History of Penn Hills Sports Hall of Fame
PH Sports Hall of Fame Committee Members
In 1983, Clarence Frank and Jack Schafer were enjoying a meal at Mr. Steak Restaurant on Rodi Road. Clarence was involved in Penn Hills Sports his entire life as was Jack Schafer. After a great meal, the owner Charlie Dieble joined them, they talked sports as they often did. They discussed the past and the great athletes in the Penn Hills area and how fortunate they were. They also noted how dedicated the PH coaches and trainers were throughout the years. “Remember George Karl, Bill Fralic, Hubie Bryant and Andy Urbanic?” Story after story flowed across the table. The one thing they had in common was PENN HILLS. At one point, Jack said to the gentlemen, “Why doesn't Penn Hills have a Sports Hall of Fame?” “I don’t know,” Clarence replied, “but it sounds like a good idea!”
Clarence became the first Chairman of the newly formed committee, and by the spring of 1984 the first class of inductees was honored at a banquet held at the same Mr. Steak Restaurant where the idea originated. The first six inductees included George Karl, Ralph Heck, Bob Goin, George Roman, Leonard Gallo Sr., and Glen Davis.
As the years went on, the crowds increased and the banquet was subsequently moved to St. Gerard Majella Church; then to the Harley House Hotel at the end of Rodi Road (currently the Comfort Inn). In 2005, after Mike Birmingham became Chairman, another venue change was necessary due to space limitations. The celebration was moved to Churchill Valley Country Club then, several years later, to the present location, at the Green Oaks Country Club in Verona, Pennsylvania.
The Penn Hills Sports Hall of Fame has been going strong for over three decades. It's comprised of a committee of dedicated Penn Hills school district and Hall of Fame alumni. The inductees are exceptional an group of athletes and quality people. Indeed, the founding members could not have been more correct — the people of Penn Hills have been very fortunate!
The Hall of Fame is a way of maintaining the rich heritage and tradition of successful athletic programs in Penn Hills. It serves as a means of recognizing and honoring the athletes, coaches, and individuals who made significant contributions to the Penn Hills athletic programs.
All monies collected from the banquet go directly toward paying for the banquet. When there is a "extra" after all expenses are paid, the committee puts the money back into the Penn Hills Community by awarding scholarship to Penn Hills High School Students.
Your support can make all the difference. Please consider donating to the Penn Hills Sports Hall of Fame and help us continue to honor and uplift outstanding members of our community.