Punxsy Sports Hall of Fame accepting nominations

After two years away from our activities due to the pandemic, the Punxsutawney Sports Hall of Fame announced that the committee has resumed normal operations.

Even in the midst of the pandemic, the committee was able to award scholarships in each of the previous years. The scholarship was started in honor and memory of long-time committee member Dr. Jack Smelko, and awards $1,000 each to a senior boy and girl for post-secondary education.

“He always thought we should be helping young people in our community as well as honoring former coaches and athletes from Punxsutawney Area High School,” committee members said in a news release. “The Hall of Fame dedicated our annual golf tournament to his memory and uses the proceeds from the event for the scholarship and help to cover the expenses associated with banquet and induction ceremony.

Fresh off the annual golf tournament, which the committee said was a very successful event, members are preparing to have an induction ceremony on Saturday Nov. 19, in the high school cafeteria. The committee will soon be preparing a ballot to vote on.

In order to be considered for this year’s ceremony, the committee will be accepting new nominations and updates to existing nominations until July 25. Nomination forms can be obtained from Frank’s Star Lunch, the high school office, the school district’s website or any committee member. Forms can be submitted via email to pshof@punxsy.k12.pa.us or via USPS to PSHOF, 500 N. Findley St., Punxsutawney, PA 15767.

For more information, visit the Punxsutawney Sports Hall of Fame website, https://www. punxsy.k12.pa.us/apps/ pages/index.jsp?uREC_ ID=1130396&type= d&pREC_ID=1811125

The Hall of Fame Committee members are Joyce Martino, Patti Fallara, Nancy Maruca, Joe Steiner, Frank Hetrick, Bill Vassallo, Sam Bevak, Dick Neese, John Miller, Greg Heitzenrater, Jason Grusky, Alan Nichol, Brad Constantino, Matt Taladay, DJ Gould, Keith Hughes.