La Capitol, the Official Credit Union of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, cemented its role with the iconic organization as it welcomed a new class of legendary inductees Saturday, June 22, 2024, capping off three-days of events that gave fans of all ages a chance to celebrate and meet sports heroes.
Doug Ireland, Executive Director of the LASHOF, opened the Welcome Ceremony by acknowledging the staff and sponsors giving an additional nod to La Capitol, the introductory event sponsor. The credit union was lauded for its commitment to serving the community and helping members achieve lifelong dreams.
Sports Hall of Fame President and CEO Ronnie Rantz marveled that the events and activities manage to get better each year, adding sponsor support is key to continued growth. “Obviously, La Cap has been our longest running sponsor,” he said. “So, we appreciate La Capitol Federal Credit Union and all that they do.”
In addition to the financial support, La Capitol was “boots on the ground” during the Hall of Fame weekend. From event volunteers to manning two celebrity bowling teams, representatives from the credit union played an active role in the event’s success.
Interim Human Resources Manager Jeremy Dunbar said his company’s involvement reflects its roots and mission. “La Capitol Federal Credit Union was founded in 1961 with strong community ties, but with humble beginnings, with our first office being located in the basement of our great state capitol,” he said. “Those strong community ties have led us to be proud sponsors of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame for 19 years.”
Dunbar continued to draw comparisons to the impact made by inductees. “We do believe that we have the best products and services around but we experience pure joy by helping our members achieve lifelong dreams – purchasing their first home, or helping their college student with their first vehicle, or maybe helping a family open one of our amazing youth savings accounts – just as the inductees have achieved lifelong dreams,” he said.
New Orleans Saints legend Drew Brees and LSU and WNBA star Seimone Augustus were notable additions to the accomplished 2024 class.
Other inductees are Perry Clark, who guided Tulane basketball to unprecedented success in the 1990s; mixed martial arts champion Daniel Cormier of Lafayette; retired Grambling baseball coach Wilbert Ellis, the second-ever recipient of the Louisiana Sports Ambassador Award; 1992 Olympic wrestling gold medalist and LSU All-American Kevin Jackson; McNeese football great Kerry Joseph, who had a 19-year pro career on several teams; high school football coach Frank Monica, who won state titles at three different south Louisiana schools; and Ray Sibille, a Breeders’ Cup-winning thoroughbred jockey from Sunset who ranks among the nation’s elite riders.