With the induction of the first class coming this fall, The Clinton Athletics Hall of Fame (HOF) is seeking nominations from the public for people who have contributed to Clinton’s athletic prowess.

HOF President Paul Gebauer said that the organization was formed earlier this year as a way to honor players, coaches, and administrators that have contributed to Clinton athletics. The HOF will have its first ever induction ceremony on Oct. 22 at the Clinton Country Club, where Gebauer said he hopes to see 10 to 14 people honored as part of the inaugural class.

However, before the class can be inducted, the HOF needs help finding nominees for the organization to consider. Nomination can be made on the HOF website www.clintonctahof.net.

Nominations are open to anyone who was a distinguished Clinton athlete, coach, administrator, or special contributor. Gebauer stressed that no connection to The Morgan School is needed for recognition.

“It’s the Clinton HOF, not the Morgan HOF. Most inductees will be Morgan alumni, I’m sure, but not all. For example, if there’s someone who coached Little League for 40 years in Clinton but they never went to Morgan, that’s perfectly fine,” said Gebauer.

Per the HOF website the nomination criteria are as follows:

Athletes must have graduated at least 10 years ago and have made significant achievements in their sports as demonstrated by stats, awards, or press clippings. Post-graduate success can also be considered.

Coaches and administrators must have long-term contributions to athletics and been a coach at or retired from The Morgan School.

Under the bylaws, outstanding teams will be eligible for induction, as well as deceased contributors.

All must have a nomination submitted on their behalf.

“We do have some nominations already. We don’t nominate people, but we have a subcommittee that votes on the nominations,” Gebauer explained.

Gebauer said that the HOF will accept nominations for the first class for the next several weeks.

“We want the first class to be special and be the best of the best. We’d like to announce the class sometime in July to give people time to make travel plans,” said Gebauer.

Besides nominations, Gebauer said that the HOF is also seeking donations from the public.

“The money from donations will go toward banners and plaques that each inductee receives. We also are hoping to have enough money that we can provide a small scholarship to one boy and one girl athlete graduating from Morgan,” said Gebauer.

Donations can be made on the HOF website or by sending a check made out to Clinton Athletic Hall of Fame to P.O. Box 112, Clinton CT 06413.

The HOF was formed earlier this year after Gebauer attended an award ceremony for the Madison Athletic Hall of Fame last October and decided to bring the concept to Clinton. Though both the town or The Morgan School have been supportive of the organization, Gebauer said that the group has no official connection to either entity and is a registered 501c3 non-profit.

“There’s really been such great enthusiasm and support for this so far. It’s all about just find a way to honor the legacies of those who contributed to Clinton athletics,” said Gebauer.