Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
The National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame presented multisport luminary Jerry Colangelo with the Mario Andretti Lifetime Achievement Award at a gala and induction ceremony at the Westin O’Hare on Dec. 10.
“When the hall of fame needed help making the move to Taylor Street, Jerry Colangelo was there. As we open a new chapter in the hall’s history, Jerry Colangelo is still by our side,” says NIASHF President Ron Onesti. “He has always understood our goal of honoring those sports luminaries who shine such a positive light on the Italian-American experience.”
This year’s inductees are Chicago Wolves defenseman and assistant coach Bob Nardella, MLB outfielder Lee Mazzilli, NBA player and coach Vinny Del Negro, women’s soccer defender Jackie Santacaterina, and All-Star pitcher Buzz Capra. Tony Svanascini, CEO of AmericanEagle.com, will be hailed as Sportsman of the Year, and White Sox Manager Tony LaRussa will receive the George Randazzo Heart of Sports Award.
The Class of 2020 will also be acknowledged at the event. Among them are hockey hall of famer Gene Ubriaco, champion wrestler John Cena, harness racing superstar Dave Palone, standout first baseman Paul Konerko and PGA golfer Peter Longo.
