A common thread ran through the induction ceremony Tuesday night at the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame banquet.
The inductees took turns pointing to other people or circumstances that were more important than themselves or were responsible for their places at the podium. The focus away from personal ego was consistent with Air Force football coach Fisher DeBerry, Olympic marathon champion Frank Shorter, professional golfer Dow Finsterwald, football coach Bill Noxon and Avalanche general manager Pierre Lacroix.
The late Starr Yelland, a legendary radio and television sportscaster, was remembered as a strict professional and teacher of young journalists.
The acceptance speech of Melissa Stokes highlighted the banquet. The recipient of the disabled athlete recognition award told audience she refused to think of her disability as a handicap.
The only hollow ring to the program was the honoring of the Rockies and their drive to the National League pennant. Manager Clint Hurdle was named King of the Hill for 2008 and outfielder Matt Holliday was the pro athlete of the year. However, neither was able to attend, because the Rockies were hosting the Braves.
Atlanta native Chad Hall, the male college athlete of the year from the Air Force Academy, couldn’t help but say “Go Braves!” at the end of his speech. But it was a Rockies’ night after all, as they won 4-3.
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
