There is a Hall of Famer on Global Traveler‘s staff. Distribution specialist Louie Atsaves was inducted into Niles West High School Hall of Fame.

Atsaves joined seven others, including WNBA player Jewell Loyd and former pro soccer player Dave Shelton, inducted in a beautiful ceremony last week. He also joins sister Barb Pabst, inducted a few years ago.

An outstanding all-around athlete, Atsaves broke his leg as a freshman quarterback, forcing him to miss the basketball season. In his sophomore year, he earned the starting guard spot in pre-season and held that position throughout his high school career. Despite playing only three seasons and not having the benefit of a three-point shot, Atsaves held the township scoring record for many years. He still holds several school marks and is regarded as a legend.

We became friends in 1987 when I joined a local newspaper where Atsaves had worked from his teenage years. We spent many years working together there and eventually left to start our own distribution company. When CEO and publisher Francis X. Gallagher was planning to start GT, he called me about setting up distribution. Although it was a daunting task, I knew Atsaves and I could do it, and we did.

I was there when he met his wife, Effie. We’ve been through a lot together, including two Chicago Marathons. I reflected on all this as I sat with his family at the ceremony.

Usually reserved, Atsaves handled the induction and speech with humility. I may be biased, but I thought his speech was the best.

Those who know Atsaves already knew he was a Hall of Fame person. Now his plaque reveals that to all. Congratulations!

— John Wroblewski, online writer