Romanoski Sports Hall of Fame will induct its 2010 class

The Bernie Romanoski Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame will induct its 2010 class today at Masser's Banquet Hall. Inductees and honorees incude Jim Roth and Mike Klembara for coaching recognition awards, John 'Skip' Rabuck, Glenn Gaul, Cynthia Adams and Kurt Kessler as this year's scholar athletes, Abby Menko for chapter excellence and the 1994 Southern Columbia football team.

Jim Roth Southern Columbia Coaching Recognition Award

In his 26 seasons at the helm of the Tigers, Roth has compiled a record of 306 wins, 54 losses and two ties for a remarkable winning percentage of 85 percent.

During his tenure, the Tigers have captured eight Mid-Penn League, one Eastern Conference, 18 District 4, 12 Eastern state and six PIAA state championships. The 16 consecutive District 4 titles, 12 Eastern crowns and six state championships are all Pennsylvania records. In his 26 seasons, his teams have won 10 or more games in 23 seasons.

Roth has coached three Small School Players of the Year and on four occasions has been named Pennsylvania Small School Coach of the Year.

In 2009, with a 42-6 victory over Warrior Run, Roth became the youngest coach in Pennsylvania to win his 300th game.

Jim and his wife, Kenda, have three children and reside in Elysburg.

Michael A. Klembara Lourdes Coaching Recognition Award

A Hall of Fame inductee in 1988, Klembara recently completed his 28th year as head coach of the Lourdes girls' basketball team.

During the 2009-10 season, Klembara won 20 or more games for the 10th time in his career to go along with two 30 win seasons, and won the eighth District 4 championship under his control.

Against Williams Valley this season, Klembara won his 500th game at the school. His record at Lourdes is a staggering 508 wins and 196 losses, and overall is 540-240.

In 1993, Klembara's Raiders won the state championship and that year he coached Lourdes girls' only first team All-State player, Nikki Schroyer.

Mike and his wife, Jane, are the parents of three children and live in Coal Township.

John 'Skip' Rabuck Francis Gurski Community Service Award

Rabuck has spent the last 25 years organizing events which have benefited organizations throughout the area.

He introduced car cruises to this area in 1988 and these events have benefited the Salvation Army, United Way, local hospitals and other worthwhile groups.

Rabuck's involvement in the "Say No to Drugs" campaign and his interaction with the North Central Highway Safety Network brough numerous deterrent programs to area middle and high schools. He inaugurated the alcohol-free Coal Drop, which has become a Shamokin-Coal Township tradition.

During Operation Desert Storm, he organized a parade and rally to support troops in the Middle East. He has also been part of Shamokin's 125th anniversary celebration and countless other events.

A longtime member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 67, he and his wife, Carmeline, reside in Coal Township.

Glenn Gaul Harvey Boughner Athletic Booster Award

Gaul has given 30 years of volunteer service to the Southern Columbia athletic programs.

A former Wilson Bulldog, Gaul played a major role in the Catawissa Redskins, including overseeing the rebuilding of the football field, the installation of electrical power, the building of the concession stand and helped raise funds to build the current press box.

His leadership in the Tigers' all-sports booster group ranged from filming football home games, traveling with the football staff to film opponents and along with fellow Southern supporters raise funds for all the district's athletic teams.

Glenn, along with Jim 'Steck' Williams, Barry Strausser and 'Bimmy' Strausser area a mainstay along the Southern sidelines as chain gang members.

Glenn and his wife, Bonnie, have four children and live in Catawissa.

Cynthia Adams Southern Columbia Scholar Athlete

A daughter of Dave and Louisa Adams of Elysburg, Cynthia has excelled as a student-athlete for the Tigers.

As both a defender and goalkeeper, Adams earned four varsity letters in soccer, which included being a key member teams which won the Pennsylvania Heartland Athletic Conference (PHAC) Division III titles in 2008 and 2009. Adams was a Susquehanna Valley Conference all-star in 2006 and 2007 and a PHAC all-star in 2008.

Adams also won four letters on the basketball court, where she merited K of C Tournament all-star nods from 2007-09, and was a first-team PHAC Division II all-star.

Adams has also lettered four times in track, earning the District 4 gold medal in the 800 meters, and silver in the event in 2008 and 2009. She is also a member of the state-qualifying 3200 relay team.

A member of the class of 2010, Adams served as class treasurer as a sophomore. She is also a three-year member of the National Honor Society, and is currently the president of the Tigers' chapter.

She will continue her academic and athletic career at Lebanon Valley College.

Kurt Kessler Southern Columbia Scholar Athlete

A son of Jim and Cathy Kessler of Elysburg, Kurt has starred for both the Tigers' basketball and soccer teams.

Kessler posted an undefeated regular season as goalkeep in 2009, and earned him PHAC all-star and team MVP honors in 2008 and 2009. Kurt was The News-Item Player of the Year in 2008.

He is also a four-year letterwinner for the Tigers' basektball team, helping the team to a District 4 championship in 2007. He was a PHAC all-star in 2009 and 2010.

Kurt is also a three-year member of the National Honor Society, and is involved with Tiger News TV and is the 2010 yearbook president. Active in community and church affairs, Kurt has volunteered at the Ralpho Township Public Library and has participated in missionary trips to New York and West Virginia.

He will enroll at Bloomsburg University this fall.

Abby Menko Line Mountain High School Chapter Excellence Award

A daughter of Mike and Jeanne Menko, of Trevorton, Abby is a senior at Line Mountain.

Abby starred at the recently completed Pennsylvania Winter Special Olympics in Johnstown. Competing in speedskating, she earned a bronze medal in the 100-meter race, silvers in the individual 300-meter and 20-lap relay, and a gold medal in the 200-meter race.

Menko has been competing in short track for the past four winters, she and her teammates travel weekly to the old arena at Hershey Park for lessons.

The versatile Eagle is a varsity cheerleader, a member of the Marching Eagles color guard and has participated in the school's musical productions during the last four years.

An honor student, she and her family live in Trevorton.

Southern Columbia 1994 State Football Champions Team Induction

The 1994 Tigers set the standard for excellence in the Southern Columbia football program. Their 15-0 record, Central Susquehanna League, District 4 and PIAA state titles were a sign of things to come.

Led by the rushing of Dennis Romanoski (1,764 yards), passing of Brad Osevala (1,472 yards), the receiving of Ardie Kissinger (1,049 yards) and outstanding linemen on both sides of the football, the Tigers ran roughshod over all opponents. They averaged 38 points on offense, while giving up a mere 13.1 per game.

They were coached by Jim Roth, who was assisted by Andy Mills, Al Cihocki, John Marks, Bob Handerhan, Curt Stellfox, Jim Becker and Greg Haladay.