Pioneer in racial relations, Bobby Grier to be enshrined in Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame

Bobby Grier, a two-way football standout best known for desegregating the Sugar Bowl, has been chosen for enshrinement in the Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame.

Grier will join the 14-person class of inductees at the Pitt Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner on Oct. 22 at Heinz Field. The class will be honored at the Pitt-Clemson game the next day.

“Bobby Grier is a richly deserving honoree in our Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame,” Pitt athletic director Heather Lyke said in a statement. “While Bobby enjoyed a highly productive career on the field, the courage and strength he showed in desegregating the Sugar Bowl continues to resonate well beyond the game of football. Bobby is a tremendous source of pride for the University of Pittsburgh as he represents the very best of our institution.”

Grier, a three-year letterman, led Pitt with two interceptions while playing linebacker and running back during the 1955 season. He was the leading rusher in the game, won by Georgia Tech, 7-0, on Jan. 2, 1956.

Along with Grier, the class of inductees includes football coaches Glenn “Pop” Warner (posthumous) and Jackie Sherrill, basketball players Brandin Knight and Jennifer Bruce, gymnastics athlete and coach Donna DeMarino Sanft, track and field athletes Chantee Earl and Arnie Sowell, football players Craig “Ironhead” Heyward (posthumous), Curtin Martin and Bob Peck (posthumous), volleyball player Ann Marie Lucanie, baseball player Ken Macha and wrestler Pat Santoro.

“This is an extraordinary group of honorees,” Lyke said. “As Pitt’s director of athletics, I always greatly look forward to Hall of Fame weekend, and this year promises to be incredibly special as we welcome back such a decorated class.”