The ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Sports Hall of Fame announced the inductees for its 2025 class, and two iconic Wildcats cracked the list.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ football great Ricky Hunley and former UA point guard Mike Bibby are two of latest eight inductees for the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Sports Hall of Fame.
Hunley became the face of the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ football program under head coach Larry Smith. The linebacker and Petersburg, Virginia native held offers from Ohio State and Nebraska, among others, but signed with the Wildcats as a highly-touted recruit.
With Hunley leading the defense, the Wildcats knocked off undefeated Notre Dame in 1982 and top-ranked USC in ‘81. Hunley was a unanimous All-American, Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year, a three-time all-conference player and is the UA’s career tackles leader (566).
In 1998, Hunley became the first Wildcat to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. He is one of four Wildcats to have that honor, along with Chuck Cecil, Tedy Bruschi and Rob Waldrop.
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Hunley was taken seventh overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 1984 NFL Draft and is the highest-selected Wildcat in draft history. Hunley played in two Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos. He joined ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥â€™s coaching staff as a defensive line coach under former head coach Jedd Fisch. Hunley is currently ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥â€™s executive director of player relations and external development and just finished his first season in that role.
Bibby, a Phoenix Shadow Mountain product, signed with ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ men’s basketball as a McDonald’s All-American in 1996. As a freshman, Bibby led the Wildcats to the program’s only national championship in 1997. Bibby ended his two-year UA career as a Pac-10 Freshman of the Year, Pac-10 Player of the Year and a consensus All-American. Bibby’s No. 10 jersey is retired by the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ basketball program.
After Bibby was taken second overall by the Vancouver Grizzlies in the 1998 NBA Draft, the point guard carved out a 14-year NBA career. Bibby averaged 14.7 points and 5.5 assists per game in the NBA.
Bibby and Hunley, among others, will be inducted into the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Sports Hall of Fame on April 10 at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix.
Here’s a look at the other ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Sports Hall of Fame inductees, courtesy of the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Sports and Entertainment Commission:
Melissa Belote Ripley: An Olympic swimming legend, Belote Ripley captured three gold medals at the 1972 Munich Olympics at just 15 years old, cementing her place in sports history. Her stellar career continued at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ State University, where she was a standout member of the Sun Devils’ swimming program, further showcasing her talent and determination. Belote Ripley’s exceptional achievements in the pool, both on the international stage and at ASU, combined with her ongoing dedication to mentoring young athletes, have established her as one of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥â€™s most inspiring sports figures.
Michael Bidwill: A visionary sports executive and owner of the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Cardinals, Bidwill has not only been instrumental in the franchise’s growth and success but also in establishing the Valley as a world-class destination for the industry’s most elite and sought-after sporting events. While leading the Cardinals to new heights of on-field performance, Bidwill has also strengthened the community through impactful philanthropic initiatives and spearheaded the efforts to bring countless mega-events to the state, all of which cement his legacy as a driving force in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ sports.
Julie Ertz: One of the most accomplished soccer players of her generation, Ertz is a two-time Women’s World Cup champion and a key figure in U.S. Women’s National Team history. Hailing from Mesa, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, she has become a beacon of excellence and leadership, admired for her skill on the field and her unwavering commitment to community outreach.
Joe Garagiola Jr.: A foundational figure in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ baseball, Garagiola served as the general manager of the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Diamondbacks during their 2001 World Series Championship run. His vision, leadership and dedication to the game have left an indelible mark on the state’s sports history.
Paul Konerko: A six-time MLB All-Star and World Series Champion, Konerko is celebrated for his storied career with the Chicago White Sox, leading the team to their 2005 championship. A proud graduate of Chaparral High School in Scottsdale, his deep ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ roots and remarkable accomplishments make him a treasured figure in the state’s rich baseball history.
Matt Shott (posthumously): A beloved figure in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥â€™s hockey community, Matt Shott dedicated his life to growing the sport and creating opportunities for young players. As the senior director of amateur hockey development for the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Coyotes, Shott spearheaded initiatives to make hockey more accessible across the state. His leadership with the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Kachinas, the premier girls’ hockey program in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, empowered young female athletes and fostered inclusivity in the sport.
Contact Justin Spears, the Star’s ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ football beat reporter, at jspears@tucson.com. On X(Twitter): @JustinESports