GAINESVILLE - There is no honor like the one that brings you recognition from your peers and those who understand the hours, devotion and passion that go into what you do.

Last Sunday night, I had the pleasure being inducted in the Florida High School Hall of Fame, Class of 2010, along with eight others who like myself, never did what they do for recognition. Just for the love of coaching, officiating and helping youngsters achieve.

Several parents, athletic directors and administrators paved the way for my selection into the Hall of Fame by not taking NO for answer. They felt that for someone to give 40 years of their life to anything, it should be rewarded. They have asked me for the past 10 years to fill out things that I have done to get into the Hall, and only last year, I gave in.

The news of being inducted into such a prestigious fraternity really didn’t hit home last Sunday night when I walked across the stage with a plaque and a ring. The magnitude of this tremendous honor was put into perspective when I flipped through the program to see all those who had been selected over the past 20 years.

Along with statewide icons such as Floyd Lay, Gene Cox, Robby Pruitt, Bill Castle, Jim Husk, Emmitt Smith, Danny Wuerffel, Chris Bono, George Steinbrenner, Cris Collinsworth, George Mira, Corky Rogers, Otis Birdsong, Rowdy Gaines, Pat Summerall, Don Sutton, Vince Caerter, John Carney and Rich Hoffman, there were also locals who I have always held in high esteem.

There was Carlos “Skip” Sasse, Ray Boetel, Dr. Clarence Noe, Louise Crocco, Chris Evert, George Smith and BCAA wrestling official Rick Tucci, who has worked countless Olympic games.

As if the list weren’t impressive enough, I had the pleasure of going into the Hall of Fame in the same class with BCAA coaching icon Pat McQuaid, who has been coaching at his alma mater, Nova High, since 1974.

All McQuaid has done to earn a trip to the Hall of Fame is compile an amazing 750-278-2 record with two state championships and a national title in 2005. He has had more than 100 former student-athletes who have played college baseball and five players who reached the Major League level.

McQuaid, who has also served as athletic director since 2001, won over 100 meets as a cross country coach. He was also inducted into the Broward County Sports Hall of Fame in 2005.

“This is the highest honor you could ever have in this profession,” McQuaid said. “You never reach a position in life like this by yourself. There are so many people responsible for this award.”

I know exactly what was going through the mind of McQuaid, who has been instrumental in elevating the sport of baseball at the high school level. I realize the hard work that goes along with it and the many sacrifices that have to be made.

Last Sunday will be a time that I will never forget. It was a chance to be a part of something that was first class in every way!

You can reach Larry Blustein via e-mail at FloridaKids1@hotmail.com. He can also be heard every Thursday night (9-10) on the Miami Dolphins High School Gridiron Report on WQAM (560 AM).