Middletown Athletic Hall of Fame

The Middletown Hall of Fame recognizes athletes, coaches, and other outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to Middletown’s Athletic program. Athletes become eligible for the Hall of Fame seven years after graduating from Middletown, while coaches, administrators, volunteers, and other individuals may become eligible after retirement from coaching or after their involvement with the school ends. The selection and induction into Middletown’s Hall of Fame shall be limited to seven individuals each year plus one team after the inaugural class.

MIDDLETOWN ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME COMMITTEE:

John Wilsbach, Chairman
Earl W. Bright IV, MAHS Alumni Association Executive Board Member
Lee Bloes
Larry Etter
Owen Hannah
Brian Keyser
Steve Leedy
Elaine (Brown) Nester

Athletic Hall of Fame By-Laws
Athletic Hall of Fame Nomination Form
Digital Nomination Link

Nominees must have made an outstanding contribution to their sport while attending Middletown. This may include recognition via accolades from our respective division, conference, district or all-state honors, school record holder, and other notable honors. Also, post high school accomplishments including collegiate, professional, national or international, and any extraordinary circumstances will be considered. Nominees must exemplify outstanding qualities of character and sportsmanship while respecting Middletown and also throughout the years following graduation. Nominees should serve as a positive role model, worthy of being emulated by students, both current and in the future. In the event that an individual becomes unworthy of this honor, they can be removed from the Hall of Fame.

MIDDLETOWN ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2024

George Elberti, Class of 1944 Mrs. Gloria Elberti accepted the Hall of Fame recognition in George's honor.		The late George Elberti, Class of 1944: Track & Field, Football, and Basketball. Elberti is the first ever known State Champion in Track & Field for Middletown. He was the 1944 District 3 and PIAA State Champion in the Long Jump and the 100, as well as the District Champion in the 220 and the PIAA runner-up in the 220. In 1943, he finished in 4th place in the 220 in states. George’s high school sweetheart and longtime wife Gloria said quote: “He was focused all the time. He was up early and ran every morning. Coach Ken Cassell took him to the State Meet. He came back a state champion...happy but still humble. He was a special person.”

Mike Lebo, Class of 1976		Mike Lebo, Class of 1976: Baseball and Basketball. Lebo was a standout baseball player at Middletown and in college at the University of South Carolina. He was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays as the 1st overall pick of the 1978 January Draft. Mike played five seasons as a catcher in the minors with the Toronto and New York Yankees organizations. He hit 44 home runs as a professional. In 1980, he was voted MVP of the Kinston Eagles in the North Carolina League. In 1982, he won the South Atlantic League Championship with the Greensboro Hornets, hitting 20 home runs with a .302 average. He was a longtime player in the East and West Shore Twilight Baseball leagues and is the all-time home run leader of the West Shore League with 258 career home runs. Mike was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2002. He was one of the four founding members of the Keystone Nationals, where he coached and served as Director of Players, helping hundreds of boys and girls find a way into college through baseball and softball. His high school baseball coach Casper Voithofer said “He had the size, power, and strength. He made us a good team!” His teammate at Mechancisburg, Rich Wagner, says quote: “he was an excellent teammate and a leader of a lot of guys who had baseball experience. In the late 80’s at a tournament in York, he hit one over the right field wall and I’m still not sure if that ball ever landed. When you needed the long ball, he was the man. He was Mr. Clutch.”

Dennis Moore, Class of 1987		Dennis Moore, Class of 1987: Football, Basketball, and Track & Field. Moore was a two-way starter on the offensive and defensive line on the football team that won Middletown’s first ever District 3 football championship in 1986. He was part of the famous two-point conversion tackle on Ricky Watters, preserving a 28-27 victory in the 1986 game against Bishop McDevitt. Moore played for Pennsylvania in the Big 33 game in 1987. Collegiately, he was a lineman at the University of North Carolina. Locally, Moore was a longtime assistant football coach for Bob Guyer at Milton Hershey High School. Coach Guyer says “Dennis is not just a hall of Fame student-athlete, has has become a Hall of Fame teacher/coach, and husband/father/family man. He is the ideal role model for our Milton Hershey students.” Dennis’ coach at Middletown, Dennis Iezzi, says “Every where Dennis has gone, he made the organization better. As a player, Dennis made everyone feel secure, always in control and confident, and knowing he has your back. A Highly gifted and intelligent player! Versus McDevitt, we had him cover Ricky Watters man-to-man on their throwback off the bootleg. He did it so well they never threw him the ball. Can’t say enough about Dennis Moore, love him!”

Eddie Noon, Class of 1978		Eddie Noon, Class of 1978: Football, Basketball, and Track & Field. In 1978, Noon was the District 3 Champion in the Triple Jump. At States, he was 3rd in the Triple Jump and 4th in the Long Jump. In college at Shippensburg, he won PSAC Championships three times in the Triple Jump and twice in the Long Jump. In football, he caught 84 passes for 1,563 yards with a Shippensburg record of 18.6 yards per catch. Between receiving, rushing, and returns, he finished with over 2000 all purpose yards. He also set the school record for consecutive games catching a touchdown pass with 10 and set the school record for touchdown receptions with 23 in 23 games. Six of his touchdowns were from 50 yards or more, including a record tying 99 yard touchdown reception in 1982. These achievements led to Noon’s induction in the Shippensburg University Athletic Hall of Fame. He was also awarded a tryout with the Philadelphia Eagles. His high school quarterback Mike Fuoti says “Eddie was a great athlete and even better teammate who really matured in his senior year of high school. One thing I know, I should have thrown him the ball more in high school!”. His Shippensburg teammate George Wise said this about his former teammate: “Ed Noon was an electrifying performer every time we stepped on the field. In the locker room, he maintained an aura of confidence and swagger that was contagious for our team. He led by example by displaying a consistent work ethic and continually encouraging his teammates. Ed is a man you can count on! On Game Day its always NOON TIME!”

Jason Pelletier, Class of 2003		Jason Pelletier, Class of 2003: Soccer. Pelletier is the all-time leading point scorer for Middletown Boys Soccer, with 66 goals, second all-time, and a program record 62 assists. He contributed 13 playoff goals and 18 playoff assists, 12 of those in his senior season. Pelletier was a key member of the 2001 State Championship soccer team, scoring a goal and an assist in the 4-0 victory over Thomas Jefferson. He played collegiately at Rutgers and Robert Morris, where he was All-NEC in 2005 and 2006. Professionally, Pelletier played primarily as a defensive midfielder with the Harrisburg City Islanders of the USL from 2008 to 2014, appearing in 141 games and scoring 8 goals. Former City Islanders coach Bill Becher says: “Jason was a big part of the Islanders and helped lead us to two finals during this tenure. His high Soccer IQ and excellent technical ability were instrumental to us controlling game.” His high school coach Bob Stitt said quote: “he was a technically skilled player who knew how to play in the team concept...and he did it very well.”

Steph Schaefer, Class of 1995		Steph Schaefer, Class of 1995: Soccer and Basketball. Schaefer is the all-time scoring leader in the history of Middletown Girls Soccer. From 1992-95, she was a 4 year varsity starter, scoring 112 goals and 36 assists. Schaefer was Mid-Penn First Team four years, Mid-Penn MVP two years, All-State in 1992 as a freshman, and Patriot-News Big 11 her senior year. She was also the Toyota Prep Athlete her senior year. A standout basketball player, she scored nearly 500 varsity points in her career. In addition, she also served as the Blue Raider Mascot for other sports during her high school years at Middletown. Middletown Superintendent of Schools Dr. Chelton Hunter was the assistant varsity coach of Hershey High School at that time. He says “She was a stellar player, tough as nail. The only way to stop Middletown was to make sure Steph didn’t get the ball.” Her high school coach Bob Stitt says “For her size, Steph was very fast, aggressive, tough, skilled, and amazing. She probably would have had more goals had I not pulled her during blowouts. Her presence on the field made her teammates play better. She was a big part of our success at Middletown. She was also one of the few girls I coached that could have also played on the boys team and been successful.”

Richard "Bull" Swartz, Class of 1976		Richard “Bull” Swartz, Class of 1976: Football, Basketball, and Baseball. Swartz was Co-Captain of the 1975 undefeated CAC football team and was the TV Host First Team All-Metro and Defensive Player of the Year. He was a member of the 1976 Big 33 football team. He played football one year at the University of Miami, then transferred to Gettysburg College. He was not only a defensive leader, but an Academic All-American at Gettysburg. Defensively, Swartz led Gettysburg in tackles in 1978 and 1979 with record totals that still stand today. In 1978, he set the record for solo tackles with 104 and the overall regular season total record of 139, and a single game record of 22 tackles against Western Maryland. In 1979, he led the team with 93 solo tackles, which is still second all-time. Swartz is also involved with our community as Secretary of the Blue and Gold Club, a member of the Raider Foundation, and he has helped coach and coordinate with MABA, Seven Sorrows Athletic Association, and the CYO for the Harrisburg Diocese. Former Gettysburg College football coach Barry Streeter says “Rich Swartz was an outstanding linebacker for us. He transferred in and immediately became a great leader. He was very physical and instinctive. Most importantly, Rich was a man of integrity and great character! All our players respected him!” Former Middletown assistant football coach Bob Kinsey said: “he was the epitome of everything you wanted in a football player.”

1964-1965 Boys Basketball Team and Family Representatives

The team won the school’s fifth consecutive CAC Championship with an unbeaten conference record. Led by Head Coach Russ Trimmer, the 1964-1965 team had a 24-1 overall record, losing its final game in the PIAA District 3 playoffs against Steel-High.

The team averaged 71.8 points per game while giving up only 45.5. Some of the scores that season:

Middletown 74 William Penn 48

Middletown 79 York Catholic 39

Middletown 78 Cumberland Valley 25

Middletown 74 Palmyra 28

Middletown 64 Mechanicsburg 30

Middletown 84 Lower Dauphin 32

Unbeaten during the regular season, it’s only blemish was its final game in the PIAA District 3 playoffs against Steel-High a team they had beaten earlier in the season.

Team Co-Captains John Barnoski and John Good led the team with Gary Mumma, Donald Shaneor, Jim Sniscak, Thomas Houser, Richard Baker, Henry Brown, Jack Gochnauer, Michael Janouski, and Joseph Hahn. Team managers were Robert Hoffman, Barry Reber, and Allen Moore. Assistant coaches included Hayes Girvin, Gary Sheeler, and John Rowan.

MIDDLETOWN ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2023

Earl W. Bright III, Class of 1965		Earl W. Bright III, Class of 1965, was a member of the first Middletown wrestling team with a 4-year varsity record of 56-14-4. Earl was a PIAA wrestling official and is a longtime Middletown off-mat official. He has held several supporting roles over the years in Middletown athletics including Pin & Win Club, Blue and Gold Club, and others, continues many of those roles in our community and our alumni association today. Former Middletown wrestler and track & field state champion Sam Selcher says, “My earliest memory of Earl was when I was a freshman trying to make the JV quad, and in awe at Earl’s wrestling ability. As the years have passed, students have graduated, coaches have changed, and the program has had its ups and downs, but Earl was a constant that was at the table seeing that ‘all’ was operating well during the matches. His love for the sport has been displayed through his constant, unwavering support for the wrestlers...shown with his dedication.” His son and former wrestler Earl Bright IV says, “The Middletown Blue Raiders and especially wrestling has always been a part of my dad’s life from as long as I can remember. From participating, officiating, coaching, starting the Pin & Win Club with my mom and other wrestling parents in the 80’s, to keeping score and running time clocks from the high school gym the entire way to the state championships in Hershey, Earl Bright III is a huge supporter and contributor to wrestling at both the local and state level.”

Terry Eberly, Class of 1961		Terry Eberly, Class of 1961, was a football and basketball standout at Middletown. He is only one of 18 Blue Raiders players to be selected to the Big 33 Football Classic. His football career led him to college ball at West Chester, where he is a Hall of Fame member there. He served as a longtime assistant football coach under Dave Yohn before taking over the Middletown football program as head coach from 1978-80. He served as a physical education teacher in the Middletown Area School District for many years, helping nurture many of the fine athletes who have walked through our schools. Longtime Milton Hershey football coach and former Middletown assistant, Bob Guyer, says, “Coach Eberly was truly a ‘players coach’, always in tune with the needs of the players he coached both on and off the field of competition. He was extremely knowledgeable with the skills necessary for an athlete to develop into an elite quarterback”. Former New York Giants, Baltimore Colts and Cleveland Browns General Manager Ernie Accorsi, a Hershey native, says, “The greatest athletes I played with or against during my high school years at Hershey were Jim Price and Ken Snyder of Hershey, Ollie Ross of William Penn, and Terry Eberly of Middletown. Terry could do everything. There wasn’t a thing athletically he wasn’t the best at. I remember a one-hander he made at the buzzer against Hershey in a basketball playoff game in 1960. He just stood there until the clock ran down, calmly made the shot, and won the game. He was as good as we had around here.”

Coach Bob Heusser		Coach Bob Heusser was a boys’ head basketball coach at Middletown High School with 301 wins; the most in program history. Heusser’s 1992 team won the District 3 Championship and was the District runner-up in 1993. His 1986 team went to the Eastern Finals before losing to eventual state champion Allentown Central Catholic. Heusser also chalked up over 300 wins as Lower Dauphin’s girls’ basketball coach. And he was a longtime teacher at Middletown Area High School School. Former Susquehanna Township head coach Emery Cook says, “Bob’s teams competed with intensity and determination but did it with dignity and class, which was a reflection of him as their leader. We would compete intensely during the season, but during district playoffs, he was always willing to share whatever information he had on an opponent. He allowed my teams to have open gyms with Middletown, which gave them and me the opportunity to grow and improve.” Former player and all-time leading scorer Dave Grabuloff says, “He had a huge impact on my career that I will always be grateful for. Unselfish with his time, great communicator, understood players, and sure could out game plan other coaches. Well deserved.”

Dave Terry Martin, Class of 1992		Terry Martin, Class of 1992, was a standout point guard on the boys’ basketball team and an exceptional athlete in Track & Field. He ran the offense of the 1992 Middletown District 3 Champion Boys Basketball team. Terry played collegiately at Coppin State and Wilkes. He also served as head boys basketball coach at Middletown. In track and field, He is a 4-time District champion, twice in long jump and twice in the triple jump. He was the State Long jump champion in 1992. He was also the state runner-up in long Jump in ‘91 and state runner up in the Triple jump in ‘91 and ‘92. Teammate and Hall of Famer Dave Grabuloff says “Terry was a one-man press break. It didn’t matter how many players teams threw at him, he didn’t need any help getting the ball up the court. He was an amazing player on defense, often shutting down the other team’s best player. He was a huge part of our success as a team, and on my individual career at Middletown. He made it look easy and made the game easy for the rest of us.” Head basketball coach Bob Heusser remembers Terry’s knack for making last second shots. “His most memorable one was versus Susquehanna Township in the division championship game at Hershey Arena. Near the end of the third OVERTIME, with 5 seconds left, Terry pulls up above the foul line and hits the game winner. Pandemonium erupts. Terry Martin was a great player. It was an honor to have coached him.”

Pam Steckroat, Class of 1974		Pam Steckroat, Class of 1974 will be known as the pioneer of the Middletown gymnastics program that ran into the 1990’s. Before there was even a sanctioned team, Pam and a couple of friends got the support of physical education teacher and Hall of Famer Bob Kinsey to practice, compete and represent Middletown in gymnastics. Steckroat was the Tri- County and District All-Around and Vault Champion. She finished 3rd on Uneven bars and 5th on Vault in States in 74. Collegiately, in her first two years at UMASS, she had the most first places in All-Around, Bars, and Floor. She followed her coach to Michigan State and became a 2-time All American for the Spartans, and the 1978 Big Ten Champion in the Uneven Bars. One of Pam’s college coaches John Calabria says, “The best way to describe Pam is: dedicated, persistent, stubborn and driven. She would practice skills over and over again and would always ask me for ‘one more try’ which turned into multiple tries. She is a perfectionist in everything she tries, and has applied what she learned all those years ago, to her successful careers.” Her close friend Ceil Foreman says, “Her work ethic in all her endeavors was incredible, often competing and performing with strains, sprains, and even broken bones. It was this work ethic, along with natural ability, that led to her twice achieving the title of 'All American' in gymnastics while attending Michigan State.” Pam supports her alma maters. She offers scholarships to students of Middletown Area High School and Michigan State University. Her first coach at Middletown, Hall of Famer Bob Kinsey says, “I think you can say that Pam, a high school student without a team, but possessing the desire, work ethic, and determination to accomplish everything she has done, is truly a champion worthy of this honor.”

Coach Casper Voithofer		Casper Voithofer may have grown up in Western PA, but he is a true Blue Raider. Casper was the head boys’ basketball coach of the 1968 State Championship team. After the ’69 season, he left Middletown to become Assistant basketball coach at Penn State University. He returned to Middletown in 1973 and coached basketball six more seasons. He also served as head coach of varsity baseball for 10 seasons at Middletown. A longtime teacher and administrator, he served as principal at the Jr. High and High school. During retirement, he has continued to volunteer his time with the Blue and Gold Club, helping raise scholarship money for the district, and doing community service in our area. Middletown Hall of Famer and former NBA player Dave Twardzik says, “Every member of the team knew Casper was in charge. His style wasn’t necessarily ‘my way or the highway philosophy of coaching’, but we knew our boundaries and what was expected of us. He held us accountable every game, every practice, every day! Many times, our practices were far more difficult than the games. Everybody bought in and everybody was held accountable. His leadership was something that was never questioned.” Middletown baseball great Mike Lebo says, “He chewed you out when you needed it and he patted you on the back when you deserved it. He was a great coach.” Two other great Middletown players: Ed Chubb and Chip Etter say, “We are still afraid of him and would do endless wind sprints right here, right now at this ceremony if he told us to.” Luckily! He didn’t ask!

Seymour Cohen, a.k.a. Stephen Seymour Class of 1937		At Middletown, Cohen was primarily just a distance runner on the Track and Field team, but he also threw javelin. He was an American Javelin pioneering legend. He succeeded in redefining the American Javelin throw of the 1940’s. He played collegiately at Franklin & Marshall College and changed his name to Stephen Seymour, to avoid the strong antisemitism in the World War II era. After college, things kicked into gear. He became a 3-time AAU National Champion in Javelin in 1947, 48, and 50. He is the only Middletown graduate to win an Olympic medal, winning the Javelin Silver Medal in the 1948 London Games. He also won a Silver in the 1951 Pan-Am games. He competed in 25 countries on 4 continents. By the early 50’s, Stephen Seymour had become Dr. Seymour. While beginning to flourish in his career in medicine, he still found the time to train and assist others as the U.S.A. took first and second in the 1952 Helsinki games. Professionally, in 1961, Seymour ended up being the coordinating Project Director for a report to President Kennedy called “The Soft American, Problems and Solutions”. He was president of the American Academy of Achievement. He was director of the Los Angeles Fitness Council. He worked with unemployed youth in Long Beach. He founded the Seymour hospital and medical clinic. He lectured and taught at the Loma Linda Medical School. And he devoted his life to fighting alcoholism and narcotics addiction. He also remembered his alma mater by sponsoring scholarships at Middletown. In 1969, Seymour was quoted in Sports Illustrated. “One mustn’t think of the javelin as a minor sport like curling or anything. The javelin represents the glory of Greece and it symbolizes man’s search for his primitive ancestral identity. I can blink my eyes and look out at a javelin thrower and see tens of thousands of warriors marching across the field and I can hear the voices of antiquity. No, the javelin isn’t some minor sport. It is classic. It is beauty. It is excellence. It is immortality.” Stephen Seymour passed away in 1973.

1971 Blue Raider Football Team

The 1971 football team was undefeated at 11-0 and the Capital Area Conference Champions. They outscored their opponents 473-79. They scored an average 43 points per game and beat their opponents by an average margin of 35.82 points. Both marks are records that still stand today.

The 1971 Season Scores:
Susquehanna Twp, 47-0
Lower Dauphin, 21-6
Carlisle, 33-6
Mechanicsburg, 49-0
Red Land, 53-8
Hershey, 54-19
Annville Cleona, 61-0
Palmyra, 41-0
Milton Hershey, 14-0
Cumberland Valley, 53-24
East Pennsboro, 47-16

MIDDLETOWN ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2022

Kyle Jules, Class of 1977		Kyle Jules, Class of '77, was a three sport athlete, playing football, basketball and track and field where he really made his mark. In 1975, Kyle won the district 3 title for the 220. In 1976, he won the District 100, the 220, and the long jump. He was the state champ in the 220 and finished second in the 100 and Long jump. In 1977, his senior year, he was the District champ in the 100, 220, Long Jump and the Mile Relay. He won the state championship for the 100, 220 and Long Jump, and second place for the mile relay. Former Middletown and Shippensburg standout Eddie Noon said of his teammate Kyle Jules, "His senior year was the first year he played football. He didn’t even know how to put on his pads or button his chin strap. But he was one of the best all around athletes that I ever played with. And he could run. Man, could he run!”

Tyler Nauman, Class of 2007		Tyler Nauman, Class of 2007, was a three-time District 3 wrestling champion: in 2004 at the 103 weight class, in 2005 in the 112 class, and 2007 in the 130 pound weight class. In the state finals, he finished 7th in 2004, 3rd in 2005, in 2006 he was runner up in the 125 weight class, and in 2007, he won the state championship in the 130 pound class. At Pitt he became team captain and had 141 wins and 39 falls. He was 2-time All American, four-time NCAA qualifier, four-time Eastern Wrestling League champion and joined an elite group of Pitt wrestlers after collecting a perfect 18-0 record against EWL opponents during the 2009-2010 season. Keith Gavin, former teammate and the current head wrestling coach at Pitt said, "Tyler was a great competitor. The bigger the match, the better he wrestled. He was a two-time All-American in some very tough weight classes. Pitt wrestling has always been about grit and Tyler was a good example of that when he competed."

Crawford Hunter, Class of 1968 Accepting in his memory: Jen & Chris Hunter, Crawford Hunter, Jr. Dr. Chelton Hunter, Peggy Hunter, Landen Hunter		Crawford Hunter, Class of ‘68, was a football and track & field standout at Middletown. In football, in the '67 season, he caught 34 passes for 690 yards and 11 touchdowns. He played in the Big 33 game. In Track and Field in 1967, he was the District 3 champion in the 440. In States, he was 3rd in the 440 and 5th in the 200. In 1968, was the District champion in the 100. Crawford gave back to the community for many years as a Seven Sorrows and Boys Club coach. He was also a PIAA referee and he belonged to the Collegiate Basketball Officials Association at the D-3 level, and he was an ASA softball umpire. Middletown alum and referee Owen Hannah said of Crawford Hunter, "Punky (his nickname) and I grew up together and played multiple sports. However, the biggest smile on his face was when I told him that he had been promoted to varsity status as a collegiate basketball official. In addition, the Crawford Hunter Perseverance Award was created to give to the high school basketball official who dedicates themselves to high school basketball. We miss you Punky.” Fellow teammate and Middletown alumn John Scudder said, “My first memories of Crawford were not on the athletic field, but rather in the halls of the high school. Here was an exceptional athlete who was always quick with a smile and a kind word for everyone. He was highly competitive and always left everything on the field. I always marveled at his speed and explosive power.”

Dave Yohn Head Football Coach, 1968-75 Accepting in his memory: John Yohn, Audrey Yohn, Liesl Yohn		Dave Yohn was the head coach of Middletown football from 1968 to 1975. Dave is 3rd all-time in coaching victories in just 8 seasons. His record of 71 wins, 13 losses and 2 ties also gives him the highest winning percentage of any Middletown football coach with more than 1 year at the helm. He had 3 undefeated seasons, 5 C-A-C titles, and 5 time CAC coach of the year. He was a Big 33 assistant coach in 74 and head coach in 76. He served in the U-S Marine Corp, and played NFL for the Colts and the Jets. One of the all-time great question marks in Middletown football history is: “How far would the Blue Raiders have gone had there been District and state football playoffs when Dave Yohn coached?” Bob Guyer, former Middletown assistant and longtime Milton Hershey head coach said, "No one was a more effective high school football coach, than Coach Yohn. His scouting reports, weekly preparations, practice and game plans were meticulous. He was a master at developing players who became overachievers. Middletown football was feared in the entire greater Harrisburg area during his tenure as head coach." Middletown football great Bull Swartz said, “He was loyal and tough, and he always told us the truth, regardless of what we wanted to hear. He knew more about football than anyone I ever met, and the scouting reports he gave us were the best I ever saw. He taught his players the finer points of football, but also about teamwork, dedication, perseverance and doing the right thing. He won many football games and championships, but his biggest accomplishment was the positive effect he had on a generation of young men who played for him. He was one of a kind.”

Kris Smith Myers, Class of 1986		Until several years ago, Kris Smith, Class of 1986, was the all-time leading scorer in Middletown girls basketball history with 1295 points; and that was before the 3-point shot was instituted. She is currently holding the number 3 spot. Kris’ 1985 basketball team is known as the best Middletown girls basketball team in school history, finishing as District runner-up and making it to the Second Round of states. In Softball, Kris was a stand out catcher and a Mid Penn All-star. She has coached at Seven Sorrows, Red Land junior high, and now Cumberland Valley junior high basketball. John Scudder, former Middletown girls head basketball coach said, "Kris was the consummate team player. She came to Blue Raider basketball with a strong knowledge of the game. This made me a better coach and her, an invaluable talent. Her ability to shoot long shots, before the 3 point shot was incorporated into the game, was a thing of beauty. You knew if she put it up, we were sure to score. That would have easily have made her one of the most prolific scorers in Middletown’s storied basketball history. The best part of Kris was her personality. She was always pleasant, respectful and a pleasure to be around.” Teammate and Blue Raider hall of famer Amy Holman says, “Kris was a wonderful, pure lefty shooter and, an even better teammate.” Softball coach Glenn Nissley said, “A very instinctive player. Kris was always in the moment in a game. A leader even as an underclassman. A pleasure to coach.”

Steve Conjar, Class of 1978		Steve Conjar, class of 78, played football, track and field and even some basketball at Middletown. In '78 he was the District 3 champion in the shotput. He was an underclassmen on that great '75 unbeaten football team. As he excelled his junior and senior years at Middletown he was preparing for something greater, the Temple Owls. At Temple, he was the all-time tackle leader until 2015 with 492 tackles. The current leader has 493. In 1980 Steve set the record for most tackles in a single season, that still holds today, of 174. He also holds the second place spot with 163 tackles in 1979, one of the greatest seasons in Temple history with a 10-2 record and a Garden State Bowl victory over the Golden Bears of California. Middletown teammate quarterback and teammate Mike Fuoti says, “On the football field, Steve never stopped. His motor never ran out of gas”. Steve’s inside linebacker teammate from Temple, Steve Curcio who later played for the Philadelphia Eagles, says, “I’ve never seen a guy in in small stature with a bigger heart. He was always prepared mentally and physically. He was a force to be reckened with. You could always count on Steve.” Another former Temple University teammate, NFL pro bowl player Kevin Ross of the Kansas City Chiefs, now the defensive back’s coach for the Tampa Bay Buccanneers told me, “Steve was always ready to play. He played with great intensity. If he got his hands on you, you were going down. In the weight room, he was big as hell. You came in as a freshman, looked at him, and realized you had a lot of work to do. Everybody saw that! At Temple, everybody remembers #55.”

Bob Kinsey, Class of 1963		Bob Kinsey, class of '63, played football, basketball at Middletown. In football, he was a lineman and kicker and played in the Big 33. He then went on to play football at Gettysburg College. He was an assistant football coach at Middletown during the great Dave Yohn years. Not only that, he was the athletic trainer from 1968 to 1984. As longtime high school gym teacher, he helped mold all of the Middletown athletes. He was a PIAA and NCAA basketball referee for 20 years. In the summers of 73-78, he was the Middletown Swim Club coach. And most Blue Raiders are unaware, that he was the “unofficial” first girls gymnastics coach at Middletown High School, while helping a few girls, including local champion Pam Steckroat. Steckroat, who became a two-time All American gymnast at Michigan State said, “Mr. Kinsey is one of those rare individuals that goes well above and beyond in any role that he serves, and the students at MAHS over the years have benefited greatly. I personally owe a huge debt of gratitude to Bob. It is because of him and his dedication as a teacher and a coach, that I got my start in gymnastics. He sacrificed so much of his time and energy to help me progress and compete in a sport that provided a foundation for much of my success in life. I will be forever grateful to him.” Middletown football great Bull Swartz said of Bob Kinsey, “Bob Kinsey was always more interested in serving others and helping his students and players to do better, than he was, in gaining recognition for himself. He was an excellent physical education teacher and sports official. As an athletic trainer, he helped heal and nurture hundreds of injured athletes and helped prevent hundreds of others from being injured. In football, his clear headed approach to coaching helped a generation of linemen, receivers and kickers get the most out of their talent. During the great football run under Dave Yohn, Bob was the calming influence on the sideline and in the locker room, who helped keep the game and the program on the right track. He is a class act who made his colleagues better coaches, and by his great example, showed his players a pathway to becoming better people.”

1948 Blue Raider Football Team
Eighth Row, left to right: Edwin Hedges, Jay Bretz, George Yost, Edward Yost, Harry Smith, Robert Krow, James Biemesderfer, Dale Young, Howard Noel; Seventh Row: Richard Eagle, Thomas McGrath, Ronald Bamberger, Delphin Klinepeter, John Cookson, David Clark, George Boyer, Fuller Morley, Charles Evans; Sixth Row: Harold Hummel (Coach), Kenneth Barge, Galen Kinsey, Richard Markley, Robert Klingler, Herbert Henderson, Edward Rudy, Richard Goodhart, John Butsavage (Coach); Fifth Row: Kenneth Kinsey, Richard Heintzelman, Donald Conway, Ross Kauffman, Earl Harnly, Frank Markley, Richard Kauffman, David Shoop, Robert Reid, Richard Capka; Fourth Row: Richard Shaffer, Lester Bixler, Jr., Gerald Marx, Henry Douglass, William Doremus, Benjamin Graybill, Karl Krodel, Daniel Priest, Ronald Milesco; Third Row: Donald Shaffer, Kenneth Clouser, Jack Schiefer, Winfield Gantz, Harold Carillo, Theodore Fritz, John Stouffer, Charles May, Richard Garver, Louis Russ; Second Row: James Smith, George Pence, Glenn White, Frank Olinger, Walter Clarke, Charles Anderson, Ronal Schenck, Marlin Dupes, Elwood Myers, Elvin Finley, Mason Gilman; First Row: Glenwood Solomon, Philip Dolson, Donald Fisher, Paul Wise, Ray Reider, Harold Willig, Robert Markey, John Slesser, Jr., James Swartz, Samuel Laverty, Kenneth Schenck

The 2022 inducted team is the 1948 football team. It was the first year Middletown Football would play at the brand new War Memorial Field. The Blue Raiders would go undefeated at 11-0 and they beat up their opponents. Notice these scores: they shutout Carlisle 25-0, beat Susquehanna 13-7, beat Lemoyne 26-13, the first game at War Memorial, they beat Camp Hill 37-6, shutout New Cumberland 58-0, defeated Lower Paxton 48-6, shutout Enola 32-0, shutout Etown 6-0, shutout Columbia 60-0, shutout York Catholic 25-0, and shutout Swatara Twp 32-0. That’s 7 of 11 shutouts. They outscored their opponents 362 to just 32. 32 points, the lowest number given up by any Middletown football team. The head coach was Mike Hummel.

MIDDLETOWN ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2021

Henry Brown, Class of 1966 Accepting in his memory: Vanessa Moore, Keith Brown, Debra Brown, Renee Brown, and Mike Moore		Henry was a 1966 grad who played football, basketball and track & field. His '65 Blue Raiders went 9-1 and outscored opponents 291-71 while taking the C-A-C. Henry was a Big 33 player as an end. In basketball, he scored a career total 989 points while leading his team to a 18-and-4 record. He played football at the University of Missouri where he was an end and kicker. He was drafted by the Boston Patriots in the 10th round in 1970. He played in the WFL, the World Football League, as a punter. Teammate and Big 33er Jim Sniscak said, “Henry was on the field for one reason, to win. At 6’2" and speed galore, he could run like a deer after a catch or bowl over a defensive back on a slant or out. The 60's were not an easy time to grow up as a minority. Henry handled himself with dignity and courage.”

Clifton Brown, Class of 1970 Accepting in his memory: Cliff's son Clifton Brown Jr. and his children		Cliff played football, basketball and track and field. He was a member of the 68 state championship basketball team. In track and field, he won the District 3 championship for pole vault three straight years, 68-69-70. As a football player, he was a Big 33 quarterback and went on to be the first “starting” black quarterback at Notre Dame. He was the backup QB in the 1973 National Championship season for the Irish. He scored a 6 yard TD run in the final regular season game of that season against Miami….before Notre Dame knocked off Alabama in the Sugar Bowl for the national championship. His Middletown basketball teammate Dave Judy says, “Clifton always worked hard and encouraged all of his teammates to hustle both in practice and at our games.” Former Notre Dame teammate and also his roommate at one time was hall of fame tight end Dave Casper of the Oakland Raiders. Dave Casper said “Cliff was a talented QB with a great arm. He was somewhat of a pioneer as the first black QB at Notre Dame. It brought a lot of pressure, also. We all miss him.”

Ed Chubb, Class of 1969		Ed played basketball and track and field at Middletown. In basketball, as a junior, he averaged over 7 points a game to help lead his team to the 1968 State Championship. He is widely recognized for his play in the Eastern championship game against Mansfield and eventual NBA player Tom McMillon. In track and field, he won the district and PIAA championship in the 120 High Hurdles in 1969. He also played both sports at Penn State where he was captain of the 72-73 basketball team. As a junior in basketball, he set the season field goal percentage record and led the team to a 17-8 record. He was also part of a national ranked shuttle hurdle team and record setting relay team in the 440, 880, mile relay and sprint medley. His former coach at Middletown and assistant at Penn State, Casper Voithofer says, "Ed Chubb is the epitome of hard work, determination, team play….and always striving to be the best person he can be.”

Amy Holman, Class of 1985		Amy was a three sport athlete: field hockey, basketball and softball. She earned 12 varsity letters from her freshman year to her senior year. Her 1985 basketball team has gone further than any girls basketball team in the history of the program, the Eastern semi-finals. She finished Middletown basketball with 1232 points. She was a Travers Award Winner and a senior captain at the University of Pittsburgh women’s basketball team. She coached basketball at Camp Hill and Cumberland Valley. She was also a PIAA field hockey referee and won the women’s golf championship at the West Shore Country Club. Her coach John Scudder says, “Amy was an extremely hard worker whose talent was only surpassed by her desire to excel. Her vast improvement from her freshman year to her senior year reflected her work ethic. This dedication to her growth and to the success of the team made her invaluable. She was a coach’s dream.”

Ed Tennis, Class of 1968 Accepting in his memory: Ed's Siblings, Pat Ethridge, Gary Tennis and Dave Tennis		Ed played football, basketball, and track & field at Middletown. He was a Big 33 Quarterback. In his junior and senior years, he passed for over 2600 yards and 28 touchdowns. He also rushed for over 700 yards his senior year. Tennis averaged 3.5 points per game as member of the '68 state championship basketball team. He went to Virginia Tech where he played QB and switched to tight end. He was also a respected Mid-Penn football referee until pancreatic cancer took him from us. Former Miami Dolphins quarterback and Ed’s college roommate Don Strock said, “I’ve run into great people in my life, but there was no one better than Ed Tennis. Humility, trustworthy...he did the little things that just helped you throughout the day. He was one of the coolest guys and dearest friend I ever had. One of the greatest guys you’ll ever meet in your life.”

2001 Boys Soccer State Championship Team

Front Row, pictured left to right: Assistant Coach Dave Vandegrift,
Head Coach Bob Stitt, Ian Steele, Jason Pelletier, Colin Stout

Back Row, pictured left to right: Geoff Bloes, Morgan Kupp, Dan Nauman, Joe Rados, James Vandegrift, Chuck Kline, Patrick Gallagher

The history of Middletown boys soccer had not been overly successful before the 21st century. The program itself began in 1982, and the early years were a struggle to find wins. Even the Ben Olsen driven groups of the early and mid 90's had minimal team success. But when the 2001 season began, it was quickly clear that there was a special group of players on the pitch for head coach Bob Stitt and assistant coach Larry Hoover. It was a group that had grown up together in the sport on the grass fields at Jednota playing club soccer for Olmsted, and they brought that chemistry and understanding with them for their high school. After a very successful 2000 season, more was expected from them the following year. Though how much more was possible, we don't know how many of them really knew or dreamed about. The 2001 regular season produced a division title with just a single defeat. Many of those victories were dominant results against respected opponents. After losing in the district quarterfinals the year before, the 2001 squad grew from that experience, outscoring Conrad Weiser, Pequea Valley, Lancaster Mennonite, and ELCO by a combined 13-1 count to win the program's first district title. But despite having no experience at the state playoff level, this team's journey was far from over. In their playoff home-away-from-home game at Hersheypark Stadium, where they won the district title and played every game in states, Middletown survived an overtime battle with Radnor in the first round, followed by wins over Dallas and Lancaster Mennonite. Waiting in the state final was highly hyped Thomas Jefferson, the powerhouse from the west. Thomas Jefferson’s head coach, Doc Kulish, knew what they were up against. Reflecting on that game, he recently said, "Coming into that game we knew that Middletown was going to be the best team we faced all year. They were coming in with not only a high potent offense with three or four 20-goal scorers, but also a very stout and strong defense." When the game started, it was quickly clear that it was going to be a long day for the Jaguars. Geoff Bloes' electrifying strike from distance opened the scoring, followed by goals by all-state midfielder Pat Gallagher, all-time program goal scoring leader Joe Rados, and all-time program point scoring leader Jason Pelletier. Thomas Jefferson never knew what hit them. The 4-0 shutout was the 21st for goalkeeper Jeremy Stokes breaking another school record, and the Blue Raiders had achieved something that seemed so unlikely just a couple years before, a state soccer championship at Middletown.

The legacy the 2001 boys soccer team left behind is one of winning and teamwork. But what their final opponent's coach said when remembering them 20 years later is maybe even more poignant. "They were a well-coached team that played within the rules and respected the game." And that is a way that every coach should hope that his teams will be remembered. And now they will also be remembered as inductees into the Middletown Athletic Hall of Fame.

- Written by Brian Keyser

MIDDLETOWN ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME INAUGURAL CLASS OF 2020

Earl Brown, Class of 1974		Earl played football and track and field. Earl Brown is the most decorated athlete in Middletown track and field history with 7 District III and 7 state championships. He won the 100 and the 220 in 72-73-74 and was a member of the 880 relay team in 74. In football, his Blue Raiders won the C-A-C in 71-72-and-73 with a combined record of 30 wins, 2 losses, and 1 tie. He was given the title of Mr. PA Football in 1973. Earl rushed for 2697 yards, 4349 total yards and 48 touchdowns at Middletown. Former Offensive coordinator and later head coach Terry Eberly says, “He was a kid with fast feet and the smarts to follow his blockers”. Rival football player and track and field runner Jim Abraham of Lower Dauphin says, “You didn’t run against Earl Brown….you ran behind him.”

Tony Colston, Class of 1964 Accepting in his memory: Tony's cousins		Harvey Colston, class of '64, or Tony, as he was called, played football, basketball and track & field at Middletown. His senior year, Colston was the 1963 scoring leader in Pennsylvania with 166 points and also a member of the Big 33. He was 1st team all-state. He helped lead his Blue Raiders to an 8-1 record and a Capital Area Conference title. He rushed for almost 2900 yards. He earned 10 varsity letters at Middletown. The 63-64 basketball team went 18-6 and also took the Capital Area Conference title. Tony served his country as a Marine during the Vietnam war. He died tragically at age 24 from an auto accident. Former teammate Gary Hahn said quote: “He was the classiest person you met. He never acted like he was better than anyone else.” Fellow teammate Don Stago said, “He was the heart and soul of our team, very humble, a good guy to be around.”

Dave Grabuloff, Class of 1993		Dave Grabuloff is the all time leading scorer in Middletown basketball history, and the only one to hit the 2000 point mark. Dave led his Blue Raiders to the 1992 district 3 championship over Kennard Dale and runner up in '93. He went on to play at Florida State and then William and Mary averaging over 7 points a game. Former Middletown basketball coach Bob Heusser says quote: “When I think of Dave and his basketball career at Middletown, two things come to mind. 1) Dave could carry our team to a win by himself 2) Dave made everyone who played with him better players. I believe those two things are what stamp a player in any sport as great. Dave Grabuloff was a great player. It was an honor to have been his coach”

Ben Olsen, Class of 1995 Photo courtesy of Washington Spirit		Ben played soccer and basketball at Middletown...but we know soccer was his sport. In 1993, he was the Parade Magazine National player of the year. At the University of Virginia, he tallied 34 goals and 41 assists. In ‘97, he was named Soccer America player of the year. He played 11 seasons with 29 goals professionally with D.C. United, leading them to a 1999 championship where he was the MVP. He has enjoyed stints with Nottingham Forrest, The U-S National Team, the U-S Olympic team, and played in the 2006 World Cup. He was head coach of D.C United from 2010-2020, accumulating 113 wins and Coach of the Year in 2014. Ben Olsen is now the President of Club Operations of the women’s pro soccer team the Washington Spirit. His travel team teammate, Geoff Honeysett, who played at James Madison, says, “His quickness and foot skills were at a professional level all his years, and he has an internal fire that just won’t go out. Every coach wished they had 10 Ben Olsen’s on their team.” His head coach at Middletown, Bob Stitt says, “He was a very skilled player and very smart tactically. He was a team player and he was the whole package.”

Missy Stewart, Class of 1986		Missy ran cross country and track and field. She was a 3-time state cross country champion, 1982 in AAA, 1983 and 84 in Double-A, however, her times were even better than those runners in the AAA finals those years. She also finished 5th in the 1985 state championships. Stewart also won district cross country championships in 1982 and '83. In track, she won the district and state championships in 1983 for the 1600 and 3200. One of her toughest competitors was Greencastle’s Tracy Bowers who finished behind Stewart in '83 and '84. Bowers said, “Missy had so much natural talent. In '84, she outleaned me at the finish line and I still have the picture. It was the hardest loss I had to accept. She was a great runner and she deserves this. I congratulate her.”

Dave Twardzik, Class of 1968		Dave Twardzik averaged 18 points a game during his senior season as a member of the 1968 state championship team. He was the first to score over 1000 points during his career at Middletown. He went on to play college ball at Old Dominion where he was a two time All American. He would play 4 seasons in the ABA with the Virginia Squires before the merge with the NBA when he joined the Portland Trailblazers. He would help the Blazers win the championship in 1977. He has been in the front office of several NBA teams and has done broadcasting for Portland and Old Dominion. More recently, he was a special assistant to the G-M for the San Antonio Spurs. Head coach Casper Voithofer says, “He’s a winner, he does everything that has to be done on the court, and he does it to near perfection.”

Paula Wilkins, Class of 1990 Photo courtesy of University of Wisconsin		Paula is a 1990 grad who excelled in soccer at Middletown. There was no girls soccer at Middletown until 1989 so she played on the boys team her freshman and sophomore years and the girls team her junior and senior years. She also played basketball for the lady Raiders. She was a soccer defender at U-Mass, and captained her team to a 17-3-3 record. She was an assistant at Penn State for 7 seasons before becoming the women’s head soccer coach for 6 seasons where she was 119-19-11 and Big Ten League champion every year. Since 2007, she’s been the head coach at the University of Wisconsin with a 165-87-43 record and 8 NCAA Tournament appearances. In 2020, she became the winningest coach in the soccer program’s history. Patrick Farmer was the head coach at Penn State when Paula was his assistant. He says, “Paula was an excellent coach and tremendous positive influence and role model for the young women in the Penn State program immediately upon her arrival. She progressed to a stunning record as the Head Coach there and then at Wisconsin both in team success and developing national and world class student athletes. A truly iconic representative of central PA female athletes and coaches.”

Coach Ed Brunner Accepting in his memory: Ed's wife, Barb Brunner		Mr. Ed Brunner, may have graduated from Swatara High School, but he was 100% Middletown. Ed began as a teacher in Middletown in 1952. He was also the basketball coach and track and field coach. He became the principal in 1959 so his coaching days were over. He was a longtime college basketball and track and field referee, which included the Summer Olympics in 1984. He also served as the District 3 PIAA chairman. He was inducted into the Elizabethtown College Hall of Fame and the Capital Area Chapter of the PA Sports Hall of Fame. But aside from that, he impacted thousands of Middletown students with his motivation, his encouragement, his discipline, and his character. Longtime District 3 Committee member Wendell Hower, who’s now 90, says, “Ed was the type of guy that had many friends and very few enemies. He would help me find the needed direction and solutions. He was a good person and a good friend of mine.”

Coach Dennis Iezzi Photo courtesy of Thaddeus Stevens College		Coach Dennis Iezzi has won more games than any Middletown football coach in its 100 year history. From 1982 to 1995, his record of 109 wins-52 losses-2 ties included 5 league titles and 2 District III championships in 1986 and 1988. There were no state football playoffs in 1986. However, his '88 team lost in the Eastern Finals. Since leaving Middletown, Iezzi has been an assistant coach at Kutztown University, Alvernia College, and he’s currently the head coach at Thaddeus Stevens College in Lancaster. Legendary Hershey football coach Gump May said, “Coaching against Dennis was family. The best fight I ever had was with my brother, 6 years older and a boxer in the Navy. We fought like crazy, but loved each other. Denny and I had the same relationship as rivals. I still have a Middletown football coffee mug on my desk. Congratulations and God bless one heck of a football coach.”

Coach John Rowan		John Rowan is the winningest coach in Middletown sports history. He coached at Middletown for over 40 years. Thirty-three years of cross country coaching at both the junior high and senior high levels for both boys and girls and fielded the first girls' cross country team in the area in 1974. He coached for basketball at the 7th, 8th, and 9th grade levels for boys and girls for 40 years and also boys and girls track for 33 years at the high school level. He amassed a grand total of 1,156 career victories, 30 league championships, and coached many individual state champions, some of which are here tonight. Alumni President Earl Bright says: "Former students and athletes of Mr. Rowan remember him as an excellent teacher and coach that instilled pride, discipline, values, and a good work ethic.” Lt. Colonel Kevin McNamara class of '84 had Rowen from 7th grade thru 12th grade and said, “He was the most influential role model and coach a Blue Raider could have. Coach Rowan is the Vince Lombardi of Middletown Sports.”

1968 Boys Basketball State Championship Team

Front Row: Dick Barnoski, Manager Sam Turns, John Scudder
Back Row: Manager Jerry Butler, Charlie Bowen, Ed Chubb,
Owen Hannah, Head Coach Casper Voithofer

Not Pictured: Cliff Brown, Harold Brown, Chip Etter, Assistant Coach Ken Miller, Ed Tennis, Dave Twardzik, Barry Ulsh, and Brett Whittle

The first inducted Hall of Fame team is the 1968 State Championship boys basketball team. The 1967-68 season started with a win against William Penn and then the infamous loss to Steel-High. The Blue Raiders then proceeded to go on a 27 game winning streak that included a district championship win over Ephrata 64-43, state quarterfinal win against Wissahickon 79-57, an eastern championship win over Mansfield 65-53, and then a state championship win in Pittsburgh over East Brady 78-48. Middletown outscored its opponents 2284 to 1269. That’s an average of 79-44. Mansfield’s Tom McMillon. former NBAer and Congressman, said he’s played in over 1000 games in his life and that’s one he’d rather forget. “Every time I got the ball they collapsed on me. They were quick with Twardzik and they were very talented with Ed pulling them together.”

Middletown AreaSchool District

Middletown Athletic Hall of Fame