2014 Inductees

Front row (L-R): Steve Statnick, Sandy Spokane, Beth Amato, Kerry Hetrick. Back row (L-R): Dr. Rich Porac, Eli Visnick, Tom McClelland, Jackson Nunn.
Beth Amato
Beth attended Gateway High School and as a freshman qualified for states in cross country. The next year she broke the school’s two-
Amato went on to win an American Gladiator Tour competition in Pittsburgh in 1992. Out of 10,000 contestants she was one of 32 women chosen from across the U.S. To compete on the American Gladiators television show. Beth also qualified to run in the Boston Marathon.
In 2002 her 12 year football career began. As one of the original members of the Pittsburgh Passion she played linebacker and was captain for 10 out of 12 seasons. In 2005 Amato was presented with the National Women’s Football Association All-
In 2006 she led the team with 72 tackles. She holds the record for most career tackles and is second on the all-
Kerry Hetrick
Kerry was born in the 3 rd Ward North Braddock where he began his athletic career. He graduated in 1986 from Turtle Creek High School lettering in baseball and football.
Collegiately, Kerry played at CCAC Boyce where he earned All Conference and All State in 1987-
He became an Athletic Director in 1997 at CCAC South where he won the inaugural WPCC Athletic Director of the Year in 2006. He entered the high school ranks at Elizabeth Forward in 2006, serving on the WPIAL Soccer Steering Committee and as the President of the Big 7 Athletic Conference. In 2010, Kerry joined Penn-
Tom McClelland
Tom grew up in Turtle Creek and started playing organized sports at the age of nine. Little League baseball and Mighty Mite football helped build his love for all sports. He played quarterback for the Eagles who were undefeated all four years. He lettered in football, basketball and track at Turtle Creek High School and was a member of the 1967 WPIAL Class “B” champion basketball team.
In 1967, Tom received a football scholarship to the University of Nebraska where he set the Freshman Team season record for interceptions. Playing safety, Tom was a three time letterman and was on the back to back National Championship teams in 1970 and 1971. One of his top memories was playing in the “Game of the Century” against Oklahoma.
Tom started his coaching career at Lincoln High School as an assistant in football, wrestling and head golf coach. The “Links” golf team finished second in the 1974 Class “A” State Tournament. In 1974 Tom left Lincoln High and accepted the Head Football coaching job at York High in York, Nebraska. He led the “Dukes” to conference championships in 1974 and 1975 but lost in the first round of playoffs. Tom continued coaching year round as an assistant for girls basketball and track.
In 1978 he left teaching, but continued coaching youth league sports in Denver, CO and South Bend, IN.
Jackson Nunn
During his high school career at Trafford, Jackson lettered in basketball and football, receiving honors in football; All WPIAL, ALL State, All American and leading scorer in the Pennsylvania Big “33”. Jackson gives 110% on the field and in life, as legendary Vince Lombardi who spoke to him and said, “Second Effort, give when you can’t give.”
Upon graduation, Jackson accepted a football scholarship as a running back and field goal kicker at Eastern Michigan University, where he won honors as “most valuable player”, established the record for the longest field goal in game history, and scored the only points for (EMU) in the Pioneer Bowl against Louisiana Tech University.
After college, his friend, Charlie Scales (formerly of the Steelers and running back with Jim Brown of the Cleveland Browns), introduced him to John Henry Johnson (Pro Football Hall of Fame) who signed him to play for the Chicago Fires (the newly founded pro team-
After spending time with PBS TV, Promotions/Marketing and State Crew Theatrical Acts, Jackson’s interest shifted to the theatrical field of ‘acting’; appearing in 30 movies, 12 TV Series, 13 commercials, 3 videos and 2 print ads. He volunteers for the Pittsburgh Film Office and Lupus Foundation of Pennsylvania.
Richard Porac
Rich began his athletic career at South Junior HS. He thanks Coach Bob Holden for his encouragement, guidance, wisdom and faith in his athletic ability. At South under Coaches Holden and Giles, the 9 th grade team went 17-
At Gateway HS, Rich played basketball and baseball. He was a starter at point guard for three years and played under Coaches Laughlin and Murphy. Scoring near 1000 points for three years included a personal best of 36 points vs. McKeesport. As a senior under Art Betts, Gateway played at the Civic Arena in the quarter finals. Rich started at point guard for the PA ALL-
From 1970-
Sandy Spokane
Sandy Spokane at the age of nine began playing Little League then Pony League baseball and became immediately hooked. He went on to letter for Taylor Allderdice’s varsity baseball team, and attended Youngstown College, where he also played baseball.
While continuing to progress in baseball, a sports writer from The Post-
He expanded his athletic portfolio by playing softball, officiating, and coaching. He officiated baseball, softball, football, and basketball for the PIAA. His coaching career began with Little League and Pony League baseball. Later he coached the girls fast-
Stephen Statnick
After a successful football career at Slippery Rock College, Steve proudly served for two years in the Army, 1953-
In 1963, Steve accepted the position as head of the physical education department at a newly built complex named South Junior High, part of the Gateway School District. This was the start of the Coach Statnick tradition and legacy. The iconic maroon, white, blue and gold trunks gym uniform and program was created, representing Steve’s principles of life-
Steve’s incredible coaching record of 69-
Eli Visnick
Eli began his career in football at Franklin Regional (FR) playing for four years, lettering for three. He received a scholarship to Sterling College, Kansas as a Defensive Lineman. He was a starter, Most Valuable Lineman and First Team All-
After graduation from Sterling, he continued on as an assistant coach for one season. In 1972, Eli was hired as a teacher and assistant football coach at Wilkinsburg High School. In 1973, he began his teaching and coaching career at FR. In 1976, he became the head football coach and remained for 14 years. His 1984 team was the first in school history to make the playoffs by defeating Steel Valley 7-
In 1991-