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York County Sports Hall of Famer Eddie Khayat dies at 89

Eddie Khayat, a York County Sports Hall of Famer who played and coached with the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles as part of a near five-decade career in football, died Friday evening in Nashville, Tennessee. He was 89.

Khayat played 10 seasons in the NFL and was best known as a starting defensive tackle with the Eagles’ 1960 NFL championship team. He also served as the franchise’s head coach during the 1971 and 1972 seasons as part of a three-decade coaching career.

As coaching took Khayat around the country, he made his home and raised his family in York, leaving an indellible mark on the local sports lanscape. He was instrumental in the continued development of the York Special Olympics, most notably hosting an annual celebrity golf tournament with former Eagles teammate George Tarasovic. The tournament raised nearly $1 million over its 30-plus years and was renamed in its founders’ honor in 2015.

Edward Michel “Eddie” Khayat was born Sept. 14, 1935, in Moss Point, Mississippi. He starred at Moss Point High School and Tulane University. After first cracking the NFL with the Washington Redskins in 1957, he joined the Eagles in 1958 and worked his way into the starting lineup. Philadelphia went 11-2 in 1960 and won the NFL title over the Green Bay Packers. Khayat remained with the Eagles through 1961, returned to Washington from 1962-63, came back to Philadelphia from 1964-65 and capped his 10-year career with the Boston Patriots in 1966.

Khayat’s coaching career began as the New Orleans Saints’ defensive line coach from 1967-70. He then initially joined the Eagles’ staff as an assistant but was named head coach three games into the 1971 season after Jerry Williams was fired. Khayat’s short tenure at the helm included a draconian hair and dress code that was unpopular among players. After leaving Philadelphia, Khayat served as a defensive line coach for the Detroit Lions (two stints), Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Colts, New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers between 1973 and 1993. He also had head coaching stints with the Arena Football League’s New Orleans Night (1991), Nashville Kats (1997) and Carolina Cobras (2003).

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In addition to the York County Sports Hall of Fame, Khayat is a member of the Tulane Athletic Hall of Fame and the Mississippi State Hall of Fame. He and the rest of the 1960 Eagles were inducted collectively into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.

Khayat is survived by his wife, Deborah, and his two sons, Edward Jr. and Bill. Bill Khayat was a three-sport standout at York Catholic and is in the school’s athletic Hall of Fame; he went on to set collegiate records as a tight end at Duke University before coaching at both the NFL and college levels. Eddie Khayat is also survived by his brother, Robert, a former Pro Bowl kicker for Washington and presently the Chancelor Emeritus of the University of Mississippi.

Memorial service information will be announced at a later date.

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December 10, 2024
Madison’s Adams takes place in Thiel Athletic Hall of Fame | Sports

From the time she can remember, Marsha Adams excelled in whatever sport she grew up playing.

“I don’t know if you are born to be athletic, but sports always came easy to me,” said Adams, a 1985 graduate of Madison High School and multi-sport standout during her playing days for the Blue Streaks.

After graduation, Adams furthered those athletic gifts at Thiel College, where she excelled playing softball and volleyball for four years, and basketball (one) — the same sports she shined in at Madison.

Recently, Adams’ career playing for the Tomcats was honored as she was inducted into the 43rd Class of the Thiel College Athletic Hall of Fame, along with five others in a special ceremony on campus.

“The feeling of being inducted into the Hall of Fame was both honoring and humbling,” Adams, who has taught in the Geneva School system since 1995, said. “It’s such a prestigious recognition, that I never imagined I would receive when I walked on campus in the fall of ‘85.”

Adams knew she was nominated for the Hall of Fame, but did not hear immediately from the college about her selection, in part, because Thiel was in transition with ongoing changes with personnel in their athletic department.

“A retired Geneva teacher [Marion Carrel] shared it on Facebook and tagged me in it,” Adams said of how she found out.

The theme of change at Thiel was nothing new for Adams, as she endured much of it during her time there.

“It was quite interesting as I think we went through four softball coaches and four volleyball coaches,” Adams recalled of her career. “I even had some officials during games ask me why I stayed there.”

For Adams, the reason was simple — despite the fact the teams she played on had their fair share of struggles winning during that time.

“I loved the school and the people, and I didn’t want to leave,” she said. “I came from Madison, and I loved the small town environment. It was close to home, and I liked it.”

Adams, who admitted she hates losing, did her part keeping the Tomcats competitive.

Adams was a four-time Presidents Athletic Conference (PAC) first-team selection in softball as a shortstop and outfielder. She batted .346 in her senior season, scored 16 runs and had 13 RBI’s, 14 walks and 14 stolen bases.

Adams was also a first team PAC selection in volleyball her final year playing at the school.

She also played on the Thiel Women’s Basketball team her freshman season, helping the Tomcats capture the PAC Championship.

Adams stopped playing basketball after her first season, as she felt the need to lighten her schedule a bit while balancing her academics and sports.

“It was just way too much to do all three,” Adams said.

Adams also admitted that playing multiple sports — even at the collegiate level — was not as unusual in the 1980s and 90s as it would sound today.

“At that time, there were a lot more multi-sport athletes than today,” Adams, who has coached local athletes in softball, basketball, volleyball, and golf at the high school and middle school levels throughout her 34 years teaching, said. “We didn’t have the injuries like they have today either.”

In a statement prior to the induction ceremonies, Thiel’s acting Sports Information Director Devin Weisbarth recognized Adams’ contributions to the school.

“We are thrilled to induct Miss Marsha Adams, Class of 1989, into our Athletic Hall of Fame,” he said. “Marsha was a stellar three-sport athlete in her time at Thiel.”

Adams had been back to Thiel a couple of times previously to watch Geneva graduates Courtney and Emily Harriman play basketball for the Tomcats.

The induction ceremony, however, was the first time she had actually been back to walk around campus – doing so with friend and classmate, Cheryl Brown, as well as Barbie Cooper Long, a Thiel employee for 40 years.

“It was delightful,” Adams said. “We reminisced about our days at Thiel and shared so many memories.”

Then the evening ceremony arrived, in which Adams said she will not soon forget.

“Being selected for this prestigious recognition is not something I take lightly,” Adams said in her speech to the attendees, which included her mother as well as other family members and friends.

“To be mentioned alongside such a talented group of athletes and to have my name enshrined in the Hall of Fame — it is something I will cherish forever.”

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December 2, 2024
Musselman inducts eight new members into athletic Hall of Fame | Journal-news

INWOOD — Musselman High School has inducted eight new members into its athletics Hall of Fame, expanding the number of total inductees to 113. To be inducted, members had to have made significant contributions to the school’s athletic teams and athletic programs.

The Musselman High School Hall of Fame Class of 2024 is the following:

Terry Aikens

Terry Aikens is a lifetime resident of Berkeley County. He graduated from Musselman High School in 1975.

He was a member of Musselman’s 1974 WV Class A State Champion Football Team and held numerous positions on the team: starter, offense, defense and special teams. He was also a member of Musselman’s basketball team and ran track and field. He lettered in all three sports.

Unfortunately, a debilitating dislocated shoulder during a game in his sophomore season, accompanied with three additional shoulder dislocations, required reconstructive surgery prevented him from playing sports in his junior year.

Terry attended Fairmont State College for two years. Following college, he began his 45-year career in the construction industry, where he became a skilled Carpenter, Electrician and retired in Construction Project Management. Throughout his career, he built and/or renovated numerous schools, residential and commercial structures throughout Berkeley County. He was the site supervisor for the rebuild of the stadium concession stand.

Terry is married to his wife, Terri, and resides in Arden.

April “Wilkins” Funkhouser

April graduated from Musselman High School in 1988. She played Basketball and Softball for the Lady A’s from 1984 to 1988. April played on the varsity basketball team for three years and the varsity softball team for four years. In 1988, April was a pivotal part of the first Musselman girls softball team to win a sectional title. She was a member of the All-Area Girls Softball Team, Eastern Panhandle “Queens of the Diamond,” and the All-Sectional tournament team. April was a member of the Girls Athletic Association (GAA) where she enjoyed donkey basketball games for two years. She enjoyed the Marching band, marching in the apple blossom parade, and traveling by bus to Disney World for a competition, led by band director Albert Copenhaver.

April graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2010 from Mountain State University with a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership. She is a past president of the Musselman High School girls’ basketball Boosters serving the 2021 and 2022 seasons, a past Vice President of the Musselman High School girls’ basketball Boosters serving the 2023 season, and a past Vice President of the Musselman High School Girls Volleyball Boosters serving from 2007-2009 seasons. She was youth coach for Girl’s basketball, softball, and volleyball through the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Parks and Recreation program and AAU from 1999-2022. April coached Musselman High School Fall Basketball and Softball teams in 2021 and 2022. She created and ran the South Berkeley girls’ basketball skills and drills camps from 2015-2022. She is a current 4-H leader of the Blue Ridge Helping Hands, a position held since 2015. She was a two-time 4-H leader of the year in 2016 and 2023. She served in the Community Combined Ministries, KPP food bank (2016-2018) and a member of the Outstanding Alumni in 2023.

She served with the 167th Air Lift Wing from 1991-1998. For the past 23 years she has worked for the United States Coast Guard, earning Employee of the Year in 2014 and multiple quarterly recognition awards throughout her tenure. April received the Cyber Information Security Management certification in May of 2024

April is married to Todd Funkhouser and together they have three children (all Musselman Alumni) Emily, Evan and Elena, as well as one granddaughter, Everli.

Suzanne Horner

Susanne is a 1966 graduate of Hedgesville High School and the only “sport” that was available to girls was cheerleading, so she cheered for 6 years. Hedgesville was like Musselman, grades 7-12, with 300 students in the entire school and no girls sports.

She attended Shepherd College from 1966 to 1969, married Jerry Horner, December 1968, and moved to Naples, Italy, until 1970. She returned to Shepherd College and graduated December of 1972 with a degree in Health, Physical Education and Library Science. Throughout her entire formal education there were never any sports for girls/women in Berkeley County or at Shepherd College. Title IX had just been passed into law June 23, 1972 and thanks to the efforts and persistence of Carol Kamensky, womens’ sports were beginning in Berkeley County.

In December of 1972, she and Jerry moved to South Berkeley County where they have lived for 52 years. In the fall of 1974, Jerry was teaching and coaching at Musselman High School and Susanne became involved with the football program as a coach’s wife. In 1973, she was teaching Health and Physical Education and was the cheerleading coach at Hedgesville High School which made for an interesting life at work and home. At the beginning of 1975, she was a stay at home mom until 1983, before returning to substituting and was the cheerleading coach at Musselman High School. On the first day of school in 1983, she received a call that they needed a Library/Media Specialist at Hedgesville High School. She took the job and again was split between the two schools. Through all of this, she became active in the Football Boosters, putting together discount cards, ham sandwich sales, shirt designs and sales, many spirit items, Bonanzas and helping with anything that the Boosters were doing.

In the 1990’s, Susanne became an assistant track coach at Musselman and after retiring from coaching track in 1997, she became a WVSSAC track official, officiating local track meets and the State Track Meet in Charleston, WV. At the 1995 State Championship Football game at Wheeling Island Stadium, she was initiated into the job of taking pictures on the sidelines for Musselman football, a job that was thoroughly enjoyed and continued for many years. During the Championship game, Musselman was getting ready to kick a field goal to win the game, she remembers turning to Dee Price on the sideline with her and said “Is he able to kick a field goal that far?” and Dee said “Well, we’ll see”. Kelvin Jones kicked the field goal and Musselman won the game. After each game she had the pictures taken, developed and Coach Price used the pictures for the highlight tapes at the end of the year and then the pictures were given to the players. Susanne loved every minute of taking the pictures and providing them to the players.

She is an active member of Arden United Methodist Church. Susanne is a member of Shenandoah Valley Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Camp Frame Board of Directors, West Virginia 4-H All Stars, Arden –Tabler CEOS (Homemakers), active with Berkeley County 4-H, was named a Musselman High School Pillar of the Community, the coordinator for the Wreaths Across America with Arden United Methodist Church cemetery and the John Augustine Washington Society, Children of the American Revolution and a volunteer with several additional Mountain State Apple Harvest activities and a member of the Hedgesville High School Alumni Association. She and Jerry were named Outstanding Citizens of the Community for the South Berkeley Community Christmas Parade, an honor that each cherish.

Below is a quote by Susanne resonating the values we share as Applemen:

“We are the parents of three Musselman High School graduates, Andrew 1993, Mark 1995, and Laura 1996. We also have six grandchildren, Bradley Meske, Chandler Meske, Hannah Horner Green, Drew Horner, Cole Horner and Cate Horner. I have been very fortunate to have good people around me on this journey and I thank them for their support and love.”

Dave Marchette

Dave, originally from Buffalo, NY, came to Musselman high school after graduation from Fairmont state University 1969 after earning his B.S. in Physical Education, Health & Recreation. He began as a teacher in the fall of 1969 under Mr. Waldeck, teaching geography, world history, shop, West Virginia history and was a class sponsor for the year of 1970-1971. He also directed a school play called “Where the Boys Are” in 1969-70.

Dave started the wrestling program that he led for two seasons. He was fortunate enough to win the first ever match vs Berkeley Springs while forfeiting 5 weight classes. Larry Carte followed Coach Marchette after those first two seasons. Dave was leaned on heavily in the development of and building of most of the equipment that filled the fieldhouse. He worked hand in hand with Coach Price, Bill Riggleman and many booster members to see that Musselman had a big advantage with this facility.

His contributions toward football include: assistant football coach for one year with Charlie Cline at the junior varsity level, assistant Track coach alongside Bob Kamensky for one year, was a video filmer from 16mm film to cassette style with Ronnie Lewis and Ron Funkhouser. He provided this service from the late 80’s- 1998. He took great pride in producing high quality game footage for varsity football games…not something that every school had. Dave mentioned a quote that represents his feelings about our community and school, “I enjoyed the overall comradery of the staff…It was amazing to be associated with these people.”

Career-wise, he worked in the first alternative school in Berkeley and the state, Super Bennett came after Dave to transform the program into what is now the county alternative school program. This career change occurred during the 1991-92 school year. He has been the director of this program and homebound to this date…some 35 years.

Dave’s passion lies in powerlifting. He began at local level, state level, US level and was selected for the world competition team – a group of 50 people from teenage to master’s level. He competed in the Bench category and claimed approximately 20 different competitions that he has claimed the champion level. He was the world record holder in 1996 for his age and weight class. He still holds records by age and weight class in the state of WV.

Dave is married to June Paige, he is father to Michelle Albert and Dr. Antoinette Funk, stepdaughter Andrea Davis, stepson Justin Gess. Granddaughters are Ashley Dopson…Grandsons- Cody Barrett, Ethan Funk, Noah Funk, Great granddaughters- Blakley, Ashlin, Joanne, great grandson- Knox.

Jeff McDaniel

Jeff first walked the corridors of Musselman High School in the fall of 1969 as a small 7th-grader. His first experience with football was limited, playing only one game however, a spark was lit.

The Fall of 1970 ushered in a new assistant coach, Rod Pittman, who saw promise in the undersized athlete. Head Coach Kervin Miller led Musselman Jr. High to the first undefeated season in school history. Jeff garnered enough playing time to earn his freshman “letter” as an 8th-grader. In his freshman season, the Jr. High Applemen finished with a 7-1 record. In two seasons, Jeff and his class of 75 teammates amassed an incredible record of 15 wins and just one loss. More impressive is that of those 15 wins, the Applemen had 10 shutouts, outscoring their opponents by a whopping 414-to-70-point margin. Jeff also participated in Jr. High track that school year and band.

In Jeff’s sophomore year, the Class of 1975 players dominated the roster and exposed them to three new coaches: Head Coach Bob Kaminsky and assistant coaches Jerry Horner and Denny Price. He earned his varsity letter that season, spending as much time as he could in the weight room.

The 1973 season saw Denny Price become Applemen’s head coach and Bill Riggleman join the coaching staff, becoming Jeff’s position coach. That year, Jeff played junior varsity basketball for Coach Price, agreeing to maintain his football weightlifting requirements with Coach Riggleman and play basketball. Jeff even lifted weights on basketball game days.

In 1974, the Applemen captured the Class A 1974 State Football Championship, the first Eastern Panhandle school to accomplish such a feat. Jeff was named to the All Bi-State Conference team as an Offensive Guard, Martinsburg Journal All-Area Team, Guard, and Defensive End, Honorable Mention All-State Guard, and recognized as an All-American in Coach & Athlete. However, Jeff’s most significant award was being named “Mr. Musselman, Jr.” by Mr. Musselman, Sr., Principal Kenneth Waldeck, “in recognition of his outstanding school spirit and dedication to Musselman High School.”

After graduation, Jeff enlisted in the West Virginia Air National Guard, serving six years as a mechanic. He helped form the South Berkeley Youth Football League in 1982 and the construction of the youth field.

Jeff graduated from Tennessee Tech University in 2001 and taught English, government, and history at Clay County High School. He also served as the head football coach and varsity baseball coach, leading both teams to the Tennessee state playoffs. Jeff also taught at Heather Ridge Alternative School in Frederick, Maryland, for 10 years, retiring in 2017.

Today, Jeff is a published author and plans to graduate from Tennessee Bible College in 2025 with a Master’s Degree in Theology.

Jeff is the son of the late Max and Mary Lou McDaniel. His wife of 28 years, Judy (Young), is also a member of the class of 75. Together, they have three children, Amy, AJ and Faith, and 23 grandchildren. Jeff also has a brother, Mike, who is a member of the Musselman class of 1978.

Clay Michael

Clay graduated from Musselman High School in 2002. He was the 2002 Felix Miller Outstanding Male athlete award recipient, which was shared with his best friend, Drew Lamb. As with so many of our Hall of Famers, Clay was a multi-sport athlete, participating in five sports throughout his high school days — basketball (4 years), soccer (3 years), tennis (2 years), baseball (1 year) and football (1 year).

Clay played freshman basketball, football, and JV baseball during the 1998-99 season where he was a starting player on the basketball and baseball teams.

As a sophomore, Clay started on the varsity basketball and soccer teams and helped them to a winning record.

As a junior, Clay continued to make his presence felt on the court and on the soccer field as he was a starter for both teams and earned Honorable Mention All-State honors for basketball.

As a senior, Clay played basketball, soccer, and tennis, and was once again an Honorable Mention All-State player on the hardwood. Clay also earned 2nd Team All-State honors his senior year for his efforts on the soccer pitch as Musselman’s goalkeeper.

Upon graduation from high school, Clay took his basketball skills to Bridgewater College. He was a 4-year starter at Bridgewater and served as team captain his senior year. Following two highly successful seasons, 2004-2005 & 2005-2006, Clay was recognized by the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) both years, earning 2nd Team All-Conference honors.

Individually, Clay is 1 of only 7 players in Bridgewater College history to accumulate 1,000 points as well as 700 rebounds, 2 categories in basketball that represent the pinnacle for players. He finished his career with 1,078 points and 744 rebounds. He ranks No. 28 in career points and seventh in career rebounds at Bridgewater.

Following his collegiate career, Clay was one of the few players in the nation afforded an opportunity to continue playing basketball at the professional level. He did so in Germany, where he signed a contract to play for TSG Volksbank Reutlingen (2006-2007) in the German Regionaliga, where he led the team to a 2nd place finish. He concluded his professional basketball career in 2008 with the Oettinger Rockets Gotha in the German Regionaliga.

Following the completion of his basketball career in 2008, Clay began his formal career in defense and intelligence. He started with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Counterterrorism Division in 2008, and as his career progressed, he went on to support several other organizations within the U.S. Intelligence Community in a variety of operational roles. For the past several years, Clay has supported these organizations in various capacities while working for Deloitte Consulting, Gartner, and Cloudera Government Solutions.

Outside of his day job, Clay spent three seasons as a volunteer assistant men’s basketball coach at Shenandoah University from 2012-2014 and has been an assistant men’s basketball coach at his alma mater, Bridgewater College, from the 2015-16 season to the present.

Academically, Michael was as good in the classroom as he was in the sports arena. He graduated 3rd in his 2002 class and was a member of the National Honor Society while at Musselman. Michael graduated from Bridgewater College in 2006 with a degree in History & Political Science, magna cum laude. He went on to obtain his MBA from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Gies College of Business in 2020.

Clay is the son of Sue Michael, stepson to the Late Michael C. Gochenour (1953-2024 — who preceded him into the Musselman athletic Hall of Fame) and son of Raymond L. Michael. He is married to Amanda Christine Michael. They reside in Winchester, Virginia.

Here are some statistics from Clay’s high school days:

As a sophomore, 208 pts scored, averaging 9.4 pts per game. He made a total of 240 rebs, 55 blocked shots, 40 steals and played in 22 games. He won the best defensive award, student athlete 4.0 award and leading rebounder, Herald-Mail All-Area Team Honorable Mention.

As a junior– He shot 56% from the field, averaging 14.9 pts per game and scoring 298 pts, 236 rebounds 36 steals, 39 assists and 43 blocked shots and played in 20 games. He was named to City Bank All-Tournament team, Super 7 All-Area team by the Martinsburg Journal and the PVC Division 1 All-Conference Team.

The academic recognitions Clay received over his 4-year collegiate career include: ODAC Men’s Basketball Academic All-Conference for four years (2002-2006), 2004-2005 ESPN the Magazine District III Men’s Basketball Academic All-South Region, 2004-2005 ODAC Men’s Basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year, 2005-2006 ESPN The Magazine District III Men’s Basketball Academic All-South Region, and 2005-2006 ODAC Men’s Basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Clay was also nominated for the Rhodes Scholarship by the Bridgewater College History and Political Science Department in 2005.

Corey Smith

Corey Smith is a 2008 graduate of Musselman High School. As an athlete, Corey participated in football and basketball over his career. During his freshman year was a starting Tight End for the freshman team and dressed for varsity games. Prior to his sophomore year, he won the 2005 kicking.com expo in Miami, Fl as the rising sophomore status, going 9/9 in field goals and a long of 50 yards. During that high school season, he connected on 1/6 field goals and made 18 of 21 extra points. He also performed punting duties for the team and held a 39.2-yard average with 10 of 20 downed inside the 20 yard line. That year he was recognized as a letterman and was named Honorable Mention AAA All-State.

During Corey’s Junior season, he made 3 of 7 field goals and 21 of 22 field goals. Twenty-four of his kickoffs were touchbacks. On the punting side, he averaged 36.1 yards with a long of 65 yards and landed 12 of 34 punts inside the 20-yard line. Following his junior season, he lettered and was recognized as 2nd team AAA All-State punter, 1st team selection by the Herald-Mail, Martinsburg journal and Gameday magazine. He garnered national recognition as he won the iplayers national Combine as a punter and was a national finalist as a kicker. Shortly following his junior season, Corey committed to the University of Alabama and Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide Football team, while declining offers from WVU and Uva. This commitment is notable as it was unprecedented for a kicker to receive such offers during a junior season.

In Corey’s senior season, he became a 3-year letterman for the Applemen. He was named special teams’ player of the year. A highlight of that year was a walk off winning field goal of 41-yards over North Hagerstown. His accomplishments for this season were 13 of 18 in field goals and 17 of 17 with extra points. He set 2 state records-most field goals made in a season with and the longest was 59-yards. His per punt average was 36 yards and had a long of 67 yards, 16 of those 39 punts landed inside the 20-yard line. He also had 29 touchbacks. Following the season, He was selected as the 1st Team AAA All-State Kicker.

Nationally, Corey obtained quite a few recognitions: 2nd longest field goal in the nation (59 yards), third nationally based on 24/7 sports and scout.com, ranked 5th by On3.coma and #2 recruit in WV, ranked 12th nationally by Rivals.com , #3 recruit in West Virginia and 14th ranked kicker in the country by ESPN. Additionally, Corey was a part of the #1 recruiting class (Alabama) in the country as well as the USA Today/Old Spice Redzone Player of the Year nominee.

Corey was also a basketball player for the school and played each of his 3 years, starting on the freshman team and starting on the JV team and playing for the team during his junior year. Due to his athletic commitment to Alabama and his early graduation, he couldn’t play his senior year.

Corey’s collegiate career includes early enrollment to Alabama in 2008, where he served as the kicker for three games during his freshman year. Corey later transferred to WVU (2009), where he lettered for three seasons. He played in 32 games as a 3-year starter. He earned the special team’s player of the week twice (Pittsburgh 2010, Pittsburgh 2011). In his first career start he averaged 50 yards per punt. He obtained the third highest single game average in school history in a game against Pittsburgh by punting 4 times with a 57.2 yard average. Some notable numbers for his kicking career include196 total kickoffs for 12,125 yards and 28 touchbacks.

Academically, Corey was also a standout student, excelling throughout his years. He was recognized as a Garrett Ford academic Honor roll, Dean’s list, Big 12 Commissioner’s honor roll and Big east Academic all-star. In high school he served in civic organizations as a member of RAZE and FCA. From 2016-2018, he served as a United Way of the Eastern Panhandle Board of Directors. When Corey first returned back home, he joined the coaching staff and coached special teams from 2013-2015 where he coached the state special team’s player of the year/ inaugural Fulton Walker award recipient.

Corey is the son of Winston and Deanna Smith, has a sister Corisha and is married to Brooke Darlington Smith. The two of them have a daughter, Anniston and a son Daxton.

Corisha “Smith” McCall

Corisha is a 2013 graduate of Musselman High School. She played volleyball for the Applemen from 2008-2012. Corisha made the varsity team each of her four years here and as a freshman she lettered and earned the most improved volleyball player award. She was a member of the 2009 sectional and regional championship teams. During her sophomore season, she earned a letter, helped the team to the 2010 state AAA championship, earned AAA All-State honorable mention recognition as well as 1st team All-PVC.

As a junior, Corisha helped lead her team to the AAA State volleyball runner-up finish. For her efforts, she was recognized as a 1st team AAA All-State volleyball team selection. Her accolades following her junior year were 1st team All-PVC, earned the highest hitting percentage for the Applemen, drew All-Tournament recognitions at the Dorman Tournament in Spartansburg, SC as well as at the Queen of the Hill tournament in Charleston, WV. She also guided her team to the sectional and regional championship.

As a high school senior, Corisha helped lead the team to the AAA Volleyball state runner-up placing as well as leading the team to their 4th consecutive sectional and regional championships. Again, she was honored at multiple tournaments as she was selected as a member of the All-Tournament Team for the Endless Summer tournament in Virginia Beach, VA and the Queen of the Hill tournament in Charleston, WV. Following this final season in high school, Corisha was honored as one of the few that have played as a 4-year starter, obtained captain role 2 years and helped lead teams to a zero-loss home record over four years.

Corisha’s career high stats include three consecutive seasons with at least 400 kills, finished her career as the fifth all-time leader in kills, set a single season mark of 123 aces as well as a hitting percentage of .323. Of special note is the fact that she recorded over 1,00 kills in both high school and college. She earned All-American honors and she received a Division II Full scholarship to the University of West Florida.

Following graduation Corisha took her volleyball expertise to the University of West Florida, a Division II scholarship athletic program. She was a 4-year starter and full scholarship recipient. Here, she was extremely successful on and off the court as she helped this Gulf South Conference team to many years of success. Her teams appeared in 4 NCAA volleyball tournaments and reached the sweet 16 in 2013. She was recognized as an AVCA All American (and the 1st Musselman player to do so). She claimed the Gulf South Conference player of the week on 3 separate occasions. She was ranked 5th all time for the University of West Florida in career kills. She was a Gulf South Conference All-Tournament team member in 2015-2016 as her team claimed the championship in 2013, 2015 & 2016. Additionally, Corisha was chosen for the following individual awards: 2016 D2CCA All-South Region 1st team, 2016 AVCA All-South Region 1st Team, 2016 All Gulf South Conference 1st team, 2016, 2016 University of West Florida MVP, 2015 All Gulf South Conference 2nd team, 2010-2020 Gulf South Conference All Decade Team, 2016 Gulf South All Tournament team, 2016 South Region Crossover Tournament All Tournament team. She finished her final year as the only player in the south Region inside the top 20 in both Kills per set (3.07) and hitting percentage (.295).

As with so many of our Hall of Fame members, Corisha excelled in the academic arena. She was a member of the National Honor Society, performing her civic duties through the FCA. She received the ADA Academic achievement award in both 2015 and 2016.she made the GSA Fall academic honor roll each of her 4 years (2013-2016). Upon depleting her athletic eligibility, she became an assistant coach for West Florida. Corisha graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2017 and completed her Masters’ in 2020 with her MA in performance and sport psychology, also Magna Cum Laude.

Corisha is the daughter of Winston and Denna Smith (Class of 1976), is married to Blake McCall, a Texas A&M football assistant director of strength and conditioning. They reside in College Station, Texas.

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November 23, 2024
‘Grateful’: Roenick’s emotional speech highlights Hockey Hall of Fame induction ceremony

Jeremy Roenick’s eyes were welled up with tears and he was sniffling as he got settled behind the microphone, the last of the seven members of the Hockey Hall of Fame’s class of 2024 to speak during the induction ceremony on Monday night in Toronto.

Ever the showman, JR delivered.

“Wow!” he said, grinning, as he looked over the crowd, before doling out thank yous and apologies (to Tony Amonte and Bill Wirtz) and I love yous (to “Iron Mike” Keenan), and spinning tales of car rides to and from hockey games spent combatting his dad’s cigarette smoke from the front seat and the “nasty aroma” in the back seat due to an earlier stop at Taco Bell.

To start what would be a 20-year NHL career with five different teams, an 18-year-old Roenick, who’d just been drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks, recalls finding himself next to coach Mike Keenan at a urinal. Roenick swears Keenan asked him: “Do you have any balls, kid?’” And he replied: “Enough to play for you.”

“Thank goodness he didn’t look over the divider,” Roenick added, with a grin, getting the crowd laughing. “I might not have been their first pick that year.”

The two-time Stanley Cup champion who ranks third all-time among American goal-scorers in NHL history, Roenick is joined in the 2024 class by fellow players Pavel Datsyuk, Natalie Darwitz, Shea Weber and Krissy Wendell, while Colin Campbell and David Poile — who joins his late father, Bud, in Hall enshrinement — were inducted as builders.

Roenick thanked the fans in all five cities he played in, and apologized to L.A. fans because he says he was “terrible” when he played for the Kings. He lauded teammates like Keith Tkachuk, who he called “the most intimidating, confident and vocal person I’ve ever met — well, other than myself, I guess.”

One of Roenick’s biggest thank-yous was reserved for Doug Wilson. In the summer of 2007, Roenick was four goals shy of a career 500, but no team wanted him. “Depression and heavy drinking had set in,” he said, when finally the call came in from Wilson, who was then the GM of the San Jose Sharks.

Wilson was Roenick’s first-ever NHL roommate and asked Roenick to fly out to see him. A day later on the golf course, Wilson asked if Roenick wanted to play for the Sharks, but under three conditions: He’d sign for the league minimum, only do media when asked (“which was very hard,” Roenick says) and he wasn’t allowed to drink. Roenick swears he dumped the beer he was drinking on the golf course right then and there.

“I scored No. 500 three months later,” he said, again through tears. “Thank you Doug Wilson for being a great friend, but more importantly, for being a friend when I needed it the most. I would not be up here — and I don’t mean up here — if it wasn’t for you. You truly saved my life.”

Roenick began his speech by mentioning the tragic loss experienced earlier this year, offering condolences to the families of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. Weber, the first inductee to speak on Monday, also started his speech by expressing his deepest sympathies to the Gaudreau family. “Hockey’s a brotherhood,” Weber said.

Hall of Fame chairman Lanny McDonald commemorated brothers Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau later in the evening.

“Nobody loved the game or played over his weight class like Johnny Gaudreau did,” McDonald said. “He was a joy to be around and everyone in the hockey world will miss him and his brother Matthew. Anyone who knows the game knows Johnny would’ve been here one day.”

Many who couldn’t be there in person to see the events on Monday night were honoured. Datsyuk, the on-ice magician who won a pair of Stanley Cups during his 14-year career with the Detroit Red Wings, dedicated his induction to his late parents. “You taught me the value of hard work and sacrifice,” Datsyuk said. “You live in my heart.”

The 46-year-old Russian had many thank yous to dole out, to teammates, fans, and opponents, who he called “my nightmare,” but a vital contributor to helping him become the player he was. In 2012, Datsyuk was voted both the smartest and most difficult to play against in a player poll. He is the only player to win the Lady Byng and Selke trophy in two seasons — he won the Lady Byng in four straight, and the Selke in three straight seasons.

“As I stand here today, I realize that being inducted into the Hockey Hall Of Fame is a tremendous honour,” said Datsyuk, who represented Russia five times at the Olympics, and won gold in 2018. “An honour I couldn’t even dream of.”

It’s one that came sooner than Weber dreamt of, the 39-year-old defender’s career spanning 16 NHL seasons, but shortened due to injury. The former captain in Nashville and in Montreal played his last game in the 2021 Stanley Cup Final after helping lead Montreal there for the first time since 1993. Weber, a world junior, world and Olympic champion with a booming shot from the point, called Montreal “the most passionate hockey city I think I’ve ever seen.”

Darwitz and Wendell both hail from The Hockey State, and played much of their careers together, Minnesotans who starred for the NCAA’s Golden Gophers, and for Team USA on the world and Olympic stages.

Darwitz, a three-time Olympic medallist, was just 15 when she was named to her senior national team after playing much of her early career with and against boys. She thanked her dad, who was teary-eyed in the crowd, for giving her the best advice she could ask for once hitting was introduced to the game: “They can’t hit ya if they can’t catch ya!”

Darwitz began playing girls’ hockey in high school, and it was then that she debuted for Team USA. In eight world championship appearances, she won three gold medals and twice led the tournament in goals, including in 2008 when she was named the best forward and served as her team’s captain. Her two young sons, Zak and Joseph were in the crowd, and Joseph had tears in his eyes as he gave his mom a hug after her speech.

She also got a hug from Wendell, who saw many of Darwitz’s biggest moments live, and vice versa. In 2005, Wendell captained Team USA to a first-ever world championship gold medal and was named the tournament’s MVP. She was also captain of Team USA at the 2006 Olympics. In 147 games for Team USA, Wendell scored an incredible 106 goals. She thanked her husband and three daughters, who were in the crowd, along with her parents, and Wendell said she couldn’t look at her dad without crying. He was in tears, too.

Roenick ended his speech with a thank you to his kids and his wife, Tracy, who he called the true hall of famer in his family. Tracy put her hand over her heart.

For Roenick, the call from the Hall came in his 12^th year of eligibility, and he wasn’t sure it would ever come.

“This was a great way to end this chapter of my life, and I couldn’t be more humble or grateful,” Roenick said, teary-eyed. “Thank you.”

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November 12, 2024
Why isn’t Alexander Mogilny in the Hockey Hall of Fame? There are clues

Alexander Mogilny won’t be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on Monday night. He has been eligible for 15 years, with cries from critics intensifying upon each rejection.

Rebukes are delivered with indignation. The Athletic has called his exclusion “inexcusable.” The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has labeled it “a disgrace,” Sportsnet “almost laughable” and the Toronto Star “nothing less than a crime.”

For the record, I believe Mogilny deserves induction. He produced one of the NHL’s most magical seasons, recorded wonderful career statistics and won a few awards along the way. His origin story is exhilarating; he was a true trailblazer, brazenly defecting from the Soviet Union to join the Buffalo Sabres. The Athletic two years ago ranked him the 89th greatest player in NHL history.

My problem, however, is with the annual assertion that the reasons behind Mogilny’s exclusion are some great mystery.

It is true the Hockey Hall of Fame Selection Committee’s clandestine process means we’ll likely never know precisely why Mogilny has not been enshrined — or even if he has been so much as nominated. But the rationale has never been difficult to glean. Unmistakable clues have been chronicled for decades.

Mogilny’s personality is almost always described through such vague adjectives as “mercurial,” “enigmatic,” “quirky” or “mysterious.” What drove owners, general managers, coaches, teammates and fans bananas weren’t mere eccentricities. During his playing days, he was described as selfish, lazy, unreliable, a quitter and a passenger. Sporting sins, all.

As terrific as he was, Mogilny too often treated the sport as though it were beneath his ultimate effort and dedication. Those who played with him or watched him play — including Hall of Fame selection committees — could be excused for feeling cheated: awed by his otherworldly talents, but ultimately denied the joy of witnessing the heights of what he might have been.

“If they had a championship for quitters, this man would wear the heavyweight crown,” Buffalo News columnist Jim Kelley wrote of Mogilny in May 1995. Three months later, Mogilny’s antics forced the Sabres to trade him.

Keep in mind that, at the time, Mogilny had delivered the best hockey of his career. His 1992-93 season was seismic. Mogilny amassed 76 goals and 127 points on a line with center Pat LaFontaine and left wing Dave Andreychuk, two future Hall of Famers.

A preponderance of weight is placed on that single season when the case is made for Mogilny’s induction. But just two years later, the Sabres couldn’t cope with him anymore.

You hear plenty from Mogilny associates who insist he deserves a spot in the Hall of Fame. Rarely do you hear a luminary from any sport declare on the record that a superstar doesn’t belong in the Hall of Fame. Those already inducted never want to come off as selfish or curmudgeonly about their blessing; the more the merrier. And when was the last time we heard LaFontaine utter a negative word about anyone?

Still, praise about Mogilny from former teammates and team leaders is often delivered with caveats.

Hall of Famers Martin Brodeur and Lou Lamoriello have stated Mogilny belongs in the Hall of Fame. But in the autobiography “Brodeur: Beyond the Crease,” a few pointed passages appear about Mogilny’s troubling lack of desire: “After several games of trying Mogilny on the (power-play) point, Lamoriello waived him, insisting the move, ‘was about ridding the team of passengers.’ I always felt ‘Almo’ was a good player on a good team, but on a struggling team he was exposed for his tendencies and habits.”

Mats Sundin was amused by Alexander Mogilny’s antics during their time as teammates in Toronto. (Ken Faught / Toronto Star via Getty Images)

There are a bunch of Mogilny references in Hall of Fame center Mats Sundin’s book, “Home and Away.” Mogilny amused the Maple Leafs captain during their three seasons together. By that late stage of Mogilny’s career, his infamous aversion to injury rehabilitation was accepted as part of the package. Sundin wrote that after multiple surgeries on Mogilny’s arthritic left hip, Sundin urged him to work out with strength coach Matt Nichol for just 10 minutes a day to prolong his linemate’s career for 10 more years.

“Why the f— would I want to do that?” Sundin recalled Mogilny’s reply.

“He was arguably the most talented guy any of us had ever played with,” Sundin wrote, “but he was not interested in training off-ice with us.”

That, in a nutshell, illustrates how Mogilny was viewed among many of the boys. He was jovial and quick-witted, good for a laugh in the dressing room or on the road. But a refusal to push himself could make teammates want to repeatedly bash their Jofas into the half-wall.

Former teammates, of course, aren’t the ones deciding Mogilny’s fate at the Hall of Fame. That’s where the Hockey Hall of Fame Selection Committee comes in. They are the gatekeepers, tasked to protect the game’s most hallowed principles — whether we agree or not.

Several of Mogilny’s close hockey acquaintances have served on the revolving, 18-member Selection Committee, which needs 14 members to confer induction. The current group has included Brian Burke (his Vancouver Canucks GM) since 2012, Igor Larionov (his Central Red Army teammate) since 2011 and Ron Francis (his Toronto Maple Leafs teammate) since 2016. Canucks executive/coach and Maple Leafs coach Pat Quinn served five years of Mogilny’s eligibility, while New Jersey Devils broadcaster Mike Emrick served seven years.

Hockey Hall of Fame selectors are sworn to secrecy, but some wrote books before they committed. What’s interesting in reading these memoirs is what isn’t said about Mogilny’s impact. Burke’s autobiography, “Burke’s Law,” mentions Mogilny just once in regard to Vancouver signing countryman Pavel Bure away from the Soviet Union. Mogilny won the Stanley Cup with New Jersey in 2000, but Emrick’s autobiography, “Off Mike: How a Kid from Basketball-Crazy Indiana Became America’s NHL Voice,” doesn’t mention the right wing. Quinn’s posthumous biography, “Quinn: The Life of a Hockey Legend” by The Athletic’s Dan Robson, provides zero quotes, anecdotes or words about Mogilny.

There are various reasons why Mogilny might not receive credit in these books. A lack of mentions doesn’t necessarily reveal the authors’ feelings about Mogilny’s exclusion from the Hall of Fame. Collectively, however, the omissions are telling. Wouldn’t a surefire Hall of Fame teammate make an enduring impression on the luminaries around him? Shouldn’t he influence their reflections of excellence?

Current Hall of Fame selector and journalist Scott Morrison has written many books, including “By the Numbers: From 00 to 99,” which is about the greatest players to wear each number. Mogilny was the obvious choice for No. 89, with Morrison writing, “While always a terrific player and a dangerous scorer, Mogilny only once came close to those (1992-93) numbers again, always being very good, but not always great.”

Mogilny’s bullet-point resume looks Hall of Fame-reasonable on paper. In addition to the stats and his dramatic origin story, he won a Stanley Cup, Olympic and IIHF World Championship gold medals to become a member of the Triple Gold Club, a Lady Byng, and is frequently (and erroneously) credited as the NHL’s first Russian-born captain.

But all his accomplishments come with qualifiers. He never was voted first-team All-Star — although he did make a pair of second-teams — and finished among the top 10 in goals thrice and points twice in his 15 seasons.

Alexander Mogilny and Pavel Bure at the 1993 All-Star Game. (Bruce Bennett / Getty Images)

Not even Mogilny’s singular campaign is unassailable. Bernie Nicholls scored 70 goals in a season, scored two more career goals than Mogilny and recorded 117 more points in 137 more games. Yet Nicholls is not in the Hall of Fame either.

Mogilny won his Stanley Cup as a trade-deadline acquisition. He skated on the Devils’ third line, adding four goals and three assists in 23 postseason games. Sports Illustrated legend Michael Farber (a Hall of Fame selector until two years ago) wrote during the Final series against the Dallas Stars how Mogilny “skated in alone on a breakaway and took the most pedestrian of shots, a wrister from 25 feet. It was thigh-high, right at (Ed) Belfour’s glove, an effort worthy of an optional morning skate in January and not a potential Cup-winning goal in June. … The game turned on Mogilny’s middling effort, which seemed to energize Dallas.”

Over his career, Mogilny’s postseason scoring average plummeted to 0.69 points a game after averaging 1.04 points in the regular season.

“He’s so concerned with his sticks and skates I think he drives himself nuts, as well as us,” Devils coach Larry Robinson said during a 2001 postseason stretch in which Mogilny scored one goal over 19 games. “He’s thinking about it all the time. And you know in this business some of the best thinking you do is the thinking you don’t do.”

Regarding the Triple Gold Club and its requisite IIHF World Championships gold medal, that tournament never has carried any great degree of import to a player’s legacy, as it’s comprised of players not in the NHL postseason. Of the 30 Triple Gold Club members, 22 are Hall-eligible yet only 10 have been admitted.

The Lady Byng is far from a clincher. Eighteen winners are not in the Hall of Fame despite being eligible. Mogilny’s propensity to avoid contact and defense helped minimize his penalty minutes. Even so, he was suspended 10 games in January 1992 for slapping linesman Dan Schachte upside the head after being called for a slashing major and game misconduct.

Mogilny’s captaincy is regularly cited as leadership confirmation. Not nearly. Sabres coach John Muckler put the interim “C” on Mogilny’s sweater in November 1993 while LaFontaine was sidelined by a knee injury. The promotion was considered a ploy.

“Either Muckler thought it would motivate him to get back to form or owner Seymour Knox thought it would be a cool idea to have the first Russian captain,” Vancouver Province columnist Tony Gallagher wrote. “When informed some other Russian had been a captain … Knox went snakey.”

True enough, the New York Americans named Russian-born forward Sweeney Schriner their captain in the 1930s, further muddling another Hall of Fame talking point.

“The experiment of captain was a failure,” Kelley wrote. “Mogilny is many things, including a complex and mysterious personality, but he is not a leader.”

It should be noted Kelley, Gallagher and Farber are Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award recipients. That’s the Hockey Hall of Fame’s lifetime honor for print journalists. Washington Times reporter Dave Fay also won it, and he summed Mogilny this way: “a brilliant wing when properly motivated, a hand grenade missing its pin most other times.”

Among the misguided Mogilny narratives is how injuries robbed him of reaching the coveted 1,000-game milestone, but he needed just 10 more. The shortfall could have been overcome without his contract squabbles or distaste for working out. After breaking his leg in the 1993 playoffs, Mogilny eschewed injury rehabilitation and spent his offseason playing golf, delaying his return by as much as a month. He missed 16 games the next season.

“He rehabbed on the golf course. The Sabres were so steamed at his consistent failure to attend physio that Muckler and then-general manager Gerry Meehan read him the riot act, which went in one ear and out the other,” Gallagher wrote. “He was weeks late back into the lineup.”

Mogilny skipped the Canucks’ first 16 games of 1997-98 because of a holdout. By the time he reported, the Canucks were 3-11-2 and deep into a 10-game losing skid, had fired Quinn as president/GM and would fire coach Tom Renney three games later.

“While Mogilny remains a popular figure in the dressing room, and his brilliant abilities unquestioned,” wrote Vancouver Sun columnist Gary Mason in January 1998, “his play this season has become a joke among some players. He has played with little passion or commitment since re-signing with the team. He seems resigned to the fact he’s being traded and is playing like it, going through the motions while cashing his checks.”

The Buffalo News has speculated Mogilny is being stiff-armed by Hockey Hall of Fame gatekeepers who, wary of Mogilny’s decision not to collect his 2003 Lady Byng or attend his 2016 Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame induction, fear he would embarrass the Hall of Fame by declining to show up.

The newspaper’s hypothesis, however, fails to recognize Kelley’s scrutiny. “Jim Kelley Way,” designated when he died in 2010, is the stretch of Washington Avenue between the Buffalo News’ former offices and KeyBank Center, where the Sabres play. A year later, Kelley was inducted into the Sabres Hall of Fame along with Mogilny, who did show up — in a tuxedo, no less.

It seems clear, rightly or wrongly, the reasons Mogilny hasn’t gotten into the Hockey Hall of Fame are related to hockey violations that enough gatekeepers have deemed unforgivable. He’s viewed through the lens of how majestic his career could have been, if only he’d applied himself to the fullest.

Kelley acknowledged Mogilny was “the greatest goal scorer the Buffalo Sabres have ever known,” better than even Gilbert Perreault.

But for the man who covered Mogilny’s entire professional arc — up close at Mogilny’s best — character flaws eclipsed on-ice contributions. In hockey, that matters, and it certainly matters to the guardians of the game’s glory.

“You could never call him a team player, and you couldn’t count on him to always show up, let alone lead,” Kelley wrote after the Sabres traded Mogilny to the Canucks. “Mogilny’s history is one of a player and a person who never was much for sticking out tough times in the hopes of making things better. He was, and I suspect still is, a cut-and-run kind of guy.”

Seventy-six goals are incredible. They’ve been scored inside one campaign only six other times, with Wayne Gretzky doing it twice. Brett Hull, Mario Lemieux, Phil Esposito and Teemu Selanne are in the Hall of Fame, too, but those extraordinary seasons aren’t why. The Hall of Fame problem for Mogilny has been that throughout his career he provided too many reasons why not.

Mogilny possessed sublime talents that helped him statistically eclipse many Hall of Famers — and it should be noted that not all inductees were flawless, hard-working teammates and employees. On top of his skill and accomplishments on the ice, Mogilny’s willingness to escape the Soviet Union expedited an NHL transformation.

One of these years, he deserves induction. But let’s stop pretending we have no idea why it hasn’t happened.

(Top photo: Rick Stewart / Getty Images)

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November 11, 2024
Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame sets 2025 induction Celebration for June 26-28 – Crescent City Sports

NATCHITOCHES – The 2025 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration has been set for Thursday, June 26-Saturday night, June 28, featuring eight shining stars in state sports history, headlined by West Monroe, LSU and NFL star Andrew Whitworth, pro basketball All-Stars Danny Granger and Vickie Johnson, and coaching greats Danny Broussard, Joe Scheuerman and Dale Weiner.

The LSHOF Class of 2025 also includes LSU gymnastics great and NCAA champion April Burkholder, and George “Bobby” Soileau, an NCAA boxing champion at LSU who won a state crown as a football coach at his alma mater, Sacred Heart High School in Ville Platte.

Three more inductees, from the “contributor” categories, will be announced soon – winners of the Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award and the Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism.

The new class will be the focal figures during three days of festivities including seven events – three free of charge — at the Hall of Fame’s home in Natchitoches to culminate the 66th Induction Celebration.

Opportunities to purchase admission for the four ticketed events are available at the LaSportsHall.com website through the www.LaSportsHall.com/Induction25 link.

The 2025 Induction Celebration kicks off Thursday, June 26 with the free Welcome Reception from 5-7 p.m. at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum at 800 Front Street in downtown Natchitoches.

The fun-filled Friday, June 27 slate begins with the midday Celebrity Bowling Bash at Four Seasons Bowling Cener in nearby Alexandria. Friday evening’s big party is the Rockin’ River Fest free concert on the Cane River Lake downtown stage, accompanied by the VIP Taste of Tailgating party, a ticketed event at the adjacent Mama’s Oyster House on Front Street above the concert venue.

Saturday begins with the New Orleans Saints & Pelicans Junior Training Camp, a free event for kids ages 7-17 hosted on the Northwestern State campus from 9-11 a.m. with advance registration required and available on the 2025 Induction link at LaSportsHall.com.

The popular Round Table Lunch showcases the induction class interviewed by iconic Fox Sports announcer and 2020 LSHOF inductee Tim Brando of Shreveport.

The festivities peak Saturday afternoon and evening with the Taste of Louisiana Reception at the Hall of Fame museum from 5-6:45, followed by the Induction Ceremony tipping off promptly at 7 o’clock at the nearby Natchitoches Events Center.

A 40-member Louisiana Sports Writers Association committee selected the 2025 “competitors ballot” inductees in August to complete a three-week process. The panel considered 150 nominees from 27 different sport categories on a 34-page ballot.

The complete 11-person Class of 2024 will swell the overall membership in the Hall of Fame to 503 men and women – athletes, coaches, administrators and sports media members — honored since its founding in 1958.

Whitworth won three state titles and two national high school crowns playing for the late Don Shows at West Monroe, then helped LSU win its first national football championship in 45 years under coach Nick Saban in 2003. “Big Whit” capped a 16-year NFL career, mostly in Cincinnati, by starting at offensive tackle as the Los Angeles Rams won Super Bowl LVI, just a couple of days after he received the 2021 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award for his community activism. He made four Pro Bowls.

Granger, a New Orleans native and Grace King High School graduate, averaged 17 points per game in a 10-year NBA career that included a 2009 All-Star Game appearance and a gold medal win with Team USA at the 2010 World Championships.

Johnson, from Coushatta, ranks among the greatest players in Louisiana Tech Lady Techster program history under coach Leon Barmore, and twice was a WNBA All-Star in 13 seasons in the league. She ended her pro career winning the WNBA’s Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award in 2008.

Scheuermann will join his father Rags, a 1990 inductee, to form the fourth father-son combination in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. The others: football greats Dub and son Bert Jones, USA Olympic track stars Glenn “Slats” Hardin and son Billy, and the football family of sons Eli and Peyton Manning, and their father, Archie.

Scheuermann succeeded his dad as baseball coach at New Orleans’ Delgado Community College and last spring eclipsed the late Tony Robichaux of UL Lafayette as Louisiana’s winningest college baseball coach with 1,179 victories in 34 seasons.

Broussard, who will begin his 42nd season coaching basketball at St. Thomas More High School in Lafayette, has averaged 27.5 wins per year while collecting 1,130 victories to rank seventh nationally and second in the state behind 2019 LSHOF and pending 2024 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Charles Smith of Alexandria’s Peabody Magnet. Broussard’s Cougars have won six state titles and been runner-up four more times.

Burkholder was a 14-time All-American gymnast and as a senior won the 2006 NCAA beam title to cap an LSU career that featured a school-record 108 victories, helping to dramatically elevate interest in the Tigers’ program locally as it emerged as a national power. She was twice Southeastern Conference Gymnast of the Year.

Weiner retired in 2016 after posting 317 wins, now seventh in state history, in 35 seasons as a high school football head coach. The last 30 were at Catholic, where he built a mediocre program into one of Louisiana’s best as he won 282 games, 9.1 per year, including a 2016 state title. He also coached 18 state championship weightlifting teams with the Bears.

Soileau won four high school boxing state crowns, beginning with his eighth-grade year, and captured the 125-pound NCAA title in 1956 in the heyday of the sport at the state and collegiate levels. He won 159 games in 30 seasons as football coach at Sacred Heart, including a 1967 state championship, and is a 1988 Louisiana High School Sports Hall of Fame inductee and an inaugural Louisiana High School Boxing Hall of fame inductee.

The 2025 Induction Class will be showcased in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum. The facility is operated by the Louisiana State Museum system in a partnership with the Louisiana Sports Writers Association.

The striking two-story, 27,500-square foot structure faces Cane River Lake in the National Historic Landmark District of Natchitoches and has garnered worldwide architectural acclaim and rave reviews for its contents since its grand opening during the 2013 Hall of Fame induction weekend.

The new competitive ballot inductees will raise the total of Hall of Fame members to 394 athletes and coaches honored since the first induction class — Baseball Hall of Famer Mel Ott, world champion boxer Tony Canzoneri and LSU football great Gaynell Tinsley — was enshrined in 1959 after their election a year earlier.

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame already includes 25 Pro Football Hall of Fame members, 18 Olympic medalists (including 11 gold-medal winners), 14 members (including pending 2024 inductees Semoine Augustus and Charles Smith) of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, seven of the NBA’s 75 Greatest Players, seven National Baseball Hall of Fame inductees, 45 College Football Hall of Fame members, 10 Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame inductees, 10 Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame enshrinees, nine National High School Hall of Fame members, nine College Baseball Hall of Fame inductees, five National Museum of (Thoroughbred) Racing and Hall of Fame inductees. The LSHOF showcases jockeys with a combined 16 Triple Crown victories, six world boxing champions, four NBA Finals MVPs, four winners of major professional golf championships, and three Super Bowl MVPs.

Biographical information on all current Hall of Fame members is available at the LaSportsHall.com website, and a steady stream of info is available at the @LaSportsHall X (formerly Twitter) account.

Anyone can receive quarterly e-mails about the 2025 Induction Celebration and other Hall of Fame news by signing up on the website.

The 2025 Induction Celebration will be hosted by the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Foundation, the support organization for the Hall of Fame. The LSHOF Foundation was established as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit entity in 1975 and is governed by a statewide board of directors.

For information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Foundation President/CEO Ronnie Rantz at 225-802-6040 or RonnieRantz@LaSportsHall.com, or Foundation Director of Business Development and Public Relations Greg Burke at 318-663-5459 or GregBurke@LaSportsHall.com. Standard and customized sponsorships are available.

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November 6, 2024
Olympic Gold, LPGA Hall Of Fame & Major Title
ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 25: Lydia Ko of New Zealand reacts after playing her second shot on … [+] the fifth hole during Day Four of the AIG Women’s Open at St Andrews Old Course on August 25, 2024 in St Andrews, Scotland. (Photo by Luke Walker/Getty Images)

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Lydia Ko’s 2024 season has unfolded much like one would imagine a fairytale—a year filled with achievement, further shaping her legacy in the world of professional golf. Ko has secured an impressive 3 LPGA Tour wins, including the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, the Kroger Queen City Championship, and her third Major win at the AIG Women’s Open, held at the iconic St. Andrews.

Beyond the Tour, Ko has achieved two tremendous accolades this year. She most notably won Gold at the Paris Olympics, a feat which qualified her to become the 35th inductee in the LPGA Hall of Fame, joining the ranks of the most accomplished and influential athletes in the history of women’s golf. Yet, despite her extraordinary year, Ko remains exceptionally grounded and humble, reflecting on her journey with total gratitude.

Career Snapshot:
- ^{Current World Ranking: 3rd}
- ^{Turned Professional: October 2013}
- ^{Joined the LPGA Tour: 2014}
- ^{Won Her First LPGA Event: At age 15}
- ^{Youngest-Ever World No. 1: At age 17}
- ^{Won the Olympic Gold Medal: 2024, securing her qualification for the LPGA Hall of Fame}
- ^{30 total professional victories, with 22 on the LPGA Tour, including 3 Major wins.}
- ^{Olympic medals in 2016, 2020, and 2024—taking home silver, bronze, and gold.}
Gold Medal at the Paris Olympics

PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 10: Gold medalist, Lydia Ko of Team New Zealand celebrates on the podium … [+] during the Women’s Individual Stroke Play Medal Ceremony on day fifteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Le Golf National on August 10, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

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For Ko, winning the Gold medal at the Paris Olympics was a career-defining moment, one she had only dreamed of. When she stepped onto the podium, the significance of that moment washed over her. “I’ve been fortunate to stand on the Olympic podium three times,” she reflected with the memories. Ko recalled her first experience at the Rio Olympics, describing it as “the most surreal” moment of her life—a scene she had only ever witnessed on television. “At the time, it was a dream, a once-in-a-lifetime kind of moment,” she said, reminiscing about the thrill of representing her country.

Standing on that podium in Paris was particularly special for Ko. “Hearing my national anthem was incredible. There’s no other occasion where you can replicate that feeling. It’s not just for yourself; it’s much more than that,” she emphasized. Her previous medals, silver and bronze, also hold a special place in her heart. “Most of the time, if you come in second at an event or finish in the Top 10, you might think, ‘Maybe I should have done this or that better.’ You start comparing yourself,” she explained. “But in the Olympics, you’re not second and third; you’re a Bronze, Silver, or Gold medalist. You’re not ranking yourself the same way. When I came in second at any other event, I haven’t had the same feeling as I did coming in Silver at the Olympics. Sometimes a win doesn’t mean you’re the one holding the trophy.”

A Hall of Fame Induction

MAINEVILLE, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 22: Lydia Ko of New Zealand plays her shot from the second tee during … [+] the final round of the Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G 2024 at TPC River’s Bend on September 22, 2024 in Maineville, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

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Ko’s induction into the LPGA Hall of Fame was another landmark achievement in her storied career. This rare honor is shared by only a select few, and when asked how it resonated with her journey, she reflected, “I didn’t grow up thinking that I would become a Hall of Famer; I felt like that was out of my league.” She acknowledged that reaching such heights wasn’t merely about being ranked number one; it was about overcoming the ups and downs that each season brought.

“People tell me I’ve worked hard for this, but I feel everyone works hard. I can’t name a single person that doesn’t,” Ko said. “ I feel that I’ve been fortunate in timing with opportunities that have given me this chance. I know that not everybody is given the time, so I feel like I’m living in a fairy tale.” she added, affirming the joy and gratitude she feels for her career.

Third Major Win at St. Andrews

ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 25: Lydia Ko of New Zealand reacts after putting on the 18th green … [+] during Day Four of the AIG Women’s Open at St Andrews Old Course on August 25, 2024 in St Andrews, Scotland. (Photo by Ross Parker/R&A/R&A via Getty Images)

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Securing her third Major title at the AIG Women’s Open at St. Andrews was yet another monumental accomplishment for Ko. As she looked back on her career, she shared, “I won my first two major championships in my first three years on tour. When you win, it doesn’t come easily, but at the same time, I didn’t realize I wouldn’t win another Major for eight years.” The long wait for her next victory made her appreciate the moment even more. “At the time, I felt I should be grateful that I am able to call myself a Major Champion. If it doesn’t happen again, my two Majors are still something that no one can take away from me.”

After her Olympic victory, Ko spoke with her coach about her future goals. “I said I would love to win one more Major before I’m done. Little did I know that would happen just two weeks later.” The excitement of winning at St. Andrews was overwhelming. “Down the final stretch, I didn’t think I was actually going to win,” she admitted. “It was such a special gift to win. I thought, what are the odds I’m going to get this gift again, especially with so many of my family members there?” Winning at St. Andrews, the home of golf, “it literally couldn’t have been better than that.”

Beyond The Green

PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 10: Gold medalist, Lydia Ko of Team New Zealand (C), Silver medalist, Esther … [+] Henseleit of Team Germany (L) and Bronze medalist, Janet Xiyu Lin of Team People’s Republic of China (R) pose on the podium during the Women’s Individual Stroke Play Medal Ceremony on day fifteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Le Golf National on August 10, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

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When asked which accomplishment holds the most significance for her, Ko likened it to a challenging decision: “It’s like asking if you like your Mother better or your Father better. Every win, every moment, is special in its own way.” Competing in the Olympics, in particular, stands out to her. “What I love about it is you’re there because you’re honored to represent your country at the biggest sporting event. No matter if you win a medal or not, you’re a champion just to be there. Not every athlete gets to say they’re an Olympian.”

Outside the realm of golf, Ko finds joy in music and fitness. “I’ve always liked listening to music and working out,” she said, noting that her dedication to fitness grew when she faced challenges on the course. “It was a stress reliever and it was beneficial for golf.” Recently, she and her husband adopted a Shiba Inu puppy named Kai, who has added a new dimension of happiness to their lives. “He’s given me so much joy and excitement,” she said. “I never grew up with a dog, so I didn’t know what it was like. When I came home from events, no matter if I had a good day or not, he was there, excited to see me. It’s the best feeling ever.”

Inspirations and Reflections

NAPLES, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 20: Lydia Ko of New Zealand poses for a photo with her fiancé, the Vare … [+] Trophy, the Rolex Player of the Year trophy and the CME Globe trophy after winning the CME Group Tour Championship at Tiburon Golf Club on November 20, 2022 in Naples, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

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Ko draws inspiration from fellow athletes, particularly Simone Biles. After watching Biles’ documentary, she felt a deep connection to the challenges Biles faced and overcame. “I was so inspired,” Ko said. “Hearing from someone of her caliber, what she went through, and how she came back to dominate again in Paris was truly inspiring.” One quote from Biles resonated deeply with her: “I get to write my own ending.” “That’s what I’ve been telling myself, since I’m closer to the end than when I was a rookie”.

As she contemplates her future in golf, Ko acknowledges her desire to leave the game while still playing well. “I know for a fact I’m probably never playing past 30,” she admitted recently to ESPN. “What has happened in the last few weeks doesn’t change my timeline. I want to leave the game while I’m still playing well.” Despite the pressures of competition, she recognizes that golf is just one part of her identity. “To know that golf doesn’t complete me,” she said thoughtfully, “golf is just part of me, but that’s not me as a whole.”

When asked to describe herself in three words, Ko chose “weird,” “competitive,” and “a foodie.” “Weird—my husband says that to me all the time,” she laughed. “Competitive, and a foodie.”

Lydia Ko’s extraordinary year is a tribute to her talent, resilience, and unwavering dedication to her career. As she continues to inspire both on and off the greens, the world watches eagerly for what Ko will achieve next. With only five tournaments left in the season, excitement builds. Will she add more accolades to her already impressive list of achievements? Will she retire? Whatever lies ahead, it’s clear that Lydia Ko’s story is far from over.
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October 20, 2024
Mynderse Academy Athletic Hall of Fame inducted the Class of 2024 last weekend | Sports

SENECA FALLS — The Mynderse Academy Athletic Hall of Fame induction took place on Oct. 13 at the Northeast College of Health Sciences in Seneca Falls. The 2024 class includes seven individuals and two teams: Jane Rosenkrans, Thomas Gaun, Robert Bachman, Bob Caraccilo, Michael Hathaway, Molly Hanlin Murphy, Louise Rizzieri and the 1951 and ’55 football teams.

Here are the complete biographies for this year’s inductees:

Jane Rosenkrans, Class of 1966 (Forerunner to Title IX)Intramurals, Grades 9-12 • Girls’ Athletic Association, Grades 11-12, Vice President & President • Attended Springfield College • Captain of the Springfield College basketball team • Taught and was head coach at Hall High School, West Hartford, Conn., where she was instrumental in helping to start high school girls athletics. • Head Coach Hall High School, track & field, cross country, basketball • Head basketball coach at Massachusetts Institute of Technology • Head basketball coach at Springfield College • Assistant basketball coach at UCLA.

Thomas Gaun, Class of 1988

Tom Gaun graduated from Mynderse Academy in 1988 where he participated in three sports, football, basketball and baseball.

Gaun joined Special Olympics through a program supported by Seneca ARC approximately 33 years ago. He continues to compete in Special Olympics in volleyball, basketball, floor hockey, softball, bocce, bowling, track & field and soccer. He has been awarded medals in each of these sports. It is estimated that Gaun has been awarded over 100 medals throughout his years of competition. Most notably, Gaun has received two National medals as an athlete.

Seneca ARC no longer supports the Special Olympics program, but that didn’t stop Gaun. He continued to participate with the Finger Lakes Training Program, which serves athletes in Seneca, Wayne, Ontario and Yates counties. Throughout his time in this program, Gaun has exemplified the qualities of a Lifetime Contributor of Mynderse Academy, modeling sportsmanship and teamwork. He has also assisted in field and court preparations, both for athletic practices and competition.

Through his efforts, along with his teammates, they have participated in two National tournaments. The first time was in 2014 in New Jersey where he and his team competed in volleyball. Then again in 2022 where Gaun and his teammates competed in softball, nationally, in Orlando, Florida.

All along he way, Gaun has freely participated in fundraisers and demonstrations. He has been employed at the local Walmart for over 20 years.

When Gaun can no longer compete athletically, he aspires to become a coach.

Robert (Bock) Bachman, Class of 1982

Robert (Bock) Bachman is a member of the Mynderse Academy Class of 1982. During his years at Mynderse Academy, he was a three-sport athlete, receiving numerous recognitions for his achievements. He received the Aldo Beatini Memorial Award for Outstanding Athlete during his senior year. Bachman also served as a member of the Block M Club.

Bachman was a two-year starter on both offense and defense for the Mynderse Academy football team. During his junior year, he received 1st Team All-League recognition on defense as safety. During his senior year, he received 1st Team All-League recognition on offense as wide receiver and on defense as safety and received 2nd Team All-League recognition as punter. Bachman’s personal best as safety was a three-interception game against Newark in his senior year season.

Bachman always had an affinity for basketball and spent two seasons as team ball boy during his middle school years. He spent all four years of high school on the Mynderse Academy varsity basketball team. He was a three-year starter and was the league’s second leading scorer during his junior and senior years. Bachman also received All-League recognitions in basketball; earning 2nd Team status as a sophomore and 1st Team status during his junior and senior seasons. The crowd always responded very enthusiastically after each of Bachman’s numerous dunks.

Bachman was a three-year starter on the Mynderse Academy lacrosse team. His skill and achievements earned him All-League recognitions in lacrosse; 2nd Team All-League as sophomore and 1st Team All-League as junior and senior. He led his team in scoring and was quite versatile, playing goalie in one game and recording 14 saves against a very powerful Corning East team.

Bachman lives in Seneca Falls with his wife Shelly (Timmons — Class of 1981), his daughter Amanda, and son Robbie. He has three granddaughters: Riley, Mia, and Khloe.

Bob “Harpo” Caraccilo, Class of 1957

Bob (Harpo) Caraccilo graduated from Mynderse Academy in 1957. During his time at Mynderse, he was a standout multi-sport athlete participating in football, basketball and baseball.

As a Blue Devil, Caraccilo played football four years under Athletic Hall of Fame Coach George Davis (2010). As a running back, he scored 23 touchdowns, including an impressive four TDs in a single game against Clyde during his junior year. He contributed to his 1955 team, which was also in the 2024 Hall of Fame induction class, achieving an undefeated 8-0 record. Over his four-year football career, the team boasted a remarkable 29-3 record and consistently clinched the league title.

Caraccilo played second base for the baseball team for four years, maintaining a batting average of over .300 for each season. He was a key member of the 1954 Section V Championship baseball team, which was inducted into the Mynderse Hall of Fame in 2014. In basketball. Caraccilo played varsity for two years, but injuries and an operation cut short two of his seasons.

Throughout his tenure at Mynderse, Caraccilo was actively involved in student council all four years and served as president of his freshman class. He was also the recipient of the Babe Ruth Award and a member of Block M.

Caraccilo gave back to his community by coaching Little League for 15 years and is a member of the Seneca Falls SMS Lodge. In 1951, he played on the NY State Championship Kiwanis baseball team for 11-12 year olds.

Caraccilo has been a proud Seneca Falls business owner for 63 years, running his barber shop in downtown Seneca Falls since 1961.

He is married to his wife, Marie (Santaniello) Caraccilo, for 65 years. They have five children: Teresa (John) Scalzo; Dominic (Karen) Caraccilo (Class of 2014); Connie (Gus) Irland (Class of 2023); Lisa (Michael Class of 2019) Anderson (Class of 2010 and 2012 soccer team) and Edward (Tracy) Caraccilo (Class of 2018). Caraccilo and Marie are also blessed with 13 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Caraccilo is joined by many of his siblings in the Mynderse Athletic Hall of Fame: Brother Gene Caraccilo (Class of 2012; 2014 Baseball; 2024 Football); Domenic “Carts” Caraccilo (Class of 2010; 2014 Baseball); Vincent Caraccilo (2010 Football Team; 2017 Coach — Football Team) and sister-in-law, Connie (Amidon) Sowards (Class of 2023).

Michael Hathaway, Class of 1977

Michael Hathaway is a 1977 graduate of Mynderse Academy. He received a Regents diploma in science and business. Hathaway was a gifted athlete who made the varsity lacrosse team as a sophomore. During his sophomore, junior and senior year’s his varsity lacrosse team lost only one game in the Wayne-Fingerlakes League, a feat not duplicated in the history of Mynderse lacrosse. As a varsity lacrosse player, Hathaway excelled and was selected for the All-Conference 1st team his sophomore, junior and senior years. Most notably, his junior and senior years, he was also named an All American for his lacrosse abilities.

Hathaway also excelled in football at Mynderse. He played on the varsity squad as a sophomore and was selected for the All-Conference 2nd team. Hathaway elevated his football performance his junior and senior year making the All-Conference 1st team.

After graduating from Mynderse, Hathaway attended Herkimer College. At Herkimer he continued playing lacrosse receiving All American Honorable Mention honors.

Hathaway returned to Seneca Falls gaining employment and working at Goulds Pumps for three years. Hathaway switched careers and entered the construction field. He continued in this field for the next seven years. In 1988, he successfully started his own construction business. He operated this business until he retired in 2016.

Hathaway has been an avid semi-pro bass angler from 1987-2000. Throughout the 1990s, he traveled the entire east coast, from Florida to Vermont, competing in bass tournaments. He won numerous Angler of the Year titles from different fishing organizations. Hathaway is still an avid bass fisherman participating in local clubs and tournaments in the Finger Lakes area.

Hathaway married his late wife, Kate, in June 1994. She passed away in 2015. Hathaway and Kate had one son, Dalton, born in 1994. Since his retirement, Hathaway travels cross country fishing and visiting his son and daughter-in-law and 3-year-old granddaughter in San Diego, California.

Molly Hanlin Murphy, Class of 1977

Molly Hanlin Murphy graduated from Mynderse Academy in 1977. During her time at Mynderse, she was a member of the Girls Athletic Association and most notably lettered in five different varsity sports her junior year. She also was an avid golfer and tennis player in her youth. Three of the awards she received her senior year at Mynderse were the Holly Wood Memorial Award, the Babe Ruth Award and the S.M.S. Auxiliary Award. She was a Field Hockey MVP, Most Improved Volleyball Player and a NYS competitor in Discus throwing. Hanlin Murphy was a varsity starter in field hockey, volleyball, basketball, softball and track & field.

While attending Mynderse, Hanlin Murphy held leadership positions in the school, as well as in athletics. She was a member of National Honor Society, an Honor Graduate, Junior Class President, a member of Girl’s State and Student Council Vice President her senior year.

Upon graduating Mynderse Academy, Hanlin Murphy attended the State University College at Potsdam where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a dual degree in Computer Information Systems and Mathematics. At Potsdam, she was inducted into Epsilon Delta Pi (Computer Science Society) & Pi Mu Epsilon (National Honorary Mathematics Fraternity). Hanlin Murphy also received her Master of Science in Education Graduate Degree from Alfred University and her Educational Leadership Graduate Certifications from State University at Stony Brook.

Hanlin Murphy’s time at Mynderse laid the foundation for a lifetime dedicated to sports and embracing an active lifestyle. She continued her athletic journey at State University College at Potsdam playing field hockey and basketball, as well as being involved in numerous intramural teams. This led to years of personal involvement on many team sports. After retiring from competitive athletics, she channeled her passion into coaching and teaching at all levels. As a coach and teacher, Hanlin Murphy guided countless young athletes and students, helping them reach their potential and achieve their dreams. Her approach was rooted in the principles she learned at Mynderse: dedication, discipline and perseverance. She put in extra hours to help create an athletic experience for all players. She coached school teams, travel teams, recreation teams, camp teams and ended her career assisting her husband with a college team. She took on leadership roles in fundraising, organizing local sporting events, supporting various charitable organizations and collaborating/communicating with many families in the community. The teams she coached were very successful and the memories that she helped to create still resonate with players today. “Sports ideally teach discipline and commitment. They challenge you and build character for everything you do in life.” Coach Murphy knows how to create a culture that teaches, motivates and provides support with compassion at the forefront. Her proudest accomplishment is that she is still present in many of her past player’s and student’s lives.

After working for 15 years in the IT world, Hanlin Murphy found her niche as a 24-year GST BOCES Cisco Networking Academy Instructor and a 15-year Regional Summer School Principal. She retired in 2023 and moved to Medina, Ohio with her husband Jay. Hanlin Murphy and Jay enjoy spending time with family, supporting various sports teams and are the parents of Lyndsay (Justin) and Kyle (Annie), and grandparents of Max, Kelsey and Ada.

Louis Rizzieri, Class of 1948

Louis Rizzieri was a proud member of Mynderse Academy athletic teams throughout his high school career. He was a three-sport athlete who participated in football, basketball and track.

Rizzieri still reminisces about the 1946 championship football team that he was a part of. His fondest football memory was running 98 yards to return a kickoff against Waterloo. However, the play was called back. Amazingly, he did the same thing again for a touchdown! Rizzieri enjoyed running and was quoted in his yearbook by many friends as, “The fastest man they had ever seen.”

Rizzieri was captain of the first Mynderse Academy track team in 13 years. As such, he went on to win a 1947 District IV relay team competition. Rizzieri’s most favored track events were the 400-meter hurdles and the 100-yard dash.

Rizzieri was a Mynderse Academy Block M member. He carried the values he learned from participating in this organization, as well as those learned from participating on various athletic teams, throughout his life as an active member of his Seneca Falls community.

After high school, Rizzieri graduated from Willard as a nurse and enlisted in the Army. He is a Korean War Veteran and was First VP of the Korean War Veteran’s Assoc. Rizzieri volunteered as a basketball coach at De Sales HS while attending Hobart College. He received his Masters degree from Syracuse University. Rizzieri’s active involvement in his community include: The American Legion, SMS, Mynderse Academy Alumni Assoc., SF board of Ed., Grand Knight of the K of C., Elks Club, St. Patrick’s Church, and NYS Commissioner of Ed Advisory Committee. He is a Seneca Falls Father Beatini award recipient. Rizzieri was also a Rotarian.

During his 40 years as a teacher and Chief School Administrator he was influential in promoting athletics. Rizzieri was instrumental in the development of the Cohocton CS Sports Complex. Rizzieri supported both boys and girls athletic programs. The first ever Girls Varsity Athletic club was started at Gilbertsville CS while he was principal. As an educator, he not only valued, but strove to build positive relationships among competitive athletes.

Rizzieri worked as part of a team wherever he went. He is proud of his home town of Seneca Falls and of Mynderse Academy.

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October 19, 2024
BC Sports Hall of Fame: Former NHL centre Ray Ferraro

Former NHL centre Ray Ferraro and world-renowned sports psychologist Saul Miller will both be inducted as part of the 2025 class

Two North Vancouver residents are receiving the province’s highest honour for achievement in sport.

NHL veteran Ray Ferraro and sports psychologist Saul Miller are being inducted into the BC Sports Hall of Fame class of 2025.

“Honouring the past – and inspiring the future – is at the very heart of the mission of the BC Sports Hall of Fame,” organization chair Tom Mayenknecht said in a statement. “This year’s honourees truly exemplify the best of sport in this province and beyond.”

Mayenknecht said he looks forward to honouring the inductees in person at a gala scheduled for May of next year.

While you might recognize his broadcast personality filling the airwaves during Vancouver Canucks games, Ferraro’s professional hockey career spans decades.

During his 18-season NHL career (1984-2002), he was among the most-consistent goal scorers ever who were born and raised in B.C.

Playing for six teams – the Harford Whalers, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, Atlanta Thrashers and St. Louis Blues – he topped 20 goals in 12 seasons and 40 goals in two.

Compared to other B.C.-born players, his 1,258 NHL regular season games, 408 goals and 898 points rank fourth, fifth and seventh of all time.

Ferraro’s best season was 1991-92 with the Islanders, scoring 40 goals and 80 points in 80 games, earning an appearance in the 1992 NHL All-Star Game.

He represented Canada three times at the IIHF World Ice Hockey Championships, helping Canada to silver medal finishes in 1989 in Sweden and 1996 in Austria. Before that, he was named the WHL’s Player of the Year in 1984 after scoring a league record 108 goals in 72 games with the Brandon Wheat Kings, a record that still stands to this day.

Since 2002, he’s been an on-air analyst and colour commentator for various NHL broadcasts, most recently on Sportsnet covering Canucks games.

Meanwhile, Miller has earned world renown as an influential sports psychologist, working with athletes and teams in B.C. and internationally for more than 40 years.

The author of 10 books on athletic performance and well-being, he’s been credited with helping to raise the profile of sport psychology worldwide.

Over his career, Miller has consulted with Canadian national teams and athletes in various sports competing at the Olympics, Pan American Games and Commonwealth Games.

He’s also worked with professional teams from the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA, USFL and pro hockey teams in Europe.

In B.C., Miller has worked closely with the Vancouver Canucks, BC Lions, Vancouver Canadians, Vancouver Giants, UBC hockey and the Vancouver Grizzlies.

He’s well known locally as well, helping athletes in many community and high school teams in North Vancouver.

Since 1966, the BC Sports Hall of Fame has inducted 452 individuals and 69 teams to its Hall of Champions, with the goal of those legacies inspiring future generations.

Details on the 2025 gala will be released in the coming months.

Exciting to be remembered..proud to share with my family…🙏 https://t.co/bvx5OpI0Hu

— Ray Ferraro (@rayferraro21) October 16, 2024

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October 17, 2024
1980 U.S. Olympian Ron Neugent Inducted into Kansas Sports Hall of Fame
1980 Olympian Ron Neugent was among 12 athletes inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame during a ceremony held in Topeka on Sunday, Oct. 13.

Neugent was a standout swimmer at the University of Kansas, setting five program records and a pair of Big Eight Records during his time with the Jayhawks.

The other 11 athletes inducted alongside Neugent in the Class of 2024 include Dave Bingham (baseball coach), Mark Mangino (football coach), Kelly Rankin (baseball/track & field), Scott Russell (track & field) and Mark Turgeon (basketball), all of whom have ties to Kansas University, as well as Erik Kynard (track & field), Melvin Lister (track & field), Kevin Saunders (Paralympian), Will Shields (football), Sean Snyder (football) and Annette Wiles (basketball).

Altogether, this group is comprised of seven individuals who have ties to Olympic and Paralympic competition, including an Olympic gold medalist (Kynard) and a Paralympic medalist and the only American to be named a head track and field starter for two Olympic Games (Rankin). The group also includes national champion coaches, collegiate champions and All-Americans, and American-record holders.

In a press release for the ceremony, Kansas Sports Hall of Fame Chairman Jim Dunning, Jr. said “This is an accomplished group and one the Hall of Fame is extremely proud to recognize. They bring a considerable diversity of backgrounds and talents to the Hall. In this an Olympic year, I believe it is wonderful to shine a light on seven inductees with Olympic connections.”

With his induction, Neugent joins the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame alongside six other swimmers and swimming coaches. Some of Neugent’s most notable achievements in the pool include:
- Neugent swam for the Wichita Swim Club in High School and was one of the top ranked youth swimmers nationally. Club was founded by KSHOF inductee and former Kansas track Coach Bob Timmons.
- Over the course of two years at Kansas, Neugent set five school and two Big Eight records and won two Big Eight individual titles. His mark in the 1650 freestyle still ranks as one of the best at KU and in Big Eight history.
- He transferred to KU from SMU, where he earned All-America honors by finishing 11th in the 1650 freestyle at the NCAA Championships. He also finished second in the 1650 freestyle at the Southwest Conference Championships.
- He was a member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic team and the 1981 U.S. National team that traveled to Moscow.
- In 1979, he gained national recognition when he won the 1500-meter freestyle at the World University Games.
- On Sept. 5, 1982, he set an American record for a 25-meter pool in the 1500-meter freestyle (15:01.77).
- Neugent has 15 top 10 U.S. Masters Swimming all-time performances.
- He served on the U.S. Olympic Committee Board of Directors and Athletes Advisory Council and was a former Vice-President of United States Swimming.
In addition to these athletic achievements, Neugent was a committed champion for KU’s men’s swimming and diving team when it was cut alongside men’s tennis in 2001.

In 2002, Neugent gave an eloquent testimony before the Title IX Opportunity in Athletics Commission in response to the University of Kansas, the University of Nebraska, and Iowa State University all cutting their men’s swimming and diving programs at the start of the 2001-2002 season.
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October 16, 2024