Mercer Athletic Hall of Fame

Class of 2000 John Dale Swogger- During his seven years as head boys’ basketball coach of the Mustangs, Mercer appeared in 5 state championship games (1962, 1963, 1964, 1966, and 1967) and won back to back state championships in 1966 and 1967. Swogger was the architect of Mercer’s devastating fast break offense, which averaged nearly 100 points per game in 1966 and 1967. During his 7-year tenure as Mercer’s coach, the Mustangs compiled a remarkable 155-31 record. Prior to coming to Mercer, Swogger started as a player for two legendary basketball coaches, L. Butler Hennon at Wampum High School and Cliff Aultman at Geneva College.

Tim Thompson- He is believed to be the first athlete in Mercer High School history to individually qualify for the state championships in two sports – wrestling and track and field. As a premiere wrestler at the 167 pound weight class, Tim placed third at the state tournament. He was also a two-time Section 3 champion and a two-time Northwest Regional qualifier in wrestling. Tim also was a state qualifier in the intermediate hurdles and advanced to the state finals in the triple jump. While at Slippery Rock University he wrestled for three years on the varsity squad at the Division I level.

Chuck Jaskowak- A 2-sport star at Mercer High School, Chuck was the state champion his junior year in the javelin throw. He again placed third in the state his senior year and was nationally ranked among all high school throwers. In 1981 he was one of only to Pennsylvania high school students to ever be invited to the National Championship where he placed second. During his high school career he set 14 different meet, stadium, school, and league records in the javelin, which have not been broken. Chuck went on to compete in the javelin for the University of Florida where he placed 3rd at the junior nationals in 1982. Chuck was also a standout quarterback and punter in football at Mercer and was named to the All-Tri County team three times.

1966 State Championship Basketball Team- This was Mercer’s first of two consecutive state title teams in the mid 1960’s. This tall and talented team parlayed exceptional discipline and a devastating offense in recording the only undefeated basketball season in Mercer history (28-0). The team rampaged through opponents during the regular season, averaging nearly 100 points per game. Led by the dynamic starting 5 of All-State lefty sharpshooter Bill Snodgrass, all-around standout Posey Rhoads, 6’5 ½ shooting star Tom Filer, steady point guard Mont Mattocks, and power rebounding forward Larry Woods, coach John Dale Swogger’s Mustangs capped a storybook season with a heart stopping 55-52 overtime win over Darby Colwyn in the PIAA State Champtionship at Pittsburgh’s Civic Arena. Five players on this title team went on to have solid basketball careers at the collegiate level. Other members of this team included: Larry Reichard, Dave Knowlton, Dick ―Pickle‖ Harris, Art Adair, Denny Mathieson, Les Peters, Brent Long, and managers Alex Ellis, Hugh Ringer, Jack Sampson, Harry Snyder, and Jim Hamer.

Bob “Posey” Rhoads- In what is a rich basketball tradition at Mercer High, Posey ranks as the school’s greatest boys’ basketall player and all-time leading scorer with 1,516 career points. He was a starter on 2 state championship teams in 1966 and 1967 and as a senior was virtually unstoppable, scoring more than 30 points in 14 games. During his remarkable senior season, Posey tallied 50 or more points in two games, averaged 30.2 points per game, and scored 816 points, which was a Mercer County single season scoring record that lasted until 1990. Posey, who was named first team All-State and received All-American mention his senior year, went on to have an outstanding career at Wake Forest University where he was a double figure scorer for the Demon Deacons.

Sandi Bittler- Mercer’s greatest girls’ basketball player ever was a 3-sport star in high school, excelling in basketball, track, and cross-country. She ranks as one of the best pure shooters in Mercer County girls’ basketball history. Sandi was a 4-year letter winner for the Lady M’s and, during her senior year in 1986, she led her team to a 26-2 record and the PIAA District 10 Championship. Sandi was graduated from Princeton University where she ranks as the school’s all-time leading scorer in women’s basketball and was named Princeton’s women’s basketball athlete of the century. Upon graduation from Princeton, Sandi worked for the National Basketball Association office in New York City. Currently she is Vice- President of Business Operations for the Portland Fire in the WNBA.

Class of 2001 Renzie Hoffman- Mercer boys’ basketball coach from 1943 to 1956, Mr. Hoffman won 74% of his games during that 13-year span. His teams won seven District X championships, with six of these clubs reaching the state final four before bowing to the WPIAL champions. Three of his former players: Jim McElrath, Gary Peters, and Tom Clayton scored more than 1,000 career points. During his tenure, Mr. Hoffman also coached football, track, and girls’ basketball. He is given credit for reinstating Mercer’s football program in the mid 1940s. Coach Hoffman retired from education in 1958 and he passed away in 1976.

Chuck Marsh- Chuck Marsh is believed to be the first ever track and field state champion at Mercer High School. In 1966 Chuck was undefeated in the javelin throw, where he broke his own school record six times. He was also the first ever Mercer County track athlete to eclipse the 200’ mark with a throw of 203’9‖. Chuck then went on to establish record setting throws at the collegiate level while attending Indiana State University. Chuck was active in the Mercer community throughout his life until he passed away in 1997.

Mark Brown- Generally recognized as the most versatile of all the outstanding basketball players during Mercer’s championship runs in the 1960s, he was the first player in Pennsylvania basketball history to start three straight state championship games, first as a point guard on the 1962 and 1963 teams and then as a forward on the 1964 state finalist club. Mark Brown’s 1,133 career points are the 7th best in Mercer boys’ basketball history. This exceptional all-around player is the school’s career assist leader, hold the school record for scoring as a sophomore, and holds the Mercer High School record for most consecutive made free throws (21 in 1963-64).

Ken Tarczy- Regarded as perhaps Mercer’s finest all-around athlete, Ken was a 3-sport star in high school excelling in football, basketball, and track where he earned a state medal. His 937 career points ranks 10th in Mercer boys’ basketball history. He also rushed for over 1,300 yards in football his senior year, and then qualified for the track and field state championships in three events the same year. Ken was graduated from Harvard University where he earned three varsity football letters and was named All-Ivy League, All-New England, and Honorable Mention All-American during his collegiate career.

1967 State Championship Basketball Team- The second of Mercer’s two consecutive state title teams in the mid-1960s, this tall, lightening quick, fast breaking team rolled to a 25-2 season under the leadership of Hall of Fame coach John Dale Swogger. The Mustangs posted a 20-2 regular season record. Led by All-State and All-American Hall of Famer Bob ―Posey‖ Rhoads, 6’7‖ rebounder and defender Art Adair, and the fast breaking back court trio of point guard Dave Knowlton, and wings Denny Mathieson and Dick ―Pickle‖ Harris, the Mustangs dominated four Western regional playoff opponents before running Eastern Regional champion Montrose off the Harrisburg Farm Show Arena floor 61-52 to capture the PIAA Class B championship. Other members of this championship team included sixth man Brent Long, along with Les Peters, Bernie Pyle, Jake Amos, Andy Frydrych, Jack Smolnik, and managers Tom Zimmerman, Calvin Redfoot, Harry Snyder, and Dick Burns.

Mark Hannay- Coach Hannay was selected for membership in a special category. This long-time track and field coach has been a member of the USA Track and Field’s National and Olympic Pole Vault Development and Education Committee and the National Pole Vault Coaches Staff. A noted expert in pole vault, Coach Hannay has published and co-authored articles, manuals, and exams on this track and field event. During Coach Hannay’s nine years as the Mercer Boys’ Head Track and Field Coach, his squads produced the highest winning percentage of all sports in Mercer Varsity Athletics’ history. Coaching record: 94% win/loss record (102 wins and 7 losses), three consecutive District X titles, five undefeated seasons, six Mercer County Championships, seven consecutive Tri-County Championships, six Mercer ―Coach of the Year‖ awards, seven Tri-County ―Coach of the Year‖ awards, and 48 Pennsylvania State Championship medals.

Class of 2002 Jim McElrath- ―Tyke‖ as he is known in basketball circles ranks as one of the top basketball players to come out of Mercer County and still ranks as one of Mercer County’s top all-time point makers. During his three-year span with the Mustangs beginning in 1950-1951, he tallied 1,404 career points, second in school history, and led his team to a three-year record of 60- 12, two District 10 Championships, and two trips to the Western Regional Finals. A two- time second team All-State selection, Jim McElrath scored 30 or more points in 12 games during his career.

Tom Clayton- Tom Clayton is Mercer’s 4th leading basketball scorer of all time with 1,176 career points and starred on three of Mercer’s outstanding teams in the 1950s under Coach Renzi Hoffman. Tom started on three Mustang teams that reached the Western Regional Class B Finals from 1952-1954. He was the Mercer County scoring leader and was named First Team All-State in his senior year.

John Harbison- John Harbison is generally recognized as the best rebounder in Mercer Baskeball History, not only was this 6’6—1958 strongman dominant off the glass, but he gave coach John Dale Swogger’s Mustangs an unstoppable inside scoring threat during both the 1961-1962 and 1962-1963 seasons as he helped lead the Mustangs to back-to-back Western Regional Championships. John Harbison ranks as Mercer’s 3rd leading scorer of all time with 1,249 points.

Jerry Woods- Jerry Woods was one of the most prolific long-range shooters in Mercer Basketball history. Jerry ranks as Mercer’s 7th leading all-time scorer with 1,159 points. A four-year basketball letter winner, he was the team leader in both scoring and assists in 1977-1978 and 1978- 1979 on teams that advanced into the District 10 playoffs. Jerry Woods was noted for his ability to destroy all types of ―junk‖ defenses with his exceptional shooting range.

1985 State Champion 3200 Relay Team This was Mercer’s first-ever State Championship Relay Team in Track. After qualifying for the state meet at a hotly contested District 10 Championship meet that year, the team coached by Jim Waldorf and Mark Hannay ran its best race of the season to capture the gold medal. Team members included regular runners Alex Borowicz, Kevin Cameron, Roland Hawk, and Steve Forrester and alternates Steve Podlaski and Jim Brady.

Jim Waldorf- Jim Waldorf is recognized as one of Mercer County’s most knowledgeable and most successful middle and long distance coaches in both Track and Cross Country. During Jim’s 36 ½ years as a coach, 35 of his athletes won state medals. His 1985, 3200 meter relay team won the PIAA State Championship, one of six state medalist relay teams that were under his direction. In Cross Country Jim Waldorf coached two District 10 Championship Teams and three teams that medaled at the State Championship Meet.

Class of 2003 Kevin Kubalic- Kevin was a multiple-sport participant in Mercer. He earned four varsity letters in track and wrestling and two in football. Kevin was the first wrestler in school history to record 100 career victories with a career record of 101-22. He was two-time section champion, three- year place winner at District 10, three-year qualifier for the Northwest Region tournament and three-time qualifier for the Pennsylvania Junior National Freestyle team. He continued his wrestling career at NCAA Division I Slippery Rock University where was a three-time place winner at the regional tournament. Kevin holds the school record in pole vault with a vault of 14’5 ¾‖. After college Kevin turned his attention to coaching and expressed prior to his death in 2002, that he wanted to be remembered more for his coaching and dedication to the young people of Mercer than his own athletic accomplishments.

Eric O’Brien- Eric O’Brien was a two-time District 10 runner-up and one-time champion in the javelin. In 1988, as a sophomore, he became the District 10 Champion and earned a 4th place medal at the state championships at Shippensburg University. In 1989, as a junior, he was District 10 runner-up and placed 6th at the state championships. As a senior in 1990, he was again the District 10 runner-up, but went on to cap his senior year by standing on the highest platform and earning the title of state champion in the javelin. This was the third of his state place-winning awards. Eric is actively involved in the Junior Olympic Wrestling Program by coaching here at Mercer.

1971 Undefeated Tri-County League Championship Football Team- This squad remains the only Mustang football team to record an unbeaten and untied season in Mercer gridiron history. Led by their beloved coach, Gene Blakely, the Mustangs rolled through the rugged Tri-County League in posting a 9-0 season record. Mercer’s high powered wishbone offense, led by all-league quarterback Art Amos and all-state running back Gary Yeager, was virtually unstoppable all year. Defensively, the Mustangs were a swarming, hard-hitting unit keyed by Yeager and all-league middle linebacker Joe ―Butch‖ Burk. The signature games in Mercer’s unbeaten season included a mid-season home win over the powerful Mohawk team. And, in the next to the last game of the season in what was labeled the ―Battle of the Unbeatens,‖ the Mustangs outlasted a strong Shenango team on the road to put the exclamation point on Mercer’s memorable gridiron campaign. The 1971 team was represented by five All-Tri County first team members, five second team members, and the MVP of both the first and second team offenses.

Gina Scarsella-Trombley- This fine all-around student-athlete excelled in basketball, volleyball, and track. Her basketball honors include earning four varsity letters, being named second team all-county in 1986, first team all-county in 1987, and the all-county MVP in her senior year of 1988. She was also a standout in volleyball, leading the Lady M’s to their only M.C.A.C. volleyball title in 1988 while earning four varsity letters, being named to the all-county first team in her sophomore, junior, and senior years. Gina excelled in track and field earning three varsity letters and qualifying for the District 10 championships in her sophomore, junior, and senior years. She was also a state qualifier in the 1987-1988 season in the 100 meter hurdles. She is a graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point where she was a four-year letter winner in basketball, team captain, and earned first team all-conference honors. In 1993 she was named NCAA Woman of the Year at West Point.

David Palmer- David Palmer is perhaps the best pure shooter of all the great Mustang guards in Mercer basketball history. David, known for having the quickest shot release in Mercer basketball history, scored 595 points his junior year and 549 points his senior year. This sharpshooter, teamed with John Harbison, led coach John Dale Swogger’s Mustangs to back-to-back Western Regional Championships. Palmer earned third team all-state honors his junior year in high school and first team all-state honors his senior year in high school. AS the MVP for the Mustangs his senior year, he also was the leading scorer in Mercer County and was recipient of the Hoyle award. David ranks as Mercer’s 6th leading scorer of all time with 1,157 career points. After high school, Palmer earned a full athletic scholarship to West Virginia University. WVU utilized his skills as a player for four years and as a coach for an additional two. While at West Virginia University, David Palmer was a three-year starter and letter winner.

Class of 2004 William Snodgrass- Bill Snodgrass was one of the greatest shooters in Mercer High School Basketball history and was the proven finisher to the famed fast break attack. He was a three-year letter winner in basketball and a member of the 1965-1966 undefeated (28-0) state championship basketball team. He served as captain of the undefeated 1966 PIAA Class B State Champions, while leading his team in scoring during his junior and senior seasons scoring 353 and 642 points respectively. His 87.2 free-throw percentage is the best single season mark in school history. During his senior year he was the team MVP, named to the first team All-State (Class B), fourth team All-State (all classifications), and honorable mention All-American in 1966. Bill Snodgrass is a member of the 1000-point club at Mercer ranking 10th in school history with 1115 points. He went on to play college basketball at Division I St. Francis on a full scholarship. While at St. Francis, he was a three-year starter and letter winner, led the team in scoring during his junior year, named third team All- District that same year.

Milo R. “Mike” Ringer- Mike Ringer was the first truly talented big man to wear the Mercer colors of Blue and White. As a freshman, he scored 122 points ranking second among all ninth graders in Mercer High School history; this was followed by team leading points of 163 and 314 in his sophomore and junior years respectively. His 766 career points rank him 18th in Mercer basketball history, despite missing most of his senior year. He led his team to a District 10 runner-up finish during that junior year of 1946-1947. Mike went on to play Division I basketball at Duquesne University, graduated in 1953 with a degree in accounting, earned a Masters degree in accounting from the University of Arizona and became a CPA. During his retirement, Mike was an avid fan of the Arizona Wildcats following the golf, basketball, and football teams around the country.

Class of 2005 Eric McKay- Eric holds the career record for wins in Mercer wrestling with an overall record of 119-16. A four-year letter winner for the Mustangs, he was a four-time champion at Grove City’s Fred Bell Memorial Tournament. In addition, Eric was a three-time District 10 champion and was a PIAA state qualifier in the 112-pound weight class in 1989. McKay earned four varsity letters while wrestling at Slippery Rock University and served as captain for the 1995-1996 SRU team. While at Slippery Rock University he placed third, as a runner-up, and as champion at the eastern regional wrestling tournament in 1994, 1995, and 1996 respectively. Eric was also a Division I national qualifier in 1996. Eric McKay was a graduate assistant at Slippery Rock University from 1996-1998 and earned both a bachelors and masters degree in accounting.

Dave Knowlton- The lightning quick point guard for Coach John Swogger’s 1966-1967 PIAA state championship team, Knowlton orchestrated Mercer’s devastating fast-break offense that rolled over five western regional playoff opponents, culminating in a state championship gave victory over Montrose at Harrisburg’s Farm Show Arena. A three-year letter winner in basketball at Mercer, Knowlton scored 439 career points and was an all-state honorable mention selection at the end of the 1966-1967 season. Knowlton continued his basketball career at Edinboro State College where he was a three-year varsity starter and an all- conference selection in 1969. In 1991 Knowlton was inducted into the Edinboro Hall of Fame. Dave taught history for seven years at both Cadiz, Ohio High School and West Middlesex High School, serving as boys’ basketball coach at both schools.

Dave Cook- Only the legendary Farrell coach Ed McCluskey won more games as a head boys’ basketball coach in Mercer County than Dave Cook. During his 26-year tenure as coach of the Mustangs, Cook compiled a win-loss record of 401-290, winning 58% of his games. Cook’s teams advanced into the District 10 playoffs 18 of his 26 years as head coach, winning two District 10 championships and six district runner-up trophies. His 1976-1977 Mustangs won the western regional championship and advanced to the PIAA state title game, losing to Cocalico at Hershey Park Arena. During Cook’s 26-year head coaching career, he compiled seven 20-win seasons and 16 winning seasons. Dave Cook taught mathematics at Mercer High School for 35 years.

1962 State Runner-Up Basketball Team The 1961-1962 Mustangs under head coach John Swogger, assisted by Al Kornbau, became the first of six Mercer Basketball squads to play in a PIAA state final. This upstart team, made up of entirely underclassmen, rolled to a 25-5 record, winning the Tri County League championship. En route to the state title game, the Mustangs defeated playoff opponents Reynolds, 48-45, North East 76-71, and captured the District 10 title with a 57- 36 win over Linesville at Allegheny College. In the inter-district playoff, the Mustangs rolled over Emporium 69-59 to earn the right to face heavily favored WPIAL champion Edgewood in the western finals. In what may rank as the most memorable moment in Mustang Basketball history, junior sharpshooter Dave Palmer fired in a desperation shot from just inside the half-court line with seconds remaining in the game to give the Mustangs a thrilling two-point victory that catapulted Mercer into the state title game at Reading’s Albright College. There the Mustangs battled gamely against a tall and talented Darby-Colwyn team before falling 51-42.

Class of 2006 Dan Weikal- Dan Weikal’s coaching career at Mercer spanned three head coaches and more than 35 years. He began coaching the 8th grade basketball team during the 1967-1968 season, but made his mark as the school’s 9th grade basketball coach for nearly 30 years. Dan began his tenure as the 9th grade coach in 1972-1973 under head coach Ken Palmer. He served as head coach Dave Cook’s freshman coach through his entire 26-year stint as Mercer’s varsity coach. Dan mentored Mercer coach Mike Williams for four years before retiring from basketball coaching following the 1999-2000 season. His record as 9th grade coach was 523-230 with a winning percentage of over 70%. Seven of Dan’s teams captured mythical Mercer County championships with also claiming one Tri-County title. Eleven of his freshmen teams achieved twenty or more wins. In addition to his lengthy tenure in junior high basketball coaching, Dan also coached junior high football for 15 years, and he served as a varsity assistant in baseball. Dan retired as a language arts teacher at Mercer after 35 years in the district.

Mont Mattocks- Mont was the starting point guard on the undefeated 1966 Mercer Mustangs boys’ basketball state championship team under head coach John Dale Swogger. In his two-year tenure as a starter, the Mustangs were 42-8. Mont still holds the single-season record at Mercer with 374 assists during the magical 1965-1966 season as well as the single-game assist record of 20, which he accomplished twice. In cross-country, Mont placed 9th in the state during his senior year, the only year he ran cross-country, and set a school record for 2 1/8 miles. In track and field, he was undefeated in both the 880-yard run and the mile run. Mont matriculated to Indiana University of Pennsylvania where he was a three-year starter in basketball and a three-time District 18 all-star. Recognized for being a defensive stopper as a guard at IUP, he still holds the school’s career assist record with 450 and the single game record with 14. Mont was inducted into the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001. Upon graduation from IUP, Mont was head coach of the Grove City High School boys’ basketball program for seven years from 1976-1983, winning two Mercer County titles and a District 10 championship in 1979. Mont was a business education teacher at Neshannock High School and retired after his 36th year in education.

Marty Mattocks- A two-sport standout at Mercer High School, Marty was a state medalist in cross-country as a sophomore (6th) and as a senior (3rd). He was a member of Mercer’s 1970 District 10 champion cross-country team under head coach Jim Waldorf that placed as state runner-up. Marty was a three-year starter on Mercer’s boys’ basketball teams from 1968-1971 that posted a combined 48-23 record under head coach Ken Palmer. During his senior year the Mustangs captured the District 10 championship and lost in the state final four to eventual state champion Midland. Marty currently ranks as the 26th leading scorer in Mercer history with 723 points, despite missing 8 games during his senior season due to mononucleosis. He was a three-year starter at Indiana University of Pennsylvania from 1972-1975 on teams that posted an aggregate 51-24 record. During Marty’s junior year, IUP captured the District 18 title and advanced to the final eight at the NAIA National Tournament in Kansas City.

Class of 2007 Ken Palmer- The late Ken Palmer was one of the most successful basketball coaches in Mercer High School history. He began his coaching career as an assistant coach during the 1965-1966 season when Mercer won its first State Championship. Ken became the varsity head coach in 1967 and led a very inexperienced group of young players to the District 10 playoffs. His most successful season came during the 1970-1971 campaign. Led by Hall of Famers Art Amos, Kelly Jones, and Marty Mattocks, the Mustangs compiled a record of 24-3 and captured both the MCAC and District 10 Championships before falling to the eventual State Champion Midland in the Western Finals. Coach Palmer retired from coaching following the 1973-1974 season with an overall record of 94-65, which currently ranks fourth in school history. Ken returned as the head coach of the girls’ basketball team during the 1988-1989 season and led the Mercer Lady M’s to two consecutive District 10 playoff appearances. In addition to his contributions in athletics, Ken Palmer was a highly respected teacher of Health, Physical Education, and Physiology for 31 years in the Mercer Area School District before retiring in 1990.

Art Amos- Art Amos was the starting point guard on the 1970-1971 basketball team that posted a 24-3 record, winning both the Mercer County and District 10 Championships and advancing to the Western Regional finals. During his senior season, Art was elected co-captain and was named 1st Team All-Mercer County. For his career, Art led the Mustangs to a 58-13 record and scored 626 points, which currently ranks him 37th all-time in Mercer Boys’ Basketball history. In football, Art was selected team co-captain in both his junior and senior years. He quarterbacked the Mustangs to the only undefeated season in school history in 1971 and helped capture the Tri-County League Championship with a 9-0 record. Art was selected 2nd Team All-Tri County quarterback as a junior and 1st Team All-County quarterback as a senior. He continued his football career at Thiel College and was a three-year starter for the Tomcats from 1973-1975. He was selected team co-captain during his senior season and was a 1975 All-Presidents Athletic Conference selection at wide receiver. During his teaching tenure at Mercer High School, Art has served as both the varsity baseball and girls’ basketball coach. He was the inaugural varsity baseball coach in 1996, and led the Mustangs to both their first winning season in 1998 and their first MCAC Championship in 1999. While serving as head coach for the Mercer Lady M’s, Art has led his teams to two District 10 playoff appearances and one MCAC title during the 2002-2003 season. Art retired in 2010 after many years of teaching social studies at Mercer High School.

Kelly Jones- Kelly Jones was an outstanding performer in both basketball and football at Mercer High School. A three-year starter in basketball, Kelly led the Mustangs to a 48-23 record and scored 880 career points, placing him 14th in Mercer Boys’ Basketball history. As a senior, Kelly was the leading scorer and helped the Mustangs capture both the MCAC and District 10 Championships and advance to the Western Regional Finals. Kelly was an exceptional wide receiver, defensive back, and punter for the Mustang football team. He was an All-Tri County selection during his senior season, helping the Mustangs to a 7-1-1 record. During his 26 years as an elementary teacher in the Greenville Area School District, Kelly has recorded a highly successful tenure as the varsity boys’ basketball coach. After serving as an assistant coach for ten years, Kelly is currently in his sixteenth season as the varsity basketball coach. He has led the Trojans to eight District 10 and two state playoff appearances, including a District 10 Championship in 1996-1997 and a third-place finish in 2004-2005. Kelly is a graduate of Allegheny College in Meadville where he received both his B.A. and M.A. degrees.

Class of 2008 Jenepher (Crawford) Banker- Jenepher was a two-sport standout in both basketball and track and field during her athletic career at Mercer High School. During her junior year, she qualified to compete in the PIAA State Track and Field Championships in the triple jump. AS a senior Jenepher led the girls’ basketball team to a share of the Mercer County Athletic Conference championship with a 17-7 record. The Lady M’s advanced to the District 10 championship game and earned a berth in the PIAA state playoffs. She led the team in scoring that season with 384 points. Following her high school athletic career, Jenepher played basketball at Springfield College in Massachusetts. During her four-year collegiate career, she scored 1202 points and was named a three-time Academic All-American. She led her team in assists during both her junior and senior seasons. Jenepher’s college coaching career began as a graduate assistant at Iowa State University. She then moved on to become the head women’s basketball coach at Penn State Behrend where she led the women’s program to national recognition. Jenepher set the school record for most coaching wins in women’s basketball history with 67. Her 1991-1992 team was the first team in any sport in school history to win an ECAC regional championship and achieve a national ranking. Jenepher was inducted into the Penn State Behrend Athletic Hall of Fame as a coach in 1994 and again with her 1991-1992 women’s basketball team in 1998. She later served as an assistant women’s basketball coach at Division I Canisius College. Jenepher is currently serving as the head girls’ basketball coach at Grand Island High School in New York. Her teams have compiled a 160-70 record, winning two league and two Section VI championships, and have appeared in New York’s western regional finals on two occasions. Jenepher is a physical education teacher and community education director at Grand Island High School.

Gary Sansom- Gary Sansom is one of the most successful basketball coaches in Mercer High School history. Gary served as the head coach for the Mercer girls’ basketball team from 1976- 1987 and again from 1999-2002. During his 14 years as head coach, Gary led the Lady M’s to seven MCAC Championships and two second place finishes. His teams also made eight District 10 and five PIAA state playoff appearances. His 1985-1986 team raced to a 26-2 record and captured both the MCAC and District 10 Championships on their way to a berth in the Western Regional Semi-finals. Overall, Gary’s 202 wins as girls’ basketball coach are third in Mercer High School basketball history, trailing only boys’ basketball coaches and Mercer Hall of Fame inductees Dave Cook and Renzie Hoffman. A graduate of Grove City High School, Gary attended Treveccca Nazarene College and graduated from Findlay College in 1966. He taught one year at Findlay Middle School before coming to Mercer Area School District. He taught at Mercer Elementary School for 35 years before retiring in 2002. Gary is also ordained as a minister in the Church of the Nazarene, where he has pastured churches for 21 years while teaching and coaching.

Gary Yeager- Gary Yeager was a two-year starter for Coach Gene Blakely’s Mustang football team. During his junior year, Gary helped lead the team to a 7-1-1 record. He was selected 1st team All-Tri County linebacker and 2nd team running back. In his senior year, the Mustangs completed the only undefeated season in school history and captured the Tri-County League Championship with a 9-0 record. A two-way starter on both offense and defense, Gary scored 16 touchdowns and was selected the Tri-County Most Valuable Player and 1st Team All-Tri County running back and linebacker. Following his senior season, Gary was selected to play in the Big 33 All-Star Football Classic, the only player in school history to have received this honor. Gary played basketball for two years for Mercer Hall of Fame coach Ken Palmer. He was a member of the 1970-1971 basketball team that posted a 24-3 record, winning both the Mercer County and District 10 Championships and advancing to the Western Regional finals. During his senior year, Gary scored 121 points and helped lead the Mustangs to an 18-4 record. Gary continued his football career at Westminster College where he was a standout running back for the Titans before graduating in 1976. He led the Titans in rushing during the 1974 season with 301 yards and four touchdowns. Following college, Gary became a highly successful squash player and is currently a member of the United States Racquets Association. He remains a nationally ranked player and competes in both local leagues and national tournaments. Gary is also an avid golfer with a single-digit handicap. Gary is currently involved in the development of a start-up company that provides business continuity planning and disaster recovery services for financial institutions.

Byron Bundrant- Myron Bundrant was a three-year starter at defensive tackle and a two-year starter at offensive guard for coach Frank Makarevich’s Mustang football team. During his sophomore season, Myron helped lead the Mustangs to an 8-2 record and was an MCAC honorable mention selection at defensive tackle. The following season, the Mustangs won the MCAC Division II Championship and qualified for the District 10 playoffs with a 6-3-1 record. Myron was named 1st Team All-MCAC at offensive guard and defensive tackle. Named co-captain during his senior season, Myron helped lead the football team to a 2nd consecutive MCAC Division II Championship and a berth in the District 10 Championship game. He was again honored as an All-MCAC at offensive guard and defensive tackle. Myron was also selected to participate in the West Penn Football Classic following his senior year. Myron continued his football career at Thiel College. He was a four-year starter and was selected team co-captain in both his junior and senior seasons. Myron received 2nd Team All-Presidents Athletic Conference honors at offensive tackle after his sophomore and junior seasons. Following his senior season, Myron was named 1st Team All-PAC at offensive tackle, the Thiel Tomcat’s Most Valuable Player, and was the Greenville Lion’s Club Player of the Year. After graduating from Thiel in 1999 with a major in communications and a minor in sociology, Myron played in the European Football League and also had tryouts with the Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Myron received a Master’s degree in Pyschology from the University of Phoenix in 2008. He currently works as a central intake/assessment case manager at Mercer County Behavioral Health Center.

Class of 2009 Mark Guiler- Mark Guiler was a three-year letter winner in the Mercer High School Track and Field program. During his junior and senior years, the track team compiled a composite 15-1 dual meet record, including an undefeated 8-0 record in his senior year. The teams won back-to-back Mercer County Championships and were runner-up at the District 10 Championships both seasons. Mark set the school record in the 3200 meter run during both his junior and senior seasons. Currently, he holds the fifth fasted time in the 3200 meter run in school history. Mark ran cross-country during his senior year at Mercer, finishing 3rd at the Mercer County Meet, 9th at the District 10 Championship meet, and 37th at the PIAA State Championships. He was named most outstanding cross-country runner for the 1982- 1983 season, helping the Mustangs to a 12-2 dual meet record. The team finished 3rd at the Mercer County Meet and 4th at the District 10 Championships. As a member of the Mercer Boys’ Basketball team, Mark helped the Mustangs secure back-to-back MCAC League Championships in 1981-1982 and 1982-1983. His team was District 10 runner-up and competed in the PIAA State playoffs in his senior season. After graduation, Mark continued his academic and athletic career at Grove City College. He was a four-year letterman and three-time Presidents Athletic Conference All-Conference selection in cross- country. Mark went undefeated and won the 1985-1986 PAC Conference Championship during his junior season, setting three course records. He also was a three-year letter winner for the Wolverine track team, receiving All-PAC honors in both the 1500 and 5000 meter runs. Mark set the school record in the 5000 meter run and was a member of the distance medley team that finished first at the 1986 PAC relays. Mark was a volunteer assistant coach for the Mercer Boys’ Basketball team, helping guide the Mustangs to three MCAC League Championships. He continues to volunteer his time coaching youth baseball, basketball, and soccer. Mark Guiler is currently a certified public accountant and owns Guiler and Guiler Accounting Inc.

Mark Lusch- One of the fasted runners in the history of Mercer Track and Field, Mark Lusch was a record-setting three-year performer on the cinders for the Mustangs. As a sophomore he was a member of the 4 x 220 relay team that won the District 10 Championship and finished 3rd in the Class B State Championship meet in 1960. During Mark’s junior year he won the District 10 Championship in the 100 yard dash, the 220 yard dash, and the broad jump. At the Class B State Championship meet he finished 3rd in both the 100 yard dash and the broad jump. As team co-captain during his senior year, Mark placed 3rd in the 100 yard dash, 2nd in the 220 yard dash, and 3rd in the broad jump at the District 10 Championships and competed in the 220 yard dash at the State Championships. At the New Castle Invitational, he set the school record for the 220 yard dash (22.1 seconds). This record was never broken and was retired in 1976 when the distances in track and field changed to meters. Mark finished his stellar track and field career at Mercer High School as a four-year letter winner. During his junior and senior years he was undefeated in the 220 yard dash and was beaten only once in the 100 yard dash and the broad jump in dual meet competition. Mark was also a member of the Mustang football team, lettering during both his junior and senior seasons. He was also a four year member of the boys’ basketball team. After high school Mark accepted an athletic scholarship to West Virginia University where he was a member of the Mountaineers’ track and field team from 1962 through 1965. After attending Michigan State University for three years, he was graduated magna cum laude from Lansing Community College with a degree in computer science and business. Mark retired from the city of Fort Worth, Texas as a web-based software application tester.

Class of 2010 Fred McConnell- Fred McConnell played basketball for the legendary Hall of Fame coach John Swogger from 1962-1964. In those three seasons, Fred scored a total of 758 points, placing him 21st on the Mercer Boys’ Basketball all-time scoring list, and helped lead the Mustangs to a record of 74-11. The boys’ basketball team was unbeaten in Tri-County league play, won three District 10 and Western Regional Class B Championships, and competed in the PIAA Class B State Championship game all three seasons. During the 1963-1964 season, Fred led Mercer County in scoring with 528 points. He averaged 18.9 points per game, including a season high of 31 points against Cranberry and 28 points in the State Championship game versus Montrose. Fred was also a standout on the defensive end of the floor, averaging 13 rebounds per game and 5.5 steals per game during his senior season. Following the season, Fred was named to the 3rd team UPI Little All-State team. Fred continued his stellar basketball career at Westminster College, where he was a three-year letterman. During his junior season, he helped lead the Titans to a record of 22-6. The team won the NAIA District 18 Championship and advanced to the NAIA National Basketball Tournament in Kansas City. Named team co-captain during his senior season, Fred was an 81% free throw shooter and led the Titans to a 22-8 record, a 2nd NAIA District 18 Championship, and an appearance in the NAIA National Basketball Tournament, losing to Central State in the semifinals. After earning his bachelor’s degree in mathematics, Fred spent the next seven years teaching at Grove City High School and Altoona High School. He then became an administrator and boys’ basketball coach at nearby Lakeview High School. From 1977- 1984, Fred led the Sailors to the District 10 playoffs six times, reaching the PIAA State playoffs during the 1981-1982 season. Following that season, Fred was named Mercer County Boys’ Basketball Coach of the Year. Fred McConnell was inducted into the Mercer High School Athletic Hall of Fame as a member of the 1961-1962 Boys’ Basketball Team in 2005. He is also a 2010 inductee into the Mercer County Hall of Fame. Fred retired from the Lakeview School District in 2007 after 39 years in education.

Class of 2011 Steve Oliver- Steve Oliver was a standout member of the Mercer Wrestling Program. A four-year letter winner, Steve compiled an overall record of 110-17 with three undefeated dual match seasons. Steve was a 2nd team All-MCAC selection as a freshman and earned 1st team All- MCAC honors following his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons. He is the only wrestler in the history of the Mercer Wrestling Program to earn four Section Championships. His 110 wins currently ranks 7th best in school history. Steve was a three-time place-winner at both the Seneca Valley Tournament and Fred Bell Memorial Tournament. In addition to his four Section Championships, he also placed 2nd at the District 10 Tournament three times and secured a 3rd place finish (sophomore season) and 4th place finish (senior season) at the Northwest Regional Tournament, earning him two trips to the PIAA State Championships at Hershey. He was also a two-time winner of the Keystone State Games during the summers following both his freshman and senior seasons. A team captain during his senior season, Steve helped lead the Mustangs to an undefeated dual match season, upsetting Reynolds High School and capturing the Section 2 Team Championship. Steve was also a member of the Mustang football team, earning 2nd team All-MCAC selection as a sophomore and 1st team All-MCAC honors following both his junior and senior seasons. During his junior season, the Mustangs finished with a 6-3-1 record, winning the MCAC Championship and securing a District 10 playoff appearance. As a team co-captain his senior year, Steve helped lead the team to a 2nd consecutive MCAC Championship and a trip to the District 10 Championship game, falling to Northwestern 7-6. Steve was named class valedictorian and graduated from Mercer High School in 1994. He then attended the United States Military Academy at West Point. Steve graduated from West Point with a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army in 1998. He served as an armory officer for 9 years, including two tours of duty in Iraq. Steve returned to the area in 2007 and is currently working as a project manager at General Electric Transportation in Grove City.

Class of 2012 Mia (Adair) Forman- One of the greatest track and field athletes in Mercer High School history, Mia (Adair) Forman was a four-year letter winner and a three-time PIAA state qualifier for the Mercer Girls’ Track and Field team. As a freshman, Mia qualified for the District 10 Championships in the 100 meter dash, 200 meter dash, 400 meter relay, and the long jump. Helping the Mustangs to a 2nd place finish at the District 10 meet at Oil City High School, Mia finished 2nd in the long jump and qualified for the PIAA State Track and Field Championships, becoming the first freshman in school history to compete in the State Championships at Shippensburg University. During her sophomore season, Mia established a school record in the 100 meter dash. At the District 10 Championships, she finished 3rd in the 100 meter dash and was a member of the 400 meter relay team that finished in 3rd place, just missing a trip to the PIAA State Championships. Mia set school records in the 400 meter dash, 400 meter dash, and the triple jump during her junior season. She finished 2nd in the 400 meter dash, 3rd in the 200 meter dash, and 6th in the triple jump at the District 10 Championships. Competing at the PIAA State Track and Field Championships for the 2nd time in 3 years, Mia finished 13th in both the 200 and 400 meter dash. As a senior, Mia was named the most outstanding performer in the running events at the Lakeview Invitational. She finished 1st in the 100 meter dash and triple jump, 2nd in the 200 meter dash, and was a member of the 2nd place 400 meter relay team. She helped lead the Mustangs to a 6th place finish at the District 10 Championships, finishing 1st in the 200 meter dash, 2nd in the 100 meter, and 3rd in the triple jump. At the PIAA State Track and Field Championships, Mia finished 3rd in the 200 meter dash and 4th in the 100 meter dash. Upon graduation, Mia held or shared seven school records in girls’ track and field (100m, 200m, 400m, long jump, triple jump, 400m relay, and 1600m relay). She currently still holds the school record in both the 100 and 400 meter dash. Mia also competed in AAU Track and Field meets throughout the summer beginning in the 6th grade and continuing through her graduation from high school. Mia was also a member of the Lady M’s basketball team throughout her four years at Mercer High School. During her senior year, Mia helped lead the Lady M’s to an undefeated 8-0 league record and a Mercer County League Championship. The Lady M’s had an overall record of 19-5, finishing the season as the District 10 Runner-Up and qualifying for the PIAA State Playoffs. Currently an administrative trainer at Transamerica Agency Network, Inc., Mia and her husband, Kevin Forman live in Coatesville, PA.