RHS Sports Hall of Fame hosts induction banquet
Local legends honored for decades of dedication to local teams
The Roxborough High School Sports Hall of Fame recently hosted its 31st Anniversary Induction Banquet at the Flourtown Country Club.
The 2024 slate of inductees included Steve Capizzi, Laura McElree Traynor, Bruce Fleming, Bob Stowman, Mike Rex and Benjamin Murphy.
Joe Stanley, who does yeoman’s work each year as emcee for the event, called everyone to their tables after a bit of hobnobbing and catching up by those in attendance.
Academies at Roxborough High Principal Kristin Williams Smalley lauded honorees as a continuation of the outstanding legacy of excellence that preceded her time at the school, where she is the school’s number one cheerleader.
After a moment of silence to honor deceased members and inductees, board member Lynne Gramberg led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a rousing rendition of the school song by distinguished soprano Linda Marie Bell.
After dinner was served, it was time to get down to business.
Hall of Famer and local soccer guru Bill Phelan presented Executive Board member and fellow Hall of Famer Paul Bennett with the prestigious David C. Hare Service Award to recognize Bennett for his contributions over the years to the Tigers AC and the RHS Sports Hall of Fame Golf Classic amongst his many other community-minded endeavors.
Phelan called out RHS AP Social Studies teacher Jeff McKenna, for whom the banquet booklet was dedicated.
McKenna, who once served as Athletic Director and longtime basketball coach, has been a key liaison between the school and the Hall of Fame committee.
McKenna had to step out on the gridiron this past season to lend his services to the football team coaching staff.
Paul Bennett took to the dais to recognize the many past inductees who were attending this year’s banquet, showing the continued connection and commitment between past and present.
Joe Stanley had the honor of introducing the presenters, who layed down the groundwork by providing background and context to the personalities and achievements of the inductees.
Nicole McLaughlin introduced Steve Capizzi, Class of 1979. Nicole, being Steve’s daughter had the unique perspective of seeing Capizzi as a dad first, athlete and coach second.
Capizzi had a distinguished baseball career at RHS under
iconic coach Cliff Hubbard. Capizzi has been a long-time coaching figure in the community as well as one of the finest umpires around. Capizzi made a point of thanking fellow umpire and Tigers AC stalwart Eddie “Bo” Peters for his years of support and friendship. Peters, who now lives in West Virginia, has left an indelible mark on the 21st Ward sports scene.
Bruce Flemming was presented by former teammate Dahnte Crawley. Flemming, Class of ‘99, was a four-year starter on the football team and a two-year starter on the diamond under Coach Hubbard. Fleming has been a successful football coach over the years for several area high schools and colleges. He described his years at RHS as a journey and bonding experience that has “lasted a lifetime.”
Benjamin M. Murphy (‘48) was a multi-sport athlete who excelled in football, baseball and track and field. The deceased Murphy was presented by son Ben III and nephew John Jacobacci. Both described him as a humble man with a heart of gold. The low-key, but multi-talented Murphy has some impressive stats off the field as well with his loving wife Tessa. They were the proud parents to seven children, leading to 21 grandchildren, and 28 great grandchildren. That’s a lot of Murphys!
Mike Rex was presented by former soccer coach Howard Leight. Leight described Rex’s
many accomplishments as an All-Public striker before taking over the reins in goal. Rex was also an All-Public third baseman under coach Hubbard. After an outstanding collegiate career, Rex has been paying it forward ever since. He does double duty as the President of the Rox United Soccer Club as well as being a board member in the 21st Ward Junior Baseball League. His successful coaching career in both sports speaks for itself.
Bob Stowman, presented by RHS football coach Mike Stanley, wasn’t a student at Roxborough, but nonetheless had a lasting impact on children as a PE teacher and as a storied coach for both the Varsity Girls Basketball and Baseball
teams. Stowman was honored with the Phila. Coaches Association “Coach of the Year” before he retired in 2013 after 39 years of service to the children of Philly. Stowman related an amusing anecdote about how long and arduous a journey through the School District he had until he finally secured his dream job at RHS, which he described as “the best years I had.”.
Laura McElree Traynor was presented by two of her surviving sons, Scott and Lane. From the years 1934-38, the pioneering Laura was extremely active in women’s sports long before it became more widespread. She was team Captain on the Varsity Volleyball, Basketball, and (yes) Baseball teams. According
to her sons, she would have played football too if they had let her (instead she opted for the cheerleading team to be close to the field). She played semi-pro baseball for several years following graduation. A longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Manayunk, she received a theology degree from Eastern Baptist Seminary, at get this, 71.
Bill Phelan officially closed out the ceremony and then it was time for group photos and more story swapping.
Each year some of the tales seem to get a little taller, some memories begin to fade, but the sense of camaraderie and belonging that comes from attending these events, that will always remain true.