Published Sunday, Jan. 19, 1996 
Mercer County
Hall of Fame
What a celebration!
50 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IS REMEMBERED
Fanfare is great for, perhaps, most-decorated class
By Jeff Greenburg
Herald Assistant Sports Editor
SHENANGO TOWNSHIP _ With the greatest of fanfare, what is arguably the most decorated class in the 50-year history of the Mercer County Athletic Hall of Fame was inducted Saturday night during a ceremony at the Radisson Hotel.
An overflow crowd of more than 535 people greeted the 10 inductees, all of whom have made their marks off the playing fields as well.
Those members of the Class of 1997 were: Lou Fortuna, Dr. Brian Generalovich, Donald H. Jones, Jack Marin, Jeff Persson, Robert ``Posey'' Rhoads, Bob Robbins, Willie Somerset , John Stevens and posthumous inductee Jerry Woods .
Former Farrell High, Duke University and NBA standout Jack Marin addresses the capacity crowd during the 50th anniversary Hall of Fame induction ceremonies Saturday night. Jean Angelo/Herald)
Marin, the former Farrell, Duke and NBA standout, was elected to speak for the class, or as he put it, ``We drew straws and I lost.''
But those who listened attentively to his words certainly didn't.
``It's a wonderful group to be a part of,'' said Marin, who resides in Durham, N.C. ``I think, for those of us especially who came from out of town, who haven't been in the valley and Mercer County, I can honestly say from a family and friendship standpoint it's a wonderful thing to be back here. It is truly a great feeling. And I feel, and I know my colleagues feel, it is nice to be recognized.
``So tonight, to be back here, to be remembered for who we are, what we were and how we did it, is really a great privilege.''
Among those recognizing the star-studded induction class were former UCLA All-American and NBA all-star Jamaal Wilkes and Pittsburgh Pirate General Manager Cam Bonifay.
But before those two took to the podium, Hall of Fame treasurer James Raykie welcomed the family, friends and all the well-wishers of the inductees, perhaps best summarizing the feelings of the night.
``For the most part, fame is a fleeting thing,'' Raykie said. ``But our inductees _ as exemplified so terrifically by our Class of 1997 _ live in the hearts and in the lore of their neighbors, their families, their friends and their admirers.''
Lanny Frattare ties the Hall of Fame tie is was given along with a jacket, making him an honorary member of the hall for his years of service as banquet MC. (Jean Angelo/Herald)
And among those genuine admirers was the Voice of the Pirates, Lanny Frattare, who returned as master of ceremonies with his usual wit and dry humor.
Presented with a Hall of Fame jacket and tie as an honorary member for his many years of serving as banquet MC, Frattare _ after changing his tie and jacket _ quipped ``At this point, I'm glad they didn't give me Hall of Fame underwear.''
Most certainly, so were the people in attendance.
But in the inimitable, flowing style that Pirates fans have become accustomed to over the years, Frattare assured the crowd that he was ``truly honored to be master of ceremonies for the 50th anniversary dinner.''
``Deeds, not words, should be what we are judged by,'' Frattare said. ``The Mercer County Hall of Fame, with its long list of inductees, stands as a beacon for all of us who love sports.
``Just think of all the effort it's taken to make this Hall of Fame a premier shrine. Individuals who have given of themselves should be commended for staying the course and never allowing petty jealousies, inflated egos and selfish ideas deny the Mercer County Hall of Fame a place in the history of this region.''
And as it boasts in being the world's oldest local hall of fame, it appears that will never happen.
As always, the Si Lyman Award was presented to the Mercer County school that has accumulated the highest winning percentage in all sports and for the seventh consecutive year, Farrell was so honored. But in a small surprise, Farrell was forced to share the award this year with upstart Greenville.Principal Frank Sincek accepted the award for Farrell, while Trojan wrestling coach Jim Miller, fresh off the biggest win of his coaching career on Thursday (24-19 over Reynolds), accepted the award for Greenville.
Another special presentation _ a Hall of Fame jacket _ was given to Michael Erme III, who contines the outstanding generous work of his late father, Mike Erme Jr., who passed away 10 months ago.
In addition, a moment of silence was observed in honor of Hall of Fame director John ``Mo'' Maleychik, who died unexpectedly last Tuesday.
``His inspiring but humble efforts not only have touched the lives of many in this room,'' said Raykie. ``But his contributions will be realized by the generations to come. He was indeed one of our heroes.''
Following the official induction ceremony, with all of its pomp and circumstance, Bonifay, who has been the Pirates' GM since 1993, spoke first, noting what an amazing accomplishment it's been keeping the Hall going 50 years.
``I've been very, very lucky to be part of things that have been excellent and very, very lucky to be associated with people who have had excellent careers in whatever they do,`` Bonifay began. ``There's nothing like 50 years of doing what you've been doing. I think this is tremendous, and I know everyone here is proud to be a member of this association. And I can't think of a better way to spend a zero-degree wind-chill night, or what ever it is, to be involved with people like you inside a building like this. God bless you for everything that you do.
``I'm telling you folks, you've got something very, very special and I know that you're proud of it.''
What Pirate fans, however, haven't been proud of over the last few years has been the demise of a once-proud organization. But, with a distinctly southern twang, Bonifay assured those in attendance the Pirates will be back.
``We do have a plan,'' Bonifay said. ``And we'll be successful because the Pittsburgh Pirates will live forever in the hearts of the fans. But it's going to take preparation and performance. And it's going to be tough. But we'll get it done. We have a great skipper in Gene Lamont. He's going to do a tremendous job.''
Wilkes, a member of two national collegiate and four NBA championship teams, was equally excited to be a part of the festivities.
``I am just truly elated and tickled pink to be here with you this evening,'' Wilkes said. ``When I heard about Jack (Marin) being one of the honorees, I wanted to be here. I didn't really get to know Jack away from basketball until recently. But he was always one of the guys I admired both on and off the court.
``To be at the oldest local hall of fame _ 50 years _ this is the golden one for the Mercer County Hall of Fame, and I'm just privileged that I was invited to be part of this. And I really appreciate all the wonderful hospitality that has been given to me since I've been here.''
As most certainly did the 10 inductees, whose athletic endeavors, despite occurring many years ago, won't soon be forgotten. And their induction in the Hall's 50th anniversary class will ensure that.