2024 Membership Ballot

Welcome to the 2024 Membership Ballot. Voting is simple, just enter you name, email, and chapter. Then select your Nominees (10 Living and 2 Deceased). Once you have made your selections, click on “Submit Your Ballot” and that’s it, you voted.

The voting period has closed.

Read more about the nominees below and then cast your vote using the form at the bottom of the page.

Living Nominees

L-1. MIKE BANTOM – BASKETBALL – LOU CAPPIELLA

In 1969, Mike guided Roman Catholic High School to the Catholic League Championship as a first team All-Catholic performer.
He was also a third team All-American-AP (1973) from St. Joseph University.
He won a silver medal at the 1973 Summer Olympics.
Drafted as the 8th pick of the NBA by the Phoenix Suns playing nine seasons for the Suns, Supersonics, New Yok Nets, Pacers and 76ers.
He was a member of the NBA All-Rookie Team in 1974 and ended his career in 1981 with a total of 8,568 points, 4517 rebounds, and 1,623 assists.
From 1982-1989, he played professionally in Italy.

L-2. DARRYL BOWER – BOWLER – CAPITAL AREA

Darryl is one of 25 PBA Players to win PBA events in 5 consecutive decades.
He has a combined 25 PBA Titles including PBA Tour, PBA National and PBA Regional Events, the last of his PBA Titles was in a PBA 50 in June 2023.
He is a 3-time Eastern Region Player of the Year and a PBA 50 Player of the Year in two different regions.
In 2017, he became the all-time leader in PA State Tournament Titles (7).
He is the only person to have twice won a PBA National Title, a PBA Regional Title, and a Pennsylvania State Bowling Title in the same year, 1985 and 2017.
Darryl and his brother Gary (PA Sports Hall of Fame Inductee in 2005) held the World Record for most accumulative 300 games by brothers in 1987-88.
In 1999, he was selected as one of the top 50 athletes in Central PA of the 20th Century by the Patriot News Writers.
Darryl was inducted into the PA State Bowling Hall of Fame in 2001

L-3. DON CROFTCHECK – FOOTBALL – FAYETTE COUNTY

An All-County and All-State football player at Redstone High School.
Played at Indiana University in Bloomington, IN 1962–1964.
Two time All-Big Ten selection and First Team All-American as a senior, played in the Blue-Gray Game, the All-American Game, North-South Game, and the College All-Star Game.
Drafted in the 8th round by the Washington Redskins in 1965.
Played with the Redskins for the 1965 and1966 seasons and the Chicago Bears in 1967.
Inducted into the Indiana University Hall of Fame in 2008, the Mid Mon Valley (HoF) in 2003, and Fayette County (HoF) in 2013.

L-4. RAY DIDINGER – SPORTS MEDIA – DELAWARE VALLEY

Covered the NFL for the Philadelphia Bulletin and Daily News and was a pro football analyst for NBC Sports Philadelphia for 25 years.
Radio broadcaster for 94WIP Philadelphia 1988 – 2022.
Has won six Emmy Awards for his work as a writer and producer for NFL Films.
Keystone Press Award winner, 6-time; Associated Press Column Writing, 3-times.
He was named Pennsylvania Sportswriter of the Year 5-times.
In 1995, he was named the Dick McCann Memorial Award Winner for long and distinguished coverage of pro football.
Name to the Writer’s Honor Roll in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
Member of the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame, 2005.

L-5. GREGORY DOVIAK – FOOTBALL – ED ROMANCE

Greg, a 1967 graduate of Mt. Carmel Area (MCA) High School.
He was named An All-American by Scholastic Magazine and the Athlete- of-the-Year in the Susquehanna Valley.
Ranks as the 2nd leading passer in MCA history, throwing 26 TDs in 1966, ran for 14 TDs and had 2TDs on punt returns. In 1966, threw a TD pass and ran for 100 yds.in each of
11 games.
First and only QB in MCA history to pass for 1,000 yds and run for 1,000 yds in a season.
A starting pitcher in baseball, he pitched in every game and held the MCA Basketball scoring record during his time.
He passed on ten D1 offers to attend Bucknell University where he lettered 3 years and shared QB duties with Sam Havrilak, future NFL Colts QB and PA Sports Hall of Famer.
Inducted into the Ed Romance Chapter of the PA Sports Hall of Fame in 1986.
Recently retired as principal at Lower Moreland High School.

L-6. RONALD FAUST – COACH – BASKETBALL – WASH-GREEN

Ron Faust is a lifetime resident of Washington, Pennsylvania. He graduated Washington High School in 1969 as a four-sport letterman: football (2 years), Basketball (3 years), baseball (1 year), and track (2 years). As a senior, he Received the Kiwanis Outstanding Athlete Award.
In 1973, Ron graduated from California University of Pennsylvania after having Earned four letters as member of the Vulcan baseball team.
He joined the Wash High faculty in 1974 as an English teacher and assisted Doug Masciola with the basketball program. In 1979, Ron accepted an assistant coaching under John Unice at Washington and Jefferson College before assuming the coaching position at Wash High in 1981.
After coaching 36 seasons at Wash High – two stints – Ron’s career record was 651-240 (.731). It was 518-192 from 1981- 2009 and 133-48 from 2014-2022.
He is the winningest basketball coach in Wash High history. His accomplishments include 22 section titles, 29 playoff appearances, four WPIAL titles (1984, 1985, 1986, and 1990) and two PIAA Championships (1984 and 1986).
Also, between 1984 and 1985 the Prexie basketball team reeled off a then WPIAL record 52 consecutive wins.
Over the course of his career, Ron has been awarded the Dapper Dan Basketball Coach of the Year on two occasions and was the AA Pennsylvania Coach of the Year in 1984.
In 1985, Ron coached the Pennsylvania team against The United States team in the prestigious Dapper Dan Roundball Classic.
He has been a seven- time winner of the Washington-Greene County “Coach of the Year” Award and he was the Observer-Reporter “Sports Headliner” in 1986.
Additionally, Ron received the Tri-County Athletic Directors’ Association “Athletic Director of the Year” in 1999.
He is a long-time volunteer for the Pony – League World Series, serving as the event’s official scorer.

L-7. MIKE GUMAN – FOOTBALL – LEHIGH VALLEY POCONO

Star running back at Bethlehem Catholic High School. a 1,000 points scorer in Basketball and an outstanding pitcher in baseball that turned down an offer from the Texas Rangers Star running back at Penn State University 1976-1979.
Played in the Gator Bowl and Sugar Bowl for the National Championship in 1979 All East pitcher for the Nittany Lions.
He is well remembered by college football fans for being on the receiving end of a goal line hit by linebacker Barry Krauss in the Sugar Bowl on January 1, 1979. (The game is ranked “The Greatest Bowl Game Ever” by ESPN in 2002) determining the NCAA National Football Champion. The hit was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated the following week. ESPN.com selected the play as #6 on their list of “100 Moments That Define College Football.”
#6 round pick by the Los Angeles Rams and played 9 seasons with the Rams.
His statistics with the Rams were: 324 Rushes for 1,266 yards and 11 touchdowns plus 151 Receptions for 1,433 yards and 4 touchdowns.

L-8. STEPHANIE JALLEN – PARALYMPIAN SKIER – LUZERNE COUNTY JLP

Two times United States Paralympic Ski Team member. Represented the United States in the Paralympic Games.
Sochi, Russia (2014) Bronze Medalist in Super G and Bronze Medalist in Super Combined events.
Pyeongchang, South Korea (2018) 5th place– Downhill/Super G/Super Combined Giant Slalom/Slalom) and 8th place in Downhill.
Voted “Best of US Awards” (2014) Warner Theater, Washington DC. Voted “Best Female Athlete of the Paralympic Famer” and “Best Moment of the Games.”
World Cup accomplishments: 2 Gold, 9 Silver, 5 Bronze (7 International USA).
Competed and trained in 13 different countries worldwide.
Thirteen United States National Championships (2017-16-15-14-12) multiple events.
Ranked 2nd in the world (2015-16) finishing second behind France’s Marie Bochet.
World Championships (2015) – Bronze Medalist (Giant Slalom), (3x 4th, 1x 5th).
Named to United States Paralympic Ski Team, 2011-2012, at age 15.
Inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame (2014).

L-9. GERALD (JERRY) MCNAMARA – BASKETBALL – NORTHEASTERN

Bishop Hannon High School Player of the Year – 4 years, AP All-State 3 years, 7th place in state scoring 2002.
Syracuse University Big East Player of the Year.
Big East career record 183 three-pointers in 63 games.
World Games – USA won gold (8-0).
NCAA Tournament Team 2004 – “Mr. Clutch” – 28-5 record.
Syracuse University record 93 points in first tournament in 2004.
2,000 points, 1st in minute points (4,781), 1st in free throws (89,1%), 400 3-pointers.
NBA Development League Team Bakersville and Reno.
Syracuse University Assistant Basketball Coach.

L-10. MIKE MUSSINA – BASEBALL – WEST BRANCH VALLEY

Posted a 270-153 record with a 3.0 ERA in 18 years as a Major League pitcher with the Baltimore Orioles (1991-00 and New York Yankees (2002-08).
One of 4 live-ball pitchers to record 270 wins.
Won 10 or games for an AL record 17 straight seasons.
Mike was a five-time All-Star and won 7 Gold Gloves.
A top 25 finisher in AL MVP race 3 times, top 10 finish in Cy Young vote nine times and top 5 six times.
Appeared in nine post seasons (two with Baltimore and seven in New York).
Inducted into Baseball Hall of Fame in 2019.
Earned NCAA’s 2015 Silver Anniversary Award, presented annually to NCAA’s former outstanding student athletes.
A three sports star at Montoursville High school and W. B. Valley Hall of Fame Inductee.

L-11. BO ORLANDO – FOOTBALL – BERNIE ROMANOSKI

Drafted by the Houston Oilers in the sixth round in 1989, and playing through the 1994 season, Orlando recorded 7 interceptions returning two for touchdowns. In 1995, Bo played for the San Diego Chargers, became the second leading tackler behind Junior Seau.
Orlando was acquired by the Cincinnati Bengals for the 1996-97 seasons. He led the team in tackles with 119 in 1996. In 998, Bo finished his professional career with the Pittsburgh
Steelers. (Career Tackles -301 / Career Interceptions -10)
At West Virginia University, Bo completed his career with 173 tackles, 5 interceptions, and co-captained the 1988 team to an undefeated season. He was named NEA/World Book All-American, HM Associated Press All-American, and First Team AP All-East.
Orlando played in the 1989 Fiesta Bowl against Notre Dame garnering 13 tackles in a 34-21 loss for the National Championship.
WVU recognized Bo as their 1988 Gladiator Award and Ideal Mountaineer Award recipient.
He was named to the 1980-89 All-Time Team and is an Inaugural member of the Mountaineers Legends Society in 2016.
Bo was inducted into the West Virginia University Sports Hall of Fame (2012).
At Berwick High School, he quarterbacked his team to a 13-0 finish, and a USA Today National High School Football Championship in 1983 Orlando garnered PA Big 33 and First Team All-State honors. He was an All-Conference Selection and Berwick Team MVP for consecutive years.
He is currently the Athletic Director at Berwick Area School District.

L-12. BRUCE PARKHILL – COACH BASKETBALL – WEST BRANCE VALLEY

Two-time Division 1 All-American and three times District Champion in the Javelin throw at Lock Haven University, All-East Soccer goalie, An All-Conference and All-District player in Basketball.
After stints as an assistant at Virginia, Notre Dame and William & Mary, he was named the head coach at William & Mary in 1977.
At that time, the youngest head coach in Division I basketball.
His record at William & Mary from 1977-1983 includes an upset of North Carolina. 1983 team went undefeated in Conference play and a first ever berth in the 1983 NIT.
Nominated for National Coach of the Year by NABC South Region and ECAC South Coach of the Year.
Penn State Head Basketball Coach 1083-1995. Coached Nittany Lions to five 20-plus win seasons, Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year 1990.

L-13. DAVID POPSON – BASKETBALL – LUZERNE COUNTY JLP

Drafted in 4th round by Detroit Pistons (88th overall pick).
In 1987-92 career played for Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Europe.
University of North Carolina (1983-87) with a four-year record of 115-22. Teammate of Michael Jordon (83-84). UNC Basketball (1983) was ranked No. 1 in country finishing (28-3). Twice undefeated in ACC play. Coached by Dean Smith all four years. 1983-84 ACC Champion (Sweet 16) (14-0). 1984-85 ACC Co-Champion Elite 8 1985-86. Great Alaska Shootout Champion (Sweet 16). 1986-87 ACC Champion Elite 8 (14-0).
UNC Statistics – FG 52%, FT 75.5%, 100 assists, 41 steals, 55 blocks, 760 points. Position – Power Forward. Played 134 games in 4 years. Won the Foy Robertson Award and Herb and Pauline Wall Memorial Awards for 1986-87 at UNC.
USA Today Newspaper Boys Basketball First Team All-American in 1983.
Parade Magazine High School Boys Basketball All-American in 1983.
First Team McDonald’s All-American. Played All-Star Game in Atlanta, GA in 1983.
Starting member of the PA All-Stars Dapper Dan Roundball Classic is 1983. Played in US Sports Festival Championship Game (East Team) in 1983.
Four-year starter at Bishop O’Reilly High School. Ranked 19th all-time in Pennsylvania for scoring with 2,654 points. First Team All-State in 1980 and 1983.

L-14. PETER RADOCHA – FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, BASEBALL – CARBON COUNTY

A Panther Valley High School graduate and three- sport athlete.
Named to Pennsylvania’s 2nd team All-State as defensive back.
Passed for 950 yds, and rushed for 900 yds., Played in Big 33 game in 1972 vs. Ohio Basketball – 1st Team All-Schuylkill, 1st All-Reading Eagle Baseball played 4 years – 1st Team All-Schuylkill and All-Reading Eagle 4 years.
East Stroudsburg University 1st ever to rush for over 1,000 yards.
MVP 2 straight years in football and baseball, permanent Captain in 1976 for football.
Led ESSU in rushing in 1975 and1976, 1st Team All-PSAC Conference running back Baseball ESSU – 1st team All-PSAC 1975-76 as catcher and 3rd baseman.
Inducted into ESSU Hall of Fame in 1986.
Played semi-professional baseball in the Blue Mountain League, MVP 1976, inducted into their Hall of Fame 1990.
Inducted into the Carbon County Area Sports Hall of Fame in 2013.

L-15. ANDRE REED – FOOTBALL – LEHIGH VALLEY POCONO

In 1981, Andre Reed led Allentown Dieroff High School to a football Championship in the East Penn Conference.
Went to Kutztown University where he was moved to wide receiver and set school records with 142 receptions for 2,020 yards and 14 touchdowns.
In 1985, drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the 4th round and played for 16 seasons, playing in four Super Bowls. Reed was instrumental in Buffalo’s historical comeback playoff win over Houston
after being down 35-3 during the 3rd quarter, catching three touchdown passes. He also caught eight passes for 152 yards in the Bills 52-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl XXVII.
Reed ranks 15th in all-time NFL history in touchdown receptions with 87 and 9th in post-season receptions with 85 as of 2022.
He exceeded 1,000 yards receiving four times in a 16- year career and rushed for 500 yards and a touchdown on 75 carries.
He was placed on the Bills Wall of Fame in 2014 and the NFL Hall of fame in 2014.

L-16. CAROL SEMPLE-THOMPSON – GOLF – RTC-WESTERN

One of the best U.S. Amateur Women Golfer’s in Pennsylvania history for past 50 years.
Received First Lady of Golf Award in 2003.
World of Golf Hall of Fame “Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005.
U.S. Senior Amateur Champion in 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002.
1973 U.S. Women’s Amateur Champion.
1974 British Ladies Amateur Champion.
1976 and 1987 North and South Women’s Amateur Champion.
1990 and 1997 Women’s Mid-Amateur Champion.
1985, 1986, and 1987 Mexico International Amateur Champion.
U.S. National Women’s Golf Team – Curtis Cup Play. Winners 1974, 1976, 1980, 1982, 1990, and 2000, non-playing captain and winners in 2006, 2008 and 2003.

L-17. CHRIS SNEE – FOOTBALL – NORTHEASTERN

Two Super Bowls with NY Giants.
Four-time Pro Bowl selection at right guard.
Chosen by Giants in 2nd round 2004 Drafts (34th overall).
Recognized as one 1st team and two 2nd team All-Pro selections.
Currently a scout for Jacksonville Jaguars.
Second team All-American at Boston College.
All-Big East Conference – 1st team.
Montrose High School 2 times All-State, 5 times All-Conference, and Defensive Player of the Year in 1999.

L-18. GEORGE TOMA – SPORTS FIELD SPECIALIST – LUZERNE COUNTY JLP

George began his ”Work with the Dirt” at the Minor League Baseball stadium in Artillery Park, for Wilkes- Barre’s Class A Barons in 1946. Named head groundskeeper for the Barons by Bill Veeck, 1948-54.
Head Groundskeeper and Field Consultant for Super Bowls I – LVII. Created the first Super Bowl Surface. Head Groundskeeper and Supervisor for the Kansas City Chiefs starting in 1966. Groomed and maintained American Bowl fields located in London, Tokyo, Berlin, Barcelona, and Mexico City. Curated stadium surfaces for 37 Pro Bowls.
Baseball field specialist for the 1957 Kansas City Athletics and later the 1969 Kansas City Royals Major League teams. Field Facilitator for the Minnesota Twins Spring Training site in Fort Myers, Fla. (2002-2021).
Olympic Venue turf surfaces maintained were the 1984 Los Angeles Games and the 1996 Atlanta Games.
In 1994, landscaped nine American fields for World Cup Soccer.
Awarded the Pro Football Hall of Fame Dan Reeves Pioneer Award (2001). Presented the Major League Baseball Inaugural Gary Vandenberg Award (2012). Placed on the All-Madden Team (1992).
The “George Toma Golden Rake Award” is presented annually to a member of the Sports Turf Manager’s Association in his honor.
“Nitty Gritty Dirt Man” book published (2004). Multiple Sports Illustrated and ESPN presentations.
Kansas City Royals Baseball Hall of Fame – 25th member (2012).
Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame (2022).

L-19. ALLYSA VAVRA – SWIMMING – CARBON COUNTY

Sixteen-time District XI Champion, District XI Swimmer of the Meet in 2005 and 2007.
Five-time PIAA State Champion 2005 – 200 M, 2006 – 200 M and 100 M breaststroke, 2008 – 100 M breaststroke, 4- time PIAA runner-up, 2007 State Team runner-up – PIAA Swimmer of the Meet (2007), 17x NCSA All-American-multiple – events.
At Indiana University, she was a seven time NCAA All-American – 2010 -400M and 2011– 400 M – LM -200M breaststroke, 2012 – 400 M and 200 M breaststroke.
Seven time NCAA finalist and Top 8 finisher.
Five time Big Ten Conference Champion – 2010 – 400 IM, 2011 – 400 IM and 200 IM, and 2012 – 400 IM and 200 IM. Big Ten Conference Record Holder in 400 IM.
2012 Big Ten Swimmer of the Year. Nominated in 2012 for Big Ten Athlete of the Year.
First Team All-Big-Ten 2010, 2011, and 2012.
2012 Indiana University Athlete of the Year.
2011 USA Swimming National Team, Pan Am Games, American Medalist in 400 IM.
2012 Olympic Trials, 9th place in 400 IM.
2016 inducted into Carbon County Area Sports Hall of Fame. 2018 inducted into District XI Inaugural Class.

L-20. JOE WOLF – FOOTBALL – HIGH VALLEY/POCONO

All-State center at William Allen High School his senior year in 1983.
William Allen High School Hall of Fame.
Two times All-American at Boston College.
Four-year starter at Boston College, 1984-1988, for Tom Coughlin.
Drafted first-round (pick 17) by the Arizona Cardinals.
Spent eight years in the NFL with the Cardinals organization, 1989-1997.
Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie team in 1989.
Played 94 games in the NFL, started 60 at guard.

L-21. JAY WRIGHT – COACH BASKETBALL – LOU CAPPIELLA

Head Coach at Villanova University from 2001-2022 leading the Wildcats to 6 Big East Championships and 16 NCAA appearances in 21 seasons.
Villanova reached the Final Four in 2009,2016, 2018, 2022 and won National Championships in 2016 and 2018.
Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2021.
Previously served as Head Coach at Hofstra University (1994-2001) leading them to the NCAA Tournament in 2000 and 2001.
Began his coaching career as an Assistant at Drexel (1987-1992), Villanova (1992-1994), and UNLV.

Deceased Nominees

D-1. JIM BRAXTON – FOOTBALL – FAYETTE COUNTY

Football, basketball, and track at Dunbar and Connellsville High School (Dunbar closed).
Scored 77 points in last year with mules and 78 senior year at Connellsville while rushing for 1,485 all- purpose yards.
All-Foothills Conference most valuable back and Second team UPI All-State and All-WPIAL team selection. Played in 1966 Big 33 Game.
At West Virginia University 1968-1970, he had 1,462 yards rushing and 906 Yards receiving. Garnered All-American honors as a Senior.
Played 8 NFL seasons with Buffalo (1971-1978 and Miami 1978).
Rushed for 2,890 Yards on 741 carries scoring 25 touchdowns and 1,473 receiving yards, 144 receptions scoring 6 touchdowns.
Perhaps best known as the ”Blocking Back” for Buffalo star O J Simpson.
Inducted into West Virginia University Sports Hall of Fame in 1993 and The Fayette County Sports Hall of Fame in 2012.

D-2. JACOB “JAKE” DAUBERT – BASEBALL – ALLEN-ROGOWICZ

Jake had a 15-year Major League career with Brooklyn and Cincinnati ball clubs.
“Arguably the best first baseman of the Deadball era”- Jim Sandoval.
He was a three time All-Star First Baseman selection by Baseball Magazine (1910-1914).
In 1913, with an average of .350, he won the Chalmers Award (early MVP Award). For reference, previous honorees were Ty Cobb ’11, Tris Speaker and Larry Doyle 12, Jake Daubert and Walter Johnson ’13, and Eddie Collins and Johnny Evers ‘14.
All of the above are in Cooperstown except Daubert and Doyle. They are on the list for 2025.
He captained the 2016 Brooklyn Team in their first MLB World Series. Jake led the league in fielding three seasons and was in top 10 for 14 seasons. He recorded 19,624 put outs in 15 seasons which is ranked 8th in baseball history. (Lou Gehrig is ranked 9th with 19,525 put outs in 17 seasons.)
Jake died following surgery at the end of the season in October 1924.

D-3. DARRYL DAWKINS – BASKETBALL – LEHIGH VALLEY-POCONO

Fifth overall pick in the 1975 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, directly from High School.
At age 20, averaged 11 points and 7.9 rebounds in 25 minutes per game.
Ranked second in FG PCT at .575 in 3rd year of NBA with 76ers.
1978-1979, averaged 14.7 points and career high 8.7 rebounds.
In 1982, traded to the New Jersey Nets.
In 1987 off-season, traded to the Utah Jazz. After 4 games, traded to the NBA Champion 1989 Detroit Pistons.
Ended playing career in Italy for several seasons.

D-4. BUDD WHITEHILL – COACH WRESTLING – WEST BRANCH VALLEY

Career record of 376-172-6 as Lycoming College Coach for 37 years.
Coached 11 teams that finished in NCAA’s top 20 and 4 amongst top ten.
Mentored the first Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Champion in 1962 and added 9 after that.
Coached 38 All-Americans, 66 Conference Champions, 4 National Champions, and 1 Division1 All-American, Bill Bachardy, in 1966.
Also coached Lycoming’s baseball team for 6 seasons and was the football assistant coach for 10 seasons.
A Hall of Fame inductee of Lycoming, Lock Haven Wrestling, (MAC), West Branch Valley, and National Wrestling Coaches.

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