WASHINGTON - Former Georgetown University men's basketball head coach John Thompson Jr. will be among a group of 13 new members to the Washington DC Sports Hall of Fame. The group will be recognized in pregame ceremonies on Sunday, April 19 before the Washington Nationals baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Thompson will be inducted into the Washington DC Sports Hall of Fame along with ? James "Cool Papa" Bell - former outfielder for the Homestead Grays
? Thomas Boswell - Washington Post sports columnist and author
? Len Ford - four-time All-Pro defensive end
? Ted Leonsis - owner & CEO of Monumental Sports and Entertainment
? Bryan Murray - former coach of the Washington Capitals
? Richie Petitbon - former safety, defensive coordinator, and coach of the Washington Redskins
? David Robinson - former Naval Academy All-American, Olympic Gold Medalist and NBA All-Star
? Eunice Kennedy Shriver - founder of the Special Olympics
? Guy Harris "Doc" White - former Major League pitcher
? Gary Williams - former men's basketball coach for the University of Maryland and American University
? Maury Wills - former National League Most Valuable Player
? Warner Wolf - legendary sportscaster

John Thompson Jr.'s name is synonymous with success. From 1972 to 1999, he compiled 596 wins, the most of any coach in the history of Georgetown University and the magnitude of his achievements is undeniable. On the court, he amassed league-leading records against all BIG EAST Conference opponents (233-122) and captured 13 BIG EAST Championships, seven regular season titles and six tournament championships. Thompson's Hoya teams earned 24-consecutive invitations to postseason play, appeared in three NCAA Final Fours (1982, 1984 and 1985) and won the NCAA Championship in 1984.

The inductees were selected based on their outstanding contributions to the world of sports, thereby bringing honor and recognition to the Nation's Capital. They join a select group of Washington-area standout athletes and sports personalities in the Washington DC Sports Hall of Fame, including Sammy Baugh, James Brown, Dominique Dawes, Josh Gibson, Walter Johnson, Sonny Jurgensen, Morgan Wootten, Bob Wolff and many others.

Each new inductee will receive a Washington DC Sports Hall of Fame plaque commemorating their induction during the pregame ceremony, and their names will be added to the large Hall of Fame display at Nationals Park, overlooking the left field concourse.