Ten men who left their mark on the Niagara Falls sports scene over the years were honored Saturday October 21st at the Como restaurant as the Niagara Falls Sports Hall of Fame inducted the class of 2017. Among those inducted were Frank Layden, former coach of Niagara University and the Utah Jazz along with son Scott, now GM of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Frank Layden

Layden entertained the crowd of 200, as he always does, with a humorous acceptance speech and also reflected on his stay in Niagara Falls calling it his “second home”.

Others inducted were Dom Colucci, Mark Gabriele, John Noworyta, Dan Oliverio, Bill Ripple and Tom Spanbauer.

Jerry Tubinis (deceased) was honored with the Robert Eagler Memorial Award and Joseph Costanzo (deceased) was honored with the Pep DiRamio Service Award.

Individuals are voted into the Niagara Falls Sports Hall of Fame for their contributions to the community as outstanding athletes and or coaches, managers, organizers, officials, athletic directors, sponsors, sports promoters and volunteers. Eligible recipients must be 55 years of age or older to be considered. The organization, originally The Old Timers Sports Hall Of Fame, was established in 1968 and over 300 members have been inducted.

Frank Layden, former coach of Niagara University and the Utah Jazz along with son Scott, now GM of the Minnesota Timberwolves, will be among the eight to be inducted into the Niagara Falls Sports Hall Of Fame On Saturday October 21st. Joining the Laydens in the 2017 class will be Dom Colucci, Mark Gabriele, John Noworyta, Dan Oliverio, Bill Ripple and Tom Spanbauer.

Jerry Tubinis (deceased) will be honored with the Robert Eagler Memorial Award and Joseph Costanzo (deceased) will be honored with the Pep DiRamio Service Award.

Individuals are voted into the Niagara Falls Sports Hall of Fame for their contributions to the community as outstanding athletes and or coaches, managers, organizers, officials, athletic directors, sponsors, sports promoters and volunteers. Eligible recipients must be 55 years of age or older to be considered. The organization, originally The Old Timers Sports Hall Of Fame, was established in 1968 and over 300 members have been inducted.

The Induction Dinner will be held at The Como Restaurant on Saturday, October 21st. The tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children, 10 and under. This includes a wine and beer open bar from 6-7 pm and then again one hour following the dinner and inductions which will be at 7:00 pm. Contact Dan Bazzani at 284-1448 or 531-2341 for tickets or to reserve a table.