NeveHarms Tom Lowery, long-time Peoria Youth Sports figure, has been named co-winner of the 1991 Neve Harms Meritorious Service to Sports Award. He has a Masters Degree from Sangamon State University and works as a Management Analyst.
A life-long Peorian, Tom is a graduate of Manual where he lettered in three sports. He developed his baseball skills under the late Ed Stonebock, beginning as an eight-year-old little leaguer and lasting through a State Tournament Championship his senior year.
Lowery has served as Director of the Averyville and Woodruff Youth Baseball programs since 1971. His involvement as founder of the program grew out of his desire to involve Northside youth in sports rather than the streets. His teams have won over 50 League and Tournament titles, including Peoria City Little League and Pony League Championships. He was the driving force in youth programs in the Averyville area for many years, offering year-round activities for the neighborhood youth in baseball, basketball, bowling and table tennis. He also coached grade school basketball at Christ Lutheran School and led his team to the title game of the prestigious Lutheran Tournament. Lowery-coached men's basketball teams won 8 Peoria league titles, 15 tournament titles and in 1976 finished in the top 8 at the National men's Lutheran tourney.
Lowery has been a long-time participant in the Illinois Central College Basketball program with Lorene Ramsey and Carroll Herman, serving in several capacities including Radio and TV announcer, PA announcer, Statistician, Sports Information Director, photographer, and promotional services ó all as a volunteer. He is currently on the Board of Directors of the Old Timers Baseball Association.
As Youth Baseball Director, Tom is now involved in the drive to develop the Riverfront Youth Athletic Field at Woodruff Park. This ambitious endeavor will provide a centralized lighted baseball facility for Peoria's youth for the first time - a veritable "Field of Dreams" for Director Tom, who has had over 3500 boys and girls participate in his programs.
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Tri-County Youth Sports Grant
Recognizing the accomplishments of area athletes and sports contributors for more than 30 years, the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame is giving back to the Tri-County youth sports programs through a new grant program that was launched in 2016. Aided by benefactor contributions to the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame and revenues generated from the annual banquet, the GPSHOF may select a total of three youth sports programs in Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford Counties.
Youth programs interested in receiving a grant should submit an application detailing the attributes of the program to the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame by March 1st of each year. Applications should be addressed to:
Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame
Attn: Youth Sports Grant
P.O. Box 9338
Peoria, IL 61612
Basic information in the application should include the youth program's mission, how the funding can assist the mission and a primary point of contact. All applications will be reviewed by the GPSHOF board and the three winning organizations will be announced during the Hall of Fame banquet. To download the GRANT APPLICATION form: (Click Here).
Donors may support this mission by participating in the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame sponsorship program at any of four levels. Donation form: (Click Here). In addition to supporting area youth sports, sponsors will receive varying levels of benefits, determined by their donation level.
Hall of Fame ($5,000)
4 Lifetime tickets the annual GPSHOF Banquet
Recognition on a plaque in the GPSHOF display at the Peoria Civic Center
Recognition in the annual GPSHOF Banquet program
Recognition in the GPSHOF newsletter
All-American ($1,000)
2 tickets to the GPSHOF Banquet in the year of the gift
Recognition on a plaque in the GPSHOF display at the Peoria Civic Center
Recognition in the annual GPSHOF Banquet program
Recognition in the GPSHOF newsletter
All-State ($500)
1 ticket to the GPSHOF Banquet in the year of the gift
Recognition in the annual GPSHOF Banquet program
Recognition in the GPSHOF newsletter
All-Conference ($100)
Recognition in the GPSHOF Banquet program
Recognition in the GPSHOF newsletter
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Event Links
Newsletters/Banquet Programs2019 Newsletter2019 Hall of Fame Program 2018 Newsletter 2018 Hall of Fame Program 2017 Newsletter 2017 Hall of Fame Program 2016 Hall of Fame Program 2016 Newsletter 2015 Newsletter 2015 Hall of Fame Program 2014 Hall of Fame Program Listing 2014 Newsletter 2012 Newsletter 2011 Newsletter 2010 Newsletter 2009 Newsletter Mission StatementThe first official Board of Directors meeting was held on October 14, 1979. Officers were elected. Early decisions determined that the Hall of Famers would be from the Greater Peoria Area; the name would be The Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame; its purpose would be to promote and encourage the many varied sports programs in our area, to share with the area the pride we have in the accomplishments of area athletes, and to honor those men, women and teams contributing to our enjoyment and rich sports history.
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