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Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2011

The Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame executive committee announced today the Class of 2011, a group that includes Christina Hixson, Steven Jackson, Don Logan, Tasha Schwikert and the 1944 Las Vegas High School football team.

“The Class of 2011 is one of the most diverse groups we have ever inducted,” said Hall of Fame Chairman Rob Portaro.  “From the community leaders who have altered the landscape of the Southern Nevada sports scene, to the athletes who rose to the top of their profession on the national and international playing fields, they have all had a tremendous impact on the sporting world in their respective areas.  We are indeed excited and proud to forever enshrine them into the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame.”

Hixson has been the sole trustee of the Lied Foundation Trust since 1980.  Under Miss Hixson’s direction, vision and generosity, the Ernst F. Lied Golf Scholarship Program was established at UNLV.  Mr. Lied had a tremendous interest in golf, and in his memory this contribution will perpetuate the game of golf at UNLV through the scholarships it provides to student-athletes.  It enables the golf program to attract the finest student-athletes each year and compete at the highest national level. She has also contributed funds to UNLV for the Lied Athletic Complex, Lied Library, Science Labs, UNLV and CSN Baseball programs and Lied Institute for Real Estate Studies.

A native of Las Vegas, Jackson starred at El Dorado High School and went on to attend Oregon State University.  In 36 games for the Beavers, he carried 743 times for 3,625 yards for a 4.9-yard average and 39 touchdowns while adding 680 yards and six touchdowns on 66 catches and 240 yards with a touchdown on seven kickoff returns.  Following his stellar collegiate career, Jackson was drafted 24th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams.  As a workhorse for the Rams offense, he has been named to three Pro Bowls, following the 2006, 2009 and 2010 seasons.  On October 24, 2010, Jackson surpassed Eric Dickerson as the Rams’ all-time leading rusher.

Logan has been synonymous with professional baseball in Las Vegas for more than 25 years. His vast background and knowledge of both the game of baseball and the Las Vegas sports scene has led to the growth and vitality of the Las Vegas 51s organization. Logan also has been instrumental in creating both the Big League Home Run Challenge (2000-03) and the signature “Big League Weekend,” which features Major League Baseball Spring Training games each spring in Las Vegas.  

Schwikert, born and raised in Las Vegas, is one of the most accomplished gymnasts of this generation.  She was a surprise member of the 2000 Olympic squad, but performed well in both the team preliminaries and finals in Sydney.  Following the 2000 Olympics, Schwikert continued her stellar career for the United States, winning two team medals at the World Championships, a bronze in 2001 and gold in 2003.  Following her career on the world stage, Schwikert spent four years as a member of the UCLA Bruins gymnastics team. During her time with the Bruins she won two individual all-around NCAA national champion titles and two Pac-10 all-around titles. 

The 1944 Las Vegas High Wildcats, led by head coach Harvey Stanford, put together one of the most impressive seasons in the annals of football history.  The 1944 Wildcats, featuring a dynamic group of players that included Bill “Wildcat” Morris, Rheen Call, Tom Bell and team captain John Mendoza, went undefeated (8-0) and outscored opponents 215-0.  During the season, the Wildcats defense frustrated its opponents by not only keeping them scoreless, but never allowed any team to string together back-to-back first downs.

The five inductees will be honored Friday, June 10 at the Orleans Arena. For more ticket information and additional details about the Foundation, please go to www.sportshalloffame.net.

The Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization committed to recognizing the outstanding achievements by Southern Nevada athletes, both in the world of sports and the local community.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to organizations committed to the support and enhancement of Southern Nevada youth through active participation in programs designed to promote leadership, values, and character through sports.