(Omaha, Neb.) January 17, 2012- Inductees for the 2012 class of the Omaha Sports Hall of Fame were announced Tuesday, January 17, 2012. “It is an outstanding group of inductees, certainly worthy of this recognition” said Dr. Jack Lewis, Co-chair of the Omaha Sports Hall of Fame committee. The 2012 inductees are:
Lyle Bremser – For 45 seasons, from 1939 through 1983, Lyell Bremser called Husker football games for KFAB radio. His energetic delivery and his knack for turning an unforgettable phrase made him one of a kind. To many fans in the days when TV games were rare or nonexistent, Lyell Bremser was Cornhusker football.
Al Caniglia – Al Caniglia coached Omaha University football from 1960-1973 and led the team to a 74-55-5 record. He had teams in the top 25 many times, along with winning five of seven CIC titles. In 1961, he was named Coach of the Year by Rockne Club of Kansas City. In 1962, his team won the All-Sports Bowl. He produced many All-Americans, including Marlin Briscoe, Paul Blazevich, Charles McWhorter and Dom Polifrone.
Tom Jaworski – In his 39 years as Creighton Prep’s Head Football Coach, Tom Jaworski complied a record of 343-92. His 343 wins are the most in Nebraska High School history. Jaworski led Prep to the state finals 15 times winning 9 titles, also a state record.
Kelly Lindsay – A standout in three sports at Millard North High School, Lindsay led the Mustangs to state soccer title her freshman and senior years as well as being a three-time state cross Country champ and a three-time all-state pick in basketball. She had an outstanding career at the University of Notre Dame where she was a four-year starter and captain her junior and senior years. She was the WUSA’s top draft pick in 2001.
Red McManus – The Creighton Men’s head Basketball coach from 1959-1969, Creighton was 138-118 during Red’s tenure that included two trips to the NCAA tournament.
Erick Strickland – The 1992 prep athlete of the year, Erick earned all-state honors in football, basketball and baseball at Bellevue West High School. A four-year letterman at Nebraska, he was the Big eight Freshman of the Year in 1993 and was a three-time All Big-Eight defensive team selection. He played in the NBA for the Dallas mavericks, New York Knicks, Vancouver Grizzlies, Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks.
The 1982 Westside Warrior Football Team – Considered one of the most dominant football dynasties in Class A history, the 1982 Omaha Westside team capped off their second consecutive state championship season with a 34-0 win over Lincoln Northeast. The Warriors didn’t allow a single point during that playoff run and outscored their three opponents 104-0. Westside’s 24 game win streak over the 1981 and 1982 seasons is the second longest in Class A history. Led by the late Dan Young, the Warriors had 13 players from that team go on and play college football. 1982 was also Young’s last season at Westside. From there, he went on to join Tom Osborne’s coaching staff at Nebraska.
The induction ceremony and banquet for the class of 2012 will take place on Thursday, April 19, 2012 at the Scott Conference Center on the campus of the University of Nebraska Omaha. In addition to recognizing the inductees, the Omaha Sports Hall of Fame will honor Creighton Soccer standout, Ethan Findlay and Nebraska volleyball player Gina Mancuso as “Athletes of the Year”. Dave and Carol Van Metre will be recognized as the Dr. Jack Lewis Award winners for Distinguished Service to the Omaha Sports Community. The evening will also feature a tribute to the 1972 World Heavyweight Championship fight between Ron Stander and Joe Frazier held at the Omaha Civic Auditorium.
About the Omaha Sports Hall of Fame
The Omaha Sports Hall of Fame was founded in 2006 with the goal of providing a permanent place to honor individuals with strong ties to Omaha and who have achieved tremendous success through athletics. The Omaha Sports Hall of Fame honors athletes and coaches who have highly excelled on their field of play. The Hall welcomes nominations of individuals who are either originally from Omaha or have spent a significant amount of time in the community.
