XENIA — A long-time member of the U.S. Women’s Soccer National Team, and the nation’s only two-time Heisman Trophy winner will be inducted Saturday May 13 into the Athletes in Action Hall of Faith, during the organization’s annual Night of Champions induction ceremony and banquet.

Current Boston Breakers assistant coach Cat Whitehill, of the National Women’s Soccer League will be the 2017 female inductee, and Ohio State University football standout Archie Griffin will be added to the Hall as the male inductee.

Presented by R+L Carriers, the 12th annual Night of Champions will take place at the Schindler Banquet Center, located on the AIA World Training and Resource Center grounds, near Legacy Christian High School.

“R+L is pleased to partner with Athletes in Action and the Hall of Faith Inductee Ceremony,” said Greg Bronner, Vice President of Marketing for R+L Carriers. “Hall of Faith inductees are household names, but their outstanding accomplishments expand beyond their performance in competition. This ceremony recognizes individuals that live a life of faith, demonstrate exceptional character and an unwavering ability to exemplify integrity, and R+L Carriers is honored to be involved.”

Whitehill, 30, whom soccer fans might know by her maiden name as Cat Reddick, was on the Women’s National Team from 2000 to 2010. She last played professionally for the Breakers in 2015. She played college soccer at the University of North Carolina, and saw stints on the Atlanta Beat, Washington Freedom and Boston Breakers women’s pro teams.

Now 62, Griffin won the Heisman Trophy in both 1974 and 1975. The three-time All-American is considered one of the 100 Most Influential Student Athletes in NCAA history. He played with the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL from 1976-1982, and was a member of the Jacksonsville Bulls of the USFL in 1985.

The Columbus Eastmoor product currently serves as President and CEO of The Ohio State University Alumni Association.

The annual banquet and induction ceremony begins with a VIP reception (tickets required) from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Doors open for the banquet at 6:30 p.m., and the silent auction — which includes signed Whitehill and Griffin jerseys, and several Buy Now vacation packages — begins then as well.

More than 600 people are expected to attend the banquet, which will take place from 7-9 p.m. at the Schindler Banquet Center.

For more event information, please visit the event website at aianightofchampions.com, contact Becky Arnett ([email protected]) or call 1-800-416-9473.

Archie Griffin, shown here posing with one of his Heisman trophies in Ohio Stadium, is the 2017 male inductee into the Athletes in Action Hall of Faith.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2017/05/web1_GriffinHeisman_PS.jpgArchie Griffin, shown here posing with one of his Heisman trophies in Ohio Stadium, is the 2017 male inductee into the Athletes in Action Hall of Faith. Photos courtesy of Athletes In Action.

Archie Griffin, shown in a college game against Wisconsin in this file photo, is college football’s only two-time Heisman Trophy award winner. He’ll be on hand Saturday May 13 for the annual Hall of Faith Induction Ceremony and banquet, at the Schindler Banquet Center in Xenia.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2017/05/web1_GriffinWisconsin_PS.jpgArchie Griffin, shown in a college game against Wisconsin in this file photo, is college football’s only two-time Heisman Trophy award winner. He’ll be on hand Saturday May 13 for the annual Hall of Faith Induction Ceremony and banquet, at the Schindler Banquet Center in Xenia. Photos courtesy of Athletes In Action.

An 11-year member of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, Cat Whitehill (shown during her professional playing days with the Boston Breakers) will be the 2017 female inductee in Saturday’s May 13 Night of Champions Hall of Faith Induction Ceremony and banquet at the Schindler Banquet Center in Xenia.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2017/05/web1_ReddickBreakers_PS.jpgAn 11-year member of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, Cat Whitehill (shown during her professional playing days with the Boston Breakers) will be the 2017 female inductee in Saturday’s May 13 Night of Champions Hall of Faith Induction Ceremony and banquet at the Schindler Banquet Center in Xenia. Photos courtesy of Athletes In Action.

In this 2010 photo, Cat Whitehill strikes the ball as the U.S. Women’s National Team defeated Iceland, 2-0, in the Algarve Cup. Whitehill is currently a member of the coaching staff for the Boston Breakers women’s professional soccer team.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2017/05/web1_Reddickkicking_PS.jpgIn this 2010 photo, Cat Whitehill strikes the ball as the U.S. Women’s National Team defeated Iceland, 2-0, in the Algarve Cup. Whitehill is currently a member of the coaching staff for the Boston Breakers women’s professional soccer team. Photos courtesy of Athletes In Action.

By John Bombatch

[email protected]

Past AIA Hall of Faith Inductees

Female Inductees

Megan Frazee Leuzinger (2016); Lauryn Williams (2015); Allyson Felix (2014); Sue Ramsey (2013); Tamika Catchings (2012); Kim Anthony (2011); Jennifer Johnson Jordan (2010); Leah O’Brien-Amico (2009); Ruth Riley (2008); Madeline Manning Mims (2007); Kay Yow (2006).

Male Inductees

Clark Hunt (2016); Todd Peterson (2015); Lorenzo Romar (2014); Jerry Colangelo (2013); Clark Kellogg (2012); Frank Reich (2011); Jim Tressel (2010); Bart Starr (2009); John Peterson (2008); John Wooden (2007); Anthony Muñoz (2006).

You can reach John Bombatch at 937-372-4444, Ext. 2123.