GPSHOF | Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame

Inductees

During the 19 seasons Rich Clopper was head coach of boys and girls swim teams at Richwoods High School, his athletes barely knew what losing meant.

First came his stint with the boys swim team.

That began with the 1969-70 season and lasted for nine years. In the Mid-State conference he coached for 105 dual meets. He lost but once. Overall, his record was 158-16-1. He won the conference meet every season.

Beginning in the fall of 1977 he became coach of the Richwoods girls team with the same great success: total conference dual meets, 43: total won 42. His overall girls dual meet record was 89-12 and eight conference meets were won.

Putting the records of the boys and girls together, the figures are an amazing 146-2 for conference meets and 247-28-1 overall. Plus a total of 17 conference titles won.

He has coached five state champions during his stint with the boys: Gib Leach in the 100 breaststroke in 1970 and 1972; the 200 medley relay team of Leach, Jim Bucher, John Houser and Cliff Myers in 1972; and Jim Bucher in the 200 individual medley and the 100 freestyle, both in 1974.

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

April 6, 2019

38th Induction Banquet

The 38th Greater Peoria Sports Hall Of Fame Induction Banquet will be held on Saturday, April 6th 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 27th and $40 if purchased between March 27 thru April 2, 2019.

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

To order using a Credit Card, You must copy 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

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
2014 Newsletter
2012 Newsletter
2011 Newsletter
2010 Newsletter
2009 Newsletter

Mission Statement

The first official Board of Directors meeting was held 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.