The Helena Sports Hall of Fame got a big boost toward making itself a permanent fixture in the city’s Great Northern Town Center last week.

A fundraiser at Carroll College got the HSHOF within a couple thousand dollars of its goal with money still coming in after the event.

Co-founder Curt Synness spent 29 hours in the P.E. Center moving one seat per every $10 donation. The goal was $18,000 and $16,700 has been secured to date.

Honoring the great athletes of the past, present and future is no doubt a noble cause and all the folks with the vision and drive to get this done should be commended.

There’s nothing like a trip down memory lane when it’s filled with players, teams and coaches we’re all familiar with and in some cases shared a common experience.

It’ll be especially interesting to see selections of some of the athletes and teams involved in the incredible successes here over the past 15-20 years.

Considering the multitude of accomplishments by Carroll College, the Helena Senators, Capital High and Helena High the selection committee will have little trouble finding worthy honorees.

“The community support has been absolutely amazing,” Synness said. If you wish to help the Hall reach their goal, mail donations to: HSHOF, PO Box 6302, c/o treasurer Casey Molloy, Helena, MT 59604.

Former Carroll College star Casey FitzSimmons will enter his sixth season with the NFL’s Detroit Lions this fall.

The fan favorite recently signed a one-year contract with the Lions as a restricted free agent via Hometown Sports Management, a Helena-based sports agent firm.

The self-professed hometown guy was at Carroll’s football championship banquet this past winter and said he enjoys being back in Montana in the off season.

“People know that I’m a Montana kid,” he said at the banquet. “I don’t get all caught up in the hoopla.

“I love coming home and I love Montana. My wife and I love to come home and we enjoy our time here.”

HSM, which is led by Helenans Dan Hoven and Chris Gittings, also represents Danny Woodhead, a player many Montana State fans remember.

Woodhead, out of Division II Chadron State College in Nebraska, was picked up by the New York Jets. He led CSC to a 35-24 upset win over the Bobcats in Bozeman in 2006 by running for 215 yards and two touchdowns. That came just one week after MSU went up a level and upset Colorado.

Woodhead, who is the NCAA’s career rushing leader and is second in career all purpose yards, has quickly become a favorite in the New York City media.

Woodhead has as good of a shot to make the Jets as any team as they’ve had several free agents make their roster over the past few years.

Reporter Tom Stuber: 447-4070 or irsports@helenair.com