Editor:

When we were little kids, boy or girl, your family always hoped you would be the one that excelled on the sports field or gym. We got our chance to play on these teams with other players, or against these players.

On Saturday, Oct. 27, the Antioch Sports Legends display was opened for public view and admiration. On the same day, certain former players from Antioch were honored as the first Honorees for the dedication of the Class of 2007 Sports Hall.

Inductees for football are George "Bud" Ackerman, Gino Marchetti, Duane Putnam and Ron Pritchard; basketball: Rally Rounsaville and Ron "Bogie" Edwards; wrestling: Steve Sanchez; baseball: Ralph Holding and Gene "Butch" Rounsaville; softball: Michelle Gromacki; swimming: Shaun Bogan; all-around Athlete: Jack Garrow; Coach: Jack Danilovich; Community leader: Worth Shaw; and the Antioch High School Football Team 1945-46.

It was a big day to behold, with athletes telling their story about getting there and how it was to be on the ultimate platform in their lives. Many good stories were told and we all tip our hats to their Antioch raising and at times in the national and world spotlight.

There was also the newly opened Sports Legends Hall, with memorabilia and storytelling of other players and teams from Antioch. Take a trip down to the Sports Legends Showcase and see it for yourself.

When I was a boy, I got to play baseball and football with and against a few of the recipients. I had the chance to work as a 13-year-old for Worth Shaw in Grasshopper baseball and then as a scorekeeper for the Industrial League softball and lob-ball programs.

Being an Antioch native, I have seen a good number of outstanding athletes who later turned their lives toward business ventures as well as careers in teaching and coaching.

The founders and leaders of the Antioch Sports Legends must be commended. They fulfilled a dream that was envisioned some 19 months ago. Dreams do come true.

Congratulations on a job well done!

The Antioch Sports Museum and Antioch Museum are located at 1500 W. Fourth St. in Antioch near the Antioch Babe Ruth League fields.

Richard Burke

Antioch