Clarion Sports Hall of Fame Announces Six Inductees for Class of 2024

CLARION, Pa. — The Clarion “Sports Hall of Fame” committee announced six new members will be inducted into the 2024 HOF Class on Friday, April 26, 2024.

New inductees are Barbara Buck (1984 – 1987 Women’s Volleyball), Jeff Golias (1979 – 1982 Football), Alfonso Hoggard (2007 – 2010 Football). Mike Kalinowski (1987 – 1992, 1997 – 2023 Announcer), Diane (Picking) Watson (1977 – 1979 Women’s Swimming) and David Shearer (1999 – 2002 Men’s Basketball).

Clarion’s 35th Annual Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2024, at the newly renovated Waldo S. Tippin Gymnasium located at the corner of Greenville Avenue and Payne Street in Clarion. The event is open to the public.

A social is set to begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Second Floor Eagle’s Perch at Tippin Gym. Ticket orders are being handled by the Alumni Engagement Office, 100 Seifert Mooney Center at PennWest Clarion.

Tickets are $40 per person and are available online at www.clarion.edu/shof, or by contacting the Office of Alumni Engagement at 814-393-2572.

Checks should be made payable to CUF/Sports Hall of Fame.

Induction information is also available at www.clariongoldeneagles.com.

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the members of the Hall of Fame Class of 2024,” said Clarion Athletic Director Dr. Wendy Snodgrass. “Their contributions to the history and legacy of Golden Eagle athletics cannot be overstated, and I look forward to the chance to welcome them all back to campus on April 26 and congratulate them in person.”

BARBARA BUCK – WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL – 1988 Clarion Grad – Speech Pathology & Audiology – 1989 MS AUDIOLOGY

Barbara Buck, an outstanding Women’s Volleyball player and All-American at Clarion as an outside hitter, played for the Golden Eagles from 1984 to 1987. Recruited by coach Sharon Daniels-Oleksak. Barb started every match her freshman season leading Clarion to a 25-13 overall record and a final season 5th place ranking in the East Region. In 1984 she collected 87 kills, 85 digs, 41 blocks and 17 service aces while notably owning a serve percentage of 98%.

In 1985, she upped her game to post 90 kills, 102 digs, 49 blocks and 18 service aces leading Clarion to a 24-13 overall record. A starter in all 37 matches, she was voted by CoSIDA as a GTE Second Team Academic All-American and First Team Academic All-Region.

In 1986, Buck continued her outstanding play under first year head coach Cindy Opalski as the Golden Eagles posted a 17-11 overall record. Regionally ranked much of the season, Buck collected 238 kills, 132 digs, 28 blocks and 36 service aces and was an All-Region and All-PSAC selection. In 1987 Clarion had an outstanding season posting a 25-14 overall record and third place PSAC team finish, highest in team history. Team Captain, Buck led the Eagles with a single season record 440 kills (hitting 30%), plus 232 digs, 66 blocks and 38 service aces.

She was named a First Team All Region and PSAC selection, plus earned a Second Team GTE/CoSida Academic All-America honor. A four-year starter, Buck finished her amazing career #1 at Clarion in kills with 855, plus added 551 digs, 184 blocks and 109 service aces. She received the Dick Kadis Award from the Beaver County Hall of Fame in 1988.

A 1988 Clarion grad with a degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology, Barb also earned her Masters in 1989 in Audiology. She has an AuD. Degree in 2004 in Audiology from the University of Florida. A 1984 graduate of Ambridge High School, she is currently clinical Project Manager for Cochlear Americas. She and husband Jeffrey Stanek reside in Bethel Park.

JEFFREY “JEFF” GOLIAS – FOOTBALL – 1983 Clarion Grad – Business/Computer Science

Jeff Golias, an All-America offensive center who played for legendary coaches Al Jacks and Charles Ruslavage, was an amazing offensive center from 1980 – 82 who signed a Free Agent contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1983. Jeff arrived at Clarion in 1979 and played as a true freshman at tight end and linebacker. Clarion was 9-1 overall and 5-1 in the West in 1979 narrowly missing the NAIA Playoffs. Jacks and Ruslavage asked Golias if he could play center, he said yes, and starting in 1980 – he made 31 straight starts at center and an amazing career followed.

In 1980, the Golden Eagles won the PSAC-West and PSAC Titles posting a 9-2 overall record, a 5-1 mark in the West and defeated Kutztown 15-14 for the PSAC title. In 1981, Clarion was 6-4 overall and 3-3 in the West. Hall of Fame running back Elton Brown averaged 4.6 yards per carry with Golias leading the way. Jeff was recognized as a First Team PSAC-West, NAIA D-18 and Pittsburgh Press All-District selection. The 1982 Eagles were 7-3 overall and 3-3 in the West with Clarion averaging 164 yards rushing per game with the tailbacks again averaging 4.1 yards per carry.

Golias was voted an NAIA HM All-American, and First Team PSAC-West and Pittsburgh Press All-District. During his career Clarion put together an overall record of 31-10 and a West mark of 16-8. A four-hour workout in the Spring of 1983 impressed the Pittsburgh Steelers brass enough to sign him to a Free Agent contract. Playing well in camp at Saint Vincent, Golias was looking forward to the first NFL pre-season game that year when an injury sidelined him and caused his release.

A quick, mobile and very strong center, he benched the standard 225-pound regimen 39-times, the most of any rookie with the Steelers. Graduating from Clarion in the Fall of 1983, Jeff has been a tremendous supporter of Clarion football. A native of Bridgeville and a 1979 graduate of Chartiers Valley High where he starred in football and track and field, he is currently the owner of Golden Eagle Equipment in Irwin. Jeff and wife Lorena have a daughter Kaitlin and a son Mitchell and reside in Venetia, Pa.

ALFONSO HOGGARD – FOOTBALL – 2011 Clarion Grad – Business Finance & Economics – 2016 MBA

Alfonso Hoggard, a multi-year All-American and PSAC Player of the Year at running back/receiver, was without question one of the most talented and exciting offensive players ever to don the blue and gold. Playing for head coach Jay Foster, his career numbers tell an amazing story. He rushed 501 times (#6 at Clarion) for 2,350 yards (#5 career) and 27 rushing TDs (#2 career). He also caught 109 passes (#12 career) for 1,172 yards (#21 career) and 6 td’s. He posted 6,272 all-purpose yards and 34 career TD’s (#2 all-time behind Steve Witte).

Voted PSAC-West “Rookie of the Year” in 2007, the freshman wide receiver caught 48 passes for 505 yards and 3 TD’s, rushed 13 times for 79 yards and one TD and returned 34 kickoffs for 693 yards. In 2008 Hoggard grabbed 41 passes for 472 yards and 2 TDs, rushed 44 times for 180 yards, returned 21 punts for 219 yards (10.4 avg) and 28 kickoffs for 646 yards. He was voted 2nd Team FB Gazette All-American at All-Purpose. In 2009 moved primarily to tailback and led Clarion to an 8-3 overall record and a 6-1 mark in the Western Division. He ranked #1 in the PSAC in rushing, scoring, rushing td’s and all-purpose yards. Alfonso ran for 1,046 yards (4th best at Clarion) on 224 carries (#3 all-time) with 17 rushing TDs (#1 single season), along with 5 catches for 86 yards and 1 TD, plus 22 kickoff returns for 587 yards and 1 TD, including an 87-yarder for a TD vs Gannon.

He totaled 19 TDs – third most in a single season. Named the PSAC-West Offensive “Player of the Year”, he was also a Third Team FB Gazette All-American, First Team FB Gazette and Daktronics All-Region and First Team PSAC-West. He was also named Clarion’s Male Athlete of the Year. In 2010 Hoggard finished his career with another outstanding season posting 1,045 rushing yards (#5 single season) and 9 TDs on 220 carries. He also caught 15 passes for 109 yards and returned 26 kickoffs for 562 yards. Named a 2nd Team FB Gazette All-American, he was also a First Team FB Gazette All-Region and 2nd Team Daktronics choice, as well as a First Team, PSAC-West selection. He went on to play in the Cactus Bowl on January 7, 2011.

A 2011 Finance & Economics graduate, Hoggard went on to play Arena football for the Philadelphia Soul and the Harrisburg Stampede before returning to Clarion to earn his MBA in 2016. A native of Philadelphia and a 2007 graduate of Caravel Academy (De.), Hoggard is married to Aleasha Hoggard and the couple have a son Amari Hoggard and a daughter Ayanna Hoggard. They reside in Dumfries, Virginia.

MICHAEL KALINOWSKI – ANNOUNCER – FOOTBALL – 1992 Clarion Grad – Communication – 1996 Education

Mike Kalinowski, an experienced an decorated announcer for the Golden Eagles, has certainly posted a Hall of Fame career at Clarion. A freshman in the Fall of 1987, Mike was the Marching Band announcer under legendary band director Dr. Stanley Michalski and the football and basketball play by play announcer at student station WCUC-FM for five years (1987-92). The Sports Director at WCUC until earning his degree in Communication in 1992, he worked at WESA in Charleroi, WRKU Radio in Youngstown and did voice work for WDVE in Pittsburgh. He came back to Clarion University and earned a degree in Education in 1996. Hired as an English teacher at Clarion-Limestone from 1997-2002, he moved on to teach English at Commodore Perry High School from 2002 – present.

Named the radio play-by-play announcer for Clarion football in 1997, he has been the voice of Clarion football for 31 seasons, including 1997-2023 (not including covid season of 2020), and his 5-years as a student broadcaster. From 1997 through 2018 Mike broadcasted Clarion football over WCCR-FM for owner Bill Hearst, while simulcasts emanating from WKQW in Oil City began in 2014 and continued there through 2021. Mike partnered with Pat Kahle early on and then with Joe Lodanosky from (2008 – 2021).

The last two years Mike has been the on-line voice of Clarion football telecasts. The “Voice” of high school athletics in the area, Mike first broadcasted basketball starting in 1995 and football at WCCR from 2005 – 2018, then moved to Explore Clarion under Jake Bauer from 2018 – 2024. His football partners were Pat Kahle and Bob Dunkle. In the Fall of 2023 Mike received the PSAC’s ultimate award – The George Heaslip Award, honoring the top media professional in the entire PSAC for their service covering the PSAC. He has also won Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters (PAB) Awards in numerous categories, the Golden Apple Award and Teacher of the Year Award at Commodore Perry High. A native of Cochranton and a 1987 Cochranton High grad, Mike resides in Clarion and has a daughter Dorothy and a son Gregory.

DIANE (PICKING) WATSON – WOMEN’S SWIMMING – 1980 Clarion Grad – Business Marketing & Management

Diane (Picking) Watson, an 11-time All-American and individual national champion, helped lead Clarion to two AIAW Division II National Championships and three PSAC titles during her three year career from 1977 – 1979 under coach Carol Clay. An outstanding Backstroke/IM/Freestyle specialist, Diane burst on the scene as a freshman by leading Clarion to the PSAC title with a 1st place and meet record swim in the 100 IM (1:03.9), 1st in the 100 back, and ended top three in the 50 back, 200 back, and three relays.

Clarion won its first AIAW Division II National Championship in 1977 led by Picking who was a national champion in the 100 backstroke with a Clarion record time of 102.2. In individual events she was 4th in the 200 back, 7th in the 50 back and 5th in the 100 IM. In relays she was 2nd in the 400 medley, 2nd in the 200 free and 3rd in the 800 free giving her 7 All-America placings, the maximum at nationals. She was also qualified for Division I Nationals in the 100 back and the 200 free and 400 medley relays. The 1978 Golden Eagles followed with another PSAC and Division II Title.

At states, Diane won the 100 IM and the 100 backstroke, plus finaled in five other events. Going on to nationals she was part of the 6th place 200 free relay, but illness struck and kept her from the pool. In 1979 she was a huge contributor in the Eagles winning the PSAC title with 5 championship performances including the 200 back, 200 IM, and the 200 free, 200 medley and 800 free relays. She was also runner-up in the 100 back and the 100 IM.

At nationals, in the high altitude, the Golden Eagles finished 5th as a team and Diane was 15th in the 100 IM and helped the 800 free relay place 6th and the 200 free relay place 7th. She was unable to swim her senior year due to a shoulder injury. In three years Picking was a national champion, 11-time All-American, 9-time PSAC winner and a 21-time PSAC finalist. She was part of 5 Clarion records including the 100 back, 200 back and three relays including the 200 free, 800 free and 400 medley). A 1980 Clarion grad in Business Marketing & Management, she owned her own cleaning company from 1981 – 2016 when she retired.

A 1976 graduate of Cumberland Valley High School, she currently resides in Medford Lakes, New Jersey. Diane and husband Jerry Watson have a daughter Sara and a son Ryan.

DAVID SHEARER – MEN’S BASKETBALL – 2002 Clarion Grad – Computer Information Systems

David Shearer was a very talented, physical and hard nosed All-American forward on the Golden Eagle basketball teams from 1999 – 2002, while leading Clarion to its first PSAC Championship in 2001. He came to Clarion in the Fall of 1998 from Hempfield High School and made an immediate impact on coach Ron Righter’s Golden Eagles. Clarion posted a 19-8 overall record and a 7-5 PSAC-West mark in 1999 with Shearer contributing 259 points (9.6 ppg), 168 rebounds (6.2 rpg), 37 steals, 17 assists and 12 blocked shots.

Voted PSAC-West “Rookie of the Year” and a Freshman All-American, he shot 52.7% from the floor and 70% from the charity stripe. In 2000 Shearer led Clarion to a 20-7 overall record and the PSAC-West title with a 10-2 mark. He scored 434 points (16.1 ppg), grabbed 215 rebounds (8.0 rpg), 47 steals, 31 assists and 16 blocks.

A PSAC-West First Team selection, he shot 49% from the floor and 73.8% from the line. He had a game high 29 points in a win over Edinboro and 17 rebounds vs D&E. In 2001 Clarion won its first PSAC Team title with an unbelievable title run. Defeating IUP on the road 79-73 to start the playoffs, Clarion went to Edinboro and defeated Bloomsburg 70-65 in the semifinals, then rallied to beat West Chester in overtime 80-77. The title put Clarion in the NCAA Playoffs. Shearer scored 363 points (12.5 ppg), hauled in 259 rebounds (8.9 rpg), had 83 steals, 71 assists and 15 blocks. He led the PSAC in steals (83) and was second in rebounding while being named again to the PSAC-West First Team. Clarion finished 19-10 overall.

The 2002 Eagles finished 15-11 overall and 7-5 in the West. A Second Team PSAC-West choice, Dave missed five games in December with a stress fracture, but fought on like a true warrior. Shearer contributed 192 points, 152 rebounds, 48 steals, 41 assists and 10 blocks. Over his four years Shearer led Clarion to a record of 73-36 overall and 31-17 in the West. He finished with 1,248 career points (#12 at Clarion) and 794 rebounds (#7 at Clarion), with 215 steals, 160 assists and 53 blocks. He was only the 5th player in Clarion history to score more than 1200 points and 700 rebounds.

A 2002 Clarion graduate with a degree in Computer Information Systems, he is Operations Manager at NCCM Company (Formerly Armstrong Kover Kwick Inc.) in McKees Rocks. A native of Greensburg, Dave and wife Melody (Morgan ’02) Shearer have a son Morgan and a daughter Savana (Twins) and reside in Venetia, Pa.

CLARION NOTES: The 2024 induction class brings the Hall of Fame total to 212. The first class in 1989 had 11 members. That inaugural class included James Alcorn(fb), Dr.James Gemmell (former President), Al Jacks (fb coach), Alex Sandusky (fb), Barbara Schaefer-Nejman (diving), Wade Schalles (wrestling), William Sheridan (fb), Waldo S. Tippin (coach-A.D.), Pete Vuckovich (baseball), Jon Wiberg (bk) and Ernestine Weaver (gymnastics coach)…1990-Michael J. Catello(fb),Carol Clay (swimming coach),Robert H. Shaw (fb),Bill Simpson (wrestling) & Reggie Wells (bk)… 1991-Garry Barton (wrestling),Dave Bevevino (fb),Connie Jo Israel (gymnastics), Don Stemmerich (bk-ba), Terry Thompson (bk), George Williams (announcer -honorary)…1992-Thomas Carnahan (coach),Charles Heller (wrestling),James McCullough (fb-bk-baseball),Joseph O’Brien (fb),Jeanne O’Connor (swimming), Halley Willison (fb-bk)…1993-Robert J. Cloherty (fb),Joseph J. Knowles (baseball coach), Cheryl L.(Perozzi) Gilotty (gymnastics),Louis Hutcherson (fb),Frank Lignelli Jr.(athlete-coach-A.D.) & Kenneth S. Warnick (wrestling) …1994-Edward H. Arndt (fb),Tracy (Cooper) Rossa (swimming),Joseph P. DeGregorio (basketball coach),Robert L. Kelly (bk), John Lovre (fb), Don Rohn (wrestling)… 1995-John V. Calipari (bk),Gary J. McCauley (fb),Doria (Mamalo) McConnell (diving),Douglas A. Niebel (wrestling),Frances M. Shope (associate A.D.) and Michael J. Zucca (diving)…1996-Pete Caristo (fb),Nanette (Farrar) Handley (swimming),Dr. Rebecca Rutt Leas (swimming coach), Terry E. Roseto (bk), Charles A.Ruslavage(fb coach),Joseph P.Sebestyen (bk),Roland B.Sparrow (fb)… 1997-John G. Dellostretto (fb), Kevin C. Ewing (fb), Alvin E. Gibson (bk), James W. Kassell (fb,bk,track,baseball), Donald E. Leas (diving coach), Rhonda (Phillips) Zozula (diver)… 1998 Kurt S. Angle (wrestling), Elton R. Brown (fb), Robert G. Bubb (wrestling coach), Robert J. Erdeljac (fb), Loyal M. Jasper (track & field), Barbara (Seel) Couvrette (diving), 1999 Tina (Bair) Karan (sw), Joseph J. Boros (golf), Kenneth D. Haselrig (wr), Ernest W. Johnson (athlete/coach – honorary), Steven P. Scillitani (fb) and Michael C. Sisinni (bk), 2000-James M. Beichner (wr), John A. DeRiggi (fb), Joseph J. Kata (deceased- fb, bk, ba), Anthony Perriello (diving), Lisa M. (Warren) Dollard (tennis) and Richard L. Pae (fb coach- honorary), 2001- David G. Caslow (wr), Leatha (Dudeck) Baker (basketball), James T. Hersh (sw), Thomas J. Komenda (fb), Gordon G. Sills (baseball) and Robert E. Leonard (Head Athletic Trainer), 2002- James A. Becker (football), Charles E. Coryea (wrestling), Carlita A. Jones (women’s basketball), Joseph M. Malis (men’s basketball), Theresa A. (Teri) Peot (women’s swimming) and Gene Sobolewski (Football Coach), 2003- Daniel J. Chojnacki (men’s basketball), Michael J. Cole (wrestling), Corissa “Mona” Gaffney-Brosier (women’s basketball), Guido Malacarne (football/baseball) and David A. Peura (men’s swimming), 2004- Lynn Armstrong (football), Ronald R. Botz (basketball), Jack Davis (wrestling), Terence M. McFetridge (football), Kwame R. Morton (basketball), Joyce (Skoog) Robillard (swimming), John Shropshire (football/administrator – deceased), 2005- Cheryl L. Bansek (women’s basketball), Richard H. Danielson (men’s basketball), Wesley C. Freeburg (fb, bask.,baseball), Sheldon E. Thomas (wrestling), Arthur T. Tragesser (football), 2006- Robert B. Frazier (baseball), Carl Grinage (basketball), Jerry M. Haslett (football), William Z. May (football), Christina Tillotson Sheets (women’s swimming), John A. Joy (basketball coach), William G. Miller (swimming coach), 2007- Shannon Coakley Gallagher (women’s basketball), Patrick L. Kiehl (diving), James M. Miller (football), Christopher Roosevelt (basketball), Bryan C. Stout (wrestling), 2008- Steven P. Darby (men’s swimming), Amy (Coon) Miller (women’s basketball), Thomas D. Kurtz (football/baseball), Randy J. Miller (wrestling), Steve T. Witte (football), Mary Lou (Doverspike) Russell (deceased/honorary), 2009- Paul A. Clark (wrestling), A’Lisa (Woicicki) Funk (women’s swimming), Jon Haslett (football), Damon Pietronigro (men’s swimming) and Ernie Widmar (football/baseball), 2010 – Mark D. Angle (wrestling), Jodi (Pezek) Burns (vb; coach), Frank W. Grundler (wrestling/football), Al Lefevre (men’s golf coach/football), Chuck Nanz (men’s swim coach), Chris Weibel (football)… 2011 – James “Pint” Barton (baseball), Timothy D. Brown (football), Jacob “Jack” Derlink (basketball), Dan Mahoney (football), and Tamara L. “Tammy” Myers (tennis); 2012- Kenneth P. Bedford (diving), Melanie (Bull) Lewis (women’s volleyball), Robert “Bo” Garritano (football), John Testa (wrestling), Reginald A. “Reggie” Wells Jr. (football); 2013- Cary D. Grubb (baseball), Jackie Hill Saad (women’s volleyball), Alex F. Murnyack (fb, wr, baseball), Shelly A. Respecki (women’s basketball), Cecil D. Willoughby (fb, basketball); 2014- Les Bressler (wrestling), Robert “Bob” Carlson (A.D.), Taryn CarterWyche (women’s Track), Kim Niedbala (football/coach), Alvin Slaughter (football), Dr. Richard Taylor (men’s basketball coach), Dr. Jamie (Wolf) Jackel (Diving); 2015 – Heather Cigich (w. basketball), Nicolina (DiLoreto) Pierce (swimming); Dr. William English (cross country & track coach); Francis “Fran” Sirianni (football/track); Dr. Lou Tripodi (contributor), Lou Weiers (football); 2016 – Robert Beatty (football/baseball), Bernie Carpenter (football), Frank Edgar (wrestling), James Koontz (baseball), William “Bill” May (golf) and Melissa (Yearous) O’Neil (basketball/track & field); 2017 – Doris Black (wbb coach), Gary Frantz (fb/wr), Kayla (Kelosky) Renninger (diving), Dave Sheets (swimming), Frank Supancic (swim/contributor), Craig Turnbull (wrestling), Art Walker (fb, track); 2018 – Laurie Carter (women’s Track), John Hughes (fb), Lisa McAdoo (women’s basketball), Ken Nellis (wrestling), Dan Payne (wrestling); 2019 – Bob Betts (football), DJ Bevevino (diving/CC & track coach), Susan Fritz (Women’s Tennis), Logan Pearsall (diving), Don Wilson (men’s basketball); 2020 (inducted Sept – 2021) – Norb Baschnagel (asst. mbb, w. tennis coach), Erik Burnett (wrestling), Kaitlyn Johnson (Women’s Swimming), Malen Luke (fb coach), Rollie Smith (men’s basketball), Stephanie Sutton (Women’s Diving), Tony Vincent (baseball)… 2022 – Ellen (Borowy) Casey (vb), Dr. Kristin (Day) Shute (diving), Hannah Heeter (vb/bk), Tammy Holman (bk-track), Malen Luke (fb coach), Patrick Mooney (cross country & track coach), Aleta (Rice) Hansen (Diving)… 2023 – Bekzod Abdurakhmonov (wrestling), Amanda Gough (volleyball, softball, basketball), Matt Guyton (golf), Rich Herman (SID, baseball coach), Dan Kohley (football), Lauren (Murgatroyd) Hasselquist (swimming), Erin Richard (cross country & track)… 2024 – Barbara Buck (volleyball), Jeff Golias (football), Alfonso Hoggard (football), Mike Kalinowski (announcer), Diane (Picking) Watson (women’s Swimming), David Shearer (basketball).