The Limestone County Sports Hall of Fame is currently taking nominations for its 17^th class.

Jeff Hodges, LCSHOF president, said the public is encouraged to make nominations for the class of 2019.

“We take nominations year round,” he said.

Once an individual is nominated, his or her nomination is presented to the board of directors for consideration each year.

The Limestone County Sports Hall of Fame was formed in 2002 by a group seeking a way to honor athletes, coaches and others who have achieved fame in the world of sports — as professionals or amateurs. Nominees can be male or female and living or dead.

To be eligible for induction, a nominee must meet criteria established by the hall of fame board of directors. A nominee must be age 35 or older and either call Limestone County home or have lived here in the past. As an athlete, a nominee must be retired or out of competition for five years. As a coach, a nominee must have coached anywhere but be out of competition. As an official, a nominee must have officiated anywhere but no longer be actively officiating. In a supporting role, a nominee’s role must be deemed by the LCSHOF board as so significant as to warrant induction into the hall of fame.

Nominations needed

Inductees will be honored at the annual Limestone County Sports Hall of Fame banquet.

Hodges said there are standouts from every school in the county who could be considered for the hall of fame, but in many cases they have not been nominated. He encourages those who might know of someone who needs to be nominated to visit the LCSHOF website or talk to a board member.

“Being nominated is the only way to get in the hall of fame,” Hodges said, adding the nomination “will hopefully help recognize people who have made a contribution to Athens and Limestone County on the athletic field.”

Hodges said the reward of being inducted is gratifying to everyone involved.

To find nomination forms online, visit www.lcshof.com.