For the past 60 years, the Pa Sports Hall of Fame has honored and inducted over 753 incredible men and women who have made a lasting impact in Pennsylvania through extraordinary athletic achievement and contributions. Whether these activities have been achieved on or off the field, we honor them. And through our future virtual museum we will educate and celebrate their achievements for years to come.
PA STATE HALL OF FAME 2023 INDUCTION CEREMONY is Saturday, October 28, 2023
Mike Denoia
Deceased
Year Inducted:2010
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Mike was a Great football, basketball star for powerful teams at Hazleton High and Scranton University. All-State, Little All-American. Recruited 1949 by New York Giants, Washington Redskins, Chicago Bears, Pittsburg Steelers of NFL and San Francisco ‘49ers of AAFC. Played in All-American Football Conference and Eastern Professional Basketball League, left-handed. Known as “Triple-Threat Quarterback” in passing, running, pass receiving. Drafted Korean War. In Germany, he quarterbacked the Munich Broncos to a Western Conference Championship. Find scholastic coach. In Greater Hazleton Area, Scranton University, Luzerne County and Delaware County Halls of Fame.
Elvetta Gemski
Living
Year Inducted:2010
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National Field Hockey High School Coach of the year 2004. Crestwood High School’s team had perfect 26-0 record, second consecutive championship. Elvetta created Crestwood’s field hockey program 1973. Qualified for state playoffs 20 years (7 Final Four finishes, 12 league, 15 district II championships, four Class 2A State Championships 1988-1999-2003-2004). Overall record 478-92-93. Helped numerous players obtain college scholarships, several members of national teams, one a member of 1996 U.S. Olympic field hockey team.
Dick K Hart
Living
Year Inducted:2010
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Considered the greatest all around athlete ever to come out of Bucks Co., Dick Hart of Morrisville H.S., was the 1961 Lower Bucks Football Player of the year and an Honorable Mention H.S. All -American as a running back. He was named to All-Lower Bucks County teams in Football, Basketball, Baseball, and Track. Dick still owns the Bucks Co. Shot Put record of 64′ 3¾”. He is a member of the PA Track Hall of Fame. After graduation from HS, Dick turned down a full scholarship to Notre Dame to sign a Professional baseball contract with the Milwaukee Braves; he played four years of Minor League baseball then joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 1967. He was the starting guard for the Eagles, making the All-rookie Team in 1967. In 1972, dick finished his career as the starting guard for the Buffalo Bills; he retired after his second knee surgery in 1972.
John Jack Klotz
Deceased
Year Inducted:2010
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Jack Klotz was an outstanding Pro football lineman who started AFL career at age 27 because of service in US Marine Corps. After College graduation, made NFL Los Angeles Rams regular season roster, Drafted, enlisted in Marines. Returned to five year career in AFL with New York Titans and Jets, San Diego Chargers, Houston Oilers. 6′ 5″, 256 pound dominant offensive tackle. 1963 “Coaches and Players” All-Pro. Great athlete at PMC Prep in football, basketball, baseball, track and Pennsylvania Military College (now Widener). Three sport letterman. Football captain. 1955-1956 Little All-American recognition. Excellent work 30+ years in Chester “City team”, other community programs.
John “Cuskie” Petercuskie
Deceased
Year Inducted:2010
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Petercuskie, also known as “Coach” or “Cuskie”, is one of the premier football coaches in Bucks County. From 1960 to 1965 his Neshaminy Redskins compiled a remarkable record of 59-1-5, including a 51 game win streak. That’s a 91% win percentage over 6 seasons; if you take out the ties, it’s 98.33%! John was voted Coach of the Year 4 Times.
After Neshaminy Coach “Cuskie” served as defensive line coach at Dartmouth from 1966 to 1968, defensive coordinator at Boston College from 1969 to 1972, and Princeton University from 1973 to 1977.
In 1978 John joined the Cleveland Browns as Special Teams Coordinator where he remained until 1984. In 1980 the Browns won the AFC Division Championship. That same season, he coached the AFC Pro Bowl Team in Hawaii.
Coach came out of retirement in 1988 to coach the defensive line at Harvard 1988 and 1989; from 1990 to 1995, he coached the special teams and defensive line at Liberty University John coached football for 40 years. He was inducted into the PA Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 2004.
His 42-year coaching career was recognized by the following: Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, East Stroudsburg Football Hall of Fame, Pennsylvania Football Hall of Fame- Lackawanna County, Luzerne County and Bucks County, Neshaminy Hall of Fame, Scranton Hall of Fame, All American Foundation – Lifetime Achievement Award.
In 2010, a bronze statue of his likeness was unveiled at Harry P. Franks Stadium in Langhorne, Pennsylvania.
He died on April 20, 2018 at the age of 93.
Alex Sandusky
Deceased
Year Inducted:2010
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Alex was a two-way starter at Clarion State College. Gained All-District, All-Conference, and All-American recognition at End in 1952 and 1953, He was an NAIA Hall of Fame selection in 1958 and Clarion’s All-Time team in 1961. Alex was drafted by the Baltimore colts in 1954; he started at Guard on the Great colt teams of the 50’s and 60’s for thirteen years. Alex was a Colt silver anniversary Honoree in 1978 and their 50-year team in 2002, A Western chapter Inductee in 2008.
Harry F Schuh
Deceased
Year Inducted:2010
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Schuh, from Feasterville, was an all-state fullback at Neshaminy High School. In 1961, he joined the University of Memphis Tigers playing on the freshman team, per NCAA eligibility rules at that time, Schuh was moved to offensive tackle as a sophomore and thus began his legendary career as a Tiger and as a professional football player. He was an All-American tackle in 1963 and 1964.
From 1962-64, Memphis compiled an overall record of 22-5-1. In 1962, the Tigers gained their first victory ever against a Southeastern Conference team by knocking off Mississippi State in Starkville, 28-7. During the undefeated 1963 season, Schuh and his teammates fought third-ranked Ole Miss to a 0-0 tie at Crump Stadium and again defeated the 11th-ranked Mississippi State Bulldogs and the South Carolina Gamecocks.
Upon completion of his playing career at Memphis, Schuh ranked as the most decorated player in school history. He was named to 11 All-America teams, including first-team selections to the Football Coaches Association, Time Magazine, The Sporting News, Associated Press and Playboy Magazine squads. He was twice selected to play in the College All-Star Game, which pitted top collegians against the NFL's championship team from the previous season.
In 1965, Schuh was drafted by the Oakland Raiders, selected in the first round of the draft. In fact, he was the second player taken in the AFL Draft behind quarterback Joe Namath. Schuh would play six seasons for the Oakland Raiders, three seasons for the Los Angeles Rams and one season for the Green Bay Packers before retiring after the 1974 season. He was an All-AFL selection and a Western Division All-Star for the Raiders and was a starter in Super Bowl II for Oakland. He would later be named to the All-Time Raider Team.
The University of Memphis honored Schuh on October 15, 2011, by retiring his jersey in a ceremony at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. He was just the fifth player in school history to be so honored. He was inducted into the M-Club Hall of Fame in 1981 and the Tennessee State Sports Hall of Fame in 1989.
He died in Memphis, Tennessee on May 20, 2013.
Frank Sheptock
Living
Year Inducted:2010
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First Team AP All-American 1983-84-85 as linebacker at Bloomsburg University. Captain for three years and leader of 1985 tam that played in the Division II Semi Finals. Career tackle leader at BU with 537 – Season 159 – Game 23 and namesake for Defensive Player of the Year at BU. 1997 Bloom U Hall of Fame and Named member of NCAA Div II Football Team of the Quarter Century – 1982 grad of Mount Carmel Area. Current Head Coach at Wilkes U (10 years).
Harold E Spooner
Living
Year Inducted:2010
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1953-1956: Football, Basketball, Track Williamsport High School. 1948-1956: Baseball Williamsport area. 1956-1957: Football, Basketball Columbian Prep, Washington, DC. 1957-1961: Football, Basketball, Baseball US Naval Academy. Quarterback Navy’s 1960 team to a 9-1 record and trip to the Orange Bowl with running back Joe Bellino, Navy’s first Heisman Trophy Winner. Victories over Boston College, Villanova, Washington, SMU, Air Force, Pennsylvania, Notre Dame, Virginia and Army. MVP first Navy-Air Force game. All-East Selection, Honorable Mention All-American. 1961: Quarterback coach Plebe Team with Roger Staubach at quarterback.
Bill Malinchak
Living
Year Inducted:2010
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As an athlete, William J. “Bill” Malinchak enjoyed success on the scholastic, collegiate, and professional levels. That pattern of achievement and accomplishments continued for Malinchak as a successful businessman in New York City.
Malinchak is a 1962 graduate of Monessen High School. He was an outstanding scholar-athlete, lettering in football, basketball, and baseball. He was a member of the Greyhounds’ 1961 WPIAL championship football team which defeated Wilkinsburg 7-6 in the Class AA title game at Forbes Field to cap a perfect 11-0-0 season. As a senior, he was the leading scorer among receivers in the WPIAL and earned All-WPIAL, All-PIAA, and All-American honors. He was chosen to play in the Big 33 game at Hershey and the Wigwam Wiseman Game in Texas.
Bill later became an All-Big Ten Conference and All-American wide receiver at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana in 1963, 1964, and 1965 before graduating in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science degree in business management.
He was the number one draft pick of the Detroit Lions and from 1966 to 1976 he played in the National Football League with the Lions and the Washington Redskins. He was a standout receiver with the Lions and one of the top special teams’ players in the NFL with the Redskins. He led the league in blocked punts in his final campaign with the Redskins. In 1972, Malinchak suffered torn knee ligaments early in the season and was placed on the Redskins’ injured reserve list. Expected to be out for the remainder of the season, Malinchak started practicing with the Redskins so he’d be available for the regular season finale. To get activated he had to clear waivers but didn’t. The San Diego Chargers claimed him. At the age of 28 after four years as a wide receiver in Detroit and two in Washington, Malinchak chose to retire instead of going to San Diego. Bill ended up getting traded back to Washington where he played two seasons before hanging it up for good as a pro athlete.
Since 1976, Mr. Malinchak has been a member of the New York Commodity Exchange, specializing in gold and silver trading. He also was a member of the New York Coffee, Sugar, and Cocoa Exchange and the Winnipeg Commodity Exchange.
Mr. Malinchak is married to the former Pamela Duswalt of New York. They are the parents of four daughters.
Bill once appeared on the original television show, The Dating Game, with brother Tom, who was a good basketball player at Penn State. In the late 1960s, Malinchak was one of four players from Monessen who progressed to the NFL. The other Monessen athletes include Doug Crusan, Eric Crabtree, and Sam Havrilak.
Roy G. Snyder
Living
Year Inducted:2009
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The 2009-2010 swim season will be Coach Snyder’s 46th at Wilson and 52nd year coaching overall. Snyder has led the Bulldogs to 4 PIAA State championships, 15 PIAA District 3 and 25 Central Penn League titles while compiling a 458-90-1 overall record and a 363-56 league record. Currently the Bulldogs have won 98 straight league contests stretching over 13 years. Snyder has coached the Bulldogs to nine NISCA National Dual Meet championships ranking him as the coach with the highest number of such wins in the nation.
He has coached more than 150 All-American swimmers and water polo players, 2 national high school record holders, 15 undefeated teams (13 in swimming, 2 in polo), 25 state individual and relay champions and has coached more than 200 swimmers and polo players who have gone on to complete at the collegiate level. He has been inducted into four Sports Halls of Fame including the PA State Aquatic Hall of Fame at PSU. As a competitor, Roy was a record holder, six-time PIAA District II champ, Eastern Regional champ and a state silver-medalists for Allentown HS (1954) and a record holder, captain and NCAA qualifier for East Stroudsburg University (1958).
Roy also served as Wilson’s athletic director for 18 years.
Greg L. Manning
Living
Year Inducted:2009
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In high school, he scored 859 points in one season (1977), 1,296 total points. Broke the Steel-High School record with 45 points against York High, set PIAA State record by scoring 57 points against Nanticoke, First Team 1977 AP All-State, First team 1977 UPI All-State, 1977 Central Penn League Champions, 1977 AAA Eastern Champions, 1977 State runner-up. Full scholarship University of Maryland, member of 1,000-point club, three-time All-ACC Academic selection, 1980 All-ACC Tournament, Academic All-American, top FG% of any guard in ACC history (58.3%). Twice named ACC Rookie of the Week, twice named ACC Player of the Week, led conference in FG% (64.3%) and FT% (90.8%) in 1980, only guard to ever do so. In 1981, named most outstanding Student-Athlete at Maryland, played in two final “Sweet 16” Games. A 7th round draft pick by the NBA Denver Nuggets in 1981.
Willie Marshall
Living
Year Inducted:2009
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Set five American Hockey League records during 20-year career (1952-1972) that still stands (Games Played: 1,205; Goals: 523; Assists: 852; Points: 1,375; Career hat tricks: 25). Won one Calder Cup with Pittsburgh and two with Hershey. Calder Cup playoff records include 71 assists and 119 points. Hershey No 16 Jersey retired. The Willie Marshall Award, established in 2003, is given to the American Hockey League’s leading goal scorer for the regular season. Member of All-Time AHL Team. Played for Toronto in NHL and Pittsburgh, Hershey, Rochester, Providence and Baltimore in the AHL. Inducted into the American Hockey League’s Inaugural Hall of Fame class, 2006.
William B. Manlove Jr.
Living
Year Inducted:2009
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Fifty-Year Football Coach (10 High School, 40 College). Two National Championships (Widener 1977 & 1981). Ten Conference Championships (Widener 1975, 1977-82, 1984, 1987-88). Twenty straight winning seasons (1970 to 1990). 212 college wins. National Coach of the Year (AFCA 1977 & ABC TV 1977 & 1978). Nine-time Conference Coach of the Year (1974-77, 1979-81, 1984, 1987-88). Numerous other awards. Coached two Pro Stars (Billy “White Shoes” Johnson and Joe Fields) and two College Hall of Famers (Johnson & Tom Deery). President AFCA (1991), Author, AD Widener, Conference President NCAA & ECAC, Committee Member and Chairman NFFHF & Gaeliardi Selection Committees. Still coaching and consultant for Delaware Valley College & Russian National Teams. Head Coach USA Team at Aztec Bowl vs. Mexico.
Andrew S. Loechner Jr.
Living
Year Inducted:2009
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Inducted into International (1997), National (1989) and Pennsylvania (1985) Softball Halls of Fame. Recipient of the International Olympic Committee coveted Centenary Award. National President USA Softball (1986-1987) and Pennsylvania ASA Commissioner for 35 years. Presently Secretary of the General International Softball Federation leading world-wide crusade to restore Softball as Official Olympic Sport. Served on President’s Physical Fitness Commission. His leadership in Pennsylvania Softball as a player, coach and administrator was largely responsible for its growth as one of the most respected and prestigious of the 50 State Softball Organizations.
Patrick J Flannery
Living
Year Inducted:2009
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Pat was a Basketball Coach at Bucknell University for 14 years. He had a record of 234-178. He won the Patriot League three times – 2 league tourney crowns. Won “ESPY” Award for upset of Kansas in NCAA Tourney, 2005. In 2006, he reached second round of NCAA Tournament by beating Arkansas. He coached at Lebanon Valley for five years with a record of 95-43. He won NCAA Division III in 1994. He played at Bucknell. He received Malcolm Musser and Bison Awards. He was the Team captain – and had 779 points, 505 assists. He played at Pottsville High School and was All-State in Basketball with 1,351 points. Outstanding pitcher in baseball.
Harry F. DeFrank, Sr.
Deceased
Year Inducted:2009
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Harry coached girls’ basketball at Trinity High School in Camp Hill, PA, for 23 years (September 1985 to June 2007). During his coaching tenure he had a winning percentage of .822 in 712 games. He had 585 career wins, with 23 trips to the districts and states in 23 years. This was topped by two state titles. The 23 players he sent on to Division I schools, as well as numerous athletes that compete at Division II and III levels, was his greatest source of pride. Some of his achievements are two State Titles, seven State appearances, seven Eastern Titles, four 30-win seasons, sixteen 20-win seasons, nine District AA Titles and 13 Mid-Penn Championships (11 at the AAAA level).
Kathie Daley
Living
Year Inducted:2009
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Daley was a two-time All-American Lacrosse player at Temple University, where she captained the Lacrosse and Field Hockey teams. Ms. Daley was an All-American under legendary coach, Tina Sloan Green, and as captain of the team was an innovator in bringing the use of zone defense and power offense to women’s lacrosse. Many of her scoring records still stand. She was inducted into Temple’s Hall of Fame (2005), Delco Sports Hall of Fame (2006) and Philadelphia City All-Stars Chapter of the PA Sports Hall of Fame (2007). Kathie earned her M.Ed. and coaches Lacrosse at Springside School. She maintains an annual scholarship for student-athletes at Pennwood High School. She is married with two sons who are record holders in discus and fencing.
Dr Gene A. Carpenter
Deceased
Year Inducted:2009
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Head Football Coach at Millersville University for 31 years with a 212-89-6 record. Membership: Maxwell Football Clubs Board of Governors; NCAA Football Rules Committee; American Football Coaches Assoc.; NCAA Committee Safeguards & Medical Aspect of Sports; Chairman PSAC Football Committee (1983-1991); Philadelphia City All-Star Football “First & Goal” Award as an Outstanding Role Model. His teams won Lambert Meadowlands Cup & ECAC team of the year. He was the most victorious coach in MU football history and his length of service was the longest of any coach in any varsity sport dating back to 1889. He also was taken into four different Halls of Fame.
Ernie W. Accorsi
Living
Year Inducted:2009
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Ernie retired as the New York Giant’s Vice-President and General manager following the 2006 season, a distinguished 36-year career in the NFL. The Hershey High School athlete, Wake Forest grad, worked in Sports Information Departments of St. Joseph’s and Penn State Universities after an outstanding career as a writer at the time Baltimore Sun and Philadelphia Inquirer. Accorsi served as general manager of the Colts, Browns and ended his career with the Giants, in 2007. He built the Giants team that won the Super Bowl.
Accorsi’s acquisition of QB Eli Manning propelled the Giants to an NFL Championship. Accorsi had nine playoff teams, divisional and conference champions. Accorsi was named Executive of the Year by USA Today and the NFL.
George J. Azar
Deceased
Year Inducted:2009
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Azar was a great three-sport athlete and outstanding Football Coach and Administrator at Johnstown High School. A First-Team All-Star and All-American guard on the 1958 WPIAL football champions.
Won 1959 PIAA 185-pound wrestling title. Three-year starter at guard in football and in baseball at Michigan State University. Played in 1962 North-South Shrine Game. Freshman football and wrestling coach at Lafayette. Offensive line coach at Penn University for 10 years. In 1985, rejoined Harry Gamble, becoming Assistant General Manager for the Philadelphia Eagles, serving 10 years. Member of several Halls of Fame.
Billy Reynolds
Deceased
Year Inducted:2009
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Billy as an All-State Football and Basketball High School player in West Virginia. Was a 3-year starter at University of Pittsburgh. During his Senior year, named MVP and played in Hula Bowl and East-West Shrine and College All-Star Games. Drafted #2 by the Cleveland Browns in 1953, earning Eastern Division NFL MVP. Bill was named to the All-Service and All-Air Force Teams in 1955-1956. Returned to play four more seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Hamilton Tiger Cats and Oakland Raiders.
L. Butler Hennon
Deceased
Year Inducted:2008
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From 1933-1961 he coached basketball at Wampum High School and from 1962-1971 at Ellwood City High School. Coach Hennon’s career record was 621 wins, 251 loses for a winning percentage of 70%. His teams won 16 Sectional Titles, including 12 from 1950-1961 and three State and WPIAL Championships in 1955, 1958, and 1960. His coaching successes were featured in numerous national publications throughout his career. His son, Don Hennon, the University of Pittsburgh star was one of his greatest players.
Douglas A Kotar
Deceased
Year Inducted:2008
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About This Inductee:
Raised in Muse, Pennsylvania, Kotar graduated from Canon-McMillan High School and played college football at the University of Kentucky in Lexington.
Unselected in the 1974 NFL Draft, he was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Four days later, they traded him to the New York Giants (for Leo Gasienica), where he played for eight years.
Though he was only 5 ft 10 in, Kotar rushed for 3,380 yards (while also receiving 1,022 yards) in his career, which was fourth most in Giants history, now ninth. Kotar was known for leading with his head while rushing, a fact that would come back to haunt him in later life.
Kotar retired after the first days training camp in July 1982, attributed to his knees and shoulder hurting, citing his family. Unfortunately, Kotar experienced massive headaches. Only weeks into his retirement, the doctors found a brain tumor.
He died in his sleep on December 16, 1983, just 16 months after diagnosis at age 32.
James Ted E Meredith
Deceased
Year Inducted:2008
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Won Olympic Gold Medals and set World Records in 800 Meters and 4X400 relay at the 1912 Olympics. With Jim Thorpe, one of games major stars. He was a member of the National and Pennsylvania Track & Field Halls of Fame. At the University of Pennsylvania in 1916 set world record in 440- and 880-yard sprints. He also set then world records at Media High School and participated in 1920 Olympics. Ted later coached at Penn and the Cuban and Czech National Teams.
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