LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Four people who have made significant contributions to sports in Kentucky were honored with selection to the Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame. The Class of 2024 are Teddy Bridgewater, Tony Delk, Oscar Combs and Roy Pickerell.

“The KSHOF Class of 2024 recognizes four outstanding individuals who represent a broad spectrum of sports and occupations—individuals who had a major impact on sports in the Commonwealth and on the national stage,” said Louisville Sports Commission President and CEO Greg Fante. “This year’s inductees have worked diligently to make a difference in their specific areas. And we are thrilled to honor them and their accomplishments in Freedom Hall, the KSHOF’s official enshrinement gallery.”

The Louisville Sports Commission, who owns and operates the KSHOF, announced the class as part of Champion’s Day at Churchill Downs.

“It is with immense pride that we at Kentucky Venues, along with the passionate crowds at Churchill Downs and our colleagues at the Louisville Sports Commission, applaud the induction of four distinguished sports legends into the Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame. Their legacies will be enshrined within Freedom Hall, serving as a place of inspiration for generations of Kentuckians who will walk these grounds,” said David S. Beck, President & CEO of Kentucky Venues.

(Associated Press)

Teddy Bridgewater played quarterback for the University of Louisville from 2011 to 2013. The three-year starter threw for 9,817 yards and 83 touchdowns. Bridgewater was named MVP of the 2013 BCS Orange Bowl. He helped lead the Cards to victory over No. 2 Florida. Bridgewater was drafted in the first round by the Minnesota Vikings and played nine seasons in the NFL. He also suited up for the Panthers, Broncos, Dolphins and Lions. Bridgewater was named to the Pro Bowl in 2015.

All-American and NCAA Final Four MVP Tony Delk is also in the Class of 2024. Delk led the University of Kentucky men’s basketball team in scoring three seasons (1994-1996) and scored 1,890 points and still holds the UK record for three-pointers (283). While at UK, Delk and the Wildcats won three SEC Championships, two Final Fours and won the 1996 national championship. He was the 16th overall pick in the 1996 NBA draft by the Charlotte Hornets. Delk played for eight teams and went to the playoffs seven times.

Four people who have made significant contributions to sports in Kentucky were honored with selection to the Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame. The Class of 2024 includes Oscar Combs, the creator of Cats' Pause. (Spectrum News 1/Jonathon Gregg)

Hazard native Oscar Combs began covering UK athletics at the Hazard Herald in 1965. In 1976, he found the Cat’s Pause, the first independent publication focusing on a major athletic program (UK) in the United States. Combs would co-host on the UK radio network beginning in 1998. A celebrated writer with countless awards, Combs was inducted into the Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame in 2000.

Rounding out the class is Roy Pickerill. For 53 years, Pickerill has been associated with the sports information office at Kentucky Wesleyan College. He started as a student assistant, would become the sports information director for almost 30 years and right now serves in an emeritus role. Pickerill was inducted into the CoSIDA Hall of Fame in 1999 and earned CoSIDA’s lifetime achievement award in 2016.

Four people who have made significant contributions to sports in Kentucky were honored with selection to the Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame. The Class of 2024 includes Roy Pickerell, who is being celebrated for his work at Kentucky Wesleyan College. (Spectrum News 1/Jonathon Gregg)

Sixteen sports media professionals from around the state and the Bygone Era Selection Team make up the selection committee that chose this year’s inductees. All the inductees will be honored in Sept. 2024 at Freedom Hall in Louisville.