The deadline for nominations for the 2009 Manteca Sports Hall of Distinction is this Wednesday.

The award ceremony and dinner is Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Big League Dreams sports complex. The 2009 special guests include Eric Wright, San Francisco 49ers; Dan Bunz, San Francisco 49ers; Mike Merriweather, Pittsburgh Steelers; and Mark Ibanez, KTVU2.

Tickets are $35.

The first group inducted a year ago included: Jim Barber (NFL, 1935-1941), Scott Brooks (NBA, 1988-1998), Hardy Brown (NFL, AAFC, AFL, 1948-1960), Milo Candini (MLB, 1943-1951), motorcycle racer Chris Carr (AMA Grand National Track Champion, land speed record-holder with a mark of 350.8 mph), official Jack Gatto (NCAA football referee, 1973-2003), Gerry Knapp (team owner, Manteca Ford Open Division softball team), Ted Nuce (Rodeo world champion bull rider), Robin Taberna Sr. (martial arts master instructor), Paul Wiggins (NFL, 1956-1967) and the unbeaten champion 2006 Manteca High varsity football squad.

Anyone may nominate any individual, team, or coaches, managers and officials — living or deceased — who meet the criteria below.

Nominees will be considered in some if not all of the following criteria:

• Selections in all categories are open to amateurs and professionals.

• Must live in or have lived in or have a strong connection to Manteca.

• Achieved a distinguished record at the highest level in his/her area of sports endeavor.

• Selection committee will consider both living and deceased nominees.

• Candidates must have a strong tie to Manteca or all lived or worked here for at least one year.

• Candidates must have reached a standard of excellence on a regional, state, national, international, professional or Olympic level, having performed in such a way as to bring special honor to themselves and the city of Manteca.

• Candidates must have compiled an outstanding record, which extends over a minimum period of three years in one or more sports.

• Candidates may have established a record in their sport.

• Teams must have reached a standard of excellence on a local, regional, state, national, international or Olympic level, having performed in such a way as to bring honor to themselves, and the City of Manteca.

• Teams may be selected for their achievements in any one year or over an extended period of time.

• Professional teams or members of a world championship team

• Demonstrated outstanding service to one or more sports over a minimum period of three years.

• Candidate developed an outstanding sports program.

• Candidate compiled an outstanding record of coaching champions at the level coached (e.g. professional, collegiate, high school).

• Coached a National, World, All-American or Olympic Champion in their individual sport.

• Compiled an extraordinary winning record or have achieved other outstanding accomplishments, with consideration given to integrity, sportsmanship and character.

• Officiated at the the state, national, world or professional level.

• Managed a professional athlete or team.

The selection of all Manteca’s Sports Heroes inductees shall be the primary responsibility of a selection committee as appointed by the Sports Commission.

Nominations must be turned into the Manteca Convention & Visitors Bureau office,  1251 E. Yosemite Ave., Manteca CA, 95336 or call 823-7229. The deadline for Hall of Distinction nomination applications Wednesday, Jan. 7.

This year there will be scholarship money given to the winners of the High School Athlete of the Year.  This award will be given to one male ($500 scholarship) and one female athlete ($500 scholarship) in the community.  Staff of the local athletic programs for each school will nominate them and then the Manteca Sports Commission judging committee will select winners.  Every high school in the Manteca Unified School District area will be open for nominations.