Ex-coaches highlight banquet

Some leftovers from the Mercer County Hall of Fame Athletic banquet …

It’s not a coincidence, by any means, that the Mercer County Hall of Fame draws a full house to its annual banquets each year at The Radisson in West Middlesex.

While the program has an ample amount of highlights, including the induction of former athletic standouts, one of the biggest drawing cards is the caliber of speakers.

This year was no exception, with perhaps two of the finest gentlemen coaches ever, Sam Rutigliano of the Cleveland Browns and Liberty University, and Lloyd Carr, former coach at the University of Michigan, filling the bill.

Both men were well prepared and left an indelible mark on the huge crowd. Each coach’s message was centered around character, self-discipline, hard-work and humility. During their messages, one could hear a pin drop. Both were strong speakers and each was given a standing ovation at the conclusion of their addresses.

Rutigliano, who spent 11 years at Liberty University, stressed the importance of self-discipline. He praised Carr for his 39 years in coaching and his tremendous career at Michigan. “He came in a winner and went out a winner,” said Rutigliano.

Carr resigned at Michigan at the conclusion of last season.

Rutigliano continued by saying that a person is not born with character; it has to grow through self-discipline.

“Remember,” he said, “the only difference between a pat-on-the-back and a kick in the butt is about six inches.”

Carr, with 122 wins and five Big 10 titles, talked of the two Sharon men who were with his program at Michigan, Teryl Austin and Marlon Jackson. Carr spoke highly of both players.

“Teryl is one of the finest persons I’ve ever known, and Marlon was just a great football player. He always talked of the support of one of his coach [Jim Wildman at Sharon] who helped him get through some of the tough years.”

He then directed his talk to the attendance saying that, “This banquet has drawn support from every area of the community and it shows.” Then he turned to the inductees and said, “You 11 gentlemen have had a mountain-top experience. You have paid the price. There is no substitute for hard work.”

He then talked of the time his team was involved in the Bluebonnet Bowl and one of the treats for the team was to attend a rodeo. Carr said he and his players were taken to the chute area where the riders mounted the bulls. “These guys had to stay on the bull for eight seconds and I’ll tell you once again, there is no substitute for hard work.”

This year’s inductees were Paul Ceremuga, Bob Stone, Lou Falconi, Dave Goodwin, Irwin McCullough, Troy Mild, Jim Patterson, Anthony Perriello, Patsy Combine, Roger Flynn and George Chalmers (posthumous).

Ceremuga became the fourth member of his family to be inducted. His three brothers, George, Mike and Joe (all previous inductees), were on hand for the ceremonies. What makes the Ceremuga brothers so unique is the fact that all of these exceptional athletes played at Greenville St. Michaels and at Youngstown State. To have four brothers competing at one university doesn’t happen very often, to say the least.

Paul was a four-year starter at YSU under legendary Penguin football coach Dike Beede. He played halfback on offense and in the secondary on defense.

The Hall of Fame’s 2008 commemorative program was dedicated to Ken Anderson, a director emeritus of the association.

He is known as the voice of the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, singing the National Anthem as well as the Hall of Fame song which he wrote to the tune of “O Tannenbaum.” Anderson served for many years on all of the vital committees that are in a large part responsible for the annual fete.

Pin banquet set

The Mercer County Bowling Hall of Fame will hold its 21st annual induction ceremony and banquet Feb. 23 at The Radisson in West Middlesex. A social hour will precede the banquet.

Slated for induction are Brian Chec, Kathy Henry, Dave McGranahan Sr., Dorothy Morris and Rick Walter. Christopher Lysek will be honored as part of the Hall’s youth recognition program.

Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased from any board member.