NORFOLK, Va. — It seems every year, the Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame tops itself when it comes to special classes for induction. Wednesday night was no different. Five new members were enshrined at a ceremony from ODU's Chartway Arena.
Among them, Tommy Reamon Sr. graduated from George Washington Carver High School in Newport News, and was twice named National Junior College football player of the year before transferring to University of Missouri. He played in the NFL and World Football League, earning MVP honors in 1974. He'd return home to coach at Ferguson, Warwick, Gloucester, Landstown and Denbigh high schools.
"It tells me I've been around for a long time", says Reamon. "Honored to be in this environment. Honored to recognized with others".
One of his former players joined him. Michael Vick played his high school football at Ferguson and Warwick high schools, becoming one of the most electrifying players of his generation as a quarterback at Virginia Tech and in the NFL. He led the Hokies to the 1999 national championship game against Florida State and was the No. 1 pick in the 2001 NFL draft. He was a four-time Pro Bowler and holds NFL career records for quarterback rushing yards (6,109) and average yards per carry (7.0).
He says Reamon played a major factor in his success. "I looked at all the kids coach sent to college", he said. "It's just a bevy of kids that had an opportunity and I was one of them".
There was also 2-time MLB all-star and Virginia Beach native Ryan Zimmerman. He was selected the 4th overall pick in the first round by the Washington Nationals and would help guide them to a World Series title in 2019.
"This area is so special for a lot of us", says the former Kellam Knight. "Every time you come to these events you hear athletes talk about this area. We're so proud to be here."
Francena McCorory graduated from Bethel High School and Hampton University. She won gold medals in the 4x400-meter relay at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. McCorory also won the bronze medal in the 400 at the 2011 World Championships. She was a 3-time national title winner at HU and held the American record in the indoor 400.
NBA referee Tony Brothers, a Norfolk native was an ODU graduate. He's officiated more than 1,700 regular season games and 200 playoff games. Brothers started his NBA career in 1994, and found being honored at the place where it all started made him feel like he came full circle.
"This is what matters to me, because this is where I started", he said. "When you're recognized by the people where you live, that's a much bigger deal than people that's kind of come into your life later."