team, and nine seasons as a running back in the NFL. He is the only football player in the history of the sport who has won Most Valuable Player honors in collegiate, armed forces, and professional competition.
Dudley graduated from U.Va. in 1942 and was the first player selected that year in the NFL draft. He was drafted by the Pittsburg Steelers. In December ’42, he began his service in the Army Air Corps for World War II. Bill returned to the Steelers in October ’45 and led the league in rushing, punt returns, and pass interceptions. In 1946, went on to play with the Detroit Lions for three years before finishing out his career with the Washington Redskins. Bill Dudley retired from football in 1952.
In the years to follow, Dudley coached for several years on the college and professional levels. He also spent eight years in the state’s House of Delegates and was a member of U.Va.’s Board of Visitors. Bill’s football legacy lives on, an annual award to the state’s best college player is named in his honor and he is an Inductee at the College Football Hall of Fame, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and the Washington Redskins Hall of Fame. Dudley is a member of the first Inductee class at the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum and was an active Inductee for our Museum. When the Museum’s new facility opened in 2005, Bill was here to cut the ribbon on Opening Day. Before his passing, Bill was to attend a special unveiling at the Museum of our newest case, Gird Iron Greats: Virginia’s Pro Football Hall of Famers.
A memorial service is set for Sunday February 7th from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at Diuguid Funeral Home in Lynchburg. The funeral service is scheduled Monday at 11:00 am at Holy Cross Catholic Church, also in Lynchburg. |