EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio, July 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Veteran television
personality Regis Philbin stood before a crowd of thousands celebrating this
city's Bicentennial Sunday afternoon and provided a high-profile launch to an
ambitious project that has become the centerpiece of its economic
revitalization efforts: The Lou Holtz/Upper Ohio Valley Hall of Fame.
    Holtz, the legendary head coach of Notre Dame's "Fighting Irish" from
1985-1996 who led his team to a National Championship, invited Philbin to
emcee the first induction ceremony at the Hall of Fame, which Holtz has
established to recognize individuals for their outstanding contributions to
commerce, community enrichment, entertainment, medicine, politics and sports.
    Philbin, a raving Notre Dame fan, readily agreed, and brought along a
camera crew to record the event for his nationally-syndicated program, "LIVE
with Regis & Kathie Lee."
    The East Liverpool High School Alumni Association first envisioned the
hall of fame concept in 1996, after a group of businessmen in this town of
15,000 on the Ohio-Pennsylvania border suggested converting Bank One's
cavernous downtown office into a museum to showcase Holtz's career from his
days at Notre Dame, as well as William & Mary, North Carolina State and
Arkansas.  The bank quickly warmed up to the idea, securing the necessary
corporate approvals and arranging to transfer employees to a nearby branch.
    "I agreed with the concept, but with one understanding," remembered Holtz,
who now lives in Florida.  "The initial focus of the Hall of Fame will be on
my career, largely because so much memorabilia has been collected and is
readily available.  However, over time, I want the Hall of Fame to pay tribute
to those individuals in various fields up and down the Ohio Valley who have
left a lasting impact on the region."
    On January 13 of this year, Bank One's regional president, Donald Cagigas,
stood with Holtz before an adoring crowd of several hundred to transfer the
deed to the historic bank building, whose imposing edifice, huge pillars and
large floor space met a consulting architect's specifications.  "To get the
deed to this building is really unique, because for many years, Bank One held
the deed to my home," Holtz quipped at the time.
    Bank One vacated the building in mid-April, and work quickly began on
transforming the interior of the facility.
    One-half dozen truckloads' worth of Holtz memorabilia are slowly being
pored over for their potential as display items, including autographed
footballs, numerous photos, pennants, and a huge "Get Well" card signed by
hundreds of well-wishers when the coach underwent back surgery.  Holtz's
personal golf cart, which he transported to various professional tournaments
over the years, already strides the lobby.
    Design work on the Hall of Fame is being led by Peter Wooley, a 1952
graduate of East Liverpool High School who has achieved fame as a Hollywood
set designer and producer/director.  Wooley, Emmy-nominated for set design
work on the searing 1984 television film, "The Day After," orchestrated
planning during the two weeks leading up to Sunday's induction ceremony.
    Inducted into the Lou Holtz/Upper Ohio Valley Hall of Fame were: Holtz;
bank president Cagigas; U.S. Rep. James Traficant (D.-Poland, OH); area
physician J.J. Macedonia (deceased); James W. Smith, an East Liverpool native
and noted New York City reconstructive surgeon; area attorney and
philanthropist Jackman S. Vodrey; and Joseph M. Wells, Jr., chairman emeritus
of the Homer Laughlin China Company.
    "I really like people and I believe in people.  I try to look at the good
in people," said Holtz.  "These individuals should be recognized for what
they've done."
    The Lou Holtz/Upper Ohio Valley Hall of Fame will hold a second induction
ceremony to coincide with the formal opening of the facility, now scheduled to
ring in the millennium on December 31, 1999.
    Those wishing to be charter subscribers may send their contributions to:
The Lou Holtz/Upper Ohio Valley Hall of Fame, Post Office Box 60, East
Liverpool, Ohio 43920.
    Note:  PHOTO from event accompanies release.

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