Sidney Alumni Sports HOF celebrates 14th induction
SIDNEY – Sidney Warriors athletic history was celebrated in grand style during the 14th annual Sidney Alumni Sports Hall of Fame Induction Dinner and Ceremony held Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Elks Lodge in Sidney.
Several changes to the evening were implemented and a last-minute feature was added that evening. Once again, the decorations of Amber Wilson Fogarty wowed the more than 160 attendees. This year, circular tables were put in use to increase family and friends interaction. The Elks hosted another grand diner buffet as the centerpiece of the event. Sports Hall of Fame chairman Greg Davie was once again the evening's Master of Ceremonies.
Besides the room layout, changes included six inductees instead of the usual four, plus a Legacy team that still holds a school record. Individual inductees were: Claude Shaw (Class of 1965), Jene Grey (1975), David DuMond (1988), Erica Peterson Espaillat (1993), former coach and principal Gary Scavo and the “contributors award” inductees, former Booster Club co-presidents Dale and Nancy Sweet. The 21-0 Boys Basketball team from 1972-73, still the only unbeaten basketball team in the modern era, was honored as the 10th annual Legacy Team.
As has been customary, the inductees hand-picked their introductory speakers. Shaw's choice was teammate and 1964-65 wrestling captain Lonnie Warner. For Grey, it was his “little brother” Scott Scavo. DuMond's pick was a natural, as younger sister, and 2004 inductee Pam DuMond Tarnowski did the honors repaying Dave for his similar duty upon her induction.
Pam stayed on to also introduce her field hockey and basketball teammate Espaillat, who was unable to attend the event. But thanks to technology, Erica recorded a beautiful video acceptance speech which was followed by brief remarks by her parents Andy and MaryAlyce Peterson.
Covering the Legacy team helped segue into the next portion of the night's festivities. Representing the seniors of that Section IV Class A title team was Bob Davie, aided by the junior class starting point guard Bernie Finnegan, the players, along with returning cheerleaders and coaches, received a full-size basketball as a keepsake of their honor.
As Gary Scavo was the junior varsity coach that season, it was fitting as he and wife Jackie stayed front and center following a glowing introduction by their son Jene Grey. Then Jeff Sweet entertained the audience in his introduction of his parents Dale and Nancy.
Tons of memories and lots of laughs dominated the night and, as usual, it was hard for all to say good bye after the benediction given by Andy Doyle. Many photos and conversations kept most of the crowd at the Elks for quite some time, confirming the night's success.
There was no charity auction for the first time, since extra inductees meant a longer program. Still, with tremendous support and sponsorships, proceeds will still be applied toward the long-range project to install permanent plaques of all Hall of Fame inductees since its 2003 inception at the high school.
Originally, the induction was held Thanksgiving weekend. By 2007, the Sports Hall of Fame added a Friday night segment to create Induction Weekend. This year, many of the participants were at the Homecoming football game versus Greene, where they were introduced at halftime in front of the home crowd. An alumni reception was held after the game at the VFW.
– Submitted by Sidney Sports Hall of Fame, submitted photo
Several changes to the evening were implemented and a last-minute feature was added that evening. Once again, the decorations of Amber Wilson Fogarty wowed the more than 160 attendees. This year, circular tables were put in use to increase family and friends interaction. The Elks hosted another grand diner buffet as the centerpiece of the event. Sports Hall of Fame chairman Greg Davie was once again the evening's Master of Ceremonies.
Besides the room layout, changes included six inductees instead of the usual four, plus a Legacy team that still holds a school record. Individual inductees were: Claude Shaw (Class of 1965), Jene Grey (1975), David DuMond (1988), Erica Peterson Espaillat (1993), former coach and principal Gary Scavo and the “contributors award” inductees, former Booster Club co-presidents Dale and Nancy Sweet. The 21-0 Boys Basketball team from 1972-73, still the only unbeaten basketball team in the modern era, was honored as the 10th annual Legacy Team.
As has been customary, the inductees hand-picked their introductory speakers. Shaw's choice was teammate and 1964-65 wrestling captain Lonnie Warner. For Grey, it was his “little brother” Scott Scavo. DuMond's pick was a natural, as younger sister, and 2004 inductee Pam DuMond Tarnowski did the honors repaying Dave for his similar duty upon her induction.
Pam stayed on to also introduce her field hockey and basketball teammate Espaillat, who was unable to attend the event. But thanks to technology, Erica recorded a beautiful video acceptance speech which was followed by brief remarks by her parents Andy and MaryAlyce Peterson.
Covering the Legacy team helped segue into the next portion of the night's festivities. Representing the seniors of that Section IV Class A title team was Bob Davie, aided by the junior class starting point guard Bernie Finnegan, the players, along with returning cheerleaders and coaches, received a full-size basketball as a keepsake of their honor.
As Gary Scavo was the junior varsity coach that season, it was fitting as he and wife Jackie stayed front and center following a glowing introduction by their son Jene Grey. Then Jeff Sweet entertained the audience in his introduction of his parents Dale and Nancy.
Tons of memories and lots of laughs dominated the night and, as usual, it was hard for all to say good bye after the benediction given by Andy Doyle. Many photos and conversations kept most of the crowd at the Elks for quite some time, confirming the night's success.
There was no charity auction for the first time, since extra inductees meant a longer program. Still, with tremendous support and sponsorships, proceeds will still be applied toward the long-range project to install permanent plaques of all Hall of Fame inductees since its 2003 inception at the high school.
Originally, the induction was held Thanksgiving weekend. By 2007, the Sports Hall of Fame added a Friday night segment to create Induction Weekend. This year, many of the participants were at the Homecoming football game versus Greene, where they were introduced at halftime in front of the home crowd. An alumni reception was held after the game at the VFW.
– Submitted by Sidney Sports Hall of Fame, submitted photo
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