Sweet joins Gold Medal Hall of Fame

Larry Sweet Sr. became the 99th inductee into the Gold Medal Hall of Fame on Saturday.

The announcement was made between the Mighty B Bracket and Legendary C Bracket title games at the Juneau-Douglas High School gym.

"It feels great," said Sweet, who was not expecting the award. "I didn't know until they had me sit down before the award."

Sweet, who was inducted as a coach, represented Klukwan for 29 years in the Gold Medal in two divisions. He won his first-ever Gold Medal championship earlier on Saturday as Klukwan beat Huna Totem Masters 54-51 for the Master's Bracket title.

He was awarded the sportsmanship trophy in both the B and C divisions and last year received the Walter A. Soboleff Award for contributions to his village and Klukwan basketball.

At home, Sweet has been the organizer for the Dick Hotch Basketball Tournament played each January in Haines.

Hall of Fame inductees are selected by the Juneau Lions Club Gold Medal Basketball Hall of Fame Committee and must meet eligibility criteria including career playing experience, elite awards and community involvement.

Also on Saturday, Johan Dybdahl received the Walter A. Soboleff Award.

Dybdahl served as the longtime coach for the Hoonah B Bracket teams and won multiple championships.

The Walter A. Soboleff Award is presented to the person who best represents his or her community in the eyes of Gold Medal officials.