The Elevator: Nevada Sports Hall of Fame edition

By Brian Hilderbrand (contact)

Saturday, May 31, 2008 | 2 a.m.

Rich Abajian

Fred Dallimore

Larry Johnson

Mel Larson

Wendy Macpherson

A special Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame edition of the Elevator, in honor of the five inductees in the diverse class of 2008. Including the members of this year’s class, who will be inducted Friday night, 55 individuals and teams are enshrined in the local hall. The Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame was established in 1997 and is in the Findlay Automotive Store in the Galleria Mall in Henderson.

GOING UP

Rich Abajian

A two-year starter for the Nevada-Reno football team in the 1970s and an assistant coach under Tony Knap at UNLV from 1978 to 1981, Abajian also has been responsible for raising millions of dollars in contributions for local charities and youth sports programs.

Fred Dallimore

One of the most popular coaches in UNLV history, Dallimore guided the Rebels baseball team to 794 wins during his 23-year career. One of only two UNLV coaches to have his jersey retired (Jerry Tarkanian is the other), Dallimore’s teams averaged 34.5 victories per season.

Larry Johnson

A member of UNLV’s 1990 NCAA championship basketball team, Johnson was the first overall pick in the NBA Draft the following year and was the NBA’s Rookie of the Year in 1991-92. In addition to having a successful 10-year pro career, Johnson was one of the captains of the U.S. gold-medal-winning basketball team in the 1994 World Championship.

Mel Larson

Along with participating in virtually every form of motor sports from NASCAR to off-road racing, Larson excelled in promotions, public relations and business in Southern Nevada. Larson was instrumental in helping Bill Bennett, Ralph Engelstad and Richie Clyne design and build Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Wendy Macpherson

During her 21-year professional career, Macpherson has won 20 professional titles, including five majors, and holds the distinction of being the youngest bowler to win the U.S. Open (in 1986 at age 18) and the only woman to win the prestigious United States Bowling Congress Open (in 2006).

IF YOU GO

What: Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame induction dinner

When: Friday

Where: Orleans Arena

Times: 6 p.m. (cocktails and silent auction), 8 p.m. (dinner and ceremony)

Admission: $200

On the Web: www.snshf.com

Discussion: 3 comments so far…

By kissmeok

5/31/08 at 9:48 p.m.

Comment removed by staff.
By true_rebel_fan

6/1/08 at 8:15 a.m.

Suggest removal

WE CARE. the community cares and is excited to recognize people for their accomplishments. Just like we are happy that you found your "soul" mate. So, why don't you and your "soul" mate step up and support our community? Or, are you just a leach-like transplant? If that's the case, the economy is bad, so please go back home.
By Bigbillstar

1/1/09 at 10:56 p.m.

Suggest removal

In nineteen seventy two I was a young Viet-Nam vet stationed at Nellis AFB. My home was in Phoenix and my father was very ill. I had only been back from the war a short time and needed to spend more time with my dad then I had leave to accomidate. So I decided to hitch hike home to see him on weekends. On my first attempt I was standing outside a hotel with my thumb out when a beautiful cady pulled up and some one told me to get in. The driver not only got me to Phoenix but comitted to get me there and back every time he and I were going on the same week end. He was true to his word and I have never forgotten his act of kindness to me at a time when the rest of the world was less than friendly to viet nam vets. The drivers name was Mel Larson and I have never forgotten what a class act he was and obviously still is. If you see him tell him I am still greatfull for the time he gave me with my father.