On June 9, 2024, over 400 friends, relatives, and members of the Luzerne County chapter gathered at Mohegan Pennsylvania in Wilkes Barre to celebrate the induction of 12 athletes into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame.
Established in 1985, this year also marks the 40th anniversary of the John Louis Popple chapter, so we had a lot to celebrate.
The Class of 2024
The Class of 2024 represents eight different sports and includes some of the most decorated and successful athletes from our area. They have made significant impacts at professional, national, collegiate, state, and district scholastic levels. Their achievements and community involvement bring lasting fame and recognition to both Pennsylvania and our local chapter.
Members of the Class
- Frank Baur: As a Wyoming Valley West High School and Lafayette College All-American football player, Frank led the nation across all divisions in passing efficiency at Lafayette and was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
- Fritz Bleich: As a Hanover Area High School wrestler, Fritz won the Wyoming Valley Conference best wrestler George Hooper Award a record three times. This feat stood unmatched for 48 years.
- Taylor Dean: A Crestwood High School graduate, Taylor went on to Boston University, where she became a National Figure Skating Champion in two categories, carving out an impressive career on the ice.
- Amanda Faust: As a Wyoming Valley West High School and Bucknell University Hall of Fame field hockey player, Amanda was a member of the state championship team and a Patriot League Silver Anniversary Field Hockey team selection.
- Raghib and Qadry Ismail: These brothers left Meyers High School as schoolboy football and track phenoms and wound up in the NFL. Raghib, The Rocket, a consensus All American made his way via Notre Dame notching a Heisman Trophy second place finish along the way. Initially, Raghib entered professional football north of the border grabbing a Grey Cup MVP Award and championship for the Toronto Argonauts. A year later he entered the NFL and over the next eight years was a Raider, a Panther, and a Cowboy. Qadry, The Missile, named “the number one schoolboy hurdler in the United States” entered Syracuse University on a football scholarship. He became the first two-sport All American since Jim Brown at Syracuse. His journey in the NFL ended with a Super Bowl ring with the Ravens.
- Sam Hyder: A standout track and all-star football player at Meyers High School, Sam’s athletic career took a significant turn post-graduation. He discovered karate and dominated the martial arts competitive scene for over a decade, becoming a 20-time Grand Champion and World Gold Medalist. Eventually, Sam traded in his fighting gi to open a martial arts school, where he now teaches
- Sean Robbins: A member of the Wyoming Seminary Sports Hall of Fame, Sean began his triathlon career over 30 years ago and has been a relentless competitor ever since. As an Ironman and multi-champion triathlete, he has earned the title of USA Triathlon All-American 15 times, an honor awarded to the top ten percent of athletes in each age group nationwide.
- Sara Silvetti: A Crestwood High School state champion field hockey player, Sara continued her success at the University of Maryland, where she was named an All-American. After graduating in 2005, Sara tried out for and made the United States Field Hockey national team. Over the next five years, she competed in World Cup games and represented Team USA at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics.
- Jayson Terdiman: Most known for its football, Jayson turned Berwick High School’s eyes towards a different helmet sport, luge. He slid his way through the development program and onto the ice at the winter games as a rookie in Sochi, Russia (2014) and a fifth ranked medal contender in PyeongChang, South Korea (2018).
- Ray Yakavonis: A Hanover area graduate and East Stroudsburg University football player, Ray was the fourth of our football hall of famers. He made history as the first-ever All American at East Stroudsburg University. Additionally, he is in the Warrior’s Hall of Fame and holds the distinction of being the first Warrior football player drafted by the NFL.
- Eddy Zawatski: From Wyoming Valley West, Eddy is recognized as one of the best swimmers the area has ever seen. He was undefeated for four years at both the conference and district levels, earning four state gold medals and holding 15 district titles. His impressive achievements earned him a scholarship to Purdue University and an opportunity to swim in the Olympic trials in 2016.
Award Winners
Before inducting our new athletes, we recognized award winners.
- Kendall Kryzwicki, Rowan Lazevnick, and Louis Ciampi were the Carol A. Hurley Scholarship Award winners.
- Kathleen Breznay received the Sam Falcone Award for her outstanding community service across the county.
- Ellie Bartoli was awarded the Tracey Tribendis Profile of Courage Award for her dedication to a local high school basketball program. Nominated by her coach, Ellie exemplifies overcoming challenges and inspires others to do the same.
- CBS Sports sportscaster Adam Zuker received the Media Award. Adam has consistently highlighted the achievements of our exceptional coaches and athletes. His excellent work in the local media earned him a well-deserved spot at CBS Sports.
