| School: Wilson | Graduation Year: 1992 |
Sports Played: Football, Baseball
Year Inducted: 2024
High School Honors: 3 Football letters. 1st Team All-PIL as a Junior and Senior. PIL Champions both years. PIL Defensive Player of the Year as a Junior; Honorable Mention All-State as Senior.
3 Baseball letters. 1st Team All-PIL all three years. Offensive Player of the Year as a Sophomore10/20/2024
Post High School Career: 15-year career with Malarkey Roofing as a member of the United Steel Workers Union. Volunteer coach for 10 years in Softball, Football, and Baseball for teams with his five athletic proteges. Active in slow-pitch Softball and no-glove 16” Mush Ball
Commentary:
How honored I am to be inducted into the PIL HOF, the best league in the state. And to have my name mentioned, with some of the best athletes in the state. I have been blessed to have had great coaching starting at a young age. In Portsmouth little league it was Mr. Dave Ferris, who was a father figure to so many kids. Roosevelt’s Pop Warner, Mr. Ralph Balducci, taught me so much and instilled in me the intensity to succeed in football. Playing for legendary coach Mr. Mike Clopton taught me the importance of accountability. In football I was honored to play for Mr. Larry Keck, who l loved so much. I would do whatever it took, with maximum effort, to make him proud. Also my linebacker coach, Mr Jim McDicken. After a pregame speech I was ready to run through a brick wall to get the job done. As a psychology teacher, he was a great motivator. In sports, I have made lifelong friends and learned many life lessons. I wish I had one more Friday night. Thank you for the honor.