The day began with the annual Induction Day Golf Tournament at Bide-A-Wee Golf Course, where members, Hall of Famers, and guests were given the opportunity to relax and enjoy a round of golf. Following the tournament, the golfers gathered in the clubhouse for the award luncheon and raffle sponsored by Towne Bank. Special thanks to the volunteers and all those who made this event possible.

The press and local fans got their turn to meet the Class of 2004 at the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum for the afternoon meet and greet. Over 200 sports enthusiasts were joined by several statewide media outlets in welcoming this year’s class to the Hall of Fame. Sports fans crowded the museum in hopes of getting autographs from and photos with this year’s inductees.

Later in the evening, the Hall of Fame held its induction banquet and ceremony. Beginning with a reception sponsored by Bank of America, guests mingled on the Renaissance Portsmouth Hotel’s outdoor patio and admired the new display cases in the main hall.

Executive Director Eddie Webb opened the ceremonies with an introduction of the more than twenty Hall of Famers in attendance. Past inductees included Benita Fitzgerald-Mosley, Jim Coates, Dr. Pete Bennett, Laura Mapp, Ace Parker, and Syd Thrift.

The Portsmouth Sheriff’s Office Color Guard presented the colors immediately following the introduction of the Hall of Famers. Father Edward L. Richardson of the U.S. Navy gave the invocation, while Tony Zontini of the Judeo Christian Outreach Center sang the national anthem.

Hampton Roads’ WAVY TV-10 Sports Director, Bruce Rader, served as Master of Ceremonies once again. His thoughtful comments following each of the newest inductees’ speeches, which were light-hearted and oftentimes touching, made for an enjoyable evening.