Croatian-American Olympic gold medalists to attend hall of fame banquet

Rudy Tomjanovich (Photo: Supplied)

The Croatian American Sports Hall of Fame Committee, is proud to announce that two American gold medal winners of Croatian descent will attend the banquet.

John Mayasich, a 1960 gold medal winner for the American Olympic ice hockey team and Rudy Tomjanovich, coach of the 2000 gold medal American basketball team, will attend to accept their CAS-HOF award in Pittsburgh on Saturday, October 26th.

This year four other inductees are set to attend: Ralph Cindrich (University of Pittsburgh-NFL football star and sports agent for many NFL Hall of Famers); Kara Grgas–Wheeler Goucher (long distance runner and seven time NCAA All American, NBC TV Announcer for the Paris Summer Olympics); Tim  Grgurich (former University of Pittsburgh basketball star and coach, NBA Tex Winter Award Winner and a NBA coach for 39 years);  Jim Laslavic (Penn State University-NFL football star, San Diego TV Sports Announcer).

John Mayasich (Photo: Supplied)

Three inductees who are deceased will be represented by family members: Bill Fralic (University of Pittsburgh football All American and Atlanta Falcons All Pro Football Lineman for eight years); Paul Tomasovich (legendary slow pitch softball player nicknamed “King Kong” for his towering home runs, multiple world championships and MVP Awards);  Fritzie Zivic (Welterweight World Boxing Champion, won 158 of his 233 professional fights with 81 knockouts and “The Croat Comet” was his nickname). 

George Mikan, inducted in the Inaugural Class of 2022 to the CAS-HOF, will be represented this year by daughter Maureen and son Patrick, who will accept his award. His number was retired by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2022.  A graduate of DePaul University, he was called “Mr. Basketball” as the first “big man” to dominate the professional game.  

This year’s event will be held on Saturday, October 26th at the Pittsburgh City Center Marriott. The Marriott is in downtown Pittsburgh across the street from the PPG Paints arena. Cocktail hour begins at 5:00 pm and the banquet at 6:00 pm and tickets  are $75 and can be purchased at: croatianamericansports.com.

CAS-HOF Host Committee urges all interested Croatian Americans and sports fans to order their tickets in September. 

“We still have space in the banquet program for ads and sponsorship opportunities. Please call Matt Furjanic, Jr. at 863-227-2641 with any questions about the program and banquet.”