On April 25 at the Short Pump Hilton, the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame inducted its Class of 2026 – arguably its most star-studded group of athletes, coaches, administrators, and other contributors ever, all selected for their achievements and impact on Virginia sports.
Among the inductees were two luminaries of University of Virginia basketball: Tony Bennett, the former University of Virginia basketball coach who guided the ‘Hoos to a national championship, and Wally Walker, a former NBA player who led Virginia to its first NCAA tournament berth in 1976. Walker is often credited with launching the era of UVA prominence in basketball.
Members of the UVA Club of Richmond packed the lobby of the Short Pump Hilton to support and mingle with the latest inductees from their alma mater. At a reception prior to the ceremony, Terri Clinger (pictured above, at left) and Dorline Davidson-Harvey visited with Ryan Odom, the current UVA basketball coach, while below, Dave Martin (at left) and Patrick Busch (center) posed with Bennett.
Local community leader Robert S. “Bobby” Ukrop was also honored at the ceremony for his role in establishing and supporting healthy lifestyle initiatives in the region…