CHESTER COUNTY SPORTS HALL OF FAMERS |
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BARBARO: 2006 Kentucky Derby Winner
Class of 2008 Special Recognition to Owners Gretchen & Roy Jackson
Although the magnificent Barbaro advanced Chester County's impressive showing on horse racing's biggest stage, it was a tragedy that transformed the colt form local hero status to international recognition as he battled for his life. LEARN MORE ABOUT BARBARO...
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KATE BARBER: Olypmpic Field Hockey
Class of 2010
Before 2008, Unionville High School graduate Kate Barber had already established herself as a world-class athlete and the face of United States Field Hockey. Had her athletic career ended then – and it nearly did – she still would have had plenty of things to be proud about. LEARN MORE ABOUT KATE BARBER...
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NICK BASCA: Professional Football
Class of 2010
The word “hero” is tossed around a lot in the athletic world, often times without merit. But if there ever was a heroic athlete, it was Michael “Nick” Basca, a dynamic football star who ended up giving his life for his country. LEARN MORE ABOUT NICK BASCA... |
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HOWIE BEDELL: Professional Baseball Player & Manager
Class of 2009
Born in Clearfield, PA on September 29, 1935, Bedell had an early taste of success as a member of Ed Good's legendary Pottstown High baseball program, which gained national exposure with a 48-game winning streak in the early days of the Ches-Mont League. The Trojans' run was finally stopped on May 11, 1954 by West Chester High. Pottstown, however, went on to claim its fifth consecutive league title. LEARN MORE ABOUT HOWIE BEDELL... |
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BOB BOYER: Athletic Director
Class of 2010
Bob Boyer’s life has always been about winning, both on the field and behind the scenes.
A three-sport letter winner in baseball, basketball and soccer at West Chester State College, then a Division I program, Boyer experienced the ultimate for an athlete when the 1961 soccer team won the national championship, defeating then-powerhouse St. Louis 2-0 in the title game. Almost 50 years later, it’s still a vivid memory for Boyer. LEARN MORE ABOUT BOB BOYER...
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AL BRUNO: All American & Professional Football Star
Class of 2008
It would be difficult to find a home-grown figure more worthy of induction into the Chester County Sports Hall of Fame than Albert P. Bruno. Born in West Chester on March 28, 1927, Bruno was rasied in a demanding, working-class household where discipline and sacrifice would play key roles in both his childhood and spectacular athletic career. LEARN MORE ABOUT AL BRUNO... |
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NICK BRUNO: Football
Class of 2010
West Chester sports star Nicholas F. Bruno served his country with the 955 Field Artillery Battalion during World War II, soldiering in Europe and participating in the Battle of the Bulge. When he came home, his leadership skills on the battlefield and the football field served him well. He became a top agent with the Metropolitan Insurance Company and was highly regarded in his community. LEARN MORE ABOUT NICK BRUNO... |
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ART DOUGLAS: Broadcaster
Class of 2009
A 1950 graduate of Upper Darby High School, Douglas graduated from the Columbia School of Broadcasting before enlisting in the Army during the Korean conflict. Following his honorable discharge in 1955, he put down roots in Chester County and landed a job at WCOJ Radio in Coatesville. It was to be the start of an illustrious 40-year career that would ultimately earn for him the title of "The Voice of Chester County." LEARN MORE ABOUT ART DOUGLAS... |
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JIM FURYK: Professional Golfer
Class of 2008
Jim Furyk was born in West Chester on May 12, 1970.
His early years were spent in the Pittsburgh suburbs learning the game of golf under the tutelage of his father, who was the head professional at Uniontown Country Club. LEARN MORE ABOUT JIM FURYK... |
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MIKE GRADY: Major League Baseball
Class of 2010
For the most part, major league catchers are prized for their defense, rarely doubling as offensive threats. Mike Grady was not like most catchers. LEARN MORE ABOUT MIKE GRADY... |
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DALLAS GREEN: Phillies World Series Champion Manager
Class of 2008
Philadelphia has a reputation as being a hard-scrabble, no-nonsense, what-have-you-done-for-me-lately professional sports town. If we are to believe that, then there can be no doubt that its poster boy is George Dallas Green. LEARN MORE ABOUT DALLAS GREEN... |
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VONNIE GROS: Field Hockey
Class of 2010
To say that Vonnie Gros’ playing and coaching career was exceptional would be an understatement. “Legendary” might be more apropos, but even that seems to fail to do it justice. Few superlatives or awards could explain the impact that the former West Chester University field hockey coach has had on the sport to which she devoted much of her life, but an induction into the Chester County Sports Hall of Fame is certainly a start. LEARN MORE ABOUT VONNIE GROS... |
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RIP HAMILTON: NBA Detroit Pistons Star
Class of 2008
Wherever Richard "Rip" Hamilton has been, he’s kept his hometown close to his heart.
And he's been to the top of the mountain. Twice.
Hamilton, the pride of Coatesville and a current star for the Detroit Pistons, has won championships in both the NBA and the NCAA – making him one of the more popular selections included among the inaugural class of inductees into the Chester County Sports Hall of Fame. LEARN MORE ABOUT RIP HAMILTON... |
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NANCY HANNUM: Fox Hunting
Class of 2010
In Unionville, a woman known as famously for her place in fox hunting as her place in land conservation has firmly made a place for herself in the county’s vast sports history. LEARN MORE ABOUT NANCY HANNUM... |
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JOHN HAY: Coaching
Class of 2010
When a coach’s influence on their sport and students is so great, it seems impossible anything could ever negatively touch them. But, sadly, not even legendary coaches are immune. LEARN MORE ABOUT JOHN HAY...
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IMMACULATA "MIGHTY MACS": NCAA Women's Basketball National Champions
Class of 2009 Special Recognition
Immaculata College, a tiny Catholic school in Malvern, was raised from virtual obscurity to national prominence in the early '70s thanks to the talents and pioneering efforts of a group of young ladies and their exceptional women's basketball coach, Cathy Rush. At the time, a national tournament was so novel that few reporters barely knew it was taking place. But following the Mighty Macs' third straight title in 1974, an entire nation sat up and took notice. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MIGHTY MACS...
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MONTY IRVIN: Professional Baseball Player
Class of 2009
Born February 25, 1919 in Haleburg Alabama, Irvin went on to enjoy spectacular careers in both the Negro Leagues and the Major Leagues. After baseball's color line was broken in 1947, Irvin was one of the first black players signed by the Giants. He could run, throw, field, hit, and hit with power, all brilliantly. He earned 16 letters and all-state honors in four sports at East Orange (N.J.) High School. While with the Giants, Irvin, a left fielder, teamed with Hank Thompson and Willie Mays to form the first all-black outfield in Major League history. LEARN MORE ABOUT MONTY IRVIN... |
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ROY JACKSON: Baseball
Class of 2010
Roy Jackson doesn’t mind if you don’t know about his background in baseball. He understands. After all, millions of people throughout the world know he and his wife, Gretchen Jackson, as the owners of Barbaro, the famous 2006 Kentucky Derby winner who stole the hearts of horse racing fans everywhere when he fractured a leg at the Preakness Stakes and was later euthanized. LEARN MORE ABOUT ROY JACKSON... |
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WILLIAM "BILLY" JOE: Professional Football Player & Coach
Class of 2009
Joe was drafted by the Denver Broncos of the American Football League in 1962. He also played with the Buffalo Bills (1965), Miami Dolphins (1966-67) and New York Jets (1968-1969).
Was named AFL Rookie of the Year in 1963 and was voted to the AFL All-Star team in 1965, the same year the Bills captured the AFL title with a win over the San Diego Chargers in the championship game. When his playing days were over, Joe moved into the coaching ranks, where he has enjoyed similar success. LEARN MORE ABOUT BILLY JOE... |
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ADDY KELLY: Sports Contributor
Class of 2009
A lifelong West Chester resident and co-owner of Kelly's Sports, she donated freely of her time, talents and money for the betterment of athletics in and around the West Chester area for most of her adult life. She and husband Alvy, who was inducted into the Chester County Sports Hall of Fame last year, founded Kelly's Sports Ltd. in West Chester in the early '70s and immediately demonstrated a deep commitment to the community and to West Chester University. The Kellys annually sponsored some 50 youth and adult sports teams.
Addy's donations to the university, area high schools and numerous community projects are legendary.
The Addy Kelly Award is presented annually to a West Chester University alum who best exhibits outstanding support which has directly contributed to the enhancement of WCU's women's athletics, displayed loyalty, commitment and dedication, and reflected the impecccable integrity and strong moral and ethical character that has come to symbolize the essence of Addy Kelly.
Kelly, who died in 2005, was the first recipient of the award.
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ALVY KELLY: Youth Sports Sponsor
Class of 2008
Of the countless “favorite sons” the borough of West Chester can claim as its own, one stands head and shoulders above the rest. Alvy Lawrence Kelly is as much West Chester as the old court house, Green Field, Hoops Park or any other longstanding borough landmark, and perhaps even more so. LEARN MORE ABOUT ALVY KELLY...
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GLENN KILLINGER: Penn State All-American & West Chester University Football Coach
Class of 2008
It would be unimaginable to induct an inaugural into the Chester County Sports Hall of Fame that did not include Dr. W. Glenn Killinger.
His name is synonymous with West Chester University, where in 36 years of teaching, coaching and administration, he achieved a level of success that vaulted him into the national spotlight. LEARN MORE ABOUT GLENN KILLINGER... |
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JON MATLACK: All-Star Major League Pitcher
Class of 2008
Jonathan Trumpbour Matlack, born in West Chester on January 19, 1950, was one of the many fine pitchers developed by the Mets in the late 1960s and early ‘70s.
During his 13-year Major League Career, the West Chester High graduate forged a reputation as a talented, hardworking left-hander whose victory totals would have been much higher had he received the offensive support he deserved. LEARN MORE ABOUT JON MATLACK... |
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HUGH "BUTCH" MCDEVITT: Sports Writer
Class of 2009
He covered local sports for all of the area's high schools for more than 25 years. He also covered sports at West Chester State Teachers College and served as the school's publicity director until 1959. He somehow found time to serve as a news and sports correspondent for the Philadelphia Inquirer for 25 years and the Philadelphia Bulletin for 15 years as well as other publications and national news services.
McDevitt was a charter member of the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association and its first treasurer, a post he held for 15 years. LEARN MORE ABOUT HUGH MCDEVITT... |
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MUFFETT MCGRAW: Basketball Coach
Class of 2010
Muffet McGraw has been a fixture of college basketball in the Midwest since 1987. The current head women’s basketball coach at the University of Notre Dame has compiled 584 victories in 22 seasons and led the Fighting Irish to a national championship in 2001. But despite most of her stellar coaching career taking place thousands of miles away, her roots reside in Chester County.... LEARN MORE ABOUT MUFFETT MCGRAW...
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CHARLIE MOORE: Gold Medalist Track and Field
Class of 2010
Charles Moore landed in Helsinki, Finland in the summer of 1952 with the same hopes and dreams of 4,955 other American athletes. But he would accomplish his dreams, in gazelle-like moves. LEARN MORE ABOUT CHARLIE MOORE...
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HERB PENNOCK: Hall of Fame Major League Pitcher
Class of 2008
Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Herb Pennock.
The first two names are known to millions and are forever etched in baseball lore. The third, although somewhat less celebrated, also occupies a place of honor in baseball’s Hall of Fame. And like his immortal New York Yankee teammates, Ruth and Gehrig, Herb Pennock, "the Squire of Kennett Square," earned his way into Cooperstown. LEARN MORE ABOUT HERB PENNOCK... |
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MIKE PIAZZA: All-Star Major League Catcher
Class of 2008
Mike Piazza is arguably the best hitting catcher in baseball history.
The Phoenixville High School graduate is a former Rookie of the Year, a 12-time All Star and the all-time leader in home runs by a catcher. LEARN MORE ABOUT MIKE PIAZZA...
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CATHY RUSH: Immaculata's National Champion Women's Basketball Coach
Class of 2008
Perhaps no other coach in the history of college basketball is more responsible for putting their school on the map than Cathy Rush, who from 1970-77, led tiny Immaculata College (enrollment under 500) to a remarkable six consecutive Final Four appearances, including three straight AIAW national championships from 1972 to 1974. LEARN MORE ABOUT CATHY RUSH... |
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ED RUSH: NBA Referee
Class of 2010
A coach once told Ed Rush that he didn’t have much of a future playing basketball. But in the same breath, he told Rush that he should look into officiating basketball games – and, as it turned out, that was his future. LEARN MORE ABOUT ED RUSH... |
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CURT SCHILLING: All-Star Major League Pitcher
Class of 2009
Schilling was a key member of the Phils' World Series team in 1993. That season he compiled a 16-7 record and was named National League MVP. Although he was denied a world championship with the Phillies that season, he would later play on World Series championship teams with both the Diamondbacks and two while a member of Red Sox (2004 and 2007). Schilling is the only athlete ever to be named twice as Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year. He was named an All-Star six times and was runnerup in the Cy Young Award voting in 2004. LEARN MORE ABOUT CURT SCHILLING... |
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BUTCH SHOCKLEY: Professional Football
Class of 2010
From Conestoga High School to West Chester State Teachers College (now West Chester University), William “Butch” Shockley was a star athlete through all different parts of Chester County. LEARN MORE ABOUT BUTCH SHOCKLEY... |
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DON STROCK: Professional Football Player & Coach
Class of 2009
Strock is best remembered for coming off the bench for the Dolphins in the 1982 AFC Divisional Playoff game against the San Diego Chargers at the Orange Bowl. Strock rallied the Dolphins from a 24-0 deficit tie the score in the third quarter. Ultimately, Miami lost the game to San Diego, 41-38, in overtime. Strock finished the game with 29 of 43 completions for 403 yards and four touchdowns, with one interception. The game later became known as the Epic in Miami and is generally considered one of the greatest games ever in NFL history. LEARN MORE ABOUT DON STROCK... |
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ANDRE THORNTON: All-Star Major League First Baseman
Class of 2008
Few athletes enjoy the impressive achievements of an Andre Thornton.
He played his first major league game for the Chicago Cubs at age 24. He was named the first baseman of the 1974 All-Rookie Team by Baseball Digest. During a 10-year career with the Cleveland Indians, Thornton won a Silver Slugger Award, was named to two American League All-Star squads, and led the Indians in home runs seven times. LEARN MORE ABOUT ANDRE THORNTON... |
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DICK VERMEIL: NFL Super Bowl Champion Coach
Class of 2008
Although born and raised in California, Richard Albert Vermeil’s contribution to the heralded sports history of Philadelphia has earned him a front-row center seat. Few professional sports figures have captured the imagination and ignited the passions of
Philly fans more than Vermeil. LEARN MORE ABOUT DICK VERMEIL... |
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MARIAN WASHINGTON: NCAA Basketball National Champion & Olympic Coach
Class of 2009
Born and raised in West Chester, Washington attended West Chester High School and West Chester State Teachers College, where her solid academic achievements were exceeded only by her exceptional athletic prowess. She starred in both basketball and track and field for the Lady Rams and was the lynchpin that anchored West Chester's 1969 national championship basketball team. Washington earned AAU All-American status twice while leading the Golden Rams to their national title -- the first ever in the history of collegiate women's basketball. LEARN MORE ABOUT MARIAN WASHINGTON... |
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DICK YODER: Athlete & Sports Administrator
Class of 2009
Born and raised in West Chester, where he attended West Chester High School and West Chester State Teachers College. Played quarterback at West Chester State under legendary head coach Glenn Killinger. Upon graduating in 1959, Yoder embarked on a teaching career before returning to his alma mater, where he became quarterbacks coach and assistant professor of physical education in 1962. In 1979 he was named the school's athletic director, a position he held for nine years. Yoder was instrumental in helping bring the Philadelphia Eagles training camp to West Chester. LEARN MORE ABOUT DICK YODER... |
The Chester County Sports Hall of Fame is made possible by our sponsors & volunteers. The Hall thanks them for their support.
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