NILES Coates, scholarship winners to highlight HOF ceremony

NILES -- The Mahoning Valley Chapter of the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame will present its 2001 Man of the Year, James M. Coates Sr., and award six $1,000 scholarships at its 16th awards banquet Wednesday at Vernon's Cafe.
Coates, president of Coates Care, was selected because of his significant business accomplishments, community involvement and for the professional leadership contributions to the Valley.
Alma mater: Coates is a graduate of Niles McKinley High, where he was a letterman in football. Later, he helped start the Niles Frontliners.
Coates was recently inducted into the Niles Hall of Fame and is also a founding member of the Mahoning Valley Chapter of the National Italian-American Sports Hall of Fame.
The chapter will award its scholarships to Carlee Tressel of Boardman, Sam Gatta of Niles, Gina Abruzzino, Adam Senk and Natalie Scala, all of Warren John F. Kennedy, and Amanda Buzzacco of Chaney.
Tickets are still available by calling 399-8734, 372-4242 or 544-3057.