trumbull hall of fame 2008 inductees

The Trumbull County Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremonies will be held Oct. 26 at the Golden Gate Restaurant/Banquet Center, Parkman Rd., NW, with 10 persons to be enshrined. Tickets are $20 each and can be obtained by calling (330)-540-2733. The event will get underway at 2 p.m. with a social set for 1:30 p.m. Former Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Langhorne and Bernie Profato, commissioner of the Ohio Athletic Commission will serve as co-speakers for the event. Here are short biographies of the inductees:

Joe Campana Sr. (golf) — A member of the Warren Harding golf team where the sport became a passion and lasted his entire lifetime. Won over 100 amateur titles and is a past Warren City League champion, Knights of Columbus champions and is an OPGA Seniors champion.

Jim Cramer (basketball) — A graduate of Liberty High where he scored 2,049 career points. Started at Northwestern University before returning to play at Youngstown University, where he scored over 800 points in two seasons.

Joe Novak (football) — Began his coaching career at Warren Western Reserve in 1968 and became head coach there in 1972, leading the Raiders to the Class AAA state championship his first year. The following season WWR went 11-1 and played in the state final. Later coached at Northern Illinois University.

Ed Pryts (football) — Lettered four years at Brookfield where he was two-time all-county and All-Ohio at linebacker. He was named county player of the year as a senior before going to Penn State, where he started three years at linebacker. Drafted by the Houston Oilers in 1982 before a knee injury ended his career.

Jodi Riedel (track & field) — A 1982 graduate of Niles where she won a state championship in the discus and finished third in the shot put as a senior. Later performed with distinction at Kent State.

Barry Reinhardt (wrestling) — Served as coach at Howland High for 32 years, including wrestling from 1983-99, where his teams posted a 135-37 dual meet record. He led the Tigers to 24 tournament championships and he coached one state champion and 28 state qualifiers. His 1984 team finished fifth in the state tournament.

Joe Rich (football) — A 1930 graduate of Niles High, Rich is one of the most successful coaches ever in Trumbull County. Carved career records of 163-62-11 in football and 282-102 in basketball. Had eight undefeated teams and 11 league champions in football and a Class A state championship. His teams had winning streaks of 28 and 18 games.

Gregg “Rusty” Rosenberger (boxing) — A 1974 graduate of Niles High who was a four-time Youngstown Golden Gloves champion. Also won the Pa. Diamond Belt and West Virginia Silver Belt titles. A two-time Cleveland AAU regional champion and twice fought in the nationals. Unbeaten in his first 15 pro fights, winning the New Jersey middleweight crown in 1979. Finished 20-6 with 10 wins by knockout.

Keith Vens (tennis) — A 1972 graduate of Champion High. he held professional status with the United States Tennis Association and was ranked by NEOTA, Western District and the nationals. He was ranked nationally in the Father and Son Doubles with both his father and son. With son Kasey, was a three-time Ohio State champion and with daughter Abbey won the 2000 National Indoor championship and was 2000 National Grass Court runner-up. After his death, the National Grass Court Tournament instituted the “Keith Vens Sportsmanship Award.”

Warren “Sonny” Vens (tennis) — Known as “Mr. Tennis” he started playing in 1948 at Packard Park. He helped start the Warren Olympic Swim and Tennis Club and was part owner of Sportland in Warren. He was responsible for lessons and oversaw clinics at the local YMCA, Avalon Inn, Packard Park and Kent State-Trumbull Campus. Won many tournaments in Northeastern Ohio, also winning top honors in the Warren City Singles and Doubles Tournament, the Youngstown Open, East Palestine Open, Kent State Open and Cleveland Racquet Club.