2026 Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Join us for the ultimate celebration of Buffalo sports history at the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame Induction Gala September not sure,
About this Event

Meet the Class of 2026:

• John Bennett (Veteran) – Rowing coach of 4x national champions, 6x Royal Canadian Henley and 1956 Olympic four-oared crew.
• Corey Graham – Turner Carroll High School standout and 12-year NFL veteran and Super Bowl Champion.
• Al Huetter (Veteran) (Veteran) – Legendary NFL and AFL official – recognized as a top sports official in football, basketball, and track in WNY.
• Jim Huetter – Nationally recognized cyclist, respected NCAA and NBA official and NFL officiating team member.
• Sid Jamieson – Long-time men’s lacrosse coach at Bucknell and Two-time Man of the Year in college lacrosse.
• Jake Kaminski – Two-time Olympic silver medalist, and World Cup gold medalist in archery.
• Duke McGuire – Former MLB first round draft pick and long-time ambassador of baseball for the Buffalo Bisons.
• Helen Nikiel – Professional softball pitcher, and championship softball coach at Buffalo State.
• Jean Porter (Veteran) – Nine-time Roller Derby all-star and member of the Roller Derby Hall of Fame.
• Bob Rosen – Winningest high school hockey coach in New York State history and two-time NYS Coach of Year.
• Lester Rowe – Buffalo News Basketball Co-Player of Year and 4-year starter for West Virginia.
• Justin Strzelczyk (Veteran) – 9-year NFL veteran and member of the AFC Champion Pittsburgh Steelers.

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

2026 Team of Distinction
1981 ECC Lady Kats Softball Team

The GBSHOF will also announce the 2026 Dick Gallagher Award recipient and the annual monetary awards from the Amateur Sports Development Fund (ASDF) will be announced on June 3. 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