GREEN BAY − In addition to their annual Hall of Fame inductions, the Green Bay Packers will be recognizing two special awards at their banquet July 30.
Former assistant coach Tom Lovat will receive the Bob Harlan Leadership Award for his “exceptional leadership qualities over and above the call of duty during his career,” according to the Packers.
Former Packers Hall of Fame director James Van Matre will receive the Bart and Cherry Starr Recognition Award for his “outstanding character and leadership” in his field.
In his 24-year coaching career, Lovat served eight seasons in two separate stints with the Packers. He was initially hired as assistant offensive line coach on Starr’s staff in 1980. After spending time with the Arizona Cardinals and Indianapolis Colts follow that season, was hired as offensive line coach by Mike Holmgren in 1992.
Van Matre, a combat veteran of the Vietnam War, joined the Green Bay Visitors and Convention Bureau in 1975. He was Director of tourism, as well as director of operations and development for the team’s hall of fame, until 1996. One of his primary responsibilities was developing the team’s new hall of fame.
The Packers also will induct former cornerback Tramon Williams and offensive lineman Earl Dotson at their summer ceremony.
This article originally appeared on Packers News: Green Bay Packers to honor two legends at Hall of Fame banquet
Reporting by Ryan Wood, Green Bay Press-Gazette / Packers News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Ryan Wood, Green Bay Press-Gazette | USA TODAY Network
