To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the Huntsman World Senior Games debuted its own hall of fame

There was a time when it was easy to know everyone in the Hall of Fame: Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson and Walter Johnson. In 1936, those five men were the inaugural class of the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

Today, almost every endeavor has a hall of fame. There's a Cowgirl Hall of Fame, a Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame and a Rockabilly Hall of Fame. Just a few weeks ago another hall of fame was added to the legions of halls of fames. It's a modest venture, but it stands for something very telling for Masters athletes.

The newest hall commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Huntsman World Senior Games and those who have helped nurture the event. The Huntsman Games are held every autumn in St. George, Utah. The Huntsman Games started 20 years ago with fewer than 200 participants. This past October 9,800 athletes age 50-plus made the pilgrimage to southern Utah for the games, which include events ranging from full-court basketball to swimming to horseshoes.

The Huntsman Games are no flash in the pan. They've grown thanks to good organization, lots of volunteers and a unique location. Their growth is a testament to the strength of Masters sports.

Thirty six names are now in the Huntsman Hall of Fame. Daisy and John Morgan, the co-founders of the Games, were included. So was Utah industrialist Jon M. Huntsman Sr., who was one of the first to open his wallet to support the games. There were also lesser known people such as Calvin Dilworth, who was recognized for being a volunteer extraordinaire. (He was also named by this magazine as a nominee for Michelob Ultra GeezerJock of the Year).

Ten athletes were named in the inaugural class of the Huntsman World Senior Games Hall of Fame. They were admitted based on three criteria: 10 years or more association with the games, exceptional contribution and a love of the event. The 10 athletes are:

• James Demet Sr. (swimming, triathlon)
• Lee Hammel (tennis)
• Ruby Hammel (tennis)
• Ronald Hangland (softball)
• Grant Misbach (table tennis)
• LeGrand Nielsen (road races, triathlon)
• Gordon Shields (cycling)
• Cleo Wardle (horseshoes, bowling)
• Marvin Woodbury (horseshoes, track and field, road races)
• Fran Zelinkoff (volleyball)

Ruby and Lee Hammel, from Salt Lake City, have been stalwarts at the Huntsman Games for nearly every competition. "We love the games and the friendships we've made there," Ruby, 78, said. "Even though they are highly competitive, people playing at the Huntsman have always been very, well, friendly. At some tournaments people can get kind of grim, but that's not the case at Huntsman."

Hammel bragged -- and brag she should -- that she and her husband had the biggest entourage at the awards ceremony. Their children attended -- one son flew in from Boston -- plus cousins, friends and former tennis students. Even a grandchild and a great-grandchild made the dinner.

Volleyball player Fran Zelinkoff, 77, also was inducted into the hall of fame. Like Hammel, Zelinkoff said she was completely surprised to be cited. "It's the most enjoyable tournament I'd ever been to," said the Denver resident. "It gets better every year, if that is possible."

She also praised the Huntsman organizers for creating a schedule that gives players lots of games and plenty of opportunity to play the best senior teams in the world. This year she noted that 70 women's teams traveled to St. George for the games. "It is the best international tournament around. It's the one we look forward to playing ever year," she said.

The Huntsman Hall of Fame is likely to grow in coming years as the games themselves grow and as the Masters sports movement grows. Maybe these folks will never be as famous as Babe Ruth. But they are among the pioneers of senior sports, and this recognition is well deserved. And it's about time.