In 1983, Clarence Frank and Jack Shafer were enjoying a meal at the Mr. Steak Restaurant on Rodi Road. Both men had been involved in Penn Hills sports their entire lives. After a great meal, Charlie Diebel, the owner of Mr. Steak joined them. As often happened, they talked sports and discussed the past, and the great athletes in the Penn Hills area and how fortunate they were to be a part of it. They also noted how dedicated the Penn Hills 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, "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 1985, the first class of inductees was honored at a banquet held at Mr. Steak, where the idea originated. The first seven inductees included George Karl, Ralph Heck, Bob Goin, George Roman, Leonard Gallo, Sr., Glen Davis, and Jack Kreider.
























 

 

 

As the years continued, the crowds increased and the banquet was moved to Saint Gerard Majella Church; then to the Harley House Hotel. In 2005, after Mike Birmingham became Chairman, another venue change was necessary due to space limitations. The celebration was then moved to Churchill Valley Country Club, where it was held for several years before moving to Green Oaks Country Club in Verona, which is the present location for the banquet. 

The Penn Hills Sports Hall of Fame has been going strong for over FOUR decades! It is comprised of a committee of dedicated Penn Hills school district and Hall of Fame alumni, sprinkled with a few other dedicated individuals that care about the organization. The inductees are an exceptional 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!

 

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     CHAIRMAN:     Dan Garofalo

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     VICE CHAIRS: Todd Holler

                              Bob Martini

                              Jay Mitlo

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