Congratulations to the 2023 Inductees!

Cox proudly supports the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame and its commitment to building leadership, values and character through sports.

We are honored to help celebrate the outstanding achievements of Southern Nevada athletes and coaches.

Now serving in my first year as Chairman of the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame, it is a sincere honor to welcome you to tonight’s event as we gather to honor another outstanding class of inductees.

Since our first ceremony in 1997, the SNSHF has grown into a treasured annual event to highlight the accomplishments of the best of the best our community has produced in the world of sports. That foundational goal has been matched hand-inhand by a drive to enhance our youth through participation in athletics, accomplished by providing financial support to valued organizations throughout the Valley.

At our core, our organizers and partners continue to answer the question of “Where would you be without sports in your life?” It’s a self-examination that becomes increasingly relevant as our great city rapidly solidifies its place as the Entertainment & Sports Capital of the World. Indeed, whether it’s last season’s WNBA championship parade, the new Formula 1 race in November or Super Bowl

LVIII next February -- the planet’s greatest events continue to make their home in our very own city. In Southern Nevada, sport not only helps mold us as individuals, but also increasingly elevates our entire community. Truly, sports help put the Fabulous in Fabulous Las Vegas!

We are blessed to have not only a wonderful venue for tonight’s ceremony but also with a permanent home to showcase our Hall of Famers and I want to thank our donors and supporters who helped make it all possible here at Dollar Loan Center. I also want to sincerely thank the members of our Executive Committee and Board of Trustees of the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame, all of whom are dedicated to advancing this organization and its valuable mission. Their hard work and support throughout the year have brought us to this point – the highly anticipated induction of the Class of 2023.

Announced in December at Allegiant Stadium –fittingly just before kickoff of the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl – this prestigious class will bring our Hall of Fame to 122 members. The diverse list of six inductees includes longtime Las Vegan and Olympic Gold Medalist in BMX racing Connor Fields; the late governor, educator and UNLV president Kenny Guinn; former pro baseball player and longtime Rebel Baseball assistant coach Kevin Higgins; one of the game’s most respected teachers and former Runnin’ Rebel head coach Lon Kruger; former UNLV player and one of the most successful girls’ high school basketball coaches in the nation Karen Weitz; and a beloved venue that went a long way in ushering in the Southern Nevada modern sports scene when it opened in 1996, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. We are truly grateful for the indelible mark that our honorees have made on our community and thankful for your attendance for tonight’s celebration of their accomplishments.

Here’s to another great year of sports!

Sincerely,

John Saccenti Chairman

As the Executive Director of the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame, I would like to thank you for attending our 24th Induction Ceremony. We believe that this year’s class – including Connor Fields, Kenny Guinn, Kevin Higgins, Lon Kruger, Karen Weitz and Las Vegas Motor Speedway – epitomizes what it means to have made an impact in Southern Nevada Sports.

I would personally like to thank all of our attendees and guests tonight; as well as our partners who continue supporting the mission of the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame. I would especially like to thank Cliff Findlay and the Findlay Automotive Group. You continue to be a driving force in our organization, and with the leadership and foresight of the late Rich Abajian – the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame continues to look toward the future. It is our honor to continue pursuing Rich’s vision of creating an organization that honors all of the men and women that we induct year after year.

Over the past 25 years, the SNSHF has awarded more than 80 scholarships to Clark County students. These recipients have set a standard among their peers by being athletes, leaders on the field and in the classroom, while also maintaining outstanding GPA’s. They have also actively worked in our communities to serve those in need.

This year, seven graduating seniors are recipients. They are Marcus Young (David Humm Scholarship Award for Courage); Daphne Egelhoff, Logan Frazier-Smith, Joanne Lee, Georgia Vigo and Marley Spielberg (Rich Abajian Leadership Scholarships) and Cassandra Whitman (Simon Keith Heart of a Champion Award).

To the 2023 Class of Inductees, as you remember this evening with your friends and family, know that we are all in awe and astonishment of all of your amazing achievements. You are who the next generation of Southern Nevadans are looking up to for guidance, mentorship, and wisdom. Thank you for being outstanding examples of athletes, community leaders and mentors. Tonight is your night - thank you for sharing it with us.

As you will see here tonight, Las Vegas has a long list of individuals and organizations who have made an impact in Southern Nevada through sports. I ask that each and everyone of you continue doing your part to grow our sports community while remaining tethered to the roots of our hometown. We are loyal and we are committed to one another. Lest not forget our history and move forward into the future with strong leadership, high moral character, and unwavering values.

In closing, thank you for your continued support of the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame.

The 49 men and women that serve on our Board of Trustees are proud of our community and will stay committed to making it even greater in the future.

Sincerely,

Jim Lambright Executive Director