Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 7/16/09

Betty Shellenberger, a long-time US team player who also umpired for 49 years and is a member of the US Lacrosse Hall of Fame, will be inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame.

Shellenberger will be one of 14 individuals that will make up the sixth class of inductees Nov. 12 at the Hyatt Regency Penn’s Landing.

Shellenberger, a graduate of Agnes Irwin School, was an outstanding attack player and was chosen for the U.S. Team 11 times and the Reserve team five times from 1940-61.

In 1941 she began an umpiring career that lasted 49 years until 1990. She started the lacrosse programs at the Stevens School and Chestnut Hill College.

Shellenberger also served as President of the United States Women’s Lacrosse Association from 1967-68 and was the honorary secretary of the International Federation of Women’s Lacrosse Associations from 1983-86.

She was the first President of the Philadelphia College Association. In 1987, she was made a Distinguished Daughter of Pennsylvania for her contributions to various sports.

Shellenberger will be joined by some well-known Philly athletes such as Larry Bowa (baseball), Tommy Lasorda (baseball), Merrill Reese (Eagles broadcaster) and Charlie Jenkins (track & field).

Here is the full list of inductees for the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame’s sixth class:

Larry Bowa

John Cappelletti

Eddie Collins

Bill Conlin

Joey Giardello

Charlie Jenkins

Julius “Judy” Johnson

Neil Johnston

Tommy Lasorda

Merrill Reese

Pete Retzlaff

Betty Shellenberger

Mel Sheppard

Emlen Tunnell

1974-75 Flyers, Stanley Cup champions

Tags: Referee