By Tom Latek
Kentucky Currently

5 people with robust Kentucky connections who have created outstanding contributions to sports have been chosen for the Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame (KSHOF) Class of 2023, representing the Hall’s 60th anniversary, and the 46th class of inductees.

Members of the class are:

• Rick Bozich, multi-time award-winning sports reporter and columnist at the Courier-Journal and WDRB.com.

• Brigid DeVries, trailblazing administrator at the University of Kentucky and the Kentucky Higher College Athletic Association, coach and innovator for women’s and girls’ sports in Kentucky.

• Tom Leach, longtime radio voice of UK basketball and football and various-time Eclipse Awards winner.

• Chris Lofton, the SEC’s all-time top 3-point shooter who played 15 years of pro basketball abroad.

• William “Bubba” Paris, All-American at Michigan, no. 1 draft choose and 3-time Super Bowl winner at offensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers.

A choice committee comprised of 16 sports media experts from all through the state chose this year’s class. All votes by the choice committee have been independently tabulated by regional accounting firm Dean Dorton, 1 of Kentucky’s biggest accounting and advisory firms, with offices in Louisville, Lexington and Raleigh, NC.

“The KSHOF Class of 2023 recognizes 5 outstanding people who represent a broad spectrum of sports and occupations – people who had a key influence on sports in the Commonwealth and on the national stage,” stated Louisville Sports Commission President and CEO Greg Fante. “This year’s inductees represent a diverse mix of accomplishments – media, sports and administration. Each and every has worked diligently to make a distinction in their certain regions, which is fitting as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the KSHOF.”

In addition to announcing this year’s class, the Louisville Sports Commission, which owns and operates the KSHOF stated that Freedom Hall is now the official enshrinement gallery. The announcement was created to recognize the venue’s wealthy legacy in sports and deepens Freedom Hall’s connection to Kentucky’s sporting heritage.

The 2023 KSHOF class members and their households will be honored on Sept. 12, 2023, in Freedom Hall in Louisville. For ticket details, get in touch with Julie Howell at jhowell@louisvillesports.org, or get in touch with 502-587-6742.