PHILADELPHIA, Penn. (May 31, 2024) -- The Middle Atlantic District of the AAU welcomed three new members to its Hall of Fame on Thursday, May 30th, 2024.

AAU National Track Co-Chairman Roland Williams and former AAU Sullivan Award winners Bernard Berlinger and Joseph Burk will be the members of this year’s induction class, the fourth in the Middle Atlantic AAU Hall of Fame.
 

Roland Williams is inducted into the Middle Atlantic Hall of Fame for his outstanding contributions to the AAU track program including establishing a female program in the early 1970s to initiating the primary track championships in the 2000s. Roland Williams’ induction into the Middle Atlantic AAU Hall of Fame celebrates his dedication to coaching and fostering talent within the community.

 
Bernard E. Berlinger is inducted into the Middle Atlantic Hall of Fame as a record-setting collegian and AAU decathlete. He competed in the 1928 Olympics. He also received the prestigious AAU Sullivan Award. After his athletic career he served as a special emissary for the People-to-People Sports Program.
 

Joseph Burk was selected to the Middle Atlantic AAU Hall of Fame due to his status in rowing history. Renowned as both a distinguished coach and accomplished athlete, Burk earned the title of the "world's greatest oarsman" with victories at Henley and both American and Canadian national championships. His pioneering technical innovations are a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence.
 
“Coach O” Charles Oliver will speak at the event, and Shyla Patel will be recognized as an up and coming star in race walking. At 14 years old she placed second at the Penn Relays in the U20 division.
 
Congratulations to the three new inductees of the Middle Atlantic AAU Hall of Fame!