31ST ANNUAL INDUCTION CEREMONY AND DINNER

Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame Hosts Gala Event Inducts Class of 2021

The Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame returned to an in-person event for the celebration of it’s 31st annual induction ceremonies. Twelve new inductees were officially enshrined into the Hall on Wednesday, October 13 at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center where more than 700 were in attendance.

The ceremonies included two additional noteworthy honors the Dick Gallagher Legacy Award and the Spotlight Team honor.

 
Wally Huckno, famed Jamestown High School Football Coach and 2005 Greater Buffalo Sport Hall of Fame inductee received the 2021 Dick Gallagher Legacy Award.

The 2021 Spotlight Team honor was presented to the 1958 UB Bulls Football Team that finished 8-1 and won Lambert Cup, however declined invitation to Tangerine Bowl when bowl committee denied two black members from competing.

2021 GBSHOF Inductees

  • John Beilein – Niagara County product with over 800 collegiate victories and two NCAA national championship appearances.
  • John Butler (deceased) – Vice-President and General Manager of the Buffalo Bills whose teams went to the playoffs in five of his eight seasons at the helm.
  • Angela Coniglio (deceased) – pioneer in girls’ sports, star goalie on boys’ ice hockey teams.
  • Deborah Dourlain – State record swimmer from Orchard Park HS, who went on to earn Division I and Division III All-American honors.
  • Gerry Gentner (deceased) – Three-time state championship softball coach at Williamsville South, whose favorite saying was, “Just Show Up”.
  • Julie Gentner Murphy – Multi-sport all-Western New Yorker from Williamsville South, who went onto become a Division III All-American field hockey star and a championship softball coach.
  • Ron Moscati – Niagara Falls product considered one of the nation’s premier sports photographers while employed at the Buffalo Courier Express and Buffalo News.
  • Mike Robitaille – Former Buffalo Bison and Buffalo Sabre and much beloved broadcaster.
  • William Russell (deceased) – Youth hockey founder, director, coach and administrator out of Bennett High School.
  • Lamar Smith – Elite sprinter out of Bennett High School, who holds the two oldest boys track records in Western New York. Was an All-American at Alabama and Buffalo State.
  • Pete Tonsoline – Multi-sport local high school coach and administrator with more than 1500 wins.
  • Kyle Williams – Six-time Pro Bowler during his 13 seasons as a defensive tackle with the Buffalo Bills.

Mission of the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame

The Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame’s is committed to honoring those who have enhanced our lives with their performances and commitment to Western New York sports, their efforts are surpassed only by the positive impressions they have left on our athletes of tomorrow.