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The Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame announced its newest inductees for its Class of 2018, and there were some local names on the list.
In a press conference on Tuesday at Watermill Caterers in Smithtown, nine individual athletes from Suffolk County (listed below) were selected, along with a group award.
“It’s with great pride that we introduce the Class of 2018,” said the new executive director of the Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame, Chris Vaccaro. “We have a diverse group from pro to amateur athletics, all with an undying passion for their hometown of Suffolk County.”
In addition to announcing the year’s inductees, there was a Special Recognition Award given to Bay Fire Department’s junior drill racing team, which last year became the winningest junior team in New York State history. The team won its 20th state championship in 2017.
“2,500 kids have passed through our organization from… it’s a tremendous honor to watch them grow,” said the racing team’s director, Bryan Butler.
Click here to read about the team’s record-breaking season last year.
The Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame will have an official induction ceremony on May 10 at the Watermill. Tickets will be available online.
the inductees
- Stephen Bowen: Former NFL player from Half Hallow Hills West who currently works for the NFL
- Robert Burkley: Longtime track and field coach from Middle Country School District, went 26 years without a loss
- Joe Dooley: Highly regarded Suffolk County football referee for 39 years
- Cheryl Klein-Obelar: Recorded-breaking discus and shot put thrower for Bellport High School and University of Houston
- Edward Morris: Former executive director of the Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame; he served from 2000-2017
- Matt Ryan: Former U.S. Olympian handball player from Miller Place
- Shannon Smith: All-American lacrosse player from West Babylon who coaches Hofstra’s woman’s lacrosse team.
- Clem Stancik: Winningest tennis coach in New York State history for Brentwood High School
- Hans Wiederkehr: Former NFL player, Babylon football coach, and Suffolk County football administrator
- Special Recognition Award: Bay Shore Junior Fire Department Racing team
Top: Bay Shore Junior Fire Department Racing team leaders in Smithtown Tuesday. (Credit: Nicholas Esposito)
