Maryland’s first female Olympic track athlete. Tokyo 1964, world and American record holder, international traveler, and an All-American selection as a member of the Frederick Track Club.

Charles Keller was a member of the world champion New York Yankees, an inspiration to every boy in Frederick County, and above all else, a gentleman.

Pitcher extraordinaire, Bill King had a lifelong association with baseball that encompassed playing, coaching, and promoting. Frederick County profited because of his dedication and love of the national pastime.

Harry LeGore had an outstanding collegiate football career at Yale University that earned him All-American honors and words of praise from such greats as Knute Rockne and Walter Camp.

A Frederick County product, Glenn McQuillen worked his way through the professional baseball system to become a St. Louis Brown player. His style and perseverance mark him as a worthy example for all those who aspire to reach the major leagues.

Alvin G. Quinn, above all others, through his athletic and administrative ability and his understanding of children, displayed those qualities that render a boy a man.

Earl J. Rhoderick was an athlete’s athlete who displayed an all-around natural ability as a player and an extraordinary understanding of team theory and coaching concepts as a promoter. He was the best of his day.

A man for all seasons, Lloyd Rice was this county’s finest all-around athlete, an outstanding high school and collegiate baseball, basketball, and tennis player. He was a professional and highly respected member of the world of sport.

The Christy Matthewson of the minor leagues, Clarence “Climax” Blethen became a member of the Brooklyn Dodgers major league team. He gave unselfishly of himself to the sport of baseball and the youth of Frederick County through his active participation in semi-pro and Little League organizations.

A member of the United States Deaf Hall of Fame, Noah Downes was considered the greatest deaf basketball player during the first half of the twentieth century. A remarkable all-around athlete who recorded outstanding performances as a baseball and basketball player, the pride of Gallaudet and the Maryland School for the Deaf, he was an inspiration to all who were privileged to know him.

A great baseball player who grew from local sandlots to become a premier fielding short stop with the major league Cleveland Indians until his career was cut short by injury, Ray Gardiner also played in AAA minor leagues for several years, and then managed and played with the Frederick Hustlers in the Blue Ridge League. Connie Mack called him the greatest short stop he’d ever seen.

Jack Griffin was a talented athlete in basketball, track, and swimming; a tireless worker in coaching youth track teams; a coach of the 1964, 1976, and 1984 Olympic teams; a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee; a coach at the World Games for the Deaf in 1965 and 1985; a coach of the AAU TAC, International Tours, Junior College, High School and of several local clubs.

Jack Griffin passed away May 29, 2017. Read more about Jack’s life and passion below.

Jack Griffin, Frederick County track and field royalty, dies at 89    May 31, 2017

An outstanding springboard diver who earned national acclaim as a qualifier for the 1952 Olympic trials, Barbara McCutcheon Martin also earned Junior National championships, plus numerous regional and state AAU titles on the one- and three-meter boards. She was an excellent physical educator, coach, and promoter of aquatic sports.

Guy Ramsburg is considered the most outstanding fast- pitch softball third baseman in Frederick County history. A member of the Maryland Hall of Fame, Ramsburg was the backbone of the legendary Dr. Pepper team. He was an excellent all-around athlete and an outstanding sports enthusiast and promoter.

Tammy Davis Thompson was a world record holder for the indoor 50-, 60-, and 70-yard hurdle events established in Toronto, Berlin, and Louisville, respectively. She was five times a National Champion and five times an All American as a member of the Frederick Track Club. A Tennessee State University Tigerbelle and a world traveler, Davis-Thompson was a credit to this nation and an inspiration to its youth.

A unanimous choice by peers as the best all-around athlete of his day, Tony Wagner was an excellent trackman, tennis, football and baseball player. He was a respected athlete, coach, and promoter of sports during his long association with athletes.

For 40 years, William Hauver was a truly dedicated teacher, champion coach, master of discipline, and highly respected member of the Middletown community.

CARLTON MOLESWORTH SR.                                                                  by CM III – 5/6/2009

Carlton Molesworth was a baseball man, spending 52 years as a professional player, manager and scout.

He was born on Feb. 15, 1876, in Frederick, MD, the second son of Thomas E. and Drusilla Molesworth. His parents were tenant farmers who worked and lived on land belonging to the local Orphans Court, located just beyond the Maryland School for the Deaf on South Market Street.

According to family lore, Carlton quit school in the third grade after learning to read and write so he could work on the farm. He was drawn to the new sport of baseball, however, and in 1892 he joined a team fielded by the School for the Deaf. To stay in shape in the off-season, he served as a fireman on a team of men who towed a steam pumper on foot from the fire house to the blaze.

“I had been playing amateur ball around Frederick and had never participated in a league game,” he told the Frederick News-Post in 1915 for a story on the 20^th anniversary of his start in pro baseball. “Winning thirty-two straight games however, had caused widespread attention, and I was ordered to report to Washington for a trial.”

“Moley,” as he was known, pitched a scant two weeks for the Washington Senators at the end of the 1895 season, his only stint playing in the Major Leagues. His stats were unimpressive in his four games on the mound. That winter he fell while ice skating and injured his pitching shoulder, changing the course of his career. Unable to continue pitching, he spent the next six seasons playing the outfield for various minor league teams in the Northeast.

With 1902 came a move to Montgomery, AL, and the Southern Association, where his career blossomed. He led the league in hitting in 1905 and led many other offensive categories as well over the years. Traded to the Birmingham (AL) Barons in 1907, he took on additional duties the following year as team manager in addition to playing center field. He also had a hand in the design of Birmingham’s Rickwood Stadium, which opened in 1912 and is now the oldest surviving professional baseball park in the nation.

Molesworth led the Barons to Southern Association championships in 1912 and 1914, then hung up his glove after the 1915 season at the age of 39. He continued to manage the Barons through 1922, taking time off during World War I to serve in the YMCA as a physical fitness instructor for soldiers headed overseas. By some accounts, this service cost him the chance to manage in the Majors.

After serving as manager of the Columbus (OH) Senators in the International League 1923-25, Molesworth went to work as a full-time scout for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Considered a shrewd judge of baseball talent, he signed many players who went on to successful careers in the majors, including Hall-of-Famers Harold “Pie” Traynor and the Waner brothers, Paul and Lloyd. He retired from baseball in 1947.

Molesworth was married three times. He had three daughters in the course of his first two marriages, though his first two wives died. He then married Sarah Phleeger, one of Frederick County’s first telephone operators, in about 1914. They had two sons, Carlton Jr. born in 1918 and Thomas E. born in 1922.

While living in Birmingham, the Molesworths spotted a house they admired and made plans to build a home similar to it in Frederick. They bought a five-acre parcel on the western edge of town and constructed their dream home in 1925. The land ran from 515 to 521 Wilson Place and extended westward to what is now the fence at Fort Detrick. The smoke house, chicken coops, a dog pen and a small cherry orchard were located behind the house, which was primarily red brick on the outside but with a band of yellow bricks around the middle of it (it’s painted gray now).

Sarah Phleeger Molesworth died of diabetes in 1938, so none of her grandchildren knew her. After World War II, Carlton subdivided his farm and sold it off in building lots. He gave the lots at 515 and 517 Wilson Place to his sons, and by 1949 both sons had built houses on them.

Carlton spent his last few years in a nursing home outside Frederick. He died on July 25, 1961.

A major league umpire from 1915 to 1932, Richard Nallin was a respected friend of Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb. In the days when umpires were faced with a different style of baseball, Nallin was ranked among baseball’s greatest “take charge” umps. He is the only Frederick Countian to ever officiate in the major leagues.

A starting lineman on Jim Tatum’s University of Maryland 1953 National Championship team, Richard Shipley was elected to the Blue-Gray Game and recruited by the pros. An outstanding area semi-pro coach, he was considered the best of his day.

An All-American college soccer player voted the best all-around athlete in Frostburg College history, Roy Sigler became a college soccer coach, producing several All-Americans, and later head basketball coach at Boston University. He was an inspiration to players and coaches alike.

A high school All-American, leading Walkersville High School to the state basketball championship, captain of Cincinnati University’s nationally ranked team, and drafted by the Boston Celtics, Gordon Smith will always be remembered as the greatest all-around athlete in WHS history.

William “Bill” Talley was a talented football and basketball athlete and later the complete coach: a fundamentalist and innovator of offensive and defensive strategies that produced state championship teams during his 25 years of service at Walkersville High School. He quickly gained the respect of coaches, players, the press, and area fans because of his concern for ethics and sportsmanship in all levels of competition. As Frederick City’s recreation director, he kept its facilities and programs among the best in the state.

An outstanding athlete while a cadet at the United States Military Academy, Glenn Wilhide was one of only three men in the history of the “Point” to captain both the football and baseball teams in the same year. His prowess will long be remembered by cadets and middies alike.

Bernard “Lefty” Kreh is respected throughout the United States and the world for his expert knowledge and skill as a fisherman, author of articles and books, and innovative techniques in fly . An athlete, coach, sportsman, Lefty was the longtime outdoor editor for the Baltimore Sun.

Lefty passed away on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Read about his life here.

https://frederickhof.wpenginepowered.com/inductee/bernard-lefty-kreh/

The organizer, coach, and promoter of the Ijamsville baseball team, Charles “Judge” Moylan was a legend in area baseball because of his love of the game. He was even acknowledged by Sports Illustrated for his 50 years in baseball. He was a gentleman and a friend to all who were privileged to know him.

A gifted athlete signed by the Cleveland Indians and Pittsburgh Pirates, Frank Six elected to remain at home and played semi-pro baseball with the Frederick Hustlers. Six ranks as one of the most outstanding Frederick County batting and fielding players of all time.

Considered by many to be the greatest tackle to ever play semi-pro football in the history of Frederick County, Ray Steele was equally talented as a baseball manager and player and was a quiet man, respected by athletes and spectators alike.

Maynard Summers was considered by many to be Frederick County’s answer to Jim Thorpe, as he single- handedly won the 1927 State High School Track Championship for Frederick. An Olympic trials semi- finalist at the 1932 Los Angeles tryouts, he was an inspiration and legend to area youth for all times.

Chuck Foreman was a high school and collegiate All- American, a post-season MVP selection, NFL Rookie of the Year, and an All-Pro Super Bowl participant with the Minnesota Vikings. He was an inspiration to the youth of America.

One of the most successful jockeys of recent times, Phil Grove had 2,500 winners between 1966 and 1981, an average of 200 winners a year—eight times that of the leading rider at the Charlestown, West Virginia, race track. It was an outstanding achievement by an outstanding man.

A noteworthy high school and collegiate player who advanced to the professional ranks with the Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals, Bob Maddox was the “Pride of Governor Thomas Johnson High School and Frostburg State Teachers’ College.”

Emmitsburg high school athlete and University of Maryland varsity participant in four sports, Pershing Mondorf earned an All-American ranking in soccer and in football. He was a professional athlete, long-time coach and promoter of athletes.

Outstanding collegiate player and member of the NBA Philadelphia Warriors, Jim Phelan won a NCAA National Championship and was named NCAA Coach of the Year while he was a coach at Mount St. Mary’s. His 25 years of winning basketball teams at the “Mount” made him a legend in his own time.

The most famous softball pitcher in Frederick County history, Max Kehne was a member of the Maryland Softball Hall of Fame, a World Series participant, an area promoter of sports, and a highly respected and influential member of the Frederick City Board of Aldermen.

An international, national, state and area champion rifle shot, whose skill and dedication to the sport has become legendary, Lucille Ponton was a truly remarkable athlete.

Dorsey Shipley was a promoter whose interest and dear love of sports provided the leadership and sponsorship of numerous teams in a variety of sports over a 30-year span. He was an inspiration to all who were privileged to know him.

Archie Stimmel was an area standout as a pitcher who became Frederick County’s first major league baseball player, advancing from sandlot play to three seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, 1900–1903. He was the “Pride of Woodsboro.”

A remarkably gifted athlete known for his basketball and baseball exploits as a high school, armed services, and area semi-pro participant, Ron Tyeryar was the best of his day.

An all-around high school athlete and collegiate participant who turned his interest in athletics towards area sports as a competitor, manager, and influential promoter of youth, young adult, and adult programs, Bob Marendt was a highly respected member of the athletic community.

Jack Molesworth was a gifted teacher, coach, and administrator whose philosophy, interpretation, and application of athletics became a positive force in the establishment of a strong and equitable code of ethics throughout the state of Maryland.

A talented soccer and track athlete while at the University of Maryland, Hal Moser combined coaching techniques with a dynamic personality into an outstanding coaching career spanning 25 years of service in the areas of track, football, soccer, golf, and officiating.

Carl Snook was Frederick County’s own Ben Hogan. For decades he was a perennial area champion and East Coast golf participant. He was noted for his classic style, consistent putting, and performance under pressure. Snook was an inspiration to all those who were privileged to play the game with or against him.

One of this nation’s leading harness racing drivers having won over 1,500 races in a career spanning 35 years of competing as an owner, trainer and driver. The pride of Frederick County.

Unquestionably the most talented basketball player of his time, Jim Houck was respected by players, fans, and coaches alike for his great natural talent and showmanship. Throughout his life he was known as a defender of the human spirit and counselor to the less fortunate.

An area baseball standout who rose through the ranks as a high school player, minor league participant and major league catcher. Advanced with the Washington Senators as a scout and farm director, continued on with the Texas Rangers and most recently was appointed Vice President and General Manager with the Seattle Mariners. An inspiration to area players and fans alike.

Sherwood MacKenzie graduated to the major leagues as a member of the Chicago Cubs after being discovered as one of the area’s great baseball players. He managed and played in the minor leagues before returning home to finish his career with the Frederick Hustlers.

Unquestionably an outstanding and distinguished promoter of athletics for youth and adults alike, George May, Sr., was highly respected by his peers for the development and leadership he displayed for more than 25 years with the midget Football League and Little League programs.

The “Walter Johnson” of area baseball for two decades, Harvey McCutcheon compiled an outstanding lifetime won–lost record of 900% and an average of one strikeout per inning while representing Point of Rocks and the Charlestown American Legion. He was a truly remarkable athlete.

Frank Fraley began his baseball career as a member of the Thurmont High School team. He continued his pitching and winning ways at Blue Ridge College, where his fast ball, slants, and curves earned him a reputation as a gifted athlete. After a short stint in the Frederick County league, he advanced to the Class D Professional Blue Ridge League. Then he moved on to a Cleveland Indians farm club, which led him to a tryout with the Baltimore Orioles. Returning to Frederick, he finished his career as a member of the Hustlers, leading them as state champions and winning two games in Wichita, Kansas, at the Nationals in 1941.

Dale Ramsburg got his start in local Little League and Babe Ruth competition. He graduated from Frederick High School as an outstanding all-around athlete, entered West Virginia University on a baseball scholarship, playing short stop and third base, graduated, and signed with the Minnesota Twins, playing “A” ball in the Midwestern League. He returned to WVU as an assistant baseball coach in 1965, then assumed the head coaching job in 1968.

Donald B. Rice possessed the ability to totally commit himself physically and mentally to the task of winning. A member of the Frederick Hustlers baseball team that won the Maryland state championship and advanced to Wichita, Kansas, in 1941 for the National playoffs, Rice was considered by his teammates to be a key player in his role as a pitcher and hitter from 1939 to 1950.

Richard “Dick” Smith was a Walkersville native, beginning his career in 1950 as a Little League pitcher, completing an 18-game winning season. While a high school student, he lettered in soccer, basketball, and baseball all four years, winning county, regional, and state honors. Recruited by 14 of the then 16 major league baseball teams, he signed a $100,000 contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. After he developed arm problems, he stayed with the Phillies system as a baseball executive and general manager in the farm system during the 1960’s.

Calvin Eugene Snowden was a multi-talented athlete, ranked by all who played with or against him as the greatest athlete of his day. Snowden led Lincoln High School to a state basketball championship and runner-up position at the state track meet. He was an outstanding offensive tackle with the Frederick Falcons, being named All League twice.

Unquestionably the dominant force in women’s duck pin bowling in the area over a 27-year period from1950 to 1977, Lucy Englebrecht was the 12th-ranked duck pin bowler in the United States in 1969. She was twice cited by the National Bowling Congress, in 1968 and 1973, for outstanding performances in league and tournament participation. She was ranked number one in Washington County for eight consecutive years, establishing records in set and individual point totals. And she was five times a finalist in the bowling proprietors’ Association of America’s Prestigious Champions, holding a remarkable record by an equally remarkable lady.

An all-around athlete at Brunswick High School, electing to pursue a career in baseball following graduation in 1935, Carl McQuillen joined the Washington Senator Farm System in Orlando, Florida, playing Class D ball for three years. He joined the New York Yankee organization in 1942, moving from Class B to AA ball with Kansas City. He became a player-manager in the North Carolina Tobacco League in 1947 and continued to manage and play through 1952 with several minor league teams, including the Canadian League, making all-star team status numerous times. McQuillen was respected by his peers and spectators alike for his athletic skill and his ability to handle people.

A truly unselfish and dedicated man who provided a lifetime of leadership and inspiration as a baseball promoter for the town of Brunswick, Lee “Babo” Merriman usually preferred to work behind the scenes as coach, promoter, grounds keeper, etc., until his death in 1967. Brunswick showed its appreciation by dedicating the Babe Ruth Park in his name. Few individuals ever command such love and respect from their hometown. He led a lifestyle worthy of emulation by young and old alike.

A talented player, coach, major league scout, and baseball organizer spanning a career of more than four decades, Joe Price was a member of the Frederick Hustlers team that won state   championships  and competed for the national   title in Wichita, Kansas, in 1941. A highly respected official of basketball, track, football, and baseball at all levels, including Babe Ruth League, American Legion, high school, semi-pro, and community college programs, he was truly a man for all seasons.

A multi-talented athlete at Frederick High School, quarterbacking the Cadets to their first-ever Tri-State title, Ron Hart also started on the basketball team and was a baseball standout; played on the 1963 fourth-place Babe Ruth World Series County All-Star Team; led the county American Legion State Championship Team, pitching and playing shortstop with a .440 average; and signed with the Cleveland Indians in 1966, playing five years in their farm system. He now serves youth leagues, and is a dedicated, team-oriented athlete.

Maxine Murray coached and pioneered numerous sports during an outstanding 25-year career as a physical education teacher in Frederick County; guided Walkersville High School’s tennis team to eight consecutive undefeated seasons, five MVAL titles, and four district state championships; and gained the respect of her peers while serving as an officer, committee member, and official with professional organizations on a county, regional, and state level. She was truly a unique individual worthy of emulation.

Atlee “Bud” Radcliffe had six decades of tennis excellence, beginning as a talented youth player, progressing on to Washington and Lee University and then into the masters level. He won his first tournament in 1935 and continued winning into the 1980s. He was a nationally ranked doubles player with his partner Hall of Fame cohort Lloyd “Slugger” Rice. An organizer and charter member of the Frederick Tennis Club, Western Maryland Patrons, and the Tuscarora Club, Radcliffe was a community leader, serving as a volunteer with more than a dozen agencies. He was a remarkable athlete and an inspiration to players of all ages.

A distinguished football player at Frederick High School and Morgan College, Clarence “Motts” Thomas was presented with the Unsung Lineman Award in college for his quickness and aggressive play. As head coach of Bowie State in 1975, he led his team to being recognized as Maryland College Team of the Year. He moved on to Williams College, but returned to his alma mater in 1979 by the Washington Touchdown Club and then coached at Pomona College in California. Thomas authored several articles for professional journals.

Fred Burgee was an all-around prep school athlete who achieved All American status as a football lineman for Western Maryland College, and was an Interstate All-League selection with the champion Frederick Falcons. After college, Burgee continued his involvement in athletics, coaching football, basketball, and tennis at Frederick High School. He started varsity wrestling at Thomas Johnson and Frederick High Schools, winning several county and league championships. A courageous competitor, he was considered by many to be the most remarkable sports figure in county history; he possessed those qualities that heroes are made of.

Lease Bussard earned membership in the Western Maryland College Sports Hall of Fame for his outstanding intercollegiate participation as a member and captain of the varsity tennis team. He achieved national recognition with a runner-up finish to North Carolina in the singles and doubles matches of the Eastern Intercollegiate Championships. Bussard also was a member of the varsity soccer and basketball teams. He dominated area play throughout the1930s, winning city and county titles, and state invitational and open championships as a single and doubles player. A highly respected civic leader in many capacities, he served unselfishly for the welfare of all people. He was an athlete and a gentleman.

Unquestionably this area’s most remarkable master’s level athlete, Don Leatherman earned national rank as a marathoner, triathlete, and swimmer at age 70. He was a winner of five gold medals at the 1973 Maryland Senior Olympics and a member of the YMCA National Championship Masters swim team. Leatherman was determined by Johns Hopkins University to be the most physically fit participant in their study of endurance from among 100 athletes of all ages. An organizer and charter member of the Frederick Steeplechasers, Leatherman was an inspiration for aspiring athletes of all ages.

Athlete, coach, official, and promoter of sports during a 50-year career in athletics, Luther Murray was an all-around athlete at Frederick High School, competing in soccer, basketball, and baseball. He continued his basketball participation in the service at the 1945 Armed Forces Olympics in Japan. Returning home, Murray played for the Fairchild Aircraft AAU touring team, as well as for several area soccer and baseball teams. He officiated county basketball and soccer for more than 20 years and served as the sports director at Fort Detrick and Fort Ritchie while coaching from 1953 to 1973. Murray provided the community with a lifetime of dedicated service.

A gifted athlete at Frederick High School, leading the basketball team to the 1957 state championship, Charles Keller III accepted a scholarship to the University of Maryland, but left college his sophomore year to sign with the New York Yankees. He played AAA baseball and was voted runner-up Minor League Player of the Year in 1961, leading the league with a .350 batting average, most doubles and triples, the second most home runs and RBIs while a member of the All-Star team with AA Binghamton, N.Y. Keller retired from baseball in 1961, following back surgery. Keller was gifted, productive, and a gentleman.

Anne Poffenberger- Renninger was voted best all-around athlete at Walkersville High School as a member of the basketball, tennis, and volleyball championship teams. Demonstrating those qualities that lift athletes to greatness, she competed with the Frederick Track Club, gaining national rank in the 400, 800, and 1500 events. A University of Maryland standout in basketball, track, and tennis, she was a leading scorer and rebounder in 1974 as team captain. Poffenberger-Renninger coached at George Washington University, William & Mary College, and the University of Maryland. In addition, she coached and served as athletic director at Sidwell Friends Academy of Washington, D.C.

At an early age, Wayne Rhoderick showed promise as a golfer. Over the years, he has compiled a record unequalled by any area competitor on an amateur level: He was ranked No. 1 as a member of the John Hopkins University team and won 16 area club championships, playing at V.F.W, Holly Hills, and Eaglehead Country Clubs. He has qualified for many successive years for Maryland State Amateur match play; was a holder of the V.F.W. Club record at 63; was selected as a member of the Walker Cup Team; and was a winner of more than 100 tournaments during a spectacular career. Rhoderick was modest, talented, and dedicated.

Richard “Bing” Keeney began his career in football playing fullback for Frederick High School from 1951through 1954. He coached in the Frederick Midget League, winning the 1966, 1967, 1968, and 1974 titles. In 1975, he was named “Coach of the Year” by the Middletown Valley Athletic Association for his team’s record. After playing with the Falcons, Keeney became the coach of the Carroll County Chargers in 1982 and was named “Coach of the Year” by the Interstate League. In 1984, he took over the Frederick Falcons, winning C.I.F.L. championships in 1987, 1988, and 1989. Keeney was respected for his knowledge of the game and ability to work with his players and was known as an unselfish, dedicated coach.

A baseball player at Brunswick High School, establishing a county record throw of 256 feet, Jack McQuillen began his professional career in 1941, joining the All-Star teams in 1942, 1943, and 1944. In 1946, he advanced to the South Carolina Tri-State League before moving to the Western Association’s Muskogee, Oklahoma, team. He led the league in stolen bases with 39 in 1947, 1948, 1949, and 1950 and batted over .300. In 1952 and 1953, McQuillen led the Missouri league with 52 stolen bases. He was a versatile player, playing many positions when called upon. McQuillen was honored by the city of Brunswick as an outstanding citizen.

A veteran of more than 20 years in baseball, Tony Wagner began his career in the 1930s and continued to compete into the 1950s. He was a third baseman known for his aggressive play, hard hitting, and athletic skills. When playing for Ijamsville, he won the club batting crown in 1934, 1948, 1949, and 1950, with a .429 average. He was a standout member of the Frederick Hustlers team, which won the Maryland Semi-Pro Championship, advancing to the nationals in Wichita, Kansas. Wagner was a totally committed athlete who never settled for anything less than his best.

An all-around athlete at Frederick High School, excelling in track, Lewis Frank James, Jr., began playing baseball in the Tri-State and County leagues as a left fielder, batting .361 in 1933 and 1934. In 1937, he signed with the Washington Senators farm system, following a .407 local season. He played for three years before returning home to play 11 years with the Frederick Hustlers. He also played with the championship Dr. Pepper softball team. Lewis continued his interest in sports, refereeing basketball for 21 years and umpiring baseball for 25 years. James was truly dedicated and was an athlete, official, and promoter of sports.

An outstanding javelin thrower, beginning his career at Mercersburg Academy with a school record, Ralston “Rastus” Legore entered North Carolina University and remained undefeated all four years, 1930 through 1934. He set college and Penn Relay records before trying out for the 1936 U.S.A. Olympic Team. He made it to the finals, but missed the trip to Germany. Legore pitched baseball for Woodsboro and the Frederick Hustlers, throwing three no-hit games. Although he was offered a contract with the Philadelphia Athletics, Legore turned it down. He was an avid outdoorsman and a big, strong, gifted athlete.

A stand-out on St. John’s High School basketball team 1928– 1931, Cy Moore was a starter for Strayer Business College, later played with the famed Shipley Celtics, and was a member of the championship Dr. Pepper softball team during the 1930s and 1940s as a first baseman, in all of which he was known as a team player. Moore continued his basketball interest as an IAAABO official for 30 years and was awarded a plaque by his peers for his expertise and outstanding service to the sport. Moore was known as a great all-around athlete, respected for his unselfish and dedicated participation.

Richard “Dick” Ramsburg graduated from Frederick High School in 1924 and from Mercersburg Academy in 1927. He won his first City Tennis Championship that same year. Following graduation from the University of Pennsylvania in 1930, Ramsburg won 17 titles during his 25-year career of singles and doubles competition. He was honored in 1970 with an Annual Championship in his name. Ramsburg was also a starting member of the famed Shipley’s Celtics Basketball Team. He was highly respected by all for his athletic ability and sportsmanship.

A Walkersville High School standout who distinguished himself locally as a pitcher and later as the property of the Pittsburgh Pirates in the Penn State Minor League, Bernard “Lefty” Warrenfeltz established a Tri-County league record of 10 or more strike outs per game in a single season in 1935. Warrenfeltz was a consistent .300 hitter during his 28-year career with Woodsboro, Walkersville, and the Frederick Hustlers. He gave 10 years to baseball as a manager, coach, and umpire following his playing days. Warrenfeltz was undoubtedly one of Frederick County’s all-time great pitchers.

Following Little League, Babe Ruth, and American Legion participation, Jon Kreissig played for Frederick High School as a starter on both the baseball and basketball teams of 1958–1960. He was a shortstop at the University of Maryland, leading the ACC in double plays, ranking him fourth in the country. In 1965, Kreissig played on Maryland’s first-ever ACC championship team and was named to the ACC All-Academic Team in 1964 and 1965. After graduation, he participated in the Orioles’ North Florida Gulf League. Kreissig spent more than 20 years at Montgomery College, coaching and teaching physical education. He was an athlete, coach, and educator.

Lawrence “Bunny” Powell won the national 16–18 Junior Duck Pin Bowling Championships in 1942. He toured the Eastern Seaboard, winning individual titles and establishing single- and three-game records. He was nationally ranked for 20 years and was a member of Frederick’s 1952 second-place team in Charlotte, North Carolina, at the National Duck Pin Bowling Congress Championships. His three-game record of 463 was highlighted by a 167 single-game total. Powell was a consistent performer, a natural in his sport.

James Schartner founded the Maryland School for the Deaf wrestling program following his graduation from Western Maryland College in 1972. He produced national individual and team champions, including four Olympians. He was a three- time World Games for the Deaf coach in 1985, 1989, and 1993. He organized the national federation and served as its first chairperson and coached U.S.A. Exchange teams in Russia, Mexico, and Canada. Schartner was a 1989 Western Maryland College Hall of Fame inductee and was knownas a technically sound coach.

Bob Sheffler was a Middletown High School All-County player, 1972 Boston University team captain, and Mason Dixon League standout 1973–1977. During a 20-year coaching career at Middletown High School, he produced state, regional, county, and MVAL championship teams. Altogether, Sheffler compiled a 224–39–7 record. In 1992, he was nominated by the National Federation as one of this nation’s most outstanding coaches. Sheffler was also named the Mathematics Teacher of the Year in 1988. He has gained the respect of his peers as a gifted coach and innovative educator, and is the “winningest” soccer coach in the county history.

A Walkersville athlete beginning his boxing career as a lightweight in the 1930s, Clifford “Scrapper” Shelton’s aggressive style earned him respect and top billing in eastern area towns and cities. Shelton won 33 of 39 fights before being drafted to serve in World War II. He won the All-Service European Circuit Championships held in Italy with a perfect 16–0 record. Although Shelton retired following the war, he was known for possessing a dangerous left jab and a “put-away” right.

Becoming a triathlete in 1983, Edward Busch, Jr., went on to earn national and world wide recognition. He qualified three times for the Ironman in Hawaii. In1988, he placed fifth in the 45–49 age group, with a 2.5-mile ocean swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile marathon. Busch competed in 73 triathlons in the U.S.A. and around the world, placing either first or in the top 10 positions. In 1994, he was ranked no. 1 in the U.S. in the Biathlon, a run–bike combination. Busch was a member of the Frederick Steeplechasers and was considered Frederick County’s greatest Ironman.

Ruth Cassell Galt Eyler spent more than a half-century breeding, training, and racing trotting horses. She became the first Maryland woman to win a paramutual harness race, breaking the male domination of the sport. She was featured on the cover of the Maryland Horse magazine following her win at Rosecroft Raceway in 1949. She consistently defeated male drivers on her own entry, Breeze Up. The Baltimore Sun newspaper proclaimed her “one of the nation’s most outstanding harness drivers.” Eyler was certainly a legend in the world of harness racing.

James Fraser, Jr., was a longtime coach, official, and organizer of area sports. A 1948 graduate of the University of Maryland, completing a master’s degree in 1955, Fraser then coached at Frederick, Middletown, and Brunswick High Schools, compiling winning records in track, basketball, soccer, and football over a 25-year career. A 30-year veteran of officiating baseball, soccer, track, and basketball, Fraser also coached Little League, Babe Ruth, and American Legion baseball. He was never too busy to lend a helping hand. Several running events are held annually in his honor.

Charles “Poss” Houck began his athletic career at the Boys High School in 1912, competing in football, basketball, and baseball. He played college football at Gettysburg College in 1916 and continued his sports participation while in the Army during World War I. He returned home to write sports for the Frederick Post, spending years organizing and promoting numerous local athletic teams. He later was assistant sports editor for the Baltimore Sun, serving the Baltimore Orioles on road trips. Highly respected by his peers, Houck was an unselfish advocate for athletics.

One of Frederick County’s most distinguished citizens was Harry O. Smith. A graduate of Frederick High School, Western Maryland College, and Duke University, Smith lettered in soccer, baseball, and wrestling at Western Maryland. He coached Brunswick High School to a state soccer championship in 1933. He coached numerous championship teams during a 21-year career. He served as principal to four county high schools during his 44 years of service. Smith was a founder of the Glade Valley Athletic Association, Walkersville Little League, and the Frederick County Junior League in the early 1950s.

Renowned for developing individual skills, team offensive and defensive programs, Tom Dickman is highly sought after to participate in clinics and summer camps and is nationally acclaimed for his coaching philosophy.

Emory Frye introduced Little League baseball to the town of Brunswick in 1954 and remained its promoter and administrator for more than 20 years. Frye single-handedly developed a program which still reflects his enthusiastic and unselfish leadership. He served as the league president for six years, elevating the league to a self-sufficient level. In 1963 he was elected District II administrator and greatly expanded the program. He also served on a national level. Frye was totally committed to area youth and the sport of baseball.

William O. Lee was a multi-talented individual who distinguished himself as a coach, teacher, principal, and city alderman. Lee coached his Lincoln High School teams to a 1961 state basketball championship and a 1962 state runner-up track title. He was a 1967–1970 field event coach for Frederick High School’s four-state championship track teams. A football coach with the winning Frederick Falcons, Lee was a tireless worker for the youth of his community, instilling those values which add quality to one’s life. Above all others, he was an inspiration to youth and adults alike.

David Shafer was a three-time state cross-country champion with Middletown High School and later served as captain of the Marshall University Southern Conference cross-country championship team. He was the first Marylander to win the Maryland Marathon; placed 53rd of 7,600 at the Boston Marathon; was a 1984 Olympic Trials finalist, running 2:17.0; and was a member of the Adidas racing team. He was selected the 1984 Frederick Jaycees Outstanding Marylander. A gifted teacher, devoted family man, and leader within his church, Shafer is considered this county’s finest all-around distance runner.

An all-around Walkersville High School athlete, playing soccer, basketball, and baseball, Alton “Bunce” Gilbert was signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, pitched for Kingston, New York, ending the season with an 18–6 record. He advanced to Oleand, New York, registering a 12–5 season. He then moved up to Santa Barbara, California, winning a league playoff game. That year Gilbert appeared on the cover of Life Magazine with other Dodger players. He then played for Nashua, New Hampshire, winning 12 games and batting .330. He developed a sore arm and returned home in 1950. Over the next six years, Gilbert played in the Penn-MD and Tri- County leagues with Taneytown, Union Bridge, and Walkersville. In 1952, he turned in a 21–0 season. Known for his fastball, curve and knuckleball, Alton Gilbert was one of Frederick County’s great natural athletes.

A Walkersville High School graduate earning a bachelor’s degree at Frostburg State and a master’s degree from Western Maryland College, Carol Smith began her teaching career at Brunswick High School in 1966. Over the next 30 years, she coached field hockey, capturing regional and county titles and coaching her teams to win the 1983 girls’ state track championship, with runner-up honors in 1989 and 1990. In 1979 Smith became the first woman athletic director in Western Maryland, adding numerous new varsity programs for boys and girls. She was active in state and county professional organizations, serving as chairperson or president. Carol Smith was an enthusiastic, talented, and dedicated professional.

A Middletown High School track standout, twice winning the state two-mile championships, Thomas Stevens enrolled at Hagerstown Junior College in 1975, earning All-American honors for the indoor two-mile and outdoor 10,000 meters events. He also won state and region six-mile titles. In 1988 and 1989, Stevens won the Maryland and Charlotte marathons respectively, with a 2:17.30. A consistent top-10 finisher at major meets, Stevens holds every county record from a mile through the marathon. He was a 1994 Hagerstown Junior College Hall of Fame inductee.

By age 10 Wilber “Pete” Stout had already begun to display a natural talent for the game of baseball. During the 1930s he played in the Frederick County and Tri-State leagues with Woodsboro, Taneytown, and Cedar Grove. In the 1940s, he joined the nationally ranked Frederick Hustlers, playing shortstop and where he was a consistent .300 hitter leading the team in stolen bases. While serving in the Army during World War II, Stout batted .364 and was named to the Panama League All-Star team. The highlight of his career was playing for the Hustlers in the National Championships in Wichita, Kansas, in 1947. He was an outstanding defensive player, aggressive base runner, and a superb hitter.

A Brunswick varsity baseball player who turned his athletic talent to the sport of jousting, Mike Virts, Sr., won his first state amateur title while in high school. At age 19, he competed in the professional class, capturing the state championship. Over the next 23 years, he won 15 state, 10 tri-state, and 9 national championships. He was selected 15 times as the Henry J. Fowler Outstanding Jouster of the Year and was the only rider to ever win the Western Maryland Club, State, Tri-State and National titles in the same year. Virts was awarded the 1983 Governor Hughes Maryland Certificate of Excellence and was inducted into the National Jousting Hall of Fame in 1987. Virts is known as the “Knight of St. Marks of Knoxville.”

A high school and collegiate varsity athlete representing Frederick High School and Frostburg State University, Debbie Main Phebus was unquestionably Frederick County’s most successful woman’s coach, having produced five state championship hockey teams while at Middletown High School. She was named Coach of the Year five times, had 60 of her athletes earn All-Area honors, and three named All-State. Seven of her former players are currently enjoying successful coaching careers at area schools. Phebus compiled a record 119 wins, 39 losses, and 13 ties over 17 years. In1991 she was named All-Star Coach for the Maryland State Games. She was a no-nonsense coach capable of inspiring players and teams to higher levels of performance.

Gail O. Rolls was a pioneer who single-handedly spearheaded the awareness of the importance for and necessity of having athletic trainers on duty at every high school contest. She volunteered for countless hours, working Governor Thomas Johnson High School’s fall, winter, and spring programs. She found time to keep statistics showing the importance of and need for athletic trainers at sporting events in Frederick County. She was instrumental in getting the Board of Education to offer a sports medicine course for coaches, teachers, and others. Her efforts have ensured the presence of paid athletic trainers at every county high school event. Athletics owe this tireless professional a debt of gratitude.

In the 1940s, when men’s fast-pitch softball drew large crowds to Baker Park, several county teams excelled and began attending post- season invitational tournaments. Pitching was the key. Emory “Reds” Shaffer compiled a remarkable win-loss record, including numerous no-hit games. One of his most memorable performances occurred at the Washington, D.C., two-day, post-season tournament, featuring nine state championship teams. Shaffer won the first five games, giving up only four hits. In the sixth and final game, he lost 2–1 in the tenth inning. Shaffer was the Dr. Pepper team’s only pitcher that weekend. He was considered by opponents and teammates alike to be a gifted athlete.

A standout athlete at Walkersville High School, playing soccer, basketball, and baseball, Bob Smith went on to become a talented varsity soccer player at Morgan State University, after which he began his coaching career at Thomas Johnson High School, working seven years with the freshman teams. Selected head coach of Walkersville High School’s first football team, he found time to play with the Frederick Falcons, leading the team in rushing, pass receptions, total yards, and points scored. Equally as important, he developed numerous youth programs for boys and girls during his 30 years as a physical education teacher at North Frederick Elementary School. Bob Smith was a multi-talented athlete, coach, and teacher who touched the lives of thousands of young people.

George Blickenstaff was an outstanding athlete while at Middletown High School (1948–1952), leading the baseball team in home runs and batting .650; scoring 40 points in a single basketball game; twice leading the soccer team in scoring; and winning the county high jump title. Over the next 20 years, he played in several area baseball leagues, contributing to 14 championships. He found time to organize youth baseball, basketball, and soccer teams, producing an incredible 468–97 coaching record. His pioneering leadership and unselfish contributions in his spare time and money led to the strongest feeder program in county history, the Middletown Valley Athletic Association. His is a name to remember.

Clyde “Red” Hawes devoted a lifetime of service to the sport of baseball and the community of Brunswick. He began playing baseball in high school during the 1920s, then moved on to participate in and organize the Tri- County League in the 1930s. He developed a Little League program and spent 25 years promoting the league. He won 14 team championships and seven district titles as a coach of the All-Stars and found time to manage the Marva Babe Ruth baseball team as well. Hawes retired at age 70 and was honored by the town of Brunswick for his 50 years of unprecedented commitment to its youth and the sport of baseball. Sportsmanship, character building, and lifetime values highlighted his coaching style. Hawes was a true Frederick County sports hero.

A multi-talented athlete, playing four varsity sports at Frederick High School, while earning academic membership in the National Honor Society, James Stockman went on to be a varsity basketball player and 1953 graduate of the University of Maryland. He then returned to Frederick, playing football, basketball, and baseball with area semi-pro teams. He also took an interest in youth baseball, coaching the Babe Ruth All-Stars to three state and two runner-up championship trophies in the late 1950s. Stockman took over the American Legion team in the 1960s, winning three state championships and two runner-up region titles. He was known as a no-nonsense coach, accepting nothing less than perfection.

Kenneth Swomley was an Emmitsburg High School star athlete, lettering in soccer, basketball, and baseball during the 1950s. He was then recruited as a soccer player to Mount St. Mary’s College, where he earned All-American status three times and All-Conference and All-South four years. He went out for track for the first time ever and won the league 100-yard dash twice in 9.8 seconds, ran as a member of the 440 yard relay that won conference honors, and also took part in the jumping events. Swomley was inducted into the Mount St. Mary’s College Sports Hall of Fame in 1979 and taught school in Pennsylvania.

As a coach at Linganore High School, John J. Grim became the first coach in Maryland history to win girls’ cross-country, indoor and outdoor track championships in the same school year. As of 1999, his teams had won 13 state, 23 regional, 17 county titles, plus numerous league titles, during his 24-year career. He was named Coach of the Year 19 times and had 21 athletes go on to compete in college. He served as the National High School Federation rules interpreter for Maryland, was head coach for three county Russian exchange trips, served as state district I track chairman, had been president of the Western Maryland Track Officials organization since 1985, and was athletic director at Linganore High School. John Grim is respected by athletes, coaches, and track officials alike throughout the state.

A 1958 graduate of Frederick High School who distinguished himself as a varsity baseball and basketball player, Don Loun became interested in pitching while playing for Buckeystown in the Tri-County League 1957–1961, began showing promise, and was signed by the Washington Senators. In just four years, he moved from Class D ball to AA with York, PA; and then to AAA with Toronto and Hawaii. On September 23, 1964, he pitched for the Washington Senators, winning a 5-hit shut-out over the Boston Red Sox. He lost the second game to Boston at Fenway Park 2-0 on October 2nd. Loun remained in baseball with AAA teams until a shoulder injury in 1969 ended his career. Loun was a gifted left-hander who earned his moment in the sun.

Donald P. Wagner began playing football in 1943 with the Frederick Seneca’s as a Frederick High School student, continued his participation as a quarterback while serving in the U.S. Army in Japan, and returned home to play with the local VFW and Westminster teams in the late 40s and 50s. A noteworthy boxer, baseball, and softball player, he ended his career at age 43 with the championship Frederick Falcons in 1970. A hard-nose player with a soft spot for youth activities, Wagner devoted 20 years to coaching and officiating Little League baseball and Midget League football throughout the county.

An all-around athlete at Frederick High School, lettering in three sports, Howard Hoy in 1965 was voted most valuable defensive back, named to the top 10 all-time Frederick High School basketball players, and led the track team as a 21-ft. long jumper and 6-ft. high jumper. He still found time to play Babe Ruth baseball, making the all-star team and batting .465. Hoy played with the Frederick Falcons and was named an all-league defensive back four times and the team’s MVP twice. A volunteer coach with the Sertoma Basketball League and an active member serving the American Legion Baseball Committee, he was a remarkably gifted athlete.

Earl L. Main achieved the most remarkable individual athletic performance in Frederick County history, a once-in-a-lifetime accomplishment, by running 3,142 miles across the United States. He left San Francisco on Memorial Day in 1999, arrived in Ocean City, Maryland, on Labor Day by averaging over 30 miles a day for 99 consecutive days. He began his running career in the 1960s as a 400/800 meter competitor with two Frederick High School consecutive state championship teams. Main later ran 12 J.F.K. 50-mile runs. He served with the U.S. Marines in Vietnam. Main was known locally for his unselfish volunteerism in support of area youth programs.

David M. Schrodel began playing football at Frederick High School, earning CVAL honors. He was named captain of the Frostburg State College football team in 1966. He started coaching at Governor Thomas Johnson High School in 1969. His undefeated team in 1971 was ranked no. 1 in the state. In 1987 Schrodel coached Walkersville High School to a state championship and had two undefeated seasons in 1988 and 1992. During the spring of 1986, he led the Catoctin High School girls’ softball team to a state championship. He coached the Walkersville High School girls’ softball team to two state titles in 1996 and 1999. During his 35 years, he won numerous league, county, and regional championships in both sports. He was a charismatic, multi-talented coach.

A quarterback who never lost a game he started at Governor Thomas Johnson High School, Thomas H. Schultze led the Patriots to a 10–0 season in 1970 and career 19–0 record. He earned a scholarship to Virginia Military Institute and led the freshman team to an undefeated season. As a varsity starter, he ranked seventh in the U.S., setting VMI records: passing yards, 2,998; completions, 236; offensive plays, 638; total offense, 2,602 yards. These numbers were achieved against Tulane, Georgia Tech, Maryland, West Virginia, and others. His expertise has become the standard by which area players are measured. Schultze was a step ahead of the rest.

Dave Carruthers, a 1969 Penn State graduate, began his Maryland football coaching career in 1974 as a defensive coordinator with Seneca Valley High School. The school won two state championships. In 1980 Carruthers became the head coach at Linganore High School, compiling a 122–49 record and two state titles. In 1995 Urbana High School opened and Coach Carruthers again developed a championship program. His 1998, 1999, and 2000 teams were undefeated and won state championships. Urbana High School also won 38 consecutive games, establishing a state record. Carruthers sponsored the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for more than 20 years. His coaching record was unparalleled in county history.

Through a diet of hard work, keen competition, and a no-nonsense training regimen, Donald Feinberg lifted Frederick County swimming to a national and world class level. His Frederick High School girls set a national record of 136 consecutive dual meet wins in a 14-year period. The boys were undefeated for six years and the combined team won 23 county titles; three Monocacy Aquatic Club members achieved world rank status, while others qualified for the Olympic trials and NCAA Nationals. Twenty of his nationally ranked age groupers won college scholarships. Feinberg now serves as the aquatic director for Hood College. He is a highly motivated and technically oriented coach.

A well-known citizen in Frederick as postmaster and Red Cross Blood chairman, James A. Grove saw the need to organize sandlot baseball into sanctioned Little League play. In 1950, he became the driving force, gaining civic club and public support, and the Frederick Little League was born. Thousands of city youth have benefitted from Jim Grove’s vision. He was the father of Little League baseball in Frederick.

Tamara L. Joy was the pride of Catoctin High School’s basketball program, 1983–1986. She led the county in scoring with a 30-point average, made First Team All-County, Player of the Year, and All- Area selections. Joy established a career high point total for both county boys and girls while scoring a record 49 points in a state championship game. She graduated an All-American and was immediately recruited by national power Long Beach State University of California. Joy played in two NCAA Final Four Championships. Her outstanding career serves as an inspiration for all. She was Frederick County’s greatest player.

An outstanding athlete at Walkersville High School, lettering in soccer, basketball, track and baseball, Ronald O. Linton played center in 1960 for the first county team to win a state basketball championship. He was an all-county first-team pick, leading the Lions in scoring and rebounding. During the 1970s, Linton officiated basketball at state championship and college games in the Philadelphia Spectrum. He was also chairman during his 15-year career. Linton found time to serve as president of the Woodsboro Athletic Association, coaching Little League baseball for 10 years. He won many championships and was considered an unselfish, dedicated community leader.

Nield Gordon, a Brunswick native, had an incredible basketball career, both as a player and as a coach. Gordon led the 1947 Brunswick High School team to a first-ever appearance in the Maryland state championships, led the nation in scoring at Wingate Junior College, was All-Southern Conference for two years at Furman University, and was drafted by the NBA’s New York Knicks in 1953. As a collegiate coach, he was named NAIA National Coach of the Year in 1977 while at Newberry College and returned to Wingate to close out a 509-win career.

The multi-faceted presence of Helen Schley has been felt in Frederick County athletics for more than 50 years. A physical education teacher and coach in Brunswick and Middletown for 31 years, her 1973 MHS girls’ basketball team was a first from Western Maryland to reach the state tournament. She also officiated, was president of the Frederick Women’s Officials board, and helped to found the Frederick County Senior Recreation Council. Schley later gained national prominence in Senior Olympics and USATF Masters track and field. She had a lifetime of commitment to sports and recreation.

As a player, coach, and administrator, Tom Sherald is among Frederick’s baseball elite. He played on championship youth teams in Frederick and in the 1972 NAIA World Series while at Frostburg State College. Sherald coached at Thomas Johnson High School, Catoctin High School, and at Mount St. Mary’s College, where he set a record for career victories (111); he was named Northeast Conference Coach of the Year in 1991. A 2000 inductee into the MSABC Hall of Fame, Sherald was instrumental in bringing baseball play-offs to Maryland high schools. He owns and directs the Cal Ripken Baseball school. From player to administrator, Tom Sherald has been a baseball legend.

A wrestling pioneer, Yank Strube founded the Frederick Mat Club in 1979 at the age of 19. Hundreds have participated since and every county high school program has benefited from the program. A Tri-State and CVAL champion wrestler at Frederick High School, Strube returned to coach at Frederick High School and led the Cadets to a Maryland state class 4A-3A duals championship, the first ever for a county school. He produced five state high school individual champions, 16 state finalists with the FMC, and one national prep champion. He has been the driving force behind county wrestling.

Quite possibly the best offensive lineman ever to play football in Frederick County, Francis “Butch” Foreman was a pre-season Division 1 college All-American while at the University of Cincinnati. A First-Team Tri-State and CVAL League selection in both his junior and senior years at Frederick High School, he later returned to coach football at his alma mater. Foreman was also a school and Maryland state record holder in the shot put and discus. He has been described as an offensive tackle like no other.

From participant to promoter, Henry Groff, Jr.’s involvement in Frederick County sports was as varied as his talents. Groff played baseball at the University of Maryland; later, he played baseball with several local teams, including the Frederick Hustlers; and finally, he played football with the VFW team. Groff later coached both sports at Frederick High School, leading the Cadets to the first three Western Shore League baseball championships. He was one of the founders of the Frederick County Little League and an expert marksman, selected in1959 to the U.S. Army Rifle team that participated in regional and national matches.

Henry Groff passed away April 21, 2017. Read more about his amazing life below.

Henry Allen Groff Jr., 90, went to judgment on April 21, 2017 richly blessed with a life of fellowship among church, family, education colleagues, students, friends, and military colleagues in many countries. Henry was born on August 27, 1926 in Frederick, Maryland the son of Henry Allen Groff, Sr. and Mary Emma (Kunkel) Groff.

Mr. Groff is survived by his wife, Mary Elizabeth (Esworthy) Groff and three gracious daughters; Meda Elizabeth Groff (Dr. James Corkum), Kelly Roxann Groff (Shawn McMahon), and Melinda Sue Groff (John Mainville). There are seven wonderful grandchildren; Tyler James Corkum, Abigail Elizabeth Corkum, John Spencer Corkum, Matthew Patrick White, Stephen Michael White, Brooks Henry Warrenfeltz and Brianna Mary Warrenfeltz. He’s also survived by one niece Julie Ann D’Antonio and one nephew John Allen Groff. He is predeceased by 2 brothers; John Robert Groff and Joseph Murray Groff.

Henry grew up on a small homestead that dates back generations. As a young boy he climbed and fell out of trees, fished in streams, and played tricks on his brothers. He shared many stories such as walking miles with his brothers during the winter months to a one room school house. His mother would place hot potatoes in their hands for warmth and a welcomed snack once they reached their destination. He later settled on the land he grew up on and built a home to raise his family. Henry graduated from Frederick High School, class of 1943, at the age of 16 and began studies at University of Maryland where he played baseball. At age 17, he enlisted in the United States Navy because he wanted to see the world. He served aboard PT boats and LST landing craft in both the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters of Operation during World War ll. He traveled to California, Hawaii, Southeast Asia and later England and Europe. After the war he returned to the University of Maryland to earn his B.S. degree and began teaching math and science at Frederick High School. He coached varsity baseball during those years. He earned a Masters of Arts in Education from Western Maryland College (McDaniels College), a Masters of Psychology at Towson State College (Towson University) and Doctoral degree in Developmental Disabilities from California University. He taught graduate studies at Hood College, Loyola College, and under graduate studies at Mt. St. Mary’s College.

Dr. Groff had a long and distinguished 35 year career with the Frederick County Board of Education. He served many roles during his tenure. While a math and science teacher at Frederick High School he met his lovely wife Mary Elizabeth (Libby). He became vice principal of Linganore High School then branched into guidance counseling. Completing his studies in school psychology, Henry became a school psychologist. He established the first school psychologist position at the elementary school level for Frederick County. He retired as supervisor of school psychological services in 1986. He missed working with children and families after retirement and signed on as a contract employee for psychological services for several more years. Of particular note was his care and compassion for families of children with developmental disabilities often making home visits to educate and advocate.

A patriot at heart, Henry enlisted in the Army Reserve Forces following his time in the Navy. He was directly commissioned to 2nd LT. He commanded the 559th Signal Company in Frederick on active duty and reserve status. Upon promotion to Colonel he commanded the 354th Brigade and 300th group. Reservist assignments included the Joint Task Force Operations with Headquarters 18th Airborne Command & General Staff College and Air War College. The military lead him to advanced studies at the Department of State Foreign Service Institute, Georgetown University School of Foreign Affairs, the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and Fort McNair School of Material. He taught Tactics and Doctrine Warfare at the Command and General Staff College. Henry was an accomplished marksman earning many honors and awards. He was the United States Military Academy area representative for the 6th Congressional District for many years.

Henry let his life speak through his faith. A longstanding member and pillar of Mt. Carmel United Methodist church he was actively involved as lay leader, youth leader, Sunday school teacher, and leader of special projects. Many parishioners received hand written letters with uplifting messages and words of comfort. He enjoyed singing in the choir. He embraced and mentored many young people as they made mistakes in their growth and development. He organized Mt. Carmel’s Little League baseball program.

His community work spans decades. An active member of the YMCA of Frederick, he served on the board of directors and assisted Frederick’s recreation programs for youth. He was director of operations for three National Babe Ruth World Series in 1983, 1984, and 1985 at Hustler Park. He was a supporter of Frederick football and baseball teams. He actively supported the Special Olympics, Teenage Hotline, and various mentoring programs. Well liked by many, he once ran for the Maryland House of Delegates. Henry was inducted into the Alvin G. Quinn YMCA Hall of Fame in 2003 for his baseball and football career, coaching (3 county baseball titles), and organizing numerous youth programs. He was a member of the Elks club and Amvets of Frederick.

Henry had a passion for the outdoors. He camped with his family in every contiguous state in our great nation visiting national parks and various historical landmarks. He loved meeting new people along the way and documenting his travels. Henry spent hours growing and maintaining his large vegetable garden. He later built with his own hands a hunting cabin in western Maryland which became his retreat for reading and writing. Hunting, fishing, and quiet walks in God’s wonderland of nature sustained him.

We will miss his booming voice, sense of humor and bear hugs. Henry felt blessed without regret. His life defined the “Greatest Generation.” Living through the deprivation of the depression then serving his country in World War ll and beyond, he learned early that self-reliance, humility, and love for others were principles that would guide his life as husband, father, and grandfather.

Visitation is Friday, April 28th from 1-3 and 6-8 pm, at the Keeney Basford Funeral Home, 106 E. Church Street, Frederick. A memorial service will be Saturday April 29th at 2 p.m., at the Trinity United Methodist Church, 705 West Patrick Street, Frederick. Rev. Dr. Jennifer Smith and Pastor Scott Clawson will officiate. Inurnment will be private.

Memorial Contributions can be made to : Mount Carmel United Methodist Church, St. Jude’s Hospital or Frederick Memorial Hospital Hospice.

Prolific as a soccer player at Middletown High School (1955), John Horine went on to Frostburg State College, where he started four years, led the team in scoring in three of them, was named All-South in 1957 and 1958, and was inducted into the university’s Hall of Fame in 1981. He started high school girls’ soccer in Frederick County in 1983 and produced many championship soccer, basketball, and baseball teams at both Emmitsburg High School and at MHS.

A center fielder and second baseman with the Frederick Hustlers baseball team that reached the National Semi-Pro tournament in 1941, J. Elwood Hummer was a gifted speedster on the base paths and led that team in stolen bases several seasons. The 1935 Walkersville High School grad also played on numerous championship teams in Frederick County baseball, soccer, basketball, and softball leagues; and later coached youth baseball with the National Little League in Frederick. He was also an avid golfer for more than 20 years.

One of the outstanding athletes and leaders of his era, D. John Markey coached the University of Maryland football team (then called the Maryland Aggies) from 1902 to 1904. He played football at Boys High School (now Frederick High School) in 1899, captained the reorganized Frederick Football team in 1900, then played and coached at Western Maryland College. Markey served as president and director of the Frederick YMCA and was active in numerous civic organizations. He was a true leader on the field and beyond.

David Miller won more than 500 games on the high schooland junior college levels in a coaching career that spanned five decades. Miller guided Poolesville High School (1969–1981) to the state finals in 1978 and led Walkersville High School (1981–1993) to six Maryland state tournament appearances, including championships in 1984 and 1986. He later brought the Frederick Community College men’s program to national prominence and was named Maryland JUCO and Charm City Association Coach of the Year in 2002. He had cage coaching excellence spanning five decades.

Known as “Terrible T,” Larry H. Thompson played on two unbeaten, nationally ranked Morgan State football teams and later with the undefeated 1972 IFL champion Frederick Falcons, after record-setting performances at Frederick High School. Thompson (class of 1965) won Tri-State League and CVAL All- Conference honors in football and once held four FHS track records: the triple jump, 440, 880 and mile relay teams. The mile team tied a Maryland state scholastic record. He also helped form the Frederick County Football Officials Association and was a member for 25 years.

Co-founder and lifetime member of the Frederick County Horseshoe Pitchers Association, and often called the “Iron Hand” behind Frederick horseshoes, Newell Esterly was one of the sport’s most avid promoters and administrators. He was instrumental in the 1981 creation of the Maryvale Park horseshoe pitching park, the first of its kind in the Frederick area, and host to many large state and national tournaments. The park has since been named the Esterly/Keilholtz Horseshoe Courts for the contributions of Esterly and fellow Hall of Fame member Glen Keilholtz.

A lifetime volleyball enthusiast, Patricia Fisher brought the sport to life in Frederick County. She was instrumental in establishing volleyball as an interscholastic sport in the county in the 1980s; she promoted a county high school championship tournament, which has since been named in her honor. Fisher also helped establish Men’s, Women’s, Triples and Co-ed Power programs for the City Recreation Department and developed youth feeder programs in neighboring communities. A coach and official for more than 30 years, Fisher continues to compete in the sport on a regional and national level. She is indeed the passion and power behind volleyball.

A prolific high school running back and track performer at Catoctin High School, Jesse Ketterman was the 1988 Frederick Post Offensive Player of the Year and a Scholar Athlete Award recipient from the National Football Foundation after rushing for 1,684 yards and 18 touchdowns. He was also a Maryland state Class 1A shot put (1988 and 1989) and discus (1989) champion and swept both events at the MVAL championships his junior and senior years. Ketterman went on to West Virginia Wesleyan, where he was Offensive MVP and an All-Conference Honorable Mention fullback in 1992.

Two-time national JUCO Converse Coach of the Year, Jack Mehl built the Frederick Community College women’s basketball program to one of consistent national prominence. Since 1989, his FCC teams have won five Maryland state titles, six regional championships; advanced to the National JUCO Tournament five times and the national title game once. He has recorded more than 300 victories at FCC and has been honored as Maryland JUCO Coach of the Year five times. Mehl has also coached baseball and basketball at Brunswick High School and in various county youth leagues. He is the architect of the nationally prominent FCC cage program.

From champion youth league competitor to acclaimed Parks and Recreation director, Blaine Smith has a storied lifetime of athletic and community leadership achievement. Leading rusher for Frederick High School’s 1964 Tri-State champion football team, he was named to the All- American Football team by Coach and Athlete Magazine. Smith also won more than 50 events for a three-time TSL champion track squad at FHS. At Western State College in Colorado, he was part of a 27-game win streak and three conference football championships. He later settled in Colorado, becoming director of Lake County Parks and Recreation and was named the “Outstanding Young Coloradoan” in1977. He was a distinguished athlete and community leader.

The definitive versatile athlete, William Ward was an Associated Press Little All-American in football at Gettysburg College (1956) and later inducted into the college’s Athletic Hall of Honor (1988). A four-sport letterman at Frederick High School, he captained the Cadets baseball team and set a county high jump record in 1951. Ward then attended Mercersburg Academy his senior year and was named Athlete of the Year. He played American Legion and semi-pro Maryland State League baseball, played and coached both basketball and baseball in the Army, where he retired with the rank of colonel in 1987. He was one of the county’s most versatile athletes.

Began a teaching career in physical education at Emmitsburg High School and continued her career in Frederick County School System for over 40 years. Her greatest love was her students and her dedication over the years working with exceptional students made her a pioneer in creating opportunities for the physically and mentally challenged students in Frederick County. She believed in teaching the mind and body as a unit. Her unselfish service and belief in impaired students led her to strive for successful creation of the Frederick County Special Olympics. She coached students to numerous championships in various sports and created for her teams and students the opportunity to achieve beyond all expectations.

A graduate of Frederick High School, David Markoe was an outstanding football and track athlete. He continued his education in California, earning extensive football honors. He returned to the University of Maryland, played varsity football, and as a graduate assistant, coached the freshman football team. He moved on to coach at Bowie High School and then returned home as defensive coordinator for Governor Thomas Johnson High School. With excellence in education, and his belief that an athlete’s body and mind are of an equal developmental process, he followed the path into administration in the Frederick County Public Schools system and as a school superintendent in West Virginia. With a love for Frederick County, and a dedication to youth, he returned home, providing and giving leadership to our own local YMCA. He was a versatile athlete, community leader, and dynamic role model.

A Frederick County native who began his love for clay target shooting and competition in 1963. He won 10 Frederick County championship titles and continued his winning traditions through the year 2004. From 1968-2002, he won numerous trap-shooting championships throughout the state of Maryland. Being highly competitive and intensely accurate, he continued to win numerous championships in MD, VA and W. VA. He has been highly recognized for his precise skill for more than 4 decades. His skill earned him trap- shooting championships from the US Eastern Zone, the National America League and in 2003 was named to the All American Trap Shooting team that consisted of only 10 members.

A lifelong resident of Frederick County and a graduate of Lincoln High School, Kenny Thompson developed into an outstanding athlete for his high school. In his 11th- and 12th-grade years, he held the Maryland state long jump and high jump records. An excellent basketball player, he helped lead Lincoln High School to various District I and II titles and a state champion title. After graduating and enlisting in the Navy, he again pursued athletic excellence with participation in a variety of sports. Karate led him to a thirst for improving techniques in this sport. He now holds a black belt, a second-degree black belt, and is an outstanding instructor for New York, New Jersey, and Maryland.

Graduated from Frederick County Schools and upon graduation earned degrees from Gettysburg College and Columbia University. He began his love for sports during his early developmental years with his involvement in the local YMCA. His experiences during these years led him on the path to a career in education. An outstanding athlete from the Frederick County School District, he returned home to build a winning athletic program for the school and community and continued his service to the Emmitsburg youth of all ages by coaching baseball, soccer, basketball. He later moved into the areas of principal, supervisor and superintendent in the state of New Jersey. “Determined-Dedicated to Helping Others Succeed-Role Model”

Born to teach and coach, Hal Grau began his career in Frederick County in 1972, coaching football and indoor and outdoor track throughout his career. He began to build his successful career as an assistant football and track coach at Arundel High School in Anne Arundel County, and then at Governor Thomas Johnson High School. As head coach at Catoctin High School, he established successful records on league, county, and state levels. He moved to Walkersville High School and continued as head coach until 2004. Grau was named Football Coach of the Year in 1982, 1983, and 1996. With Grau’s exceptional knowledge of athletics, he was a very astute indoor and outdoor track coach, and guided his teams to numerous county, league, and state titles. The third most successful football coach in the county, Grau never tires of working with youth and will continue to do so, today and in every tomorrow. He is a passionate, dedicated, and respected leader.

As a native of Frederick County and a graduate of Frederick High School, Maynard Hurd proved to be one of the most outstanding track athletes in the county area. Involved in all forms of athletics, his forté became track and field events during his high school and college years. His outstanding achievements include eight county and four regional championships for outdoor track, and two indoor hurdle state championships. Hurd continued his outstanding track performances at Frostburg State University as a five-time All-American for indoor and outdoor hurdles. He won five national indoor championships and holds the national record for the 55-meter hurdles. Three of his FSU records still remained unbeaten as of 2006: the 55- and 110-meter hurdles and the 4 X 200-meter relay. He was a persistent, gifted, and outstanding athlete.

An accomplished basketball player, Bill Kubat was regarded as one of the best players in the area. A Frederick County native, he grew up in the Brunswick area and graduated from Brunswick High School. After graduating from the University of Maryland, he returned to his home county to teach. Growing up, athletics was a big part of Kubat’s life, and he turned to coaching to give back to youth what he had received in his years of athletic involvement: Self-confidence, sportsmanship, team work and pride. Kubat coached JV basketball at Governor Thomas Johnson High School but soon returned to Brunswick as a head coach. Under his enthusiastic guidance, the team captured the 1977 State Basketball Championship, followed by the Monocacy Valley Athletic League Basketball Championship in 1978.

Dr. George Waxter, a retired dentist, was involved in Frederick County sports for more than 30 years. His competitive career began when he participated in the Maryland Senior Olympics in 1984. Waxter competed in the 1500-meter race and the 5K and 10K runs. From 1998 through 2003, he placed first in the 5K run four times, 1500-meter race three times, and won the 10K run once. Continuing his competition beyond the Maryland Senior Olympics, Waxter participated in all local long-distance events, including the five-mile run; 5K, 10K, and 15K runs; and is the Maryland state record holder for the 8K run. In his 16 years of competitive running, Waxter has placed first 64 times out of 94 events. He still continues his love for running, and he will always be a competitive athlete.

A graduate of Frostburg College, Carl Donald began his teaching career with the Frederick County Public Schools in 1960. During his 30-year tenure, he was a teacher, associate principal, principal, and county supervisor. Playing baseball most of his young life, Donald naturally continued this sport in his college years, where he had a career batting average over .300 and was a starter at shortstop and pitcher all four years. As a charter member of the Frederick County Football Officials, Donald officiated for 22 years and as commissioner was responsible for scheduling, training, and mentoring officials. He was a respected liaison to tri-county coaches, teams, administrators, and school systems. As facilitator for athletic functions, Donald has exhibited a degree of success that would be difficult to equal.

Tom Ford began his teaching and coaching career with Frederick County Public Schools in 1960. A graduate of Hereford High School, Ford was one of the first Hall of Fame inductees to be honored by the school. Excelling in soccer and baseball, he continued his athletic career at the University of Maryland. Ford was a three-year varsity soccer starter, who helped to win the 1956 ACC Championship and the 1957 regional title. A four-year member of the baseball team, Ford was a freshman starter at third base. FCPS hired Ford, and he began an amazing career at Walkersville High School: 16-year baseball coach with a 1978 state title and county and league titles, 15 years as athletic director, and eight years as a golf coach with state titles. During his AD tenure, Ford expanded the athletic program at Walkersville High.

A Frederick County native and Frederick High School graduate, Dick Krantz was a pole vaulter in high school and began at the YMCA to establish his many swimming records. Krantz attended Baldwin-Wallace College, where he participated in track as a pole vaulter and was on the swim team, setting records in the 100- and 200-meter butterfly, and was a member of the undefeated freestyle medley relay teams. In 1964, Krantz began his career at Rock Creek Center, working with mentally and physically challenged students. He was instrumental in creating programs designed to help these students adapt to physical activity, improve physical ability, and appreciate the benefits of sports. As a coach for swimming, volleyball, and track in a variety of arenas, he ensured inclusion of disabled students in physical activity throughout the county.

A three-sport graduate of Walkersville High School, Kenny Ports excelled in basketball, baseball, and soccer, and went on to collegiate soccer stardom at the University of Maryland. As a 1940–1942 soccer team member, Ports was known to have good speed and to be able to boot   the ball a mile. The 1941–1942 Terrapin team was one of the best in the country and one of the last at the school until after World War II. With an 8–0 season, this team was one of two unbeaten teams in the nation. Ports accepted a commission in the U.S. Army and was assigned to the 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Division. He was killed in action in Europe in 1944. Ports was a big-league athlete and a big-league American.

A graduate of Middletown High School, Paul Stroup was an outstanding four-year athlete in soccer, basketball, and baseball. He received an athletic scholarship for basketball and baseball to George Washington University. After a successful collegiate baseball career, Stroup signed a four-year contract with the Boston Braves. After one year, however, he was drafted for military service. Retiring as a captain, Stroup entered the Frederick County Public Schools as a teacher and then advanced through the system as a counselor, associate principal, and principal. As a principal who believed in the value of athletics, Stroup nurtured athletes and coached, and developed strong athletic programs that became an integral part of his school. This positive role made him an outstanding advocate for Frederick County youth programs.

A graduate of Lincoln High School, Don Bowie played basketball and ran track. In basketball, Bowie was a four-year starter and led the team to the state finals in 1959. During his track years, Bowie lost only one 100-yard dash event during his four years on the team. Bowie enrolled at Morgan State and focused on track events. The long jump was his forte, but he competed in the triple jump and ran the 4 x 100-yard relay. Bowie took second in the long jump in the 1962 American championships, participated in three National AAU Indoor Championships, three Millrose Games Invitationals, CIAA Championships, and IC4A Championships—all between 1960 and 1963. Upon graduation, Bowie retired from active track competition to become a research chemist and environmentalist, and was recently elected Principal for Potomac-Hudson Engineering.

A Frederick County resident for 66 years, Leon Enfield was responsible in 1962 for helping to create jousting as the state sport for Maryland. He competed in jousting tournaments for 60 years in Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. Enfield was the Maryland Jousting Champion in 1957, 1961, 1962, 1964–1966, 1970, and 1973. He won the National Jousting Championship title in 1968, 1969, 1976, and 1978. Enfield was a 1975 charter member of the National Jousting Hall of Fame. Serving in many state jousting official capacities, Enfield was instrumental in introducing and teaching jousting to youth in Frederick County and surrounding states. He is very proud of his family’s involvement, and they all work together to preserve the integrity of the sport by performing and maintaining Enfield’s championship heritage.

A graduate of Thomas Johnson High School, Robert Griffin, Jr., was an accomplished football and basketball player. As a football defensive back, he helped to lead the Patriots to the1982 State Football Championship. Excelling in basketball, Griffin also helped to lead the Patriots to a Maryland state basketball championship in 1982. He was Frederick News-Post Player of the Year 1982–1984, Hagerstown Player of the Year 1984, and won the Frederick County Slam Dunk Champion 1984. Before graduating from James Madison University, Griffin started in 56 straight basketball games. Returning as a teacher to his home high school, Griffin served as mentor and role model to many young athletes. Serving on both the high school and collegiate levels, he is very active in the IAABO officials’ organization.

Cassie Hammond began her extraordinary trap-shooting career in 1979. During her career, she has captured every trap-shooting honor at the county, state, and national levels. As an outstanding shooter, Hammond has prestigious awards in record books in Maryland, Virginia, D.C., Pennsylvania, West Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida. She maintained her various championship titles from 1979 through 2006. She was named to the Women’s All-American Team for six years. Her 1987 averages were some of the highest to be recorded nationally: 97% singles and doubles shooting, and 94% all-around shooting. Hammond has traveled the entire Eastern Seaboard to capture Eastern zone titles, national titles, and the prestigious Annie Oakley title in both singles and doubles competition.

A Frederick County resident, Phil Ranneberger was an outstanding athlete and professional baseball player. He spent most of his life involved in baseball. Starting with Little League in 1960, he continued his playing career with the Babe Ruth League through 1964. Pitching and playing the field, Ranneberger led his team to the Babe Ruth League World Series in New Mexico in 1963. Playing baseball for Frederick High School and playing American Legion Baseball 1965–1967, he helped to lead the Frederick AL team to the Maryland State Championship and to the Mid- Atlantic Regional Tournament in New Jersey. In 1967, Ranneberger was drafted by the New York Yankees and played professionally for two years. He was a powerful hitter and considered to be the best in Frederick County.

Frank Zarnowski is considered the world’s foremost authority on the decathlon. During the past decade, he has organized, financed, officiated, and publicized junior, senior, collegiate, and international decathlon meets. Zarnowski is the only educator to organize and teach a college course in decathlon appreciation. He is a renowned author of two books; and editor, chief correspondent, and circulation manager of both a monthly decathlon newsletter and a decathlon yearbook. Career highlights include 1977– 1978 decathlon participant, announcer, promoter for the U.S.A.–U.S.S.R. meet; and head of the U.S.A. delegation to the U.S.S.R. Creating a voice for the public to understand decathlon performances has been a passion for Zarnowski locally, nationally, and internationally.

A lifelong resident of Frederick County, George Kuhn graduated from Frostburg College in 1962 and returned to his native county to begin his more than 40 years as a physical education teacher and basketball, track, and soccer coach. Kuhn’s name is synonymous with Frederick County soccer excellence. He coached soccer for more than 30 years at Emmitsburg High School and then at Catoctin High School. During this soccer tenure, Kuhn compiled records of eight consecutive winning seasons, qualified 11 times for district play, captured seven district titles, one regional championship, and was a state finalist in 1973. He was a charter member of the Blue Ridge Soccer Officials’ Association; he organized the first live radio coverage for high school soccer games, and will always promote the values acquired by playing the game of soccer.

As a Frederick County resident, Chuck Nichols graduated from Middletown High School and then Pfeiffer University in North Carolina. He returned to the county to begin his illustrious career in teaching physical education and coaching boys’ and girls’ soccer; that career spans more than 25 years at Governor Thomas Johnson High School and Urbana High School. As a teacher, Nichols organized programs that were challenging to his students and soccer players. His encouragement led to his superior soccer coaching achievements. Nichols has 22 championships: three state, six regional, four conference, six county, and three MVAL titles. As a coaching giant, he has been recognized by national associations. Nichols is a leader of youth—leading them to reach for and attain that high standard of perfection.

John Smith is one of the best divers ever to hail from Frederick County. He began his swimming career at Frederick High School and developed into a competitive diver on the college level at West Virginia University and the University of Maryland. His fervent career as a diving champion spanned more than 25 years. During his career Smith was well known on the local, state, and national levels as a diver and trampoline performer; and was a renowned coach in both areas. Smith held Frederick County diving records for 13 years. He has won numerous National Sky-High Trampoline titles, and silver and bronze medals on the national level. Smith coached five Frederick County high school diving teams and is responsible for keeping the program active for the county teams.

A Frederick County native, Anne Zumbach graduated from Middletown High School and then Shepherd College with a dual degree in math and physical education. As a marathon runner, she was a member of the Frederick Steeplechasers, ran the Baltimore Marathon and the J.F.K. 50-mile run. Because of her love for athletics, Zumbach was destined to become a coach and indeed coached for more than 30 years at Brunswick High School. She was co-coach in starting and developing cross-country and track and field for the Brunswick youth. As an assistant BHS three- season coach, she has helped win five school titles—two boys’ and six girls’ state cross-country championships and track and field state titles. Zumbach is active in the Brunswick community as a Boy Scout scoutmaster and was honored as Scoutmaster of the Year.

Lee Zumbach has been a high school coach for almost 40 years. Most of his coaching accomplishments have been at Brunswick High School in the area of cross-country and tennis. As a tennis coach, Zumbach guided the teams to eight MVAL championships and 12 individual county championships, with four players qualifying for state championships. In 1968, Zumbach reinstated the boys’ cross-country team and in 1981 established a girls’ team. The boys’ cross-country teams have won two state titles and two county titles. The girls’ teams have won six state titles, were finalists in four state team titles, and won five county titles. In 1983, Zumbach was named Maryland State Cross-Country Coach of the Year. Zumbach is co-founder of PVYA Youth Cross-Country, Blue Ridge Running Club, numerous other running clubs, and remains active in his community.

Tommy Long’s involvement with baseball and softball extends over 35 years. In 1975, Long was a co-founder of the Frederick Baseball Association and for nine years managed the 8–12-year-olds teams, which won five league championships. In 1982, he co-founded and managed the Frederick Bambino Babe Ruth Program. From 1985 to 2002, Long was the 13–15-year-olds’ Kiwanis Babe Ruth manager, with eight league championships and eight state all-star championships during that period. From 2002 to 2010, Long managed the FSK Post 11 American Legion baseball team program and established various age-level teams for fall baseball. In 2008, Long reached a coaching milestone with 700 baseball victories. With his 35 years of unconditional service to community youth, Tom Long has touched the lives of countless young athletes.

The best tennis player to come from Frederick County, Bresha Mogar is unmatched in her accomplishments in tennis. As a high school athlete, she was a three-time county and regional champion. During her senior year, Mogar never lost a game to an opponent and was as late as 2010 the only state tennis champion to come from Frederick County. During her career, Mogar was ranked no. 1 in the state in 1990 and 1992. Mogar placed first in various Frederick County adult competitions in the Frederick Tennis Club: Catherine Dykstra Singles 1991 and 1995, J. Richard Remsburg and Maxine Murray Doubles tournaments 1998. She earned ranking from 1984 through 1992 in the U.S. Tennis Association Mid-Atlantic Section and was ranked no. 15 nationally. She can still be found on the courts giving free lessons and tutoring young females in the basics of the game.

A Frederick County native, Bill Siedling has been involved in athletics for 50 years as of 2010. Beginning his sports career in baseball, he played Little League, Babe Ruth and Babe Ruth All-Stars, American Legion, Maryland State League and Washington, D.C., Industrial League baseball. In 1967, Siedling signed professionally with the Washington Senators as a catcher. Employed by the Frederick County Public Schools system, Siedling worked as a physical education teacher, guidance counselor, and classroom drivers education teacher. He is probably best known for his basketball officiating and for 44 years has been a member of the Frederick IAABO Board officiating, interpreting rules, and instructing new recruits. As an expert official, Bill is involved in all levels of the sport—AAU, high school and college tournaments in Maryland, D.C., Pennsylvania and Virginia.

As a youth in Frederick County, Ken Smith played soccer, basketball, and baseball, but had baseball in his blood. Starting in the Woodsboro

Little League, Smith earned honors throughout his youth and high school careers. With a full baseball scholarship to West Virginia University, Smith had a 10–0 record his junior year to earn All-Atlantic 10 Honors and won the Outstanding Pitcher Award during the Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament, as well as All East Honors and the MVP award. In 1987, he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals. He earned Pitcher of the Week three times and was listed in USA Today as one of the top five pitching leaders in the organization. Today, Smith is active in youth baseball in the Thurmont area and is an excellent coach for youth wanting to play the game he loves.

An outstanding athlete in the 1940s, Frank Wilders made his claim to fame in baseball as a left-handed pitcher for Thurmont High School and played for three different leagues during his senior year. Drafted by the Brooklyn Dodgers, he had the opportunity to work with professional players like Jackie Robinson in camp. Wilders was observed to have the best curve ball within the Brooklyn camp that season. During this two-year period on the Dodger’s Class C Team, he averaged 10 strike-outs per game with an ERA of 3.2 and a batting average over .300. In 1950, Wilders was contracted to the Yankees and remained with them until 1954. During the Korean War, he played with the Air Force team that competed throughout Europe and the Mediterranean. Returning home, Wilders continued to play locally and managed the Thurmont American Legion Team.

A Middletown High School graduate, Tim Fawley is considered one of the best three-sport athletes ever to graduate from the school. He began his incredible career with Myersville Youth Baseball. As a high school player, he was a three-position player: pitcher, shortstop, and backup catcher. As a senior shortstop, Fawley committed no errors and had a .314 batting average. Fawley was a four-year soccer player and as of 2011 still held the record for most goals scored in one game, as well as the Frederick County record for most seasonal goals (40). As a skillful basketball player, he is still the school’s leading scorer with 1,524 points as of 2011. He is tenth in the MPSSAA total points accumulation for semi-final and final games. Fawley is currently sharing his vast knowledge of sports as he coaches youth teams.

A Frederick High School graduate, Keith Lee excelled in football and is considered to be one of the best players who ever represented the school. As a three-year letterman, he was selected All-Conference and All-City for two consecutive years. He was the Baltimore Chapter of the National Football Conference’s Scholar Athlete as well as Frederick High’s Scholar Athlete in 1978. As a proficient basketball player, Lee was selected All- Conference Team and All-City Team, and was voted Player of the Year by the Frederick News-Post and the Hagerstown Herald Mail. Continuing his football career at the University of Virginia, Lee was a four-year starter and led the team in tackles and interceptions. In 1982, he was an undrafted free agent for the Dallas Cowboys and a free agent for the New England Patriots in 1982–1983.

A Walkersville High School graduate, Gary Rubeling was considered a first-class athlete in all of his years of sports involvement. After playing sports during his formative years, he continued his success as a four- year member of the Walkersville basketball, baseball, and football teams. Excelling in football, Rubeling was a 1978 All-MVAL linebacker. As a Towson University player, he was a four-year starter, an Academic All-American, established the school’s record for single-season interceptions, and had a four-year career record for interceptions (25). He was selected for numerous awards, named Male Athlete of the Year in 1983, and was inducted into the Towson University Sports Hall of Fame in 1995.

Nicole Teasley began her prominent basketball career at St. John’s at Prospect Hall. Her impressive accomplishments during her four-year enrollment include no. 1 ranked recruit by Blue-Star National Ranking, Maryland three-year Gatorade Player of the Year, and Parade and Gatorade National Player of the Year. Earning a full scholarship to the University of North Carolina, Teasley continued to establish records that advanced her into a professional career. In 1998, she was ACC Rookie of the Year, assist leader for four years, and First Team All-ACC. In1999, she was First Team All-ACC, ACC Tournament MVP and in 2002 was drafted into the WNBA by the LA Sparks. During this time she was the two-year WNBA assist leader. After a two-year period with the Mystics, Teasley’s future as of 2011 is with the Detroit Shocks.

A graduate of Middletown High School, Beau Weibel is considered the best swimmer ever from the Frederick County area. By age 10, he established his career by ranking in meets on local, regional, state, and national levels. As a high school swimmer, Weibel broke every MHS swimming record, was a four-time Frederick County MVP, broke Metro and state records, placed three consecutive years in the Washington-Metro Championships, and placed second in the U.S. Nationals. A swimmer for the University of Georgia, he won championships in the 1,650-yard freestyle and the 400 individual medley, and broke school records in the 1,000 and 1,650 freestyle. Weibel was a five-time NCAA All-American, ranked worldwide in the 200- and 400 individual medleys, and was a 2000 Olympic finalist.

Considered to be “Mr. Lacrosse” in Frederick County, David Baldwin has been involved with lacrosse as a player, coach, official, and administrator for more than 30 years. After an outstanding high school and University of Maryland-Baltimore Campus lacrosse career, he moved to Walkersville. With a love for the sport, he promoted and organized youth lacrosse club programs for the Frederick and Washington County areas. Visualizing the future need for interscholastic lacrosse in Frederick County, Baldwin organized and led a campaign to raise $30,000 to start county high school programs. Because of his efforts and guidance, teams, officials, and coaches were established for the Frederick County Public Schools program. In 2008, his Walkersville High School team was the first county team ever to make a bid for the state title.

As a young athlete and graduate of Urbana High School, Zach Mills excelled far beyond his high school years as a gifted athlete in basketball and football. During his four-year basketball career, he was a four-year varsity starter and established and still maintained as of 2012 the school record for most career points and career rebounds. As a football player, Mills was the starting quarterback in the 1998 2-A state championship; he established a MPSSAA career record by passing for 5,638 yards and throwing 59 TD passes. He earned numerous recognitions from local, state, and national media. As a Penn State four-year starter, Mills set 18 offensive school records, ranked ninth All-Time in the Big Ten for career total yards, was selected three years as an All-Big-Ten player, and won numerous prestigious Penn State awards during his four-year career.

Kyle Pritts has been involved with youth for more than 60 years as of 2012. As a Frederick County Public Schools teacher, coach, referee, and administrator, he committed himself to youth, helping them to reach athletic and life success. One very important aspect of his life was volunteering with youth. Community-oriented, he earned the privilege of becoming the greatest volunteer for youth activities in Frederick County. As a college baseball and track athlete, he embraced the vision that athletic involvement was a means to success in life. For more than 20 years, he volunteered as a basketball timer for Middletown High School and regional tournaments and as an athletic timer for the University of Maryland men and women. Pritts has been forever giving his time and energy to support all young athletes, and his greatest joy is to see any young athlete succeed physically, mentally, and socially.

A lifelong Frederick County resident, Derek Shackelford has epitomized excellence in basketball. As a distinguished Walkersville High School player, he led the Lions to three Maryland state championship appearances with a title in 1986. He is one of two WHS players ever to have a basketball number retired. He continued his basketball prowess at Frederick Community College and George Mason University. Upon graduation, he returned to Frederick County to coach at Frederick High School and FCC. During his 16-year coaching career, Shackelford volunteered to coach youth groups, to mentor Frederick County youth, and to help them see opportunities available to them in dealing with life-changing decisions. As an ordained minister, Shackelford has successfully guided youth to achieve the six Pillars of Character Counts! Program.

Dedication, hard work, and overcoming adversity were a way of life for Kathy Messner Stevens. As a Catoctin High School graduate, she began an outstanding career involved in Catoctin youth track and field and developing proficiency in high jump, long jump, and triple jump that led to outstanding high school and college achievements. High school performances in cross-country and track earned her recognition as All- Area First Team in cross-country and track for four years. She was a 12- time Maryland state champion in the high jump, long jump, and triple jump, and held the Class 1A state record for the 300 meters, high jump and triple jump. With a scholarship to Penn State, a near fatal accident put her life on hold for more than seven months. Competing for Penn State, Messner- Stevens overcame a tragedy and again developed that gift of victorious competition and conquering a devastating misfortune.

A Frederick County native, Don Frost began his golfing career very early and was soon recognized as an outstanding golfer by qualifying three years for the Maryland State High School Championship. Attending Frederick Community College, Frost was a two-year no. 1 player, a starting golfer for the University of North Carolina-Wilmington, and won the Maryland Pro-Am Tournament. Turning pro in 1988, Frost played three years on the Florida Pro-Mini Tour. He began teaching golf in1992; in 1996, he became the Clustered Spires Head Professional and has given more than 16,000 golf lessons. In 2000, Frost was named the top golf instructor in the Mid-Atlantic region and has been nominated five times for Mid-Atlantic Professional Teacher of the Year. He is known in the golf world as the best teaching professional in the game of golf.

A Middletown High School graduate, Mark Miller was a multi-talented athlete who excelled in soccer, basketball, and baseball. He began his coaching career in 1980 as an MVAA intramural assistant coach and quickly advanced to being the MHS girls’ varsity basketball coach for 11 years. During that time, his teams advanced to state competition five times, won in 1989 and 1993 (26–0 record) and were finalists in 1990, 1994, and 1998. Miller began his collegiate coaching in 2007 at Norwich, followed by Mount St. Mary’s, Georgia Tech, Loyola, and as of 2012 was head women’s coach at Holy Family in Pennsylvania. He has maintained an 83% win average and has been ranked no. 13 nationally. Through his coaching leadership, all of Miller’s teams have become champions.

A graduate of Frostburg, Paul Nolan was a teacher and coach for the Frederick County Public Schools system for more than 32 years in the Catoctin area. He began at Thurmont High School teaching history, but ended his career in physical education. At Thurmont Middle, he organized the first intramural program and the seventh- and eighth-grade basketball teams that played in the county league. In 1971, Nolan helped to organize the Catoctin High School football program and was an assistant coach for 22 years. In 1979, he was appointed Catoctin’s athletic director. As AD, Nolan established a family coaching attitude with all of the school coaches and organized a highly successful Football Mothers’ Club. He was instrumental in unifying students, parents and athletes as a sports community.

A graduate of Walkersville High School and the University of Maryland, Peggy Trimmer was a Frederick County Public Schools physical education teacher for over 30 years. She began her coaching career in field hockey and basketball at WHS. Prior to Title IX, female championships were limited to a few sports at the county level. Trimmer coached her hockey teams to county titles in 1968, 1969, and 1970. In 1976, her team was the District Champion. Under her leadership in basketball, her teams were tops in the county, with a 40-game winning streak from1969 to 1973. Trimmer was an advocate for women’s sports and adamant that newspaper coverage should be equal for both male and female sports. Through her efforts, female sports became a vital part of the county’s sports coverage.

A Frederick County native, Fred Young, Jr., was an excellent athlete who participated in football, softball, and baseball. With roots in the YMCA, Young began his baseball career in 1947 with the YMCA League. He played baseball three years at Frederick High School, four for the Frederick Hustlers, and seven for the Ijamsville baseball team. During his career in the Maryland State League, Young set a league record for going two years without an error, won MVP one year, leading hitter another year, and made the All-Star Team for 13 straight All-Star games. He returned to his roots by working with youth on the local, district, and state levels. In the early 1970s, he was made the Babe Ruth Maryland State Commissioner of Babe Ruth baseball (ages 16–18).

Robert Bofinger was the captain of his high school soccer team at Woodrow High School in Levittown, Pennsylvania, and played college soccer at Penn State-Abington and Penn State- Harrisburg. Locally, he was a member of both the Frederick and Walkersville soccer clubs and was a USSF referee and a youth soccer coach in Frederick County.

Tina Leatherman Jones was an outstanding sprinter for the Frederick Track and Field Club, the Governor Thomas Johnson High School team, and at Penn State University, where she received a four-year track scholarship. She set the meet record for the 220-yard dash at the first Maryland State High School Girls’ Championships held in 1972. While competing for Penn State, she set numerous meet and stadium records in the 100-yard dash, the 440 and 880 relays, and in the long jump. In 1974 and 1975 she was named the Nittany Lions’ Outstanding Woman Track Athlete. She competed internationally in 1974 in the U.S.A.–Canada meet and in 1975 in the U.S.A.–Bermuda meet.

Vernon Myers, once labeled as Thurmont’s “Mr. Baseball,” was largely responsible for the growth of youth baseball and softball in the Thurmont community. He was president of the Thurmont Little League for 26 years, and under his leadership the program grew from four teams to 26 teams, with more than 400 participants. During his tenure, the number of playing fields in the league increased from one field to five. He was instrumental in the development of Thurmont’s Community Park and Eyler Park. Myers also was largely responsible for starting the Little League Softball program for the girls in the area. His philosophy was “Do what is best for the kids.”

John Shade got his start in swimming at age eight with the Monocacy Aquatic Club. By the end of his high school years at Walkersville High School, he had won seven of eight individual county championships and was undefeated in the 50 Freestyle. Earning a four-year swimming scholarship to La Salle University, he medaled in all of the Metro Atlantic Conference and National Catholic Championships in which he competed. He swam on conference record-setting relays and was named to the All-Conference Academic Swimming Team. In 1986, he was recognized by Swimming World Magazine as the sixteenth fastest 50-meter swimmer in the U.S.A. As a teen, he set numerous Maryland state age group records.

Pick-up games of baseball, football, and basketball in the back yard with his three brothers played a key role in the early developmental years of Lewistown native Chuck Wills. He participated successfully in Little League baseball, junior high school basketball, and high school football at Governor Thomas Johnson High School, but it was in track and field that Wills truly excelled. After winning his first Maryland state championship in the high hurdles as a Patriot sophomore, he went on to win four more state titles and set Maryland records in the 50-yard high hurdles and the 180-yard low hurdles. Although blessed with exceptional speed, it was his technique and work ethic that later earned him a full scholarship to Notre Dame, where he lettered three years.

Lifelong Frederick County resident Stan Biggus started participating in organized sports at an early age. He ran track for the AAU Frederick Track Club and played Little League and Babe Ruth league baseball. An outstanding athlete at Frederick High School in football, basketball, and baseball, Biggus was the first recipient of the Sertoma Club Inter-City Football MVP Award in 1968. He was selected to the All Tri-State League on both offense and defense. After starting at halfback in his freshman football season at Bluefield State College, Biggus served six years in the Navy before returning to Frederick and playing 12 years of football with the semi-pro Frederick Falcons. He was named to several All-Star teams while with the Falcons.

Though many Frederick residents will remember Richard Burgee as being one of the area’s finest lawyers, he also was accomplished in the field

of athletics. At Frederick High School, he lettered in football, basketball, baseball, and track in each of his three years. He was captain of the 1949 Cadet football team. The following year Burgee attended Mercersburg Academy, where he played on an undefeated football squad. He received a football scholarship to the University of Maryland and played in two Orange Bowl games for the nationally ranked Terps. He was a three-year letter winner and held the Maryland record of 90 yards as the longest run from scrimmage for 24 years.

Kim Wivell Gerrie has set softball records at every level she has played. A versatile athlete during her middle school years with blue ribbons in several track events, it was softball where Wivell-Gerrie excelled the most. She was a member of the Little League All-Stars that played in the Maryland State Tournament. At Catoctin High School, she participated on the varsity soccer team for four years, played basketball all four years, and was truly outstanding in her four varsity years playing softball. She was a First Team MVAL selection, starting in her sophomore year and repeated every year afterwards. In her senior year she was All-Area Player of the Year. She went on to a record-setting career at Shepherd University, where she was inducted into the SU Hall of Fame in 2007. As of 2015, she still held five Shepherd pitching records.

Stan Goldberg was the Frederick News Post sports editor for more than 40 years. After graduating from the University of Maryland where he was the sports editor for the school newspaper the Diamondback, he started as a part-time sports writer for the local paper. After a year, he became the sports editor. During his career he oversaw the expansion of the sports department from one fulltime position to five fulltime writers. He won numerous awards for his features and covered every aspect of sports, from Little League to professional sports. Goldberg’s featuring of top Frederick County athletes on the sports pages greatly improved scholarship opportunities for our local youth.

As a member of the Frederick Track and Field Club, Cheryl Poirier won several national age group titles and set national records in her hurdle events. From the age of 10 until she was 14 years old, she was the nation’s top hurdler. At 15, competing in the Maple Leaf Indoor Games in Toronto, an invitational event that attracted world-class athletes, she finished fourth in the hurdles, although she beat former Olympian Mamie Rollins. In the same year, Poirier was a member of the team that competed in the U.S.A.–U.S.S.R. Junior Track and Field Meet in Austin, Texas, where she won the bronze medal. She earned a track scholarship to the University of Florida.

Bill Stup took an unusual path to becoming one of Towson University’s most decorated football players. After an outstanding Frederick

High career in which he was Defensive Lineman of the Year, Frederick Touchdown Club Outstanding Player of the Year, and was All Tri-State, he by-passed college and played for the Frederick Falcons’ semi-pro team. In 1982, he played for the Chambersburg Cardinals when they won the National Semi-Pro Championship. Stup was later convinced to enroll at Towson University, where he was a standout for four years. In 1987 he was Lineman of the Year for the Tigers and in 1988 Street and Smith’s magazine named him to the All-Atlantic Coast team.

Although Guy Whidden grew up in nearby Pennsylvania, he has spent most of his adult life living in Frederick County, where he has had a great impact on athletics. After serving his country in World War II, parachuting into Normandy on D-Day with the 101st Airborne, he later achieved recognition as a competitor, a coach, and as an official in multiple sports. Whidden played baseball and boxed during his military service, was an outstanding collegiate wrestler, and coached or taught a wide-ranging variety of sports here in Frederick County. In appreciation of his helping to establish wrestling programs in several county high schools, the county wrestling trophy was named in his honor. Even though in his 90s, Whidden still swims and participates in track and field masters competition.

David Reaver was a four-year starting shortstop for the Linganore Lancers baseball team, led his team to Central
Maryland Conference titles in 1998 and 1999 and was selected as first-team All-CMC and All-Area, while compiling a
.587 batting average. At the University of Richmond, David was a four-year starter, winning the Atlantic 10 regular
season championships in 2002 and 2003 and the Atlantic 10 Tournament Championship in 2003. In 2002, the baseball
team won the most games in school history, going 53–13, and the team was inducted into the University of Richmond
Hall of Fame. David set the school record for consecutive games hit streak at 34, holds the all-time University of
Richmond and Atlantic 10 Conference single-season hits record with 104 and 30 doubles. In 2003, David was selected by
the New York Mets in the 10th round of the MLB draft. He played three seasons in the Mets organization with the
Brooklyn Cyclones, the Port St. Lucie Mets, and the Capital City Bombers.

Rick Conner is described by his colleagues as the best high school football coach ever in Frederick County. In 1998 Rick was inducted into the Western Maryland Athletic Hall of Fame and in 2014 was inducted into the Maryland High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame. Throughout Rick’s career, he has touched many lives by being a great leader, mentor, and coach, not only on the football field but also by coaching basketball, swimming, track, and as a physical education teacher. Since 2001, as Linganore High School’s head football coach, Rick has racked up three state football championships, four state runners-up, seven regional championships and 10 Conference championships. As a defensive coordinator at Urbana High School, he helped guide them to four consecutive state championships, which is a state record, and 50 consecutive wins. At Thomas Johnson High School, he was the defensive coordinator and helped guide those teams to two state playoffs, a regional championship, and three conference championships.

Gail Gaeng is a graduate of Thomas Johnson High School. From 2005 to 2011, Gail was part of the Bennett Blazers sports program in Baltimore where she garnered national attention as the 2007 National Wheelchair Basketball Prep Champions and MVP. In 2011, the Blazers finished second at the National Wheelchair Basketball Varsity Championships, and again Gail was named MVP. Gail played wheelchair basketball at the University of Illinois where she was the team captain, two-time First Team Division I All-American, and helped the program place second in the 2015 and 2016 national championships. Gail was a member of the Team USA Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team, team captain, and Gold Medalist in the 2016 Paralympics in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, and was a gold medalist on the 2015 Para Pan-Am Games in Toronto. She is currently playing for the Chicago Lady Hawks, a semi-professional team in the Women’s Wheelchair Basketball League, wherein 2018 she was named MVP at the National Wheelchair Basketball Women’s Tournament.

Philip Hammond graduated from Frederick High School where he was an avid and award-winning tennis player. In 1974, he was ranked first in Maryland in the 18-and-under boys doubles division. He went to Furman University in Greenville, S.C., where he was a team captain his senior year, leading the squad to the Southern Conference Championships in 1976 and 1977. In 1980, he won the Middle Atlantic Husband-Wife Mixed Doubles Championship with his wife, Jody. In 2006, Phil won the Maryland State Hardcourt and the Middle Atlantic Clay Court 50-and-over doubles championship. He is a six-time champion of the Rice Radcliffe Singles Tournament and 17-time champion of the J. Richard Remsburg Doubles Tournament at the Frederick Tennis Club. Phil helped build the Mount Saint Mary’s tennis program to a reputable and competitive program in the Northeast Conference from 2004 to 2015 as the program’s coach. He led the Mount’s tennis program to winning seasons seven out of his first 10 years.

This year, the Hall of Fame committee established the Alvin G. Quinn Sports Hall of Fame Rising Star Award to honor an individual or team, whose age/s are no older than 19, that has demonstrated exceptional accomplishments and contributions in their athletic field, and has brought honor to self and Frederick County during the past year. The Hall of Fame Rising Star committee unanimously voted to recognize Saylor Poffenbarger, a 16-year-old girls’ basketball standout from Middletown High School.

Saylor is currently a junior at Middletown High School. She was one of only 33 players who received an invitation to try out for the 2019 USA Women’s U16 National Team and in May 2019 was named to the 12-member roster. In June of 2019, Saylor helped led Team USA to a gold medal in the FIBA U16 Women’s Americas Championship, beating Canada 87-37 in the Gold Medal game. Team USA went 6-0 in Puerto Aysan, Chile, beating teams from Brazil, Puerto Rico, El Salvador, Chile, Mexico, and Canada. Saylor contributed significantly to the team’s success. She averages 18.4 minutes per game, 7.2 points per game and scored 10 points in the gold medal game against Canada.

Saylor has been recognized as a 2018 and 2019 All-State first-team selection, 2019 All-Area, and 2018-2019 Central Maryland Conference Player of the Year. She has compiled 1,109 points, 597 rebounds, 207 assists, 137 steals, and 149 blocked shot through her sophomore year at Middletown High School. Saylor verbally committed to play college basketball at the University of Connecticut, the most successful women’s college basketball program in the nation with 11 Division I national championships and 19 Final Four appearances since 1995.

Yuri Suguiyama graduated from Urbana High School where he was the Frederick News-Post Swimmer of the Year in 1997 and four-time Frederick County swim champion. He swam for the Curl-Burke Swim Club for five years, winning a national title in the 800 free relay at the 2000 Spring Nationals. Yuri continued his swimming career at the University of North Carolina, where he was a four-year swimmer and holds UNC’s record for the 1000 and 1650 freestyle events. He was an NCAA All-American selection his senior year and three-time All ACC selection. Yuri qualified for the 2000 and 2004 Olympic trials and competed in the 2000 Olympic trials. He was the assistant coach for the University of California men’s swim team that won the 2014 NCAA national title. He currently is the head coach for the University of Wisconsin men’s and women’s swim teams. Yuri has coached for Team USA and was the individual coach for Kate Ledecky during the 2012 Olympics in London, where the 15-year-old won the gold medal in 800 freestyle.

Clarence “Petie” Cooper, a three-sport standout at Frederick High School, was a dominant southpaw who struck out 19 batters in seven innings to lead Frederick to 1-0, one-hit shutout against Glenelg in 1969. Cooper’s 19 strikeouts on the day allowed him to break his own school record of 18, which he set during the 1968 season. These were the headlines often seen about one of the best athletes to come out of Frederick High School. In 1969, Petie was drafted in the fifth round (110th overall pick) of the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft by the Cincinnati Reds. He played six years in the Minor Leagues with the Cincinnati Reds and Minnesota Twins organizations, reaching the AAA level. Petie’s name is all over the Cadets record books in football, basketball, and baseball. Besides his 19 strikeouts in a game, his 226 career strikeouts is best in the 111 years of Cadets baseball. He holds the FHS school record for wins in a season (13) and career (26). His 1969 season ERA of 0.56 is also etched in as the lowest ever allowed by a Cadet pitcher. The 1969 Cadets would go on the win the Frederick County, Tri-State League, and District pennants. He also set football records, which included throwing 28 touchdown passes during the Cadets’ 10-0 season in 1968.

Described by many as the best field hockey player ever to come out of Frederick County, Joann Engestrom would eventually make the 2003 U.S. National Field Hockey Team and U23 National Team. Joann, a three-sport athlete at Middletown High School, was named the Frederick News-Post Field Hockey Player of the Year her senior season. She went on to play Towson University for three seasons, leading the team in scoring her junior year. Joann transferred to Temple for her senior season where she earned All-Atlantic 10 Conference first-team honors. Joann has coached and mentored youth teams, high school players, club and college hockey teams while sharing her passion, skill and knowledge for the game of field hockey. She continues to pass on her skill, experience and drive for the game of field hockey to many future players. Joann was a talented field hockey player who controlled the field with her skill and passion and competitive drive while inspiring and motivating other players to improve their performance.

Natalie Cleckley Jackson played four seasons on the Linganore High School girls varsity basketball team, which she captain her junior and senior years. She was the Frederick County Girls Basketball Player of the Year her senior year. Natalie went on to play power forward for Furman University. She was the recipient of the 1987-88 Southern Conference Freshman of the Year award. She later was the 1990-91 Southern Conference Player of the Year after earning first-team All-Southern Conference first-team honors in 1990-91 and second-team honors in 1988-89. During her junior year in 1989-90, Natalie helped lead Furman to its first Southern Conference basketball championship and first 20-win season (20-9). She led Furman in scoring and rebounding as a freshman and, as a senior, she paced the Paladins in scoring, rebounding, and field goal percentage. She averaged 14.7 points and 9.5 rebounds per games over the course of her career. She was named to the Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll and Furman’s Most Valuable Player in 1990-91. As a senior, she set Furman single-season records for points scored (575) and rebounds (356). She was inducted into Furman’s Hall of Fame in 1996.

Tracey Kelley Kibler is one of the finest athletes to come out of Middletown High School for her play in girls basketball and field hockey. Tracey was named All-MVAL and Frederick News-Post All-Area in basketball (1991-1993) and field hockey (1991-1992). She was named the Frederick News-Post and Hagerstown Herald-Mail Girls Basketball Player of the Year in 1993. As captain of the basketball team, she helped lead the Knights to a 26-0 record and Class 2A state title in 1993. Tracey also helped the field hockey team to a state championship in 1991. Tracey continued her basketball career at East Carolina University. She was a three-year team captain who earned CAA All-Rookie honors as a freshman and CAA All-Tournament honors as a senior. In between, she led East Carolina in rebounding for three seasons, and won Defensive Player of the Year, Most Valuable Player, and Leadership Award honors. Tracey, while at Catoctin High School, was named Frederick News-Post Girls Basketball Coach of the Year in 2004 and she added AWCC Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year in 2006 while at Hood College. Tracey also served as the Five-Star Women’s Basketball Camp Director and has coached many successful Mid-Maryland and MVAA girls basketball teams. In her career, Tracey serves as a High School Principal where she continues to advocate for equitable access to athletics for all students. One of her greatest passions is to serve student-athletes as a mentor and life coach.

Stephen Linger’s legacy in the world of women’s fast-pitch softball in Frederick County is still felt today. He was the founder of the Lewistown Tigers in the 1980s, the first girls’ fast-pitch softball travel team in Frederick County. The Tigers won 42 tournaments and produced 21 players that received scholarships to play in college. Stephen coached softball at Thomas Johnson High School where his teams went 40-17. He ran the Tigers fast-pitch softball clinic at Frederick Community College for years. He later coached at Messiah College where he guided the team to its first 20-win season in 1991 and added three MAC Championships (1991, 1993, and 1994), eventually winning the MAC in 1994. Stephen not only cared about all the players he coached but also cared about the community, and he was named Outstanding Young Marylander in 1980. An example of his dedication to softball in the county, he started the Frederick Community College softball team with no budget and donated his coaching salary back to the program to make it successful.

Bengie Biggus was a three-sport star at Frederick High School, excelling in basketball, baseball, and football. After high school, Bengie attended Frederick Community College and joined the baseball team. After two standout years at FCC, he was signed by the Milwaukee Brewers. Bengie went on to play six years of professional baseball, splitting his career between the Milwaukee Brewers and San Francisco Giants. Bengie held the mark for the most modern baseball professional pitching wins by any player from Frederick County until the 1990s. Bengie pitched more than 570 innings, appeared in 114 games, struck out 321 batters, and compiled an overall 37-26 record. Bengie’s best year was when he pitched for the Shreveport Captains in Double-A, helping his team to the best record in the Texas League, where his 12-6 record and a 3.21 ERA were third-best among all starting pitchers that year. After sustaining a significant injury in his pitching arm, Bengie returned to Frederick County, where he has coached, trained, and mentored various baseball and basketball teams and fitness training for soccer, football, and track and field athletes. At FHS, he served as an Assistant Baseball Coach alongside Head Coach Phil Rhodes for ten years. In addition to his lifetime love of sports, Bengie has worked and volunteered alongside his wife Angie for nearly 30 years to serve underprivileged, special needs, at-risk youth, and high needs adults and families in Frederick County and abroad. Most recently, Bengie was highly honored to be selected as one of only 200+ Frederick athletes of all recorded times to be featured on the Frederick Sports Mural, one of the largest sports murals in the country, to be installed at the Frederick Keys Stadium.

Elizabeth “Liz” Lebherz Hansel was a Thomas Johnson High School graduate and Towson University swimming standout. Liz was never part of a losing meet in high school and went on to a stellar college career that included 10 Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) conference titles, six CAA records and she broke 17 school records during her tenure. She held eight school records when she graduated. Liz earned All-CAA honors in seven events during her senior year and qualified for the NCAA Championships as a senior. Liz was one of only three Towson swimmers that were named to the CAA 25th Anniversary Women’s and Diving Team. Liz is recognized as one of the best swimmers in Towson University history. After graduating from Towson University, Liz was an assistant swimming coach for Towson University and earned her Master’s Degree from Goucher College in teaching.

Coach Kevin Lynott spent more than two decades as an exceptional football coach with tenures at Brunswick and Middletown high schools. Coach Lynott is best known for the dynasty he created as the football head coach at Middletown High School from 2008-2017. During this time, he compiled a record of 86 wins and just 27 losses. The Knights won three out of four consecutive 2A Maryland State Football titles from 2010-2013. He led the Knights to five MVAL championships, five 2A West regional championships, and one 1A North regional championship at Brunswick, five Piedmont Conference titles, and guided the Middletown High School football program to the longest winning streak ever, winning 36 consecutive games. To add, while at Brunswick High School he helped lead the football team as an offensive coordinator to its first 1A State Championship appearance in 1999. It’s no wonder that fnfcoaches.com named Lynott one of 20 most influential coaches when his career has a combined record of 112 wins and 53 losses. Coach Lynott has been named as the Association Press Maryland State Football Co-Coach of the Year, USA Today National Runner UP, Mid Atlantic Regional, Maryland Coach of the Year, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes Coach of the Year. Coach Lynott has been very instrumental in growing Youth football in Frederick County through his leadership role as a USA Football Master Trainer for the Heads Up Football Program, working with the MVAA Youth Football program for many years his support of Frederick youth programs. Currently, Coach Lynott’s is focused on Move United as USA Wheelchair Football Senior Consultant for Development, Education and Training (2019- current) and NFL Salute to Service & Bob Woodruff Foundation (serving the Disabled Veteran Population).

Alexis Maday Packard was a standout gymnast spending time on the U.S. National Team for several years and represented the United States of America in Brussels, Belgium, in 1997. Alexis was a Frederick High School graduate in 2000 and received a full athletic scholarship to the University of Iowa. While at Iowa, she was a three-time All-America gymnast from 2002-2004. Alexis was a six-time Big Ten champion, winning the all-around in 2001. She earned first-team All-Big Ten honors from 2001-2004. Alexis was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2001 and Big Ten Gymnast of the Year in 2004. She holds or shares the University of Iowa school records in the all-around, uneven bars, and floor exercises. In 2018, she was inducted into the University of Iowa’s Sports Hall of Fame, becoming only the second female gymnast to receive this prestigious honor.

Phil Rhodes was the Frederick High School baseball coach for 30 years, serving from 1992 to 2021. He led the Cadets to an MPSSAA Class 3A State Championship in 2009. During his tenure at Frederick High, he also led teams to the state finals, regional championships, and CMC championships. Phil coached the Cadets to 266 wins during his career. Phil was named Coach of the Year by the Frederick News-Post four times: 1996, 1999, 2005, and 2009. He also was named the Coach of the Decade from 2001-2010 by the Frederick News-Post. Coach Rhodes was fortunate enough to Coach several players who played professional baseball and currently has six former players who serve as high school baseball coaches throughout Frederick County.

Brittain Altomare is known as one of the greatest women’s lacrosse players ever to come out of Frederick County. Brittain went to Middletown High School and was selected as a four-time Frederick News-Post All-Area and all-conference selection for the Knights. In her senior year, she helped lead the Knights to an 18-0 regular season. At Middletown, she tallied 247 career goals and 95 assists. She was selected as a High School All-American. She went on to play lacrosse at Hofstra University from 2012-2015 where she racked up numerous achievements, including NCAA Division 1 All-American, Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Year, CAA All-League First Team Selection 3 Years in a row, CAA All-Rookie Team, USWLA Mid-Atlantic All-Region Team, and IWLCA Third Team All-American. She was also included on the Tewarraton Award Watch List during her senior season. Upon graduation from Hofstra, she was the program all-time leader in Points, Assists, and Draw Controls, as well as holding the season record for all of those categories. She remains in the top three on the all-time list for most of the significant point categories at Hofstra.  She played professionally after her stellar collegiate career for the Baltimore Ride in the United Women’s Lacrosse League in 2017. Brittain spent her first four years after college working for Harlem Lacrosse, the nation’s largest lacrosse non profit. She now works as a 5th-grade teacher at PS 149, the Sojourner Truth School in Harlem, New York. Brittain joins her great-grandfather Warner Brittain in the Sports Hall of Fame. Inducted in 1986, Warner “Mike” Brittain was known locally as the father of Frederick County football through his leadership as a coach and promoter of sports. The Frederick Seneca Football Team was founded in the early 1940s. This program helped to reinstitute football at Frederick High School in 1946, following a 24-year absence dating back to 1923. Brittain was the complete coach, treating his athletes with respect and understanding, which fostered lifetime values. He was a valued community leader, devoted coach, and friend to all privileged to work with him.

Ernie Bowens was known as a dynamic athlete and team leader on the football field and basketball court. He played for Governor Thomas Johnson High School in the early 1970s, where he excelled in football and basketball. Known for his athleticism, speed, quickness, and toughness, he led the 1971 Governor Thomas Johnson High school football team to a 10-0 season. As a quarterback, he guided a team that averaged 36 points per game. He helped a defense that allowed only 50 points for the season. He was named to the Maryland All-State team in 1971. For years, he was the all-time leading scorer in TJ basketball history and led the basketball team to the Tri-State League Championship and state playoffs in 1970-71 as the starting point guard. Ernie went on to play for the Frederick Falcons in 1972 and helped the Falcons go undefeated that season and win the league championship. 

Michael Rice was one of the top basketball players ever to play at Governor Thomas Johnson High School. Today, he still holds many top individual basketball records at the school. He remains the top rebounder in school history with 1,284 rebounds and is second in school history with 1,972 career points. His 51 points in a single-game record are tied for first in school history. In his senior year, he averaged 27.7 points a game and led the team to win their first state championship. In his senior year, he was ranked in the top 20 power forwards in the country. Mike went on to play basketball for the University of Pittsburgh from 1976-1977 and the University of San Francisco from 1979-1980. After college, Mike played professional basketball for several years in Finland, Chile, and Puerto Rico in the CBA.

Frederick Schumacher is one of the most recognized senior running athletes in Frederick County history. He has completed 37 JFK 50-mile races, ranking him third on the all-time finishers list. He has been competing for more than 20 years in Senior Olympics, earning 51 medals: 18 Gold, 19 Silver, and 14 Bronze. He not only participates in running marathons, he also is known as a sprinter in the 200 and 400 meters, the javelin and football throw competitions, and the shot put. He has participated in more than 250 races, winning numerous other awards, and has been the center point of many national articles about his successes. Fred proudly served his country for many years and retired as a U.S. Army Colonel. He has been instrumental in many clubs and organizations throughout Frederick County, such as the Frederick Steeplechasers Running Club, Veteran Day Echo Taps, and the Frederick County Veterans Advisory Council. Fred is certified as a Level 1 USATF Track and Field coach and has certifications as a personal fitness trainer. Fred served as a volunteer Strength and Conditioning Coach for Gettysburg’s varsity athletes from 2016 to 2020.

Kathleen Sixx certainly meets the YMCA Core Values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility through her lifetime of accomplishments on and off the field in Frederick County. Kathy spent 40 years as a field hockey official in Frederick County before retiring in 2017. She also served as the Coordinator for Frederick County Officials for nearly 39 years, advocating for the sport, the players, and the officials. She was instrumental in helping field hockey grow in Frederick County and even recruited players to become officials and trained them. Kathy held training camps regularly throughout Frederick County to help train and mentor young athletes. Kathy has received many accomplishments off the field as well, being recognized as Outstanding Teacher of the Year, Department Chair/s, Team leader, and teacher. She is a graduate of Catoctin High School and Frostburg State University. 

Niki Novocin Eastley has earned the distinction of one of the greatest field hockey players to hail from FrederickCounty, and she is still contributing to the game today. Her accolades trace back to high school, where she was an integral part of Linganore’s 1993 Maryland Class 3A field hockey state championship team. Niki showcased her leadership and defensive prowess and was named Frederick County Defensive Player of the Year that season. Her collegiate journey at Boston College was equally impressive, marked by academic excellence and on-field achievements. As a scholarship athlete, Niki garnered recognition as a 1998 NCAA Regional All-American, Big East First Team All-Conference player, and Big East Defensive Player of the Week. Her impact contributed to three Big East championships and NCAA Tournament appearances for Boston College. Transitioning seamlessly from player to coach, Niki has dedicated herself to nurturing young talents. Her coaching roles at Clarksburg High School and various clubs exemplify her commitment to developing field hockey players at both the high school and club levels. Beyond coaching, Niki has contributed to the sport as an umpire, officiating at state-level competitions and high school field hockey leagues. Beyond the sports community, Niki also serves in her church community as the current President of the Women’s Organization. Her multifaceted contributions as a player, coach, and leader underscore her profound impact on the field hockey community.

Jenn Ford, a distinguished alumna of Thomas Johnson High School, marked her athletic journey with resounding success. As a North Florida track standout, she won three NCAA Division II national titles and garnered five All-America selections. A pioneer at the University of North Florida, she was inducted into the university’s athletic Hall of Fame and two of the four school records she set in 2001 still stand over two decades later. Beyond college, Jenn continued her stride, conquering the Boston and New York Marathons with impressive 3:16 finishes. In 2016, she set a personal record of 8:16:45 in the JFK 50-miler, showcasing her endurance prowess. She was the first-place women’s finisher in nine of the 26 races, none shorter than marathon distance, in which she competed between 2013-2019. During her high school years, Jenn displayed exceptional talent, winning four state titles in distances ranging from 1,600 meters to cross country. In three of those state title performances, she posted the fastest overall time among all four classification performers. Beyond her own athletic feats, she has extended her passion by coaching middle school and high school track teams in Washington, and has mentored her son’s youth soccer team at her local YMCA in Virginia.

John Fowler’s journey in the world of baseball is a storied tale of a local player who was able to play professionally in his hometown. His athletic prowess surfaced early when he led the 1981 Brunswick Little League All-Star team to a state title, earning himself MVP of the league that same year. John was a three-time All-MVAL selection during his time at Brunswick High School, which culminated in being named the Frederick News-PostCounty Player of the Year in 1986. During his high school career, he was part of Frederick’s 16-18-year-old team that competed in the 1985 Babe Ruth World Series. He was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 1986 draft following high school but turned it down to attend Frederick Community College where he ended up as a two-time JuCo all-state selection. Again, he was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 1988 and this time signed, which started his professional career. He had stints with the Bluefield Orioles and Wausaw Timbers before becoming only the fifth local player to play for the Frederick Keys. Beyond his playing days, John’s commitment to the game and his community is evident through coaching stints at Little League and travel baseball for both Frederick and Brunswick. His influence extends to football and basketball coaching, emphasizing his dedication to shaping young athletes.

Danny Miller’s coaching journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment and impact on Frederick National Little League for an astounding 45 years. Beginning this journey at the age of 14, Danny’s dedication and leadership shone through as he progressed from assistant coach (1978-1984) to head coach (1985-2023). His impressive 545-237 record includes 18 league championships, five Frederick City championships, and two MarylandDistrict 2 Tournament of Champions titles. In his extensive tenure, Danny managed All-Star teams for both 9-10- and 11–12-year-olds, securing a total of 10 District 2 championships (three with the 9-10s, seven with the 11-12s). His 2000 9-10 All-Star team won the state title, 2012 9-10 team was state runner-up and 2019 11-12 team was the state runner-up. His role extends beyond coaching, as he served as the grounds crew at Staley Stadium, which is among the best Little League facilities in the region. Danny’s coaching legacy transcends sports, as he has also coached middle school girls’ basketball since 1999, showcasing his versatility and dedication to youth sports in the county. Despite coaching some of Frederick’s best players, including Doug Smallwood, Darnell Whims, Branden Kline, and Joey Hammond, Danny remains incredibly humble, deflecting credit to his players’ success. His positive influence is evident in the trust his parents place in him, making Danny Miller a cornerstone of the Frederick community and embodying the core values of caring and responsibility at the YMCA.

Susan House Pardo’s 33-year teaching career at Walkersville High School reflects her dedication to education, athletics, and community service. Specializing in health and physical education, she has left an indelible markon countless students, earning Superior and Distinguished Evaluations from administrators. Beyond the classroom, Susan co-facilitated inclusion programs for special education in physical education. Her extensive involvement in coaching and athletics includes roles as an assistant athletic director, head varsity swimming coach, and head girls’ varsity basketball coach. She also has spent more than 35 years as a fieldhockey official in the county. Susan’s impact extends beyond sports, with her contributions to emergency medical services and safety committees at Walkersville High School. She’s also noted as putting safety first and served as one of the first on-locationtrainers for athletic events in Frederick County. Recognized as a 2015 FCPS Teacher of the Year Finalist, Susan’s influence goes beyond the school walls. She serves on the Safety and Security Committee, Crisis Team, and Epi-pen Administration Team. Her commitmentto community service is exemplified through her roles in the Walkersville Volunteer Rescue Company, American Red Cross, and various fundraisers. Susan’s personal athletic achievements include scoring 14 points in the final as Middletown won a state title-winninggirls basketball team. She also was the leader in free throw percentage at Frederick Community College and played in the JuCo Region XX All-Star Game.