The remarkable rise of young women standouts was on display, as Annalisa DeBari (second from left) and Olivia Downey (third from left) earned induction as high school stars and NCAA All-American track standouts.
The third time's a charm. The 2012 girls volleyball team won a state title in their third appearance in the finals.
Every inductee thanked parents, coaches, and teammates, without whose support their success would be impossible.
87 year-old former Air Force and American Airlines pilot and hockey star John Titus led off remarking that he got to go first, probably because the Committee was concerned he might fall asleep if asked to speak later. He advised young people to "reach for the stars."
Hoopster Jim Slattery recounted playing with a heavily-wrapped broken hand and scoring no points in the first half. On the way to the locker room at halftime, he was accosted by his father who grabbed him by the shirt. "Take off the freaking cast." He scored 23 points in the second half to spark victory. Listen to your parents.
Multi-sport star Joe Mussleman recalled the wisdom of coaches who taught him the delicate balance between "composure and intensity." He also lamented the "lack of gratitude" that he had for his family as a youth and adolescent.
Annalisa DeBari earned state championships in three sports during high school, team in volleyball and individual titles in gymnastics and track. She remembered suffering a laceration before a meet in college and being told she couldn't compete. Her mother came up and said, "It's only a superficial injury." She competed anyway. Toughness makes champions. Moms will not us off the hook.
Swimmer and track star Henry Turner explained how his friend Joe and he built a fort all summer. His friend decided that burning it down was a good idea. Henry bolted and by the time he arrived home, his mother was waiting for him after a phone call. You're not fast enough to fool your parents.
The 2012 volleyball team became the first girls' team locally to win a state championship after losing in the finals the prior season. Coach Scott Celli recounted how the team approached the season with only one goal, earning that title. Focus and work for what you truly want.
All the inductees reminded the crowd to cherish the relationships with coaches and teammates. When the crowd noise fades, those memories endure.