I won’t lie, it never really dawned on me that Pitt lacked a formalized Hall of Fame for its past greats. We’ve seen them honored in the past whether with a number retired, ceremonies lauding their past achievements. Annual award ceremonies. Names etched in the steps near the Cathedral. But no Hall of Fame.

While my initial thought was “there isn’t one already?” Followed by wondering declaring one at this point a little redundant. It is still a good idea to formally create one.

The initial class of 16 has some you would definitely expect. In football: Dan Marino, Mike Ditka, Marshall Goldberg, Bill Fralic, Hugh Green and of course, Tony Dorsett. Basketball is Billy Knight and Charles Smith. There are two coaches included: Jock Sutherland and Doc Carlson.

Then you add in some true greats from the track and field history: Herb Douglas, John Woodruff, Roger Kingdom and Trecia-Kaye Smith. Finally Kathy Stetler (swimming) and Lisa Shirk (gymnastics).

There will be a big festive dinner to honor them and then, naturally at halftime of the Pitt-Penn State game, they will be presented to a large crowd.

The only debate at this point is why certain players were left out of the initial class — other then the fact that it would be a little too much to put everyone in at once. We know they will get to Pop Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, Brandin Knight, etc.

With the increased emphasis on all sports beyond football and basketball. It makes sense to form a Hall of Fame as an umbrella for all within Pitt Athletics.