`Memorabilia of McCluskey era sought`

An effort is under way to establish a permanent display of memorabilia from the Coach Edward J. McCluskey basketball era at Farrell High School.

The project, which would involve a series of display cases inside the E.J. McCluskey Gymnasium, is scheduled to be completed before the beginning of the 1998-99 season.

Much of the school district's memorabilia, including trophies and other awards from the school's seven state championships under McCluskey, formerly was kept in the gymnasium. Several years ago, it was moved to the high school, but it will be moved back as part of the new display.

But in addition to those official trophies and plaques, the committee is seeking memorabilia from the community, including autographed basketballs, programs, photos, uniforms and about anything associated with McCluskey, who coached Farrell from 1949-77.

``He meant so much to the community and the school,'' superintendent Richard R. Rubano said. ``A very public display in the gymnasium that bears his name is something all of us want to get done.''

The project will be funded through private donations.

``We know that a lot of people have a lot of things from those years,'' said Dr. Brian Generalovich, a former all-state player for McCluskey who has a dental practice in Hermitage. ``We don't want it to get lost over time. We'd like to give it a permanent home at the gym for everyone to see.''

Others on the committee, in addition to Rubano and Generalovich, are Chuck Branca, Dr. James G. Kollar, Frank Sincek and Jim Raykie.

One of the items already donated is a warmup suit that had been worn by the school's '59 state championship team.

``It's nearly 40 years old, but you could put it on today and wear it,'' Sincek said of the white suit, clad with blue and gold stripes and a steel mill on the back.

``When Jack (Marin) was in town two years ago, he said he'd be interested in helping this effort,'' Kollar said. ``I think Jack may even have some things from his career at Duke and in the NBA.''

Marin, who graduated from Farrell in '63, became an All-American at Duke University at enjoyed a successful career in the National Basketball Association.

In addition, a display will be created to honor Farrell's first-team all-state players under McCluskey.

Among memorabilia that will be moved to the McCluskey display is a game jersey worn at Farrell by the legendary Julius McCoy.

``This group of guys has been talking about this for a long time,'' Generalovich said. ``Now we're past the talking and want to get it done.''

Individuals who have memorabilia that they would like to donate should contact Chuck Branca, athletic director, Farrell High School, or any other committee member.

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Updated March 24, 1998
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