The concept of a Ventura County Sports Hall of Fame originated in a story written in 1982 by the late George Churchman, Sports Editor of the Camarillo News. He had researched all the great athletes and coaches who had gone from Ventura County renown to Olympic medals, the pro leagues, and other national and international venues. Around the same time, longtime Ventura sports enthusiasts, John Strobel, and Dr. Theodore Hosteller – Board Member of the American Lung Association – discussed the correlation between sports and health. They approached the late Frank Delaney, then executive director of the American Lung Association, with the idea of a county Sports Hall of Fame. He agreed with the concept and helped Dr. Jim Vellaveces, the American Lung Association president, to formulate the objectives and mission statement of the fledgling Hall. Gerry Gooss and Charlie Price were elected the first co-chairmen of the Hall and Cindy Gooss was the first treasurer. Gooss and Ventura attorney, Bob Coit, wrote the by-laws and secured the non-profit status from federal and state governments. Initial generous donations from the American Lung Association and other supporters formed the first financial base for the Sports Hall of Fame. The Hall has retained its non-profit status and depends solely on donations to operate, with all funds being used to finance the induction expenses and scholarships.