Inductees

Career spanned 25 years. Head coach 25 years. Gained renown in basketball, tennis, softball, soccer, coach, athletic director, baseball umpire, basketball referee. Compiled basketball record of 50 straight wins Immaculate Heart Academy and 60 consecutive wins, 4 league ,championships, Cunningham Township High while coaching both schools at same time.

Signed with Detroit Tigers 1957. Played 5 years in minors. Won batting title .328 with Denver, American Association in 1961. Played for Detroit 1963 thru 1970. Voted Player of the Year by sportswriters and fellow players 1965. Voted to All-Star Game in 1968. Helped Detroit win World Series against St. Louis Cards 1968. Finished career with Washington, 1971. Head baseball coach, Franklin and Marshall College 1976-1980.

Fifty years of dedication to sports as an athlete, coach and athletic administrator, has earned “Tor” the respect of everyone with whom he has associated. He was an all around athlete at Monongahela High School, receiving All Mon-Valley and W.P.I.A.L. Honors in Football. He continued his athletic and scholastic career at Penn State where he was a three year letterman in football, playing guard, center and tackle. At Penn State he received All-State and All-East honors and is espceially remembered for having been chosen to so many All-Opponent teams. After college, “Tor” enjoyed a very successful amateur golfing career in Central Pennsylvania, winning four consecutive Centre Hills Country Club Crowns and many other championships. “Tor” began his successful coaching career in football at Brockway, Steelton and Williamsport High Schools, all in Pennsylvania. At Steelton High School he coached basketball and track as well, developing many All-State players. He later went back to Penn State – this time as an assistant freshman coach and later, in 1949, worked under Joe Bedenk and Rip Engle, until 1963. Penn State played in four bowl games in “Tor’s” coaching years and during that time they produced many outstanding All-Americans such as Andy Stynchula, Sam Valentine, Glenn Ressler, Roosevelt Grier and many others. In 1963 he was named Assistant Director of Athletics at Penn State and for 16 years was in charge of recruiting, acting as liaison between Penn State and all secondary schools and consultant to prospective student-athletes. “Tor’s” recommendations, now a part of many N.C.A. A. recruiting regulations, curtailed many evils in college recruiting. Sevor J. “Tor” Toretti has made a great contribution in the world of athletics throughout his career as an athlete, coach, and athletic administrator. He retired from Penn State in 1979 – but he still keeps speaking at various Hall of Fame Chapters throughout Pennsylvania.

All Atlantic Coast Conference Team (University of Maryland) 1962-63; All-American mention, 1963; Collegiate records at Maryland still stands; Most season and career completions; most yards passinq and most total career yards; 11 years NFL (Redskins, Steelers, Browns, Giants, and Falcons), one of nations’s most highly recruited scholastic quarterbacks.

Glenn’s outstanding record at Mahanoy Joint High School was only the beginning of this man’s football career. Few in sports make it to the top – but Glenn Ressler holds that distinction. He was selected to the Pennsylvania “Big 33” football team and after graduation from Mahanoy Joint High School in 1961, Glenn went to Penn State where he studied agriculture education and played football. Four years later, Glenn Ressler graduated from Penn State, but not before establishing an impressive record there. Multi-talented, Glenn played four separate positions on both offense and defense and by his sophomore year he was on the starting team – and that’s where he stayed. In his four years at Penn State, Glenn was selected to nine teams as an All-American, winning him the Maxwell Award in 1964. Then it was professional football – Glenn went with the Baltimore Colts as an offensive tackle and played that spot for ten years – two of those years, 1969 and 1977, in the Super Bowl. Retired from professional sports, Glenn lives in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania with his lovely wife, Sandra and their two children, Kevin and Cami.

All-time Villanova great, 1935-38; Coach St. Joseph’s college, 1938; Ridley Twp. H. S. 1941-42; Coach Villanova 1946-50; Head Coach 1951-53; Asst. Coach Yale University 1954-1962; Head Coach P.M.C. (Widener College) 1964-67; DelCo. Hall of Fame 1977; Villanova University Hall of Fame 1978. Was star of Villanova backfield that included Andy Stopper and Ray Stoviak.

Since leaving Johnstown High School, where he lettered for three years in football, this man has experienced a long athletic career. His claim to fame was his antics and his abilities on the gridiron where he was a member of the Pitt National Championship Teams of 1936 (8-1-1) and the 1937 team with a (9-1) record, as well as a member of the 1938 (8-2) squad. The 1936 team defeated Washington 21-0 in the 1937 Rose Bowl Game. As a three-year Panther, doubling as both a defensive and offensive guard, his teams had a combined record of 25-4-1. Steve was chosen to play in the first Blue-Gray game in 1939. He played for two years in the N.F.L. for the Brooklyn Dodgers, coached by his former Pitt Coach, Dr. Jock Sutherland. The first year his salary was $150/ game; the second year was $200/ game. He served for four years in the Army during World War II and played football with the Army All-Stars. His team once played five games in fifteen days against five N.F.L. teams for the “Benefit of Army Relief Fund” (proceeds distributed to widows of Pearl Harbor.) Steve returned to Pitt as Assistant Football Coach and served in that capacity under six coaches. He is presently Assistant to Athletic Director. Because of his enthusiasm and loyalty, he is known to everyone as “MR. PITT.”

Bill lettered three years in football at New Castle, Pa. High School. He played for four years at the University of Pittsburgh ,;- was team captain for two years, and was voted “The Most Valuable Team Player for two years. He played In the East-West Shrine Game. Bill played professional football for nine years for the Pittsburgh Steelers; was team captain for six years, and was a pro-bowl selection three times. He server as an assistant coach for the Detroit Lions and the Miami Dolphins; and served as head coach of the Washington Redskins.

Julius McCoy was one of the best all around high school athletes in Pennsylvania.He graduated from Farrell High School in 1952 after receiving All-Pennsylvania Basketball, All-Western football and Sprint Champion Honors there. He attended Michigan State University and was selected All-American in basketball his senior year. After graduation from Michigan State in 1956, he served with the U.S. Army, earning All-American Forces basketball title and the European Sprint Champion in 1957. Also was carried on the roster of the St. Louis Hawks in the N.B.A. Julius completed his graduate work after his honorable discharge from the Army in 1958 and for twelve years was a player in the Eastern Professional Basketball league. He went on to teach in the Harrisburg School District and coached high school basketball, football, and track, Presently a member of the U.S. Olympic Basketball Committee, Julius devotes much of his time to promote academic excellence and student participation in sports. His efforts in organizing high school level outdoor basketball has not only developed good high school athletes, but has helped a great number of students to earn college scholarships. Many of his students have earned national and international fame. Julius is now Director, Bureau of Equal Opportunity, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, living in Harrisburg with his lovely wife Betty and their two children, Judith and Julius, Jr.

He started umpiring in organized baseball in 1950 in Canadian-American League. Was in Eastern League 1951-53; American Association 1954-55; National League 1956-75. Because of his ability, “Shag” Crawford was often selected for All-Star Games and World Series. He is a Navy Vet of World War II.

Played center for Eddie Gottlieb’s Philadelphia Warrior’s, NBA, 1951-59, over 8 seasons averaged 19.4 points per game, selected NBA All-star 7 times; three time NBA scoring champion tying George Miken’s all time record; All-American Ohio State University; Head Coach, Philadelphia Warriors, Pittsburgh Rens, Oregon’s Chemeketa Community College; Assistant Coach, Wake Forest University, Portland Trail Blazers (1972).

American Legion 1944-45; Boston Red Sox 1952, played with Ted Williams and Dom DiMaggio – 1956 Comeback Player of Year – led American League first basemen in assists and double plays #8 – 1960 Chicago Cubs – 1961 Detroit Tigers – Played with Cincinnatti in World Series batting .302 – 1962 Houston 1975-76 scouted for Rangers – presently Director of Minor League Developmentfor N. Y. Mets.

Mark Funk once said, “Let us try to find out if a boy is eligible, rather than look for ineligibility.” This was one of the many philosophies that has given pupils, and adults, alike, a new appreciation of the many reasons for pupil participation in school athletic programs. His loyalty, courage, and wisdom have been instrumental in guiding the P.I.A.A. to its rightful place of leadership in the broad athletic program of the State of Pennsylvania. Mark’s professional career, as a teacher, began upon his graduation from Otterbein College. He was a classroom teacher for nine years after which he began his tenure as Principal of Latrobe High School in 1929. During this time, he was highly respected as a school administrator – one who knew and practiced solid educational procedures. He became president of district 7 of P.I.A.A., commonly known as the WPIAL, in 1943, a post he held until 1951 when he left the teaching profession to become the Executive Director of the P . I. A. A. For more than 40 years, Mark Funk devoted his energy and efforts to teaching our youth, the greatest and most abundant resource that America possesses. We can say that Mark became the quarterback of high school athletics in Pennsylvania, calling the signals loudly and clearly to promote the health and physical welfare of all participants.

Coach Malvern Prep.; player LaSalle College; football official 18 years in the Big 8, Missouri Valley, and Eastern Intercollegiate Football Conference and 25 years of high school officiating in Iowa, Illinois and Pennsylvania. Also, 8 years of officiating college basketball. Served the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame for nearly 20 years as Secretary, Executive Vice President, President and Board Chairman.Receiving Honors as inducted into the Legion Sports Hall of Fame, and the Malvern Prep Hall of Fame. Recipient of the Fred Coe Medal from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, John B. Kelly Medal from the J. B. Kelly Foundation, and numerous sports-charity activities.

Born in New York City, died in in 1976 in Little Rock, Ark. Attended Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, Pa. After several outstanding seasons with the Baltimore Orioles of the International League, reached Majors in 1928. Played Big League Ball until 1936 with the A’s, White Sox, Dodgers, and Cardinals. Starred with the A’s during their 1929-1931 pennant string. Won 20 or more games each of those years and 4 more in World Series. Served with distinction as gunnery officer aboard the aircraft carrier Yorktown (CV-1 0) during World War II. Was a major league pitching coach after the war.

The holder of the most coveted award in athletic competition – “THE OLYMPIC GOLD MEDAL”. Richard was a member of the U.S. Olympic basketball team that defeated Russia in Tokyo, Japan. He was also a National A.A.U. team member – and what an athlete! He was team captain and leading scorer at Louisiana State University, graduating from there in 1961. A leading shooter in the Olympic trials, Richard hit 67 percent in field goal and 90 percent in foul shooting. He toured Eastern Europe including Russia and Poland as a selected member of the United States basketball team. In 1962 Richard was a part of a goodwill tour under the auspices of the United States State Department, playing in 12 other countries in the FAR EAST. He was also a member of the Goodyear Wingfoots, winning the National A.A.U. tournament in 1964. Richard graduated in 1954 from the John Harris High School, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and was the leading scorer in the Central Penn League in basketball. He is the younger brother Bob Davies, a present state member of the Pennsylvania Hall of Fame and Naismith Hall of Fame for Basketball.

Athletic Director, Penn State; Helm’s Foundation Hall of Fame; National Collegiate Athletic Business Manager of the year, 1969; Court of Honor, National Football Foundation Hall of Fame; President, Division I, NCAA Independent Universities; Executive Committee, NACDA; Board of Directors, College Football Association; U. S. Gymnastics Federation; 30 years in Collegiate Athletic Administration; Member 1947 Penn State Cotton Bowl squad.