HOUSTON – The Harris County – Houston Sports Authority (HCHSA) culminated a yearlong celebration of its 2023 Houston Sports Hall of Fame class on Thursday, September 14 as Bruce Matthews, Elvin Hayes, and Calvin Murphy all received their Hall of Fame rings and had their plaques unveiled on the Walk of Fame at the GreenStreet Promenade.
“I’m at a loss for words,” said Calvin Murphy, Rockets legend and 2023 Hall of Famer. “This is the period at the end of the sentence when talking about greatness. I have always considered myself a legend in this city, but this makes it legit.”
The Houston Sports Walk of Fame was developed in 2018 to showcase Houston sports icons and create a space where sports enthusiasts can celebrate the history of sports in the city. Over the years, the HCHSA has continued to develop the area, further weaving sports into the fabric of the city.
Matthews, Hayes, and Murphy join 18 other Houston sports icons who have their name prominently displayed along the Walk of Fame. Joining them at the event were friends, family, invited guests, and members of the HCHSA Board of Directors.
“Today was the final piece of what has been a special year for these three legends of Houston sports,” said Daniel Gotera, Senior Director of Communications for the Harris County – Houston Sports Authority. “The HCHSA is committed to not just promote current and future sports events but to also honor Houston’s best athletes and sports moments from the past.”
The event, held at the House of Blues, featured renowned artist Opie Otterstad, who showcased his unique paintings representing each 2023 Hall of Famer as he’s done for all the previous Hall of Fame classes.
“This year’s class has such deep Houston roots,” said Otterstad. “When painting Hall of Famers from the generation of my childhood growing up in Houston, the athletes have a bit of a mythical quality to me….larger than life. Spending time with them, asking questions about their careers in Houston, made the paintings very special to me.”
As part of Thursday’s event, Otterstad had each Hall of Famer sign their painting with their handprint, allowing each of them to become part of his work. Otterstad is also responsible for the Walk of Fame HCHSA Hall of Fame Fountain. The mosaic art installation on the fountain was inspired by the Houston sports community. It features 13 Hall of Famers as well as some iconic Houston sports moments.
The Hall of Fame rings presented to each class have been designed by Fred Cuellar, Founder & CEO of Diamond Cutters International. As the top diamond expert in the world, Cuellar beautifully depicts each Hall of Famer’s career with a diamond-encrusted, once-in-a-lifetime ring. Today, Cuellar had the honor of presenting each Hall of Famer with their ring, sharing the unique design and special meaning behind each one.
