Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame Banquet

The 12th induction class for the Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame consists of longtime NFL star DeAngelo Hall, women’s basketball standout La’Keshia Frett, football coach Matt Kelchner, prolific quarterback Buster O’Brien, baseball coach and former major-leaguer Gary Lavelle, and Norfolk State University legend Joseph Echols, who will be inducted posthumously.

DeAngelo Hall (Chesapeake) – At Deep Creek High School he was a national caliber sprinter and a two-way standout on the football team. All-American defensive back at Virginia Tech. First-round draft pick and three-time Pro Bowl selection in the NFL. Had 43 career interceptions, including a record-tying four in one game.

La’Keshia Frett (Hampton) — Women’s basketball star had a record-breaking career at Phoebus High School and was national Gatorade Player of the Year as a senior. As country’s top recruit, went to University of Georgia where she averaged 15 points and 7 rebounds and played in two final fours. Played internationally and led the U.S. team to the gold medal at the 1997 World University Games. Nine-year professional career in ABL and WNBA.

Matt Kelchner (Christopher Newport Univeristy, William and Mary) – Pennsylvania native was an assistant coach on Jimmye Laycock’s staff at the College of William and Mary from 1984-2000. Christopher Newport University hired him in 2000 to launch its new football program, and he quickly took the Captains to national prominence. Retired after the 2016 season with a career record of 109-60 with 10 conference titles and nine appearances in the NCAA Div. III playoffs.  USA South Coach of the Year seven times.

Gary Lavelle (Virginia Beach) – After a long career as an outstanding major-league relief pitcher (745 games, more than 100 career saves), Lavelle retired to  Virginia Beach and began a cooaching career that would see him mold the talent of young pitchers for more than three decades. As head coach at Greenbrier Christian he won 12 state titles and 556 games. In 2016 he started the new program at Bryant and Stratton College in Virginia Beach and led the program to a winning record in its second season.

Buster O’Brien (Virginia Beach) – Record-setting quarterback at Princess Anne High School during an era dominated by running games. He passed for 5,435 yards in high school, a local record that stood for 40 years. He went on to set passing records and earn all-conference honors at University of Richmond. Spent several years as a circuit court judge in Virginia Beach.

The late Joseph Echols (Norfolk State University) – Athletic pioneer at NSU, starting as head football coach in 1955. As athletic director, played an instrumental role in the expansion of NSU athletic program to include varsity programs in baseball, track and field, wrestling, swimming, tennis and golf. Former Negro League baseball player and football scout for Vince Lombardi.  Died in 1977. Campus arena named in his honor in 1982.

This year’s banquet will also include a tribute to boxing champion Pernell “Sweetpea” Whitaker, who died earlier this year. Whitaker was a member of our 2010 induction class. We will also recognize the winners of our inaugural  Dave Rosenfield Memorial Scholarships.

This year’s induction banquet is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 24, at Chrysler Hall. Admission is $65 per person, or $400 for a table of eight. Reservations can be made by calling (757) 823-4299, or by emailing groupsales@sevenvenues.com. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Scope box office during normal business hours.

For more information on the Hall of Fame, contact chairman Jack Ankerson at (757) 470-6769