By MATT PIKE
Nominations for the 2026 St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame class are now open.
St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely says the nomination portal is actually open all throughout the year
“We heavily promote that when the calendar turns to 2026, or the new year, because at that point we are really focused on not only the nominations we already have in the portal, which we have quite a few, but that’s the time of year we encourage new nominations,” Esely says on the KFEQmunnity show. “Simply because it is the turn of the calendar year, all nominations for consideration for the class of 2026 are due in April.”
Following that a selection committee will choose the class of 2026, and after those chosen are notified it will be announced later this summer.
Esely points out nominations stay active for up to five years, but even if you have submitted a name before, you still can put their name in again
“We do have people that reach out to us and say can I add to my nomination? And absolutely you can, and I think that’s even more significant from the standpoint of we still have some nominees who are active in what they’re doing” Esely explains. “Whether that be coaches, whether that be some athletes that are still competing, we still have some stories that are still being told, so absolutely you can submit any and all information with your nomination that maybe you didn’t submit before, and if that’s the case just reach out to us at the office and we’re happy to add any information for you.”
Esely says any nominees must meet one of three criteria, however it is a broad criteria.
“Born in Buchanan County, that Buchanan County piece is significant simply because our Convention and Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission is a county entity, so must be born in Buchanan County,” Esely says. “Made your sports career in Buchanan County, or are making your sports career in Buchanan County, and a lot of people ask well what’s the difference in the second and third piece? Well, some Halls of Fame require you to be retired before you’re able to be nominated and selected, ours does not, ours does not require that.”
