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EDINBORO, PA -- The Edinboro University
Athletic Hall of Fame will celebrate its 25th year with the
induction of nine new members on Saturday, April 29. The nine new
members will swell the Edinboro Hall of Fame membership to 160
inductees. The Class of 2006 will be formally inducted at the 25th
Annual Hall of Fame Awards Banquet at McComb Fieldhouse beginning
at 7 p.m.
The 2006 inductees include: former football
standout Mike Kegarise; Georj Lewis, a former football standout;
former cross country and track and field standout Carl Leonard;
former cross country and track star Gennaro “Jim”
Manocchio; former volleyball and softball player Melanie (Skolny)
Moodry; Scott Rupert, a former member of the baseball and football
teams; former wrestling star Tom Shifflet; and former swimming
standout Heni Toth Saand. In addition to the eight student-athlete
inductees, the Athletic Hall of Fame will induct Foster Diebold,
former Edinboro University president, as the recipient of the
Distinguished Service Award.
“With this being our 25th year
conducting our Athletic Hall of Fame, this class is particularly
representative of the quality of inductees the Edinboro Athletic
Hall of Fame has stood for through the years,” said Edinboro
Director of Athletics Bruce Baumgartner. “These individuals
have brought distinction to themselves, our athletic department
and our University during their careers. The nine inductees
represent a very diverse group, and we look forward to paying
tribute to them at the induction ceremonies.”
Here is a synopsis of the six inductees, in
alphabetical order:
Mike Kegarise (‘93) ranks as one
of Edinboro’s all-time greatest offensive linemen. The 6’6”,
301 lb. Kegarise was a four-year starter at offensive tackle,
helping Edinboro go 33-11-1 during those four seasons. That
included trips to the NCAA Playoffs in 1990, ’92, and ’93.
The Fighting Scots finished with a 9-3 record
in 1990, defeating Virginia Union in the NCAA playoffs for the
school’s first-ever NCAA postseason win, before losing to
Indiana(Pa.). In 1992 Edinboro posted an 8-2-1 record, and in ’93
the Scots finished 8-3, losing in the first round of the NCAA
Playoffs both seasons. Kegarise paved the way for three 1,000-yard
rushers in four seasons, including Larry Jackson twice and Lester
Frye once.
A native of Milan, OH, he earned first team
Associated Press Little All-America honors in 1993 and was a third
team Football Gazette All-American. The year before as a junior he
was a third team Associated Press Little All-American selection,
one of just four Fighting Scots to earn the honor more than once.
He also earned Football Gazette honorable mention All-American
honors in 1992. Kegarise was a first team All-PSAC West choice in
1992 and ’93. In addition to competing in football, he
wrestled for the Fighting Scots.
Following the completion of his Edinboro
career, Kegarise signed as a free agent with the Seattle Seahawks.
He was highly regarded by the NFL team, but a knee injury ended
his hopes of continuing his professional career. He received his
bachelor’s degree from Edinboro in Elementary Education in
1993.
Georj Lewis (’93) enjoyed an
outstanding career for the Edinboro football team while playing in
the secondary. A four-year starter, Lewis helped Edinboro to a
32-12-1 record and three NCAA Playoff berths during that time. He
was a two-time first team All-PSAC West selection and a two-time
All-American.
As a freshman in 1989, he helped the Fighting
Scots finish 8-3 and win the PSAC West championship. The team
received Edinboro’s first-ever bid to the NCAA Division II
Playoffs and finished seventh in the national rankings. He was
named Edinboro’s Freshman of the Year while totaling 45
tackles, five passes broken up and a pair of interceptions. He
intercepted two passes, as well, in 1990, while recording a
career-high 68 tackles and breaking up six passes. The Fighting
Scots finished with a 9-3 record and made their second straight
trip to the NCAA Playoffs. There Edinboro came up with its
first-ever playoff win, a 38-14 victory at Virginia Union. The
Scots finished 11th in the national rankings.
As a junior, Edinboro finished with a 7-4
record, while Lewis totaled 50 tackles, 11 passes broken up and an
interception. He was a first team All-PSAC West choice and a third
team Football Gazette All-American in 1991. In 1992, Edinboro made
it back to the NCAA Playoffs, finishing with an 8-2-1 record.
Lewis finished with 66 tackles, three interceptions and three
passes broken up. He was named a first team All-PSAC West honoree
and was a Football Gazette honorable mention All-American.
Lewis graduated from Edinboro in 1993 with a
bachelor’s degree in Accounting, then earned his master’s
degree in Counseling in 1998. He is currently working on his
doctorate. After working at Edinboro for a period of time, Lewis
is currently is employed at Georgia Southern University, where he
is the Dean of Students.
Carl Leonard (’96) rates as one of
the all-time great runners in Edinboro cross country and track &
field history, quite an honor given the long list of standout
runners. He was named the Sox Harrison Award winner in 1997,
recognizing his accomplishments in track & field the year
before. He ran for head coach Doug Watts from 1992-96, leading
Edinboro to four straight PSAC Championships in cross country.
He was a three-time cross country All-American
(1992, ’93, ’94), one of only ten Edinboro runners (male
or female) to earn the honor three-or-more times. He won the PSAC
individual championship in 1992, '93, and '94, and was a four-time
All-PSAC and All-East Region performer. He was part of the 1992
team which finished second at Nationals. In track & field,
Leonard earned All-American honors four times. That included three
times in the 5,000 meter run (1994, ’95 and ’96), and
once in the 10,000 meter run (1996). In fact, in 1996 he finished
as the national champion in the 5,000 and was the runner-up in the
10,000.
He was a seven-time PSAC champion in track --
800 meters in 1993; 1,500 meters in 1994; 800 and 1,500 meters in
1995; and 1,500, 5,000 and 10,000 meters in 1996. That 1996
performance was the first and only time an individual has won all
three races. Leonard was a multiple PSAC Athlete of the Year in
both cross country and track & field, and was also named the
NCAA Division II East Regional Runner of the Year several times.
He still holds the school record in the 1,500 meters.
Leonard graduated from Edinboro in 1996 with a
bachelor’s degree in Health & Physical Education. He
currently serves as a health and physical education teacher at
Luis Munoz Marin Middle school in Cleveland, OH, where he is also
the head track coach and head soccer coach. He has remained an
active runner, sponsored by Saucony (1999-01) and Puma (2001-03),
winning numerous road races around the country. That included a
sub 4-minute mile in Pittsburgh in 1997.
Gennaro “Jim” Manocchio (‘88)
is considered by long-time head coach and fellow Edinboro Hall of
Fame member Doug Watts as one of the group of outstanding runners
in the ‘80’s who began the storied tradition of Edinboro
cross country.
Watts termed Manocchio a “developer”,
not a spectacularly talented individual but one who needed time to
grow and develop. Manocchio became a vital part of a team that won
NCAA Division II national championships during his junior and
senior seasons after runner-up finishes his first two years. The
Fighting Scots won four straight PSAC Championships during that
period. He concluded his career as a three-time All-American, one
of only seven men’s cross country runners to earn more than
two All-American certificates.
He earned All-PSAC honors his final three
seasons, and was also a six-time All-PSAC honoree in track &
field. Manocchio was a three-time qualifier for the NCAA Track &
Field National Championships.
He graduated from Edinboro with his bachelor’s
degree in Health & Physical Education in 1988, and would later
earn his master’s degree in Education from the University at
Buffalo in 2003. He currently serves as a health teacher at
Jamestown(NY) High School and is also the school’s athletic
trainer. He has been the head A.T.C. for track & field at the
Empire State Games since 1992.
Melanie (Skolny) Moodry (‘95)
starred as a member of the Edinboro volleyball team. Due to the
lack of statistics at that time, many of her accomplishments from
a record book standpoint are not available. However, her impact on
the volleyball program’s success is clearly evident. The
Fighting Scots compiled an incredible 116-19 record during her
four seasons, capped by an appearance in the Elite Eight in 1994,
when Edinboro posted a 27-5 record.
She earned All-PSAC honors all four seasons. In
1994, not only was she was a first team All-PSAC West selection,
but was also an AVCA All-Atlantic Region pick. She was named the
PSAC Tournament MVP and was a member of the NCAA Division II
Atlantic Region All-Tournament Team. She led the team in kills
(424), hitting percentage (.327), adding 354 digs and 105 total
blocks. Edinboro won the PSAC Championship in 1994. Moodry was
named the Nancy Acker Award winner in 1995.
As a freshman in 1990, she was chosen the PSAC
Rookie of the Year and was a first team All-PSAC choice at outside
hitter. She was also named to the AVCA All-Atlantic Region Team.
Edinboro had a 33-4 record in 1990. The Fighting Scots finished
29-5 and were runners-up in the PSAC in 1991, with Moodry once
again an All-PSAC and All-Atlantic Region honoree. She finished
second in Division II in hitting percentage. In 1992, she was
recognized as the PSAC West Player of the Year and made it
All-PSAC and All-Atlantic Region for the third straight year.
Edinboro repeated as the PSAC runner-up with a 27-5 record.
Moodry graduated from Edinboro in 1995 with a
bachelor’s degree in Nursing. She is currently employed as a
registered nurse at Lake East Hospital in Painesville, Ohio.
Scott Rupert (‘95) was a multiple
sport standout for the Fighting Scots, excelling both in baseball
and football.
In baseball, Rupert played shortstop for the
Fighting Scots, and holds numerous school records, including the
career record for batting average (.411), runs (152), RBIs (177),
doubles (66), home runs (30), walks (88), and slugging percentage
(.894). He was a two-time ABCA All-American, earning third-team
honors as a junior and senior. He hit over .400 both seasons, with
a .425 average in 1995 as a senior. Rupert finished with 16
doubles, a school-record 16 home runs, and also set school records
for runs (63), hits (74) and RBIs (71) that season. Edinboro
finished with a 30-22 record.
In 1994, the Fighting Scots enjoyed the best
season in school history with a 35-18 ledger, winning the PSAC
West Championship with a 17-3 regular season record, and ending
the year ranked 16th nationally. Rupert was named the PSAC West
Player of the Year after finishing with a .414 average, with a
school-record 29 doubles and 10 home runs. He also set new school
standards for walks (40) and slugging percentage (1.102). He led
the nation in doubles as a junior. He was a first team
All-Atlantic Region selection as a junior and senior. Rupert hit
.398 as a freshman and .387 as a sophomore.
In football, he served as the team’s
placekicker from 1991-94, making 18 of 33 field goals and 117 of
140 extra points for 171 points. He ranks ninth in career scoring
and is sixth in career field goals made and attempted. He led the
team in scoring in 1993 with 58 points, making 5 of 11 field goals
and 43 of 45 extra points. In addition, Rupert handled the punting
chores as a senior, averaging 38.8 yards on 21 punts.
He graduated from Edinboro in 1995 with a
bachelor of arts degree in Specialized Studies.
Tom Shifflet (’95) ranks as one of
the all-time great Edinboro University wrestlers, earning
All-American honors three times and being named the Sox Harrison
Award recipient in 1995.
Following a seventh place finish at 142 lbs. in
1992, he placed sixth in 1993 and third in 1995. He finished with
a 31-5 record in 1994-95 and was named the EWL Wrestler of the
Year. He helped Edinboro finish 11th at Nationals. Shifflet
reached the semifinals at Nationals that year before suffering a
2-1 defeat to eventual national champion John Hughes of Penn
State. He rebounded to win two more matches for third place.
In 1992, Shifflet was voted both the EWL and
PSAC Freshman of the Year after finishing with a 32-13-1 record.
In the process he became Edinboro’s freshman All-American.
The following year he went 31-8 and once again earned All-American
honors. He won the PSAC championship at 150 lbs., then went on to
place second at the EWL Tournament at 142 lbs.
Shiflett missed the first half of the ’93-94
campaign with a back injury that eventually led to surgery, before
returning to go 15-5. He won the PSAC championship and once again
placed second at EWL’s. He won his third PSAC crown as a
senior and was second at EWL’s. He concluded his career with
a 109-31-1 record, currently ranking 15th in career wins. He is
14th in career winning percentage at 77.7 percent.
Shifflet currently serves as the wrestling
coach at North Carolina-Greensboro. He was recently inducted into
the EWL Hall of Fame. He graduated from Edinboro in 1995 with a
bachelor’s degree in Health & Physical Education.
Heni Toth Saand (’96) was a
standout for the Edinboro swimming team in the mid ‘90’s.
The winner of the 1996 Nancy Acker Award as Edinboro’s Senior
Female Athlete of the Year, she was an eight-time All-American
during her career. That included earning All-American honors in
the 100-yard butterfly (4th), the 200-yard butterfly (13th), the
100-yard breaststroke (10th) and the 200-yard IM (11th) in
1993-94.
In 1994-95, she was an All-American in the
100-yard butterfly and 200-yard IM while helping Edinboro finish
22nd at Nationals. She finished as a three-time All-American in
1995-96, setting the school record in the 200-yard IM. That record
stood until this year. She stills holds school records in the
100-yard butterfly (57.65) and 200-yard butterfly (2:10.55).
Toth Saand turned in numerous impressive
performances at the PSAC Championships, including a first place
finish in the 100-yard butterfly and 200-yard IM in 1995. In ’96,
she finished as the runner-up in the 200-yard butterfly.
Toth Saand received her bachelor’s degree
in Communications from Edinboro in 1996, then completed work on a
master’s degree in Communications/ Journalism from
Shippensburg University in 1998, and another master’s degree
in Environmental Studies from Shippensburg in 2000. She has been
working at Shippensburg since 2000 as an IT specialist with the
Department of Computer Sciences.
Foster F. Diebold is the second
recipient of the Athletic Hall of Fame Distinguished Service
Award, presented to an individual who didn’t necessarily
compete in athletics, but still made a major impact.
Diebold served as President of Edinboro
University for 17 years, from 1979 to 1996. That marked the
second-longest tenure by a President in the institution’s
history, and along the way he had a profound impression on the
athletics program.
He oversaw the move of Fighting Scots athletics
from NAIA to NCAA Division II status. That was followed by the
elevation of the wrestling program to Division I status in
1986-87. His support was essential in the implementation of the
summer camp fundraising system and subsequent scholarship program.
During his tenure, Edinboro athletic teams won
four national championships and 33 Pennsylvania State Athletic
Conference titles.
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