Former Morehead State University Eagle football player Gary Shirk will be one of five to be inducted in the 2010 class of the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame. The announcement was made Friday (Jan. 29) during a press conference in Lexington’s Downtown Hilton Hotel.
“Gary had a very good career at Morehead State and very solid professional career,” said Brian Hutchinson, director of intercollegiate athletics. “He is a great selection to represent MSU in the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame.”
A tight end, Shirk led MSU in receptions in 1970 and 72 when he was named first-team All-Ohio Valley Conference. A four-year starter for the Eagles, he was offensive captain for two years and team captain and team’s most valuable player in 72.
The Marysville, Ohio, native played professionally in three leagues. Shirk was a member of the Memphis Southmen of the World Football League (WFL), New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL) and Memphis Showboats of the United States Football League (USFL).
In his seven-year career with New York, he teamed with another Eagle, Phil Simms.
His best season came in 1981 when he hauled in 42 receptions and scored three touchdowns.
Shirk and his wife, Linda, have been married for more than 40 years and have two daughters, one son and two granddaughters.
He will be joined in the 2010 class by former coach Bill Arnsparger and players Yeremiah Bell, Chris Dishman and Joe Jacoby. Paul Hornung, who is one of four Kentuckians enshrined in the NFL Hall of Fame, will be honored.
The eighth annual induction ceremony will take place June 18 at Lexington Opera House, 401 West Short Street.
The Blanton Collier Award also will be given that night along with a youth volunteer and a prep coach that will be honored by the Blanton Collier Sportsmanship group.
Kentucky is the only state to have its own Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The purpose of the hall, which inducted its first class in 2003, is to appropriately honor persons that have brought signification recognition to the state of Kentucky, or have by their unusual successful service achieved significant accomplishment on behalf of their school, or have by a significant act or contribution distinguished themselves as an unusual former National Football League player, coach, referee, owner, management, etc., or have been a significant or unusual supporter of Pro Football.
Additional information on the induction ceremony is available by calling (859) 276-3488.
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Former MSU standout to be inducted into Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame
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