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Fitch Athletic Hall of Fame inducts new class
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .The 2011 induction class of the Austintown Athletic Hall of Fame gathered on Sept. 24 to celebrate. The honorees are, in front row, Dana Sulenski-Menendez (left), James Pontuti, Mike Woloschak, and Cecil Duffett; in back row, Matt Keller, Gary Barber, William Jacobson, and Dave Hartman. Not featured in the photo are the members of the 1975-76 Cross Country team, the 1990 football team, or the family members of posthumously inducted honorees Don Schnurrenberger, Paul D'Eramo, Donald Dockry, and Mike Calhoun.
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Dave Hartman (center) coached football at Fitch from 1982 to 1993. During the hall of fame induction ceremony, Hartman celebrated with his mom, Marion Hartman (left), and wife, Pat Hartman.
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Austintown athlete Don Schnurrenberger was honored posthumously for his excellence in football, basketball, and track at the Spet. 24 event. The late athlete's widow, Dottie Schnurrenberger (left), and brother, David Schnurrenberger, posed near the plaque that honored his legacy.
By SARAH FOOR
The fourth class to join the Austintown Fitch Athletic Hall of Fame gathered on Sept. 24 to celebrate and reflect on athletics in the Austintown community.
Hall of Fame committee chairman Tim Kelty said the 2011 inductees were a special group because they represent a long history in sports.
“This year, we have at least two inductees from every decade of our time as a district. From the years that Austintown was a small farming community to the busy city we see today, we have always supported excellent athletes,” Kelty shared.
The 2011 Athletic Hall of Fame class included the 1975 cross country team; the 1990 football team; Cecil Duffet ‘45, honored for football and track; Don Schnurrenberger ‘48, honored posthumously for football, basketball and track excellence; Mike Woloschak ‘72, recognized for football and track; Paul D’Eramo ‘64, posthumously honored for football and track; William Jacobson ‘66, recognized for basketball and baseball; Donald Dockry, honored posthumously as a benefactor; James Pontuti ‘59, for football and track; Mike Calhoun ‘75, posthumously for football and track; Dana Sulenski-Menendez ‘95, honored for basketball and softball; Matt Keller ‘86, recognized for football and track; Gary Barber ‘82, for football and basketball; and Dave Hartman, honored for his football coaching from 1982-1993.
For the honorees, the event was a time to celebrate with family and the Austintown community.
“Being part of this group makes me permanently part of the school’s and the community’s history, and I’m honored,” said inductee Dana Sulenski-Menendez.
“When I participated in athletics, my focus was never just being a girl on the team. However, it’s wonderful to inspire future female Fitch athletes, as well as my daughters at home,” Menendez added.
“Austintown athletics gave me so much,” said inductee Matt Keller at the event. “They gave me great coaching, guidance and a direction in life. I try to give those same gifts to my kids. I think the legacy of Austintown sports goes far beyond just here and now.”