16 All-Time Greats Inducted into Illini Athletics Hall of Fame

Illini Hall of Fame | Photo Gallery

CHAMPAIGN, IL – The University of Illinois celebrated its incredible athletics legacy by inducting its third class to the Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame Friday at State Farm Center.

Some of the greatest names in Fighting Illini history comprise the 16-person Class of 2019. Twelve of the 13 living honorees were on hand for the induction ceremony: Ashley Berggren, Lindsey Nimmo-Bristow, Amer Delic, Don Freeman, Jenna Hall, Eddie Johnson, Bob Norman, Angela Bizzarri Pflugrath, Simeon Rice, Deon Thomas, Gary Wieneke and David Williams.

Unable to attend the ceremony due to health was Bobby Mitchell (football). Deceased members of the 2018 class include J.C. Caroline (football), Joseph Giallombardo (gymanstics), Joe Hunsacker (swimming & diving).

The induction ceremony, hosted by Big Ten Network host Dave Revsine, was an opportunity for the greatest Illini student-athletes to tell stories from their college days and to thank those that helped them along the way.

Fighting Illini Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2019

Ashley Berggren - Basketball – 1995-98
Lindsey Nimmo Bristow – Tennis – 1991-93
J.C. Caroline - Football – 1953-54
Amer Delic – Tennis – 2001-03
Don Freeman – Basketball – 1964-66
Joseph Giallombardo – Gymnastics – 1938-40
Jenna Hall – Softball – 2003-06
Joe Hunsaker – Swimming & Diving – 1957-59
Eddie Johnson – Basketball – 1978-81
Bobby Mitchell – Football / Track & Field – 1955-58
Bob Norman – Wrestling – 1957-58
Angela Bizzarri Pflugrath - Track & Field / Cross Country – 2006-10
Simeon Rice – Football – 1992-95
Deon Thomas – Basketball – 1991-94
Gary Wieneke – Men's Track & Field (1974-2003) / Cross Country Coach (1967-2002)
David Williams – Football – 1983-85

Congratulations to the 2019 Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame Class! #Illini pic.twitter.com/Fkwoaby2EZ
— Illinois Athletics (@IlliniAthletics) September 21, 2019

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