Lawrence County Historical Society
SPORTS HALL of FAME / INDUCTEES
Brief History
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A brief history of the Lawrence County Historical Society Sports Hall of Fame. Since 1984.
INDUCTEES
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To honor its sports legends, the Society annually inducts new members into the ranks of the Sports Hall of Fame.

Sports Hall of Fame - a brief history
They set themselves apart from others in the arenas, the hardwood courts, and the playing fields. They won acclaim for running the fastest, jumping the highest, winning championships and otherwise distinguishing themselves in high school, college and at professional levels. To honor its sports legends, the Society annually inducts new members into the ranks of the Sports Hall of Fame.
In the Fall of 1983, Dr. Ellis Hoffman and other members of the Lawrence County Historical Society’s Board of Directors approached New Castle News Managing Editor, Robert Vosburg, with an idea of organizing a committee to research local athletes and preserve their achievements through a formal recognition ceremony. Vosburg organized a committee, established guidelines and went to work. Hoffman focused much of his attention on uncovering the achievements of athletes who were long departed so that they would not be forgotten to the annuals of time.
The first class was inducted in the spring of 1984. This inaugural class included: Dick Allen, Phil Bridenbaugh, Darrell Dess, L. Butler Hennon, Don Hennon, Walter Mangham, Bill McPeak, C.G. “Buzz” Ridle, Chuck Tanner, and Lewis “Hack” Wilson.
Dr. Hoffman passed away in 2002 following a battle with cancer but left behind quite a benevolent legacy and a pride in his community which he helped to change for the better.
Sports Hall of Fame
INDUCTEES
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2025 Inductees
- Michael Annarella (football)
- Shaun Asbury (basketball)
- Larry Brewton (football)
- Scott Brush (baseball)
- Pat Cain (football/basketball)
- Kevin Carmichael (wrestling coach)
- Jennifer Emery-Garella (volleyball/basketball/softball)
- James Graham (football/basketball/baseball)
- Maria Joseph (basketball/softball)
- Shadra Kendall-Carpenter (volleyball/basketball/track and field)
- Ronald Keyes (track/football)
HALL of HONOR
- Dr. Darwin Huey
Ellis Hoffman Team Award
- 1980 Laurel High School Football Team
High School Athletes of the Year
- Tori Atkins (Laurel)
- Jaxon Schoedel (Mohawk)
- Joseph Roth (Ellwood City)
- Addy Frye (Neshannock)
2024 Inductees
- Anthony Ascione (baseball)
- Doug Bleggi (baseball)
- Mary Beth Acker Brecker (track, cross-country)
- Paul Cameron (track, cross-country)
- Matt DeSalvo (baseball)
- David Hasson (football)
- Allan Jackson (football)
- Ryenn Micaletti (basketball)
- Toni Wimer Prejsnar (track, cross-country, volleyball)
- Gary Roth (basketball, baseball)
- Sarah Shaffer Harrison (softball)
HALL of HONOR
- Alberta Kelly
Ellis Hoffman Team Award
- 1981 Wilmington Area School District Baseball Team
High School Athletes of the Year
- Tori Atkins (student athlete)
- Grant MacKay (student athlete)
- Mia Preuhs (student athlete)
2023 Inductees
- Brenda Rodgers-Briggs
- Brian Cooper
- Kevin Covert
- Matt Deinert
- Bob Flannery
- Mark Humphrey
- Kathy Kendra
- Alan Pavia
- Jeff Potter
- Jaleesa Sams
- Joyce Walczak-Shannon
- David Young
HALL of HONOR
- Anthony “Dooney” Pietrcollo
Ellis Hoffman Team Award
- 1995-96 Shenango High School Basketball Team
High School Athletes of the Year
- Emma Callahan
- Luke McCoy
- Neleh Nogay
- Michael Wells
2022 Inductees
- Vince Circelli
- David Costa
- Mike Fay
- Denny Flora
- Doug Fusco
- Kacey Gibson-Laird
- Cedric Hawkins
- Gilbert Gootsy Lewis
- Lance Nimmo
- Brad Ziegler
HALL of HONOR
- James Arrow
Ellis Hoffman Team Award
- 1976 & 1977 Westminster Football Teams
High School Athletes of the Year
- Bella Burrelli
- Cameron Marett
- Nadia Lape
- Mitch Miles
- Connor Vass-Gal
2021 – N/A
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
we did not offer a Hall of Fame event. We have pending inductees from 2021 who will be honored at our 2022 Sports Hall of Fame (SHOF).
2020 – N/A
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
the 2020 Hall of Fame induction event was postponed to a later date. And then due to the ongoing pandemic, it was further postponed until 2022.
2019 Inductees | NC News photo
- Steve Dmetruk
- Ronald Hunt
- Gilbert Lewis
- Len Matarazzo
- Katie McKissick-Sherry
- Tom Mondell
- James Popovich
- Leonard Rich
- Tammy Sankey
- Steve Shaffer
- Yolanda Shakespeare-Savko
- Cassie Buckwalter Whitfield
HALL of HONOR
- Mark Schaas
Ellis Hoffman Team Award
- 1973 New Castle High School Football Team
High School Athletes of the Year
- Bella Burrelli
- Tre Charles
- Katie Hahn
- Marcus Hooker
- Sarah Seamans
2018 Inductees
- Bob Book
- Jessica Cooper-Smith
- Denny Flora
- Larry Graziani (awarded posthumously)
“It’s not about how you start a game, it’s about how you finish.” - John Izzo
- Inge Jorgensen-Seiler
- Mark Latsko
- Lou Perrotta
- Gary Schooley
- Brian Shannon
HALL of HONOR
Ellis Hoffman Team Award
- 1970 New Castle High School Football Team.
“We valued diversity before we even knew what diversity was.” – Jerry Lauro
Female Athlete of the Year
- Taylor Petrak
Male Athlete of the Year (3-way tie)\
- Spencer DeMedal\
- Marcus Hooker
- Geno Stone
2017 Inductees
- Sam Campoli
- Gary DeGruttola
- George Mike
- Dave Salmen
- Jessica Levine
- RoxAnn Schofield-Gallagher
- Michael Maricone
- Ricky Sumner
- Stefanie Lombardo-Leonard
- Sam Flora
HALL of HONOR
- Harold Taylor
Ellis Hoffman Team Award
- 1948-49 New Castle High Football Teams
Links to NC News
2016 Inductees
- James A. Birtalan
- David Kwiat
- Christine Paolini-Lazzara
- John Quahliero
- Louis A. Quahliero
- Jamie Rausch
- Joe Roth
- Michael Tinstman
- Tom Tony
HALL of HONOR
- Bill Stoner
Ellis Hoffman Team Award
- 1988-1989 Westminster Football Team
Athletes of the Year
- Hannah Drake, Wilmington Area High School
- Dom Westbay, Shenango High School
Links to NC News
2015 Inductees
- Nicole Downing Pauline
- Rick Flora
- Michael Hink
- Tim Kolodziej
- Forrest McMunn
- Ralph Litrenta
- Kerri Myers
- Rob Nogay
- Julee Sovesky
- Danny Young
HALL of HONOR
- Mark Elisco
Ellis Hoffman Team Award
- 1969-70 Mohawk Basketball Team
Recent Team WPIAL Champs
- Laurel Spartans Women’s Cross Country Team
Athletes of the Year
Links to NC News
2014 Inductees
- Ralph Blundo
- Angelo Burrelli
- Katy Killmer DeMedal
- Lisa DeVite Malutic
- Linda Magliocca
- Mark Manifrang
- Lynn Runyon Padice
- Tom Patton
- Bob Perrotta
- Kim Bair Tindall
- David Updegraff
- Bill Young
HALL of HONOR
Ellis Hoffman Team Award
- 1967 New Castle High Football Team – undefeated, WPIAL Class AA title
Lawrence County Athletes of the Year (2012-2013)
- Jon Yohman (Wilmington HS)
- Shelby Brown (Mohawk HS)
Honors
- Red Hurricane boys basketball team – winner WPIAL and PIAA championships in Class AAAA – undefeated for the season (31-0)
- Additional news coverage
Special Awards
- Lauren Barber (Wilmington HS)- gold medal PIAA (2013-14) (more news)
- McKenzie Stelter (MohawkHS) – gold medal PIAA (2013-14) (more news)
LINKS to NC News
2013 Inductees
- Todd Atkins
- Anthony Avens
- Diane Kukich Buckman
- Lynn Hailstock
- Rob Klamut
- Evan Lipp
- June McFate
- Rosemarie Perrotta
- Stacy Robinson
- Blair Sweet
- Andy Tommelleo
HALL of HONOR
- Rev. Fats Cubellis
- Tom Riley Sr. Family (Riley’s Fun Spot)
Ellis Hoffman Team Award
(New Castle News photo archives)
New Castle News
2013 Student Athletes of the Year
- Michelle Watson (Shenango HS)
See News section titled “Others Honored - John Sansone (Neshannock HS)
See News section titled “Others Honored
LINKS to NC News
2012 Inductees
- Rhonda Book Beery
- Darren Berkley
- Phyllis Cournan-Racek
- Chuck Cuba
- Wynn Hasson
- Mike Kirkwood
- Michael Latsko
- Doug Peters
- John Sarandrea
- Lori Haswell Stelter
HALL of HONOR
Mendall Altman
Eugene Gabby Kendra
Student Athletes
Gino Ceriani
Haley Meritt
LINKS to NC News
Announcement
Valuable Lessons
Giving Thanks
Photo Gallery
2012 Team Recognition Award
Neshannock Girls Softball State Champions
Photo Gallery NCNews / YouTube
2011 Inductees
- Frank Aloi, Jr.
- Kimberly Crunkleton
- Guy Demaio
- John “Juggo” Frank
- John Latina
- Phillip Macri
- Don Nogay Jr.
- Serene Ross
- Greg Solomon
- Lynn Trimble (postthumous)
HALL of HONOR
Dr. Ellis Hoffman
(Founder of the Sports Hall of Fame in 1984)
Student Athletes
Jake Dando
Evan Miller
Carly Senko
LINKS to NC News
Inductee Profiles
Ceremony Coverage
Photos
2009 Inductees
- Gerald “Cowboy” Altman
- Laurie Arblaster Boyd
- Marie “Chrissy” Crunkelton Wiggans
- Lew Grell
- Charlene Macri
- Mark Mangino
- Archie “Arch” Zarone
- Jack Zduriencik
HALL of HONOR
Leonard S. Rich
LINKS to NC News
Inductee Profiles
2008 Inductees
- Carl Forkum NEW CAS
(Posthumous) - Michael Porada
(Posthumous) - Chuck Sapienza
(Posthumous) - Rick Adams
- Jo Anne Bok Altmyer
- Heidi Jorgensen Begeot
- Tony Court
- Mary Chrobak Frisbee
- Sam Greenwood
- Floyd Montgomery
- Carmen Nocera
- Williard “Bull” Smith
- George Waggoner
- Barry Whetzel
HALL of HONOR
Lew Grell
2007 Inductees
- Janie Cebula
- Ray Cebula
- Jennie Book Conrad
- John DiMuccio
- Kathleen Furst
- Joe Hudak
- Randi Bell Knight
- Anthony “Monk” Laurenza
- Eugene Matsook
- Bill McNees
- John Novalesi
- Joseph Scungio
- Mark Stanley
Hall of Honor
Bob Vosburg
2006 Inductees
- Jan Budai
- Don “Ducky” Costa
- Pam Grell
- Mike Hambrick
- John Hudak
- Dennis Latess
- J.R. McFarland
- Angelo Pezzuolo
- Pete Quinn Jr.
(Posthumous) - Fred “Bull” Ryan
- Bob Session
(Posthumous) - Bruce Tanner
- Jacques Young
(Posthumous)
Student Athletes
Bobby Burkes
Jenn Emery
Hall of Honor
Mickey Michalojko
LINKS to NC News
Hall of Fame Dinner
2005 Inductees
- Ed Bogdon
- Joe Dougherty
- Emmett Gillaspie
- Carl Jameson
- Terry Carrigan
- Chuck Houk
- Sam Nan
- Lenny Payne
- Richard Rausch
- Lou Santangelo
- Dave Spears
- Sandy Stodolsky
- Philip “Pudgy” Tony
Hall of Honor
Richard Houlette
2004 Inductees
- Todd Alexander
- Vince Fiacco
- Sam Gealy
- Chuck Gibbons
- Bob Mitcheltree
- Tom Parau
- Bob Post
- Albert “Monk” Rainey
- John Roussos
- Butch Walker
- Phil “BooBoo” Williams
Hall of Honor
New Wilmington Rotary Club
2003 Inductees
- Al Bucci
- Larry Carr
- Dante DeFalco
- Jim “Buster” Fuqua
- Ed Maslyk
- John Munnell
- Don Nogay, Sr.
- Bob Skaneski
- Bob Timmerman
- Dave Williams
Hall of Honor
Adam Grell
2002 Inductees
- Dr. Edwin Assid
- Herky Baltimore
- Pam Beatty
- Fred Brogan
- Dick Fishburn
- Jesse Gunn
- Herb Kirk
- Frank Makarevich
- Gene Nicholson
- Vic Nocera
- Herm Serginese
- Gary Weime
Hall of Honor
Bill Anderson
2001 Inductees
- Norman Bishara
- Paris Cangey
- Homer Gray
- John Carik
- Dom Covelli
- Anthony Guiliano
- Julie Hamilton Skipper
- Jesse Moss
- Bob Senko
- Reynold Stoner
- Kim Travers Panella
- Bob Veltre
Hall of Honor
Keith Price
2000 Inductees
- Henry Koszela
- Stuart McMunn
- Joe Quest
- Corey Eggelston
- Luann Grybowski
- Greg Jones
- Anne Malkowiak
- Terry Verrelli
- Arthur Zarone Jr.
- Dale Zeh
Hall of Honor
Marino Parascenzo
1999 Inductees
- Harvey Harman
- Harold Mathieson
- Jasper Williams
- John Teplica
- Wes Bennett
- Herb Hribar
- Beth Natale Stanley
- Jim Payne
- Rob Pontius
- Don Reed
Hall of Honor
Jim Fee
1998 Inductees
- Charles C.W. Bennett
- Alec Fox
- J.R. Rick
- Dan Aloi
- Bob Buzzard
- John DeGruttola
- Joe Houck
- Joe Jackman
- Rebecca Myers
- Donald Schaly
- Terry Vrabel
Hall of Honor
Pete “Figo” Carvella
1997 Inductees
- Carl “Rizzo” Mantz
- DeOrmond “Tuss” McLaughry
- Jim Riley
- Charles Abramski
- Kenn Andrews
- Dale Brown
- Jane Fassinger
- Edward “Cash” Koszela
- George Miles
- Charles Travers
Hall of Honor
American Legion Post 343
1996 Inductees
- Jimmie Dime
- Joseph Hartman
- Walter Kominic
- Joe Allegro
- Rich Kunselman
- Jawcie Vrabel
- Ron Plano
- Don Ross
- Terry Watters
- Lou Skurcenski
Hall of Honor
George Crunkleton, Sr.
1995 Inductees
- Ron Alexander
- Norb Borowicz
- John Cabas
- Lyle Fox
- Chuck Landolfi
- Lorri Johnson
- Leonard Friedman
- Robert “Linc” Lowe
- Walter Raskowski
Hall of Honor
Steve Tarnoci
1994 Inductees
- Chuck Davis
- Ron Lape
- Kathy Travers
- Steve Sherbak
- Allen Cuffie
- Rose Mooney Pagley
- Maureen Paladino
- Gene Beaumont
- Wilber “Pat” Patterson
- Earl “Muff” Sallie
1993 Inductees
- Tom Carey
- George Crunkleton, Jr.
- Chuck Fiorante
- Ed James
- Dave May
- Bob Miles
- George Strehler
- John Jenkins
- Fred Palmer
- Charles “Tippy” Richards
Hall of Honor
Thomas “Bear” Mangino
1992 Inductees
- Sandy Burry
- Bill Columbus
- Harold Davis
- Tim Glass
- Allan Joseph
- John Loccisano
- Dallas Mumford
- Rob Ross
- Frank “Jewie” Coen
- Tom Harper
- Bill Spellman
- John Uram
- Francis Wainio
Hall of Honor
Edward A. DeCarbo
Bud Wardman
1991 Inductees
- George “Pop” Adams
- Coy “Craine” Allen
- John Fontanella
- John “Rags” Gennock
- William Horner
- Henry Pezuolo
- Larry Pugh
- Emmett Rocco
- Socs Roussos
- Alex Shellogg
- Dan Spanish
- Danny Toy
Hall of Honor
R.J. “Denny” Schill
1990 Inductees
- Russ Baxter
- Bob Byler
- Tony Cialella
- Owen Penfield Fox
- Joe Fusco
- Gene Gribble
- Sammy Keyes
- Freda Nolan (aka Mrs. Thomas E. Nolan)
(Champion, West Penn Ladies Golf Tournament: 1939, 1940, 1942) - Tony Ostrowski
- Paul Sanders
- John Swogger
Hall of Honor
Sam Flora, Sr.
1989 Inductees
- Don Black
- Chet Boak
- Frank Bongivengo
- Tom Brzoza
- Thad Bukowski
- Miz Dart
- Mike DeCarbo
- Nick DeCarbo
- E. Linwood Dilks
- Joedy Gardner
- Rick Razzano
- Mike Roussos
- John Samsa
- Fran Webster
Hall of Honor
Harry McCloskey
Edward Skaneski
1988 Inductees
- Bob Bleggi
- Mike Covelli
- Austin Cowmeadow
- Millie Donaldson
- Mike Drespling
- Charles French
- Ron Galbreath
- Leonard Johnson
- Bill Klee
- Tom MacMurdo
- Harry “Kaiser” Toscano
Hall of Honor
Joseph Cooper
1987 Inductees
- Ron Allen
- Joe Embroski
- Charles “Horse” Gillium
- Melwood “Buzz” Guy
- Tommy Leach
- Paul McCullough
- Richard Panella
- Ralph Paolone
- Tony Razzano
- Lester “Bus” Reiber
- Howard H. Reynolds
- Al Tate
- Warren Sallade
- Don “Bucky” Tate
Hall of Honor
J. Arthur Mittler
Joseph “Jokie” Travers
1986 Inductees
- Ben Ciccone
- Ralph “Scotter” Day
- Andy Lasky
- Lindy Lauro
- Bobby Lee
- Paul Minner
- Robert Moorhouse
- Frankie Moran
- Paul Reider
- Fred Shaffer
- Grover Washabaugh
- Fred Wimer
Hall of Honor
Jack Gerson
1985 Inductees
- Harold Allen
- Harold Burry
- Sam Caiazza
- Nick R. Casillo
- George Chip. Sr.
- Bruce Clark
- Paul Cuba, Sr.
- Ralph “Pop” Gardner
- Connie Palumbo
- Harry Toscano, Jr.
Hall of Honor
n/a
1984 Inductees
- Dick Allen
- Phil Bridenbaug
- Darrell Des
- L. Butler Hennon
- Don Hennon
- Walter Mangha
- Bill McPea
- Chuck Tanner
- C. G. “Buzz” Ridl
- Lewis “Hack” Wilson
Hall of Honor
n/a
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