Schools

Quaker Valley Reinstates Sports Hall of Fame

Nominations are now being accepted for the Class of 2012 Sports Hall of Fame.

The Quaker Valley High School Athletic Department is pleased to announce that it is reinstating the Quaker Valley Sports Hall of Fame.

It has been 10 years since the hall of fame was deactivated after six successful years led by Sam Lofaso. Lofaso is a former QV teacher and coach who initiated and organized the QV Hall of Fame.

Athletic director and coach Mike Mastroianni and teacher and coach Gene Klein are excited about the plans and prospects for the renewed venture.

When Mastroianni and Klein started talking about reinstating the Quaker Valley Sports Hall of Fame, the ideas and excitement came naturally. It just seemed like the perfect fit for the school, the district and the times.

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They visited other schools to see how they honored their athletes through a hall of fame organization including displays and events.

Mastroianni and Klein didn’t need to be motivated, but reading other schools’ plaques reminded them that the caliber of the teams and athletes that Quaker Valley has turned out over the years is truly something to be proud of, especially considering the size of the high school, which has an enrollment of just over 600 students.

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The current school year is no different, as Quaker Valley boys and girls athletic teams have continued to excel across the board, highlighted by the boys cross country team capturing the state title.

Both Mastroianni and Klein have a strong history with Quaker Valley, its athletes and the community. They share common dreams and visions for the future of the QV Sports Hall of Fame (QVSHOF).

“This will be a great opportunity for former athletes to connect or reconnect with the school and the community.” said Mastroianni, now in his third year as athletic director and his 13th year as the boys basketball coach. “Our vision is to have a 'hall' or walk of fame at the stadium or school, so that the community and visitors can learn about QV’s rich athletic history.”

Eventually they want the organization to play a role in enhancing the athletic programs and facilities through financial support.

But for now, said Klein, currently in his 30th year as a teacher and boys soccer coach, “We are focused on the organization, honoring athletes with a weekend celebration, and most importantly, connecting with all QV’s athletes, past and present.”

The immediate plans for the newly formed group is threefold: to solicit nominations for the “Class of 2012;” to find community members, sponsors and QV alumni to help the organization in its efforts; and to finalize the plans for the first Hall of Fame weekend, slated for the end of September.

2012 IMPORTANT DATES

Feb. 15 - Acceptance of nominations

April 15 - Close of nominations for Class of 2012

June 1 - Announcement of QVSHOF Class of 2012 & Hall of Fame Weekend

Aug. 6 - Hall of Fame banquet tickets available for purchase

Sept. 28-30  -  QV Sports Hall of Fame Weekend, including reception, introduction of Class of 2012 and induction banquet.

The initial plans for the Hall of Fame weekend are to conduct a series of events leading up to the introduction of the Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2012 during halftime at a football game. The weekend festivities would end with the Hall of Fame induction ceremonies.

Nominations are now open for the Class of 2012 Sports Hall of Fame. To read the guidelines and to nominate an athlete or team, complete a nomination form from the QVSD website www.qvsd.org > athletics > QV Sports Hall of Fame or request one from the QVHS athletic office 412-749-6001.

To provide sponsorship support or to help with the Hall of Fame Weekend, please contact Gene Klein at kleing@qvsd.org. Please put Hall of Fame in the subject line.

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This article was submitted by Martha D. Smith on behalf of Quaker Valley School District. 

Do you have news you'd like to share with Patch readers? Email information and photos to Editor Larissa Dudkiewicz at larissa.dudkiewicz@patch.com. 


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