Broadway Joe Namath of the New York Jets was in town in mid-February, 1969, as one of the featured guests of the 10th annual Washington State Sports Hall of Fame show sponsored by the Tacoma Athletic Commission. His football team had just won the 3rd Super Bowl played, as the confident University of Alabama product had predicted. Namath, 2nd from left, stands with hands in pockets, along with three other men. Man to the farthest right is believed to be San Diego Chargers quarterback John Hadl. A six-time Pro-Bowler, Mr. Hadl would spend 16 years in the NFL and be inducted in the College Hall of Fame. "Irish" Pat McMurtry, Tacoma boxing legend, has his arm around Mr. Hadl. Hank Semmern of the TAC is at the extreme left of the photograph. The Hall of Fame gala would be completely sold out, according to Clay Huntington, chairman of the event, but fans not able to attend the February 17, 1969, show would be able to watch the proceedings on a tape delayed basis on Channel 13, KTVW. All 500 seats reserved for children had been sold as well. Kaye Hall, 17-year-old Wilson student and Olympic gold medalist in swimming, would be named State Athlete of the Year the same evening. ALBUM 9. (Additional identification provided by a reader)
Namath, Joe; Football players--New York; McMurtry, Pat; Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Semmern, Hank; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Washington State Sports Hall of Fame (Tacoma);