Class of 2024 is Officially Inducted

Home 5 2024 Induction 5 Class of 2024 is Officially Inducted
Class of 2024 Induction group photo

Class of 2024 is Officially Inducted into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame

Nearly 900 people were on hand at the Buffalo Convention Center on Tuesday, November 12 as the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame inducted its 12-member class of 2024.

The evening, which featured an incredible cocktail reception, a silent auction, and a jersey raffle, celebrated the lives and career of athletes, administrators and sports communications professionals.This was the 34th class to be inducted into the Hall of Fame since its inception in 1991 and brings total membership to 400.

Meet the Class of 2024:

  • Kevin Cadle (veteran) – High school basketball star, legendary international and Olympic basketball coach, and sports broadcaster.
  • Vic Carucci – Nationally recognized reporter, with 40 plus years covering the NFL.
  • Norm Foster (veteran) – Legendary high school coach from Iroquois High School and Amherst High School.
  • Warren Gelman – Three-sport high school athlete and longtime WNY youth hockey administrator.
  • Rob Gronkowski – 4-time Super Bowl Champion and 5-time Pro Bowl selection; NFL tight end.
  • Rick Lancellotti – Minor League Baseball standout with Bisons, and premier youth baseball instructor in WNY.
  • Bridget Niland – Standout track athlete and college sports administrator.
  • Brooks Orpik – Boston College hockey standout and two-time Stanley Cup Champion.
  • Cecelie “Ces” Owens – Holder of numerous Buffalo State hoops records – founder of Goals. Integrity. Respect. Leadership. Sports. (G.I.R.L.S.) Foundation
  • Walt Stefani – Volleyball legend in WNY as player, coach and administrator.
  • Ed Van Tine (veteran) – Trailblazer, known as the “Godfather of lacrosse in Western New York.”
  • Paul Wieland (veteran) – Groundbreaking communications professional for the Buffalo Sabres.

Please note that the “veteran” designation indicates that the inductee is being honored posthumously.

Teams of Distinction

In addition to the inductee class, the St. Bonaventure men’s basketball teams from 1967-70 will be honored as the 2024 Team of Distinction at the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in November.

Amateur Sports Development Fund (ASDF)

The GBSHOF also announced its annual monetary awards from the Amateur Sports Development Fund (ASDF). The ASDF has now distributed more than $200,000 to amateur athletes, teams and organizations seeking financial assistance to foster the pursuit of a higher level of athletic achievement.

The 2024 ASDF awards represent support for hundreds of amateur athletes in neighborhoods and communities across the City of Buffalo and Erie County. This year’s recipients are:

  • Anthony Delisanti
  • Police Athletic League of Buffalo
  • St. Benedict School
  • PGA Reach WNY
  • Boys & Girls Club of Holland
  • Willie Hutch Jones Education & Sports Programs
  • WNY Special Hockey Association
  • Amherst Youth Basketball
  • Springville Little League
  • Touching Bases Softball League

Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors »