Inductees

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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 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.

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.

A native of Mahanoy City, PA Joe was recognized as one of the finest shortstops in baseball. He joined the Baltimore Orioles in 1919and was an integral part of a team that won seven consecutive International League pennants. While sought by many major league clubs, Oriole’s manager Dunn placed a $100,000 price tag on his remarkable infielder. Connie Mack’s, Philadelphia A’s induced Dunn to sell Boley for $60,000 plus players in 1927. With the A’s, Boley cemented the infield of Jimmy Dykes, Max Bishop, and Jimmy Foxx into one of the greatest in baseball history, winning pennants in 1929, ’30 and ’31 and two world championships. Joe’s fourteen- year baseball career included 10 pennant winning teams. Boley was overwhelmingly voted into the Baltimore Orioles Sports Hall of Fame.

4-year starter at Mt. Carmel High School leading the team to its best Record ever. Went on to Fordham University where, as a sophomore, he played behind the infamous 7 blocks of granite and led the nation in rushing in 1938 with 831 yards. He was named All-American Honorable Mention in 1939 and 1940. Played for the New York Giants in 1941 and then played service ball through 1945. In 1946 he joined the San Francisco 49’ers and starred there through 1950. He then coached at the Naval Academy for g years.

Graduated from Kulpmont High School where he led the Wildcats to the 1938 State Class B Football Championship, He also won the State Class B Javelin Championship in 1939. Went to Fordham University where he became a 3-year star after his first game. Led Rams to the Cotton Bowl in 1941, Sugar Bowl in 1942 and named All- American mention in 1943. In 1945 and ’46 he became one of the few men ever to play pro football and baseball for the New York Football and Baseball Giants.

Lettered 2 years and St. Bonaventure College and walked on with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Played Defensive back for 9 years (1951-59). He played in the All-Pro Game for 6 years and named All-Pro Defensive Back for 3 years. Jack holds the All-Time Steeler record for pass interceptions (52). A knee injury curtailed his playing career and he served as a Steeler Defensive Coach for 3 seasons. He spent the rest of his career in football as president and director of the Blesto IX Scouting Organization.

Born in Scranton, PA, Jimmy began playing pocket billiards at the YMCA in Wilmington, DE at the age of 7; launched his colorful Career at 17 when he defeated the then world’s champion, Ralph Greenleaf. The press gave him the title “Boy Wonder of the Billiard World.” Won the world’s pocket billiard championship in 1936 at the age of 26; the second youngest player to achieve this title. World Championships: 1936 defeated Andrew Ponzi; 1939 defeated Erwin Rudolph; 1949 defeated Willie Mosconi; 1967 defeated Luther Lassiter (twice in finals). In 1946 he tied the world’s record high run Of 127 in a match with Willie Mosconi on a 5’ x 10’ table. Selected to the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame and the Professional Pool Players Association Hall of Fame.

Jerry Lynch (July 17, 1930 – March 31, 2012), was considered one of the big-league’s best all-time pinch hitters. He was an outfielder from 1954 to 1956 for the Pittsburgh Pirates, for the Cincinnati Reds from 1957 to 1963, and back with the Pirates from 1963-66. He had 116 pinch hits during his career, which ranks him 10th on the all-time list. Lynch was born in Bay City, Michigan. After two years of military service, he made his Major League debut at age 23 on April 15, 1954 in a 7-4 Pirates' loss to the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field. Lynch helped the Reds win the 1961 National League pennant. On September 26, 1961, he propelled the Reds into the World Series with his two-run home run off Cubs’ pitcher Bob Anderson, scoring Vada Pinson. He finished 22nd in voting for the 1961 National League MVP. He was hitless in three official at bats and four plate appearances during the 1961 World Series, which the Reds lost in five games to the New York Yankees. Lynch was once quoted as saying, "The good pinch-hitter is the guy who can relax enough to get the pitch he can hit. You almost always do get one pitch to hit every time you bat. So, you have to have the patience to wait. And then you've got to be able to handle the pitch when you get it." In 13 seasons, he played in 1,184 games with 2,879 at bats, 364 runs, 798 hits, 123 doubles, 34 triples, 115 home runs, 470 RBI, 224 walks, .277 batting average, .329 on-base percentage, .463 slugging percentage and 1,334 total bases. After his baseball career Lynch partnered with former Pirates’ teammate Dick Groat to operate the Champion Lakes Golf Course in Ligonier, Pennsylvania. He retired to the Atlanta, Georgia area in the late 1980s.

Paul Martha graduated from Shady Side Academy in Pittsburgh and went on to star in football and basketball at the University of Pittsburgh. He became a consensus All-American in football his third year. In 1962 he led Pitt in receiving and scoring. He led the Panthers to a 9-1 record as a senior, playing in the East-West Shrine Game, Hula Bowl and the College All-Star Game.

He was selected in the first round (10th overall) at the 1964 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. In his first two years he played on offense and special teams. For the next four-seasons he was a full -time safety on defense and intercepted 15 passes. After the 1969 season, he played one more year with Denver, picking off a career high 6 passes.

While playing for the Steelers he got his law degree at Duquesne University. His career path led him to Sports Management and Positions of general counsel CEO of the Pittsburgh Penguins and General counsel of the San Francisco 49ers.

Lettered 2-years at McKeesport High School and was All-WPIAL Halfback In 1946. Lettered 4-years in both football and baseball at Clemson. Batting .406, he made All-Conference his senior season. Signed with the St. Louis Browns and spent 3 years in the Sally League. He Played 9 years with the Pittsburgh Steelers and played in the All-Pro game twice. Played final year in the NFL with Dallas Cowboys. Served as an Assistant Coach with Calgary in the Canadian League and the Washington Redskins. Scouted one year with the New York jets,

Bob Purkey (July 14, 1929 – March 16, 2008) was a right-handed pitcher known for his use of the knuckleball. From 1954 through 1966, Purkey played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds, and St. Louis Cardinals. He signed with his hometown Pirates before the 1948 season and reached the major leagues in 1954. But after four seasons in which he was used largely in relief, posting a combined record of 16-29, he was traded in December 1957 to the Cincinnati Reds for left-hander Don Gross.
In 1962 with a record of 23-5, Purkey led National League pitchers with an .821 winning percentage. His ERA of 2.81 ranked him third behind Sandy Koufax (2.54) and Bob Shaw (2.80). Purkey alternated between starting and relieving in 1965, finishing the year with a 10-9 mark, and the Cardinals sold his contract to the Pirates a few days before the 1966 season began. Purkey’s career ended that season with ten relief appearances for Pittsburgh before being released in August. Over a 13-season career, Purkey posted a 129-115 record with 793 strikeouts, an ERA of 3.79 in 386 appearances, including 276 starts, 92 complete games, 13 shutouts, 9 saves, and 2,1142⁄3 innings of work.
Purkey was an All-Star selection in 1958, 1961 and 1962. Following his baseball career, he worked as a sportscaster for KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh, then opened a successful insurance business. Purkey died at the age of 78 in his hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania following a battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Coached football and track at Shippensburg State College. Line coach 1936- ‘46, Head Coach 1946 – ’54. Compiled a record of 20 straight wins over 3 seasons of undefeated-untied play, a conference record. Had a career winning percentage at Shippensburg of .727. Team rated No. 1 in both rushing and pass defense by the NCAA in 1953. Led all Pennsylvania colleges on offense – 266 points in 1952 and 299 points in 1953. Track coach from 1937-1952 capturing 28 individual titles in conference events,