The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame Inc. today announced the presenters for the 41st Hall of Fame Induction Banquet, to be held the evening of July 23, 2011 in the Lambeau Field Atrium. John Allen will present former fullback William Henderson, Larry Beightol will present former offensive guard Marco Rivera and Bob Harlanwill present contributor Frank Jonet.
Allen, who currently serves as the head football coach at Lock Haven (Pa.) University, is a longtime friend of Henderson dating back to their sophomore year at Thomas Dale High School in Chester, Va. Though attending different schools, the two remained friends throughout college, Henderson at the University of North Carolina and Allen at James Madison University. A third-round draft pick of the Packers in 1995, Henderson spent 12 seasons in Green Bay (1995-2006) and appeared in 188 games with 112 starts. His 188 games played were more than all but three players in team history and during his career, he helped pave the way for seven 1,000-yard rushers. Well-known for his proficiency as a receiver out of the backfield, he totaled 320 catches for 2,409 yards and 14 touchdowns. A short-yardage specialist, he also rushed for 426 yards on 112 carries and five scores.
Beightol, one of pro football's most respected offensive line coaches, oversaw the Packers' offensive linemen from 1999-2005. Under Beightol's tutelage, Rivera was selected to three Pro Bowls (2002-04) and was part of a Packers offensive line that consistently helped the team rank among the league leaders in scoring and total offense. Rivera, a sixth-round draft choice from Penn State, played nine seasons (1996-2004) in a Packers uniform, appearing in 125 games with 111 starts, including an impressive 99 in a row over the course of his final seven seasons in Green Bay.
Harlan, the Packers' chairman emeritus, retired in 2008 after 37 years with the organization, including 19 as its principal executive. Under his leadership, the team enjoyed tremendous success. Off the field, the redevelopment of Lambeau Field stands as the chief component for assuring the team's financial survival. On the field, the Packers enjoyed a resurgence under Harlan's guidance, posting the league's best overall record from 1993-2007 (152-88), and a victory in Super Bowl XXXI. Jonet(pronounced JAHN-et), a native of Tonet, Wis., was involved with the team since 1919 as office manager for the Indian Packing Company, Curly Lambeau's employer that sponsored the team with funds for uniforms and equipment. Jonet was named the team's treasurer in 1935, and then elected to the dual position of secretary-treasurer in 1941, a role in which he served until his death in 1951. Through his association, he was instrumental in helping steer the organization through challenging financial periods.
Tickets for the banquet are sold out.To be put on a waiting list, call Gwen Borga at 920/965-6984, or e-mail her at gwenb@packershalloffame.com. No refunds are available 30 days prior to the event.
The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame Inc. is a non-profit corporation independent of the Green Bay Packers that guides the Hall as a historic national sports venue and educational resource to the Green Bay community and the state of Wisconsin. The Hall raises funds through its annual induction banquet, Golf Classic and other events to develop new exhibits and expand its archives. Historic memorabilia donated by individuals to the Hall may qualify as tax-deductible gifts. For more information visit the Hall online at http://www.packershalloffame.com/. The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame Inc. Golf Classic is set for Monday, July 11, 2011, at The Bull in Sheboygan Falls, Wis. This event is also presently sold out.
Originally established in 1967 as a temporary display in the concourse of the Brown County Veterans Memorial Arena, the Hall moved into its own facility in 1976 near Lambeau Field. In 2003, it was relocated to a spectacular new, 25,000-square foot facility in the Lambeau Field Atrium. The Hall of Fame is open on non-game days from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hours may vary on game days and holidays. For more information, contact the Hall of Fame at 920/569-7512.
