Croatian American Sports Hall of Fame invitation for nominations

NFCACF Members With HOF Inductee family representatives: Jean Pavelich Gevick and Shannon Stydahar Schultz

The Croatian American Sports Hall of Fame was founded in 2019 by the National Federation of Croatian Americans Cultural Foundation (NFCACF) to recognize the outstanding accomplishments and contributions in sports by individuals who are citizens of the United States or Canada and of Croatian descent.

There are many Croatian American sports legends who have reached their pinnacle as players, coaches, referees, executives, media, and contributors with other sport related professional involvement or lifetime achievement.  The CAS-HOF seeks to recognize these individuals for their exemplary achievements and contributions while preserving their national and cultural heritage. 

The inaugural induction ceremony and dinner was held on October 16, 2022, at the American Croatian Lodge in Eastlake, Ohio.  This first class inducted:  Fred Couples (Golf), Helen Crlenkovich (Diving), John Havlicek (Basketball), Mickey Lolich (Baseball), Roger Maris (Baseball), Kevin McHale (Basketball), George Mikan (Basketball), Mark Pavelich (Ice Hockey), Joe Sakic (Ice Hockey) and Joe Stydahar (Football).  

2022 Induction Ceremony-Croatian American Sports HOF

The CAS-HOF Committee is inviting nominations for the second class to be inducted in the Fall of 2024.  The deadline for accepting nominations is February 1, 2024.   The inductees will be announced in May 2024.  Nominations and questions for the Selection Committee can be emailed to: [email protected]

When nominating please include in the body of the above email the following:  Your name, phone number, email address and if you have a relationship with the nominee or their family.  Also provide the name of the individual you are nominating and a biography of no more than 100 words which includes their DOB, their parents name and Croatian heritage, their significant sports related accomplishments and the year of their retirement.  

CAS-HOF group photo on October 16, 2022 with inductee family representatives, event sponsors and HOF Committee Members.

The current members of the Croatian American Sports Hall of Fame Committee are Matt Furjanic, Derek Hohn, Jim Kresnik, Dino Mattessich, Vedran Joseph Nazor, Steve Rukavina and  Tom Steich.