Hampton Roads influence felt during 2023 Virginia Sports Hall of Fame ceremony

VIRGINIA BEACH (WTKR) — On the morning of the 2023 Virginia Sports activities Corridor of Fame induction ceremony, Ryan Zimmerman could not assist however let a smile present as he thought concerning the class he was becoming a member of.

“It is an excellent state to play sports activities in,” he stated. “I am glad to be part of it.”

A standout at Kellam and the College of Virginia, the previous Washington Nationals third baseman and eight others took their place amongst Virginia’s finest athletes, coaches, and figureheads on Saturday evening.

Of the 9 inductees, six have connections to Hampton Roads all through their careers. Deep Creek alum DeAngelo Corridor, who went on to succeed at Virginia Tech and play 14 years within the NFL, returned with loads of bragging rights for his house space.

“I hate to make use of such a easy phrase, nevertheless it’s simply so dope,” he stated. “It is dope to have performed my early years of ball right here and be taught.”

“To be nearly 40 now and obtained some perspective on issues, I am really blessed.”

A becoming evening for each Zimmerman and Corridor, who spent the prime of their professional careers taking part in in Washington D.C. throughout the identical time.

“He had an exquisite profession and he is an superior man,” Zimmerman stated. “Fairly cool to go in with him. Clearly, he is an unbelievable participant.”

“I’ve identified Zim for a long-time,” Corridor stated. “After I was up in D.C. taking part in with Washington and he was with the Nats, I might at all times convey my boys.”

Zimmerman credit his roots within the 757 for not solely serving to on the sector, the place he turned an All-American at UVA and World Sequence winner in Washington, but in addition to proceed to provide again in his private life.

“Hampton Roads, Virginia Seaside, it is the place I grew up and taught me to be the individual that I’m,” he stated.

William and Mary soccer represented all through the evening. Legendary coach Jimmye Laycock inducted whereas former middle Joe Montgomery was honored with the Distinguished Virginian Award.

Laycock spent 39 years in Williamsburg as head coach of the Tribe, successful 249 video games and making 10 FCS Playoff appearances.

“I’ve identified some individuals who have been within the Virginia Sports activities Corridor of Fame. I have been to completely different inductions through the years,” he stated. “I by no means thought sitting there listening to completely different speeches that I might be doing it however right here it’s.”

The pinnacle coach giving credit score to Montgomery, who’s gone on to help his alma mater and the Williamsburg neighborhood in a number of avenues, with giving again in methods he does not get a lot credit score for.

“He began giving the cash in order that we may have knee braces for our offensive lineman,” Laycock stated. “He did issues for our soccer observe subject, he did issues for our power coaching middle. He is been unbelievably supportive of our program.”

On the observe, Bethel Excessive College and Hampton College alum Francena McCorory was honored, although a scheduling battle saved the two-time Olympic gold medalist from attending. McCorory acquired an Honorary Doctorate diploma from Harvest Christian College in Texas earlier within the day.

Christopher Newport’s Sheila Trice-Myers was additionally inducted on Saturday evening. The previous Captain nice took house 15 nationwide championships in her collegiate profession and completed with 32 All-American honors whereas in Newport Information.

UVa record-setting quarterback Shawn Moore, Roanoke Faculty lacrosse’s Bob Rotanz, and longtime sportswriter Jerry Ratcliffe rounded out a stellar group heading into the Virginia Sports activities Corridor of Fame.