West Middlesex High HOF inducts 11

Some of the most outstanding athletes in West Middlesex High School sports history recently were inducted into the school’s Sports Hall of Fame.

The 11 inductees are Amy Allen, R.J. Bowers, Charles Garrett, Jim Marcolivio, John M. Walker, Jennifer Kerins Miller and (posthumously) Henry Campman, E.F. Genger, Fitz Genger, and Lynn Trimble.

The induction ceremonies were conducted between games of the West Middlesex Kiwanis Basketball Tournament.

The inductees that I did know or heard of were all first-class citizens. Jim Marcolivio was one of my basketball coaches at Sharpsville High School and he left Sharpsville to take a post at West Middlesex, where he cranked out a state basketball championship team.

And it was Marcolivio, I believe, that launched a football program at West Middlesex.

Bowers top rusher in nation

Everybody knows the exploits of R.J Bowers when he played football at Grove City College and was the top rusher in the nation. Chuck Garrett was one of the nicest guys you would ever want to meet. He not only was a standout basketball player at West Middlesex and in college, but he coached several teams in the Mercer County area.

And they still talk about the Genger boys and Henry “Poppy” Campman on the diamonds of Mercer County. They were tremendous ballplayers.

Lynn Trimble coached girls volleyball and she, too, was highly successful.

Whoever made the inductee selections selections should be highly congratulated for coming up with such and outstanding class.

Congratulations to all.

Burns, Campbell lauded

Wilmington High School’s outstanding running back Chris Burns and teammate Lou Campbell, the Greyhounds’ tenacious defensive lineman, were accorded first team honors on the 2007 Associated Press Pennsylvania High School All-State Football Team. Grove City High’s defensive back, Dwayne Martin, was a second team selection.

The guy who stole the show once again, however, was Jeannette’s “Mr. Everything”, Terrelle Pryor, who not only was a first team selection but was also named the Associated Press Pennsylvania Class AA Player of the Year.

It was Pryor and his Jeannette team that over-powered Wilmington in the Western Regional Final and then went on to beat Dunmore in the state title game.

Burns had a phenomenal season, too, and is heading to Pitt where he will certainly help out with the Panthers’ running game. Last season, Burns was a second-team pick at defensive back. He finished his career with 3,991 yards. Campbell went both ways for Verrelli. He’s a 6-1 305-pound senior.

Grove City’ s Martin had a standout year also with 54 tackles, six interceptions and two fumble recoveries. He’s a 5-8, 165-pound senior.

Antol sizzles

Richie Antol is a busy man these days. With nine grandchildren that’s understandable.

But Richie still finds time to enjoy his favorite past-time, bowling.

Now living in Traverse City, Mich., the former Hermitage resident (now retired) is a member of the Seniors Bowling Association and works part-time at a bowling establishment in Traverse City. He is bowling as well now as he did in his prime. He recently turned in his fifth 300 game and is currently averaging 230.