April 13, 2006

Governor appoints Kansas athletes to Sports Hall of Fame Board
Three appointed, four reappointed to Kansas Sports Hall of Fame Board of Trustees

The Kansas Sports Hall of Fame recognizes the achievements of Kansans in sports – individuals who serve as role models for Kansans young and old.

To help guide the Hall of Fame, Governor Kathleen Sebelius has appointed Danni Boatwright, Otto Schnellbacher, and Ron Slaymaker, Ph.D., to the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame Board of Trustees. In addition, the Governor reappointed four members to the Board.

“Kansas is home to great athletes and individuals who have made contributions to sports here and around the world,” said Sebelius. “The Kansas Sports Hall of Fame recognizes these achievements, and I’m pleased these individuals have stepped forward to ensure the continued success of the Hall.”

The Kansas Sports Hall of Fame Board of Trustees selects Kansas athletes and other persons of athletic stature for induction into the state of Kansas Sports Hall of Fame. Boatwright and Schnellbacher were appointed to fulfill two unexpired four-year terms. Slaymaker will serve a new four-year term.

Boatwright, Tonganoxie, won SURVIVOR: Guatemala in December of 2005. A high school athlete, she is an avid sports fan and most recently hosted “Weekend Wrap,” a weekly talk show on 610 Sports in Kansas City. She continues as host of a weekly sports show and sideline reporter for the Kansas City Brigade arena football team. Boatwright represented Kansas at the 1992 Miss Teen USA Pageant, where she was second runner up to the title.

Schnellbacher, Topeka, played professionally in both the National Football League and the National Basketball Association. As a football player for the New York Giants, he was named all-pro defensive back for the Giants in 1950 and 1951. He led the NFL in interceptions in 1951 with 11. Schnellbacher has been inducted into the University of Kansas Sports Hall of Fame.

Slaymaker, Emporia, had been a professor, assistant to the President and head basketball coach during his 44 year tenure at Emporia State University. He retired in 2004. He was inducted into the Kansas Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in 1997, National Association of Intercollegiate Athletes Hall of Fame in 1998, and Kansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2002.

The Governor reappointed Rita Bicknell, Pittsburg, George Fahnestock, Wichita, Duane Muck, Osborne, and Rick Williamson, Abilene. They will each serve four-year terms.