GPSHOF | Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame

Inductees

Co-founder of the Illinois Valley Striders in 1973, an organization that has grown from 19 members and two race events to a membership of 700 and more than 100 events a season, Steve Shostrom is perhaps the No. 1 name in the history of long-distance running in Greater Peoria.

Founder of the now world famous Steamboat Classic in 1974, he was race director through 1993 and watched the two events of the Classic grow into a running happening that draws top athletes from around the world to compete against thousands of local runners. Since 1986 athletes from over 40 countries have competed here.

As the flagship race of the Illinois Valley Striders, the Steamboat has played a major part in Peoria's revitalized River Front activities and is an event that has helped bring Peoria to the front of the pack in the world of running.

In his long running career, Shostrom has run over 70 marathons including competing in 16 Boston Marathons. At the time of his induction he had run in the St. Louis Marathon every year of its 26 year existence.

Shostrom has also been regional director for the Road Runners Club of America from 1981 through 1986, was Road Race Management Race Director of the Year in 1991, won the Neve Harms Award for Meritorious Service to Sports in 1983 and assisted in the foundation of Peoria's Race for the Cure.

He is also a founding member of the Peoria Area Sports Commission, was named Peoria Area Sports Commission Volunteer of the Year in 1997 and was a founding member of the Moonlight Basketball League, an all-volunteer anti-gang program.

Tri-County Youth Sports Grant

Tri-County Youth Sports Grant Winners

Donations

The Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame is a not-for-profit corporation established in October 1979 to promote the varied sports programs in the area and honor Peoria area athletes and sports personalities. Since 1979 GPSHOF has honored many individuals and teams at annual banquets held at the Peoria Civic Center. Plaques for each inductee are on permanent display at the Peoria Civic Center.

With the exception of a part-time secretary and the member board are all unpaid volunteers. The modest costs (postage, supplies, etc.) and inductee awards are financed by individual donations and business advertisers and sponsors.

We are always in need of funds to keep our programs, activities and events moving forward. We encourage your support in helping us continue to give recognition and award to Peoria area teams and athletes. We respectfully ask for your donation and sponsor support.

We have various types of advertising and donation opportunities available.

CORPORATE LEVELS

Hall of Fame (5 yrs)
$10,000

All-American (3 yrs)
$4,500

Champion (1 yr)
$1,000

PROGRAM (Annual ) LEVELS

Full Page
$300

Half Page
$250

Quarter Page
$200

Business Card
$100

NEWSLETTER LEVELS

Triple Crown (3 yrs)
$300

Double Play (2 yrs)
$200

Honorable Mention (1 yr)
$100

PERSONAL (Annual) DONATIONS

Century
$100 and above

MVP Level
$50 - $99

All-Conference Level
$25 - $49

All-Star Level
up to - $24

To make a donation or learn more about these opportunities contact us.

Events

March 30, 2019

38th Induction Banquet

The 38th Greater Peoria Sports Hall Of Fame Induction Banquet will be held on Saturday, March 30th at the Peoria Civic Center. Social Hour begins @ 5:00 pm, followed by dinner @ 6:00 pm and the induction ceremony. Tickets are $35 before March 15 and $40 if purchased between March 20 thru March 26, 2019.

To order tickets call 309-691-3553 or email: susie1026@comcast.net.

To order using a Credit Card,

You must print off this form and send to Susie. click here.

Tickets will NOT be available at the door the night of the banquet.

Event Links

Newsletters/Banquet Programs

2019 Newsletter
2018 Newsletter
2018 Hall of Fame Program
2017 Newsletter
2017 Hall of Fame Program
2016 Hall of Fame Program
2016 Newsletter
2015 Newsletter
2015 Hall of Fame Program
2014 Hall of Fame Program Listing
2014 Newsletter
2012 Newsletter
2011 Newsletter
2010 Newsletter
2009 Newsletter

Mission Statement

The first official Board of Directors meeting was held on October 14, 1979. Officers were elected. Early decisions determined that the Hall of Famers would be from the Greater Peoria Area; the name would be The Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame; its purpose would be to promote and encourage the many varied sports programs in our area, to share with the area the pride we have in the accomplishments of area athletes, and to honor those men, women and teams contributing to our enjoyment and rich sports history.

With the cooperation of the Peoria Civic Center Commission and generous community support, the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame is a reality and it's future is bright..

All content on this website is the property of the GPSHOF.