B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
The B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Committee would like to welcome you to our 2023 installation of inductees to our recently created Hall of Fame. We would also like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to this year ’ s inductees as well. This is your night to celebrate with family and friends your accomplishments as individuals, teammates, coaches and administrators. Your plaques have been installed in the hallway leading to the gym at Bridgewater - Raritan High School where you will be memorialized with this class and past and future inductees in perpetuity. We hope you will come back and visit to see your plaque enshrined in our Hall(way) of Fame often. We encourage everyone to visit our website at www.brathletichof.com. Enjoy the evening and remember . . . WE ARE B - R!
The Committee Dick Myers—Chairman
Jim Gano, Kathy Debonis, Jeff Vanderbeek, Bob Bryant, Bruce Doorly, Carl Weigner, Chuck Apel, Andy Martin, John Maggio, Ed Minetti, Mike Leta, Mike Winchock, Dr. Jack Kripsak, Tyson Murdock, Dan LaMountain, Bob Havran and Chris Raffo.
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
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B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
This evening ’ s timeline
6:30pm - Doors Open 6:30 - 7:00pm - Cocktails 6:45pm - Inductee Class photo 7:00pm - 7:15 Doors open, begin seating 7:20pm - 2023 Inductee ’ s entrance to bagpiper 7:30pm - Invocation - Chaplain Joe Ferrara 7:32pm - Welcome - Dick Myers - Chairman BRHOF 7:35pm - Welcome - Jim Gano - Master of Ceremonies 7:38pm - Induction ceremony begins 8:15pm - 8:45pm - Dinner 8:45pm - Induction ceremony resumes
10:15pm - Inductions end 10:20pm - Closing remarks
Be sure to follow the B - R Athletic Hall of Fame on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for information about our annual golf outing and upcoming nominations for the next class of inductees.
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
October 14, 2023
It is my honor and privilege to Chair the Bridgewater - Raritan High School Athletic Hall of Fame Committee and to share in honoring the great athletes, coaches, teams and contribu- tors of the past 60+ years. I ’ d like to sincerely thank our great committee comprised of Jim Gano, Kati DeBonis, Chuck Apel, Bob Bryant, Bruce Doorly, Mike Leta, John Maggio, Andy Martin, Ed Minetti, Jeff Vanderbeek, Carl Weigner, Tyson Murdock, Dr. Jack Kripsak, Mike Winchock, Bob Havran, Dan LaMountain, and Chris Raffo for their efforts. Representing the original BRHS East, West, and the current High school, all of the members truly “ checked their egos at the door ” to do the right and fair thing in choosing this class! In addition, I ’ d like to thank the Board of Education, the Superintendent of Schools, along with the Principal and Athletic Director of our current school. They have been extremely supportive of this effort. Finally, on behalf of the entire committee, I want to congratulate tonight ’ s Class of 2023 inductees! Your honor is well deserved!
Please enjoy a great night!
Sincerely,
Dick Myers
HOF Chairman
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
BOROUGH OF RARITAN
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
22 FIRST STREET
RARITAN, NJ 08869
Tel: (908) 231-1300 * www.RaritanBoro.org
14 October 2023
Dear 2023 Bridgewater - Raritan Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees,
On behalf of the Borough of Raritan, the governing body and our citizens as a whole, I want to extend sincere congratu- lations on your selection to the 2023 class of the Bridgewater Raritan Athletic Hall of Fame! Tradition, remembrance, community and recognition are values that run deep in the Borough of Raritan, and we are elated to be a part of this his- toric school district. Tradition and scholastic - athletic excellence in our Bridgewater - Raritan community spans back over the past 60 plus years. Prior to 1966, our community shared one high school, which opened in 1959. With a boom in population, the necessity for an additional high school was evident. Thus, Bridgewater - Raritan High School East (the Minutemen) and Bridgewater - Raritan High School West (the Golden Falcons) were born. What ensued was two plus decades of an in- tense and spirited rivalry between the two great schools and athletic programs. In 1992, the school district consolidated into one high school, and rebranded itself. The Bridgewater - Raritan Panthers. Although it meant an end to a rivalry, it created a unified sense of community and commitment among citizens of both towns. Athletic prominence and tradition continued. Bridgewater - Raritan established itself as a premiere academic and athletic school district, and continues to uphold this distinction presently. The current success and reputation of our athletic programs would not be possible without the contributions of all of you. To the individual athletes, teams, coaches and contributors: you now, all have a place in our community ’ s history where we can properly recognize and thank you for being the pillars of what makes us proud to be a citizen of the Bridgewater - Raritan community. Your achievements on and off the playing surface are commendable. We are honored to stand with you and offer our sincere congratulations on your induction into the 2023 class of the Bridgewater - Raritan Athletic Hall of Fame!
Zachary R. Bray Mayor of Raritan Borough
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
October 14, 2023
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
The 2023 B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees Monal Chokshi - West Loren Bates - East Steven Hobbs - West Eric Richard - East Noreen Kemether - West Richard Arnold - East Bob Collins - West Scott McHenry - East Jim Barry - East Erna deWaart - West Ed Minetti - Contributor Rob Luedeke - West Melissa Wester - BRHS Panthers
Kelly Stryker - East David Miller - West
Jessica Apel - Contributor Chuck Apel - BRHS Panthers Tim Ortelli - BRHS Panthers 1961 BRHS Golf Team
1991 BRHS West Girls Track Team 1970 & 1971 East Baseball Teams
1989 West Baseball Team 1974 East Football Team
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
October 14, 2023
Dear Inductees,
I am honored to attend your special induction banquet as our school district ’ s new Director of Athletics. Congratulations to all of you who are being honored tonight for your exceptional contributions to Bridgewater - Raritan High School athletics. You are most deserving of this prestigious honor to join others in our Athletic Hall of Fame, and on behalf of everyone at the Bridgewater - Raritan School District, thank you for continuing to bring pride to our school community. I understand the commitment you made to your sport, studies, and Bridgewater - Raritan High School(s) as well as the hard work it took to fulfill those commitments. My favorite part of Hall of Fame inductions is hearing from the inductees; I am looking forward to your speeches tonight about your memorable experiences as a former athlete. Once again, Con- gratulations on achieving this prestigious award. It is an honor to celebrate and welcome you into the Bridgewater - Raritan Athletic Hall of Fame.
Sincerely,
Bill Deniz Director of Athletics Bridgewater - Raritan High School (908) 231 - 8600 Ext. 6
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
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Be sure to follow the B - R Athletic Hall of Fame on social media and our website for inductee profiles, news and upcoming events. Website: https://www.brathletichof.com Instagram: br_athletic_hof . Facebook: BR - Athletic - Hall - of - Fame
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
The Bridgewater - Raritan Athletic Hall of Fame Congratulations to all of the Class of 2023 Inductees, It has been a thrill to grow up in Bridgewater and root for, in some cases compete against, work with, and announce (for 40+ years!) the Minutemen, Golden Falcons and Panthers of B.R.H.S. So many great memories, games and plays. Enjoy your night! Jim Gano - ” The Voice ” of Bridgewater - Raritan Athletics
—————————————————————— - WE ARE B - R! ———————————————————————– MASTER OF CEREMONIES
Jim Gano is serving as your Master of Ceremonies this evening. Jim is a 1979 graduate of B.R.H.S. West where he lettered in Football, Swim - ming and Track. After graduation, Jim studied Broadcasting at Salem College in West Virginia where he also played football and basketball. Jim has worked in radio & television and has been serving for 40+ years as the announcer of Bridgewater - Raritan Athletics since 1983 when he began announcing Minutemen Basketball games. He later added the Golden Falcons to his already busy calendar and eventually became “ The Voice ” of the Panthers after the merger of East and West. In 2004, Jim served as the Special Projects Chairman of the B - R Turf Committee that raised the funds to install FieldTurf at Basilone Field. Jim is the owner of Gano Enterprises, Inc. and focuses much of his time running Crown Trophy of Flemington, an award winning awards retailer and pro - motional products company and provider of this evening ’ s awards. Jim also hosts an award winning weekly radio show every Thursday at 1:00PM
called “ Takin ’ Care of Business with Jim Gano ” on WHCR - DB covering a variety of topics related to running a successful business. Jim consults privately with business owners to improve their processes and either bring them to, or restore them to profitability. Jim is a published author with his first book “ The Student ” receiving critical acclaim from Writer ’ s Digest Magazine, and had his most recent book, “ The Player ” which takes place in and around Bridgewater published in 2021. Jim emcee ’ s events throughout the year for a variety of organizations, charities, corporations and teams of every size and has helped raise tens of millions of dollars for these organizations. If you need an emcee for an upcoming event contact Jim at jegthe3@gmail.com.
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
1028 US Highway 22 — Somerville, NJ 08876 Congratulations to all the Inductees!
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
Thank You Our Almighty God The Father Above And ALL Those Who Have Made / Influenced Me Into Who I AM
Thank You Very Much Our Almighty God The Father Above for The True And Kind Blessings that You have bestowed Upon Me & My Family & Special Friends through the Years . We ALL know that the following is “ The Absolute Truth ”. John 4: 25, 26; King James Version (KJV) 25 The woman saith unto him, I know the Messiah cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. 26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. And ... I especially & specifically Verily, Verily, Verily Give Many Thanks to the Following Important People in My life: 1. In Memory Of My Wonderful Parents: Joseph Vincent Scagliotta (Big Joe) and Katherine Ann Scagliotta (Best Mom, Best Home made Pizza Maker, Best Cook). 2. My Wife, Michele Deanne Scagliotta and Our Wonderful Son, Joseph Junior Steven Scagliotta and His Beau tiful Wife, Tyler Scagliotta. 3. The Special Teachers / Coaches / Friends in Bridgewater, New Jersey / USA and Most Importantly: a. Mr. Brightbill and Mr. Kuzela and Mr. George Greiner as Quoted Below: “ Coach Greiner was not only a great Coach, he was a great man and teacher. I ’ ll never forget the basics that hard work pays off, as well as other life lessons coach taught us. ” - Steve Havran, Quarterback 1969 - 1970. b. Tony Sapega and Howie Spinner and John Gordon (“ The Flash Gordon ”) and Mark Lewy and Mr. Brad Adams and Mr. Don McQueen and Emil and Mr. Barry Webb and Pastor McLeod and Mr. Jerry Ever- wine. c. Mr. Braun & Mr. Roland Mischke & Hans Othmer & Ken Wills & Richard Lyng & Robert Lawrence, Gavett. d. The Bridgewater High School Minute Man Freshman / Junior Varsity (JV) / Varsity Football Coaches and Amazing “ Team ” Players of 1971, 1972, 1973, and 1974 as Quoted Below: “ My overall experience at Bridgewater East was one of great gratitude. We had a Superintendent in Harmon Wade, Principal Dr. Stanley Godleski, and Athletic Director Joe Porcaro who was the very best. The coaching staff was extremely loyal and dedicated to our football program. They included Vince Bodino, Bill Apsley, Jim Norton, Joe Panzarella, Ed Ginty, Dennis Gates, Dave Adam John Gara and Bob Powell. Our athletes were ex- tremely dedicayed and disciplined to compete with their very best effort at all times. God has truly blessed me to be a part of such a great experience in my life. ” Coach George Greiner Always, the Verily Fine People Above treated Me with Absolute Love and Kindness and Tenderness, but sometimes for My Own Good, they made Me Feel like I was LAST. And that is Very Fine with Me, as We ALL known that the following is “ The Absolute Truth ”. Matthew: 20; King James Version (KJV) 16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen. And God Our Almighty Father Above ... Thank You for “ The Good Olde Days ” ... Please Bless Us ALL with Many More ..... !!! Steve Scagliotta
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
Paul J. Solazzo Certified Public Accountant Master of Accountancy in Taxation Individual, Business and Estate Tax Preparation (BR West ‘85) & Luigina A. Solazzo Retirement - Estate Planner & Life Coach 147 West End Ave. Somerville, NJ 08876 (908) 526 - 9649
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Erik Scholp Executive Manager Phone: (908) 722 - 3600 Ext. 202 Fax: (908) 722 - 0246 escholp@bridgewaternissan.com
1400 Route 22 East Bridgewater, NJ 08807 bridgewaternisson.com
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
Coaches Chuck Apel, Tim Ortelli and Ed Minetti,
It was a great honor and pleasure to have worked with you for over 20 years. I greatly admire your dedicated service and support of your student athletes and programs, the B - R Athletic Program, and the community, as well the tremen- dous success you have achieved and the impact you have had on your sports. I wish you the very best for continued success in all you do!
Congratulations on your well deserved induction into the Bridgewater - Raritan Hall of Fame.
John Maggio (Former Athletic Director at BRHS)
Go Panthers!!!
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
Congratulates all of the 2023 Inductees of the Bridgewater-Raritan Athletic Hall of Fame
Come visit us for authentic Italian Cuisine
502 West Union Ave. Bound Brook, NJ (732) 469-1080
Proudly serving you since 1996
~ Lunch ~ Mon.- Fri. 11:30am - 2:30pm ~ Dinner ~ Mon. - Sat. 5:00pm - 10:00pm Sunday 5:00pm - 9:00pm
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
Fix wording
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The Joe Porcaro Family
Congratulates
The Bridgewater Raritan Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023!
EAST IS EAST and WEST IS WEST
and everybody knows that growing up in Bridgewater is BEST!
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
The Bridgewater - Raritan Athletic Hall of Fame Committee would like to thank Dennis Moore for many of the pictures used in this program and on our plaques. Bruce Doorly for researching the biographical information of our inductees. Jim Gano—Owner of Crown Trophy of Flemington for laying out this program and for providing the take home awards to our inductees, and for designing, creating and installing the HOF plaques that are installed at the high school. Dick Myers for turning this vision of a Hall of Fame into a reality. Carl Weigner for his exhaustive research into many of our inductee ’ s bios. Kathy DeBonis for organizing all of the nominations and summarizing their con- tent. Jeff Vanderbeek as the original East representative for his support & enthusiasm for this project. And to the entire committee for their many contributions and attendance and participation at meetings to ensure a great Hall of Fame 2023 induction cere - mony.
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CONGRATULATIONS
to all the Inductees,
especially my brother Steve.
Whether Falcons, Minutemen or
Panthers,
We are all B-R!
Scott Hobbs Sales Associate Coldwell Banker (908)295 - 9097 cell
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
Congratulations to the 2023 Inductees And thank you for bringing joy to our local community with your efforts and success. From 2021 Inductees Steve Havran and Bruce Hennemuth
Hennemuth
Havran
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
CONGRATULATIONS Ed Minett i
On your induction into the Bridgewater - Raritan High School Athletic Hall of Fame “ Class of 2023”
We love you and are very proud of you!
Love, The Minetti Family Bev, Mike, Irene, Dave, Caitlin and Grandchildren: Jack, Emily, Austin, Sawyer & Carson
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
The Ortelli Family Congratulates the Bridgewater - Raritan High School Athletic Hall of Fame Class of
“ The work praises the man ”
Coach Tim Ortelli
Tracy, Andrew and Olivia
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
Congratulations to the Hall of Fame Class of 2023 From
3565 Kennedy Rd. South Plainfield, NJ 07080 (908) 755 - 9700
Providing complete facility maintenance for Commercial, Industrial and Retail properties Since 1988
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
Monal Chokshi
Monal Chokshi participated in Cross Ccountry and indoor and outdoor Track & Field with the unique distinction of having started her career running for the Golden Falcons of West and graduating as a Panther at BRHS. She earned varsity letters in cross - country, indoor & outdoor track all 4 years (1989 - 1993). In Cross Country she was a 3 - time NJ State Cross - Country “ Meet of Champions ” champion in 1989, ‘90 & ‘91. She was also undefeated in every Cross Country meet she entered from 1989 - 1992. Monal was a 3 time NJ State Indoor Track & Field “ Meet of Champions ” champion in the 3200m in 1990, ‘91 & ‘92. During the out- door track season, Monal was a 3 - time NJ State Track & Field “ Meet of Champions ” champion, in the 3200m in 1991, ‘92 & ‘93. She was also the Penn Relays High School Girls ’ Champion in the 3000m in 1991 with a time of (9:40.1) and a National Scholastic Track & Field National Champion in the 2 mile run in 1991.
Loren Bates
Loren Bates was one of the first Minutemen in 1970 to tally 1,000 points during the beginning of his senior campaign. Along the way he won numerous awards including being named to the New York Daily News All - Star Team, The Couri- er - News All - Area Team, The Messenger Gazette All - County Team, and the coaches poll First Team Mid - State All - Star Team twice. In four years at East, Loren amassed 1,400 points with 478 as a junior and 456 as a senior on his way to leading the Minutemen to an undefeated conference record and 25 - 1 mark overall. Loren also excelled as a pitcher and hitter for the Minutemen Baseball team also being inducted in the 2023 class.
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
Steven Hobbs
Steven Hobbs excelled in football as a lineman for the Golden Falcons of BRHS West. In his senior year he was a First Team All - State Group III selection. He was also named to the All - Area and All - County teams in his senior year. Hobbs played Guard on Offense and Defense. Head Coach Chuck Nelson said of Hobbs, “ Steve was the anchor of the offensive line. ” Steve continued his athletic career at Har- vard on the football and fencing teams.
Eric Richard
Eric Richard seemed to defy gravity as a pole vaulter for the Minutemen of BRHS East. He was named First Team All - State in 1981. Early in his career as a freshman Eric set the nation- al and world record as a fifteen year old. In 1981 Eric set the New Jersey state record with a jump of 16’ - 1.” Opposing teams knew they were vaulting for 3rd place when the East vaulting tandem of Eric Richard and Billy Lange showed up. Eric also participated in many national competitions across the country during his tenure as a Minuteman. Eric was named to the NJSIAA Coaches Track & Field Boy ’ s All - Star Team in 1981. He also won the Eastern States Championship that year with a jump of 15’6”. Eric was named the male ath- lete MVP at High School East in his senior year. Eric was also named to the National High School Athletics Association All America Track and Field team.
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
Noreen Kemether
Noreen Kemether played Basketball, Softball and Tennis for BRHS West. She excelled in all three, but is most notably re- membered for her exploits on the basketball court where in just two years at the school she scored 948 points after transferring to West. She set the single season scoring mark with 537 points and a single game record of 40 points. Noreen was named 2nd team All - State and averaged 23 points per game in her senior year. At one point she had converted 31 consecutive foul shots. In Softball she played Pitcher, Catcher and Third Base while serving as team cap- tain and being named first team All - County and Second Team All Mid - State. In Tennis she was the team captain and played first singles. She was named the Female Athlete of the Year at West in 1979. Noreen went on to play college basketball at Old Dominion University where she helped the Monarchs win an AIAW Championship before transfer- ring to Villanova.
Richard Arnold
Richard Arnold played First Singles Tennis all four years he attended BRHS East. He was undefeated in dual match play all four years for a record of 72 - 0, and never lost a set. He was the M.V.P. of the team all four years he played. Rich was also the Somerset County Tournament Champion all four years at East. Arnold was also a Finalist in the State Tournament in his senior year.
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
Bob Collins
Bob Collins earned varsity letters in football (3X), wrestling (1X) and baseball (4X) for the Golden Falcons of BRHS West. In football he was named an All - Conference player in his junior and senior years. He is most notably remem- bered for his talents on the baseball field. Collins led the Falcons to the Group II State Championship Title in 1989, with an ERA of 1.12 and a record of 11 - 2. At one point Bob won 18 games in a row between his sophomore and junior seasons. In his senior season he was named to the All - State First team. In addition to his prowess on the mound Collins also batted over .300. He was named the Home - News Player of the Year and played in the All - Star Game at Yankee Stadium. Bob also was awarded the A.J. Troisi Award for Best Male Athlete in 1990. Bob also held the record for most strikeouts with 351. Bob is the only base- ball player to have his number (21) retired at BRHS West.
Scott McHenry
Scott McHenry played Baseball and Basketball for the Min- utemen of BRHS East. He was named to the All - Area Base- ball team twice by The Courier - News. He was also named to the All Mid - State Conference Team. During his career for the Minutemen McHenry pitched two consecutive no - hitters. As a junior pitcher he had an ERA of 0.12. Despite missing half the season with an injury. McHenry led East to the Central Jersey Group III baseball championship in 1971. He also compiled a record 19 career victories. He ended his career with 4 no - hitters and a career ERA of 0.24. He was drafted by the Atlanta Braves and played his college baseball at Princeton.
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
Jim Barry
Jim Barry was an excellent athlete who played Football, Bas- ketball and Baseball for the Minutemen of High School East. In football, Jim was an outstanding player on both offense and defense. In his three years on the team they never lost a game. Barry was named to the All - County team twice. In basketball, Jim Barry scored over 1,000 points during his var- sity career. Jim was named to the third team All - Area by the Courier - News in 1971. He also joined teammates Steve Hav- ran and Loren Bates on the First Team Mid - State Conference All - Star team as voted on by the coaches in the conference. In baseball, Jim played outfield and was a member of the High School East baseball team also being inducted this year.
Erna deWaart
Erna deWaart is best known for running Cross Country and track for the Golden Falcons of BRHS West. In Cross Country she set the home course record against BRHS East. During the Central Jersey Group III Track Championship meet, Erna broke her own record in the 400 meter hurdles with a time of 1:03.6, which also broke the state record. She also won the 100 meter hurdles and cemented the team victory by anchoring the 1600 meter relay. During the regular season she also set the school record in the Long Jump. She was un- defeated in the 400 meter intermediate hurdles in dual meets during the regular season. Erna also played basketball for the Falcons as their starting center.
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
Ed Minetti
Ed Minetti graduated from BRHS in 1966 where he played football for four years. He returned to the Bridgewater - Raritan School system as a teacher and coach for 27 years. He taught at Eisenhower School and the Middle School. He also served as an Assistant Football Coach at BRHS West for 14 years and as an Assistant Coach of the Girls ’ track team for 27 years. He was an assistant coach of the Winter Track team for 2 years. From 1986 - 1988 he served as the Event Coordinator for the Easter Seals school fundraiser which raised over $25,000 for that organization. Minetti said of his career, “ In 33 years in education I was privileged to teach and coach hundreds of young people. It has been an honor to know and work with each and every one. ”
Rob Luedeke
Rob Luedeke was an outstanding football player for the Golden Falcons of BRHS West. He played Center on offense and defensive end. He also was on every special team and often never came off the field as a result. He was elected Co - Captain by his teammates. Rob was named to the Mid - State All Conference Team in 1984 and 1985. In 1985 Rob was named First Team All - State by the Coaches Association and the Star - Ledger. He was also named First Team All - Central Jersey Offense by the Courier - News. He was named to the First Team All - State, All Group III, All Mid - State Conference and All Somerset County. Rob continued his football career at Penn State winning a National Championship in 1986 and was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 1991. Head Coach Chuck Nelson said of Luedeke, “ Rob was tough. He was al- ways moving to the ball and can explode off the line. ”
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
Melissa Wester
Melissa Wester was one of the best soccer players to ever don a BRHS Panther jersey. Melissa was named The Courier - News Soccer Player of the year twice. She also led the Pan- thers to three straight County Soccer Championships. Melis- sa scored 48 goals during her four year career at BRHS. She was a First Team All - Area Selection in 1992 while tallying 13 goals and 5 assists. As a junior and senior Melissa was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of Ameri- ca All - American Team, the first female athlete in BRHS histo- ry to be named an All - American. She was named to the first team by every local newspaper in each of her sophomore, junior and senior seasons. In the summer of 1994 she was selected to participate in the European Soccer Tour where her team placed first in the Italy Cup out of 150 teams.
Kelly Stryker
Kelly Stryker was a dominant force on the basketball court for the Minutemen of BRHS East. She would eventually be named First Team All - State. Along the way she would tally her 1,000th point in just her junior season on her way to a school record 1,633 points. She was named team captain in her sophomore, junior and senior years. During this same time she was named First Team All - County. Kelly also played softball for East for three years and was named to the Third Team All - Area.
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
David Miller
David Miller played football and basketball for the Golden Falcons of BRHS West. He is best remembered for his play on the hard- wood as he was part of two State Championship basketball teams earning three varsity letters along the way. David scored over 1,000 points (1,111) for the Falcons on his way to being named to the Home - News, Courier - News, Star - Ledger and Messenger Gazette ’ s first team rosters in his junior and senior campaigns. David was also named to the All - State Group III teams in 1986 - ’87 and 1987 - ’88. David was named The Home - News Somerset County Player of the Year in his senior season. He also played football for West for three years. David went on to play college basketball for Villanova. The Messenger - Gazette said of David ’ s play “ David ’ s outside shooting and ballhandling skills were instrumental in West ’ s 29 - 1 season. ”
Jessica Apel - Petrovich
Jessica Apel was the catalyst for starting the girl ’ s lacrosse program at BRHS. She is credited with lobbying and secur- ing the necessary signatures for the women ’ s lacrosse pro- gram to become a varsity sport. During her tenure at BRHS she lettered in four sports, Lacrosse, Basketball Field Hock- ey and Gymnastics. In her senior year she scored 44 goals and tallied 20 assists in lacrosse. She went to Rutgers Uni- versity where she was a four - year letter winner on the women ’ s lacrosse team.
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
Chuck Apel
Chuck Apel has had a 40+ year tenure teaching and coaching at BRHS. He began his career at BRHS East and eventually at the combined high school. He is best known for starting and coaching the boy ’ s lacrosse program for Bridgewater - Raritan where he has led the Panthers to six State Championships, four overall state titles (including three Tournament of Championship crowns). He coached the Panthers to three undefeated seasons in 1998, 2012 and 2015. He has also led the team to six Somerset County titles. His coaching record is unrivaled as he has amassed over 550 wins at the time of his induction. Chuck was also a founding member of the Mi- chael Bruce Fund and the Sweet Laxin ’ Tournament. He is a member of several Halls of Fame including NJ Lacrosse, NFHS, and the NILCA. In 2008 he coached the USA U - 19 team to a championship and has been named the New Jer- sey Coach of the Year eight times.
Tim Ortelli
Tim Ortelli and Bridgewater - Raritan Basketball go way back to the mid - 1970 ’ s to his playing days as a three - year varsity player under the leadership of 2021 Hall of Fame coaching inductee, Joe Fisher. Tim returned to B - R ten years later, as associate varsity coach and worked alongside another 2021 Hall of Fame coaching inductee, Vaughn Stapleton. During that unprecedented 3 - year run, (1987 - 1989) the B - R Golden Falcons achieved a ‘ three - peat ’ three consecutive NJSIAA boys State Championships. Following Coach Stapleton ’ s un- timely passing, Tim returned ‘ home ’ to lead the B - R Panther program from 1993 – 2008 (15 seasons). Coach Ortelli ’ s teams achieved an overall record of 279 - 94 and played a very challenging out - of - area schedule. In addition, the Pan- thers won 3 State Sectional Championships, 8 Somerset County Titles in 10 final appearances, and 7 Skyland Confer- ence Championships. Coach Ortelli was awarded numerous Coach of the Year recognitions throughout his coaching ca- reer, highlighted by the National Federation of Coaches As- sociation New Jersey Coach of the Year for the 2000 - 2001 season. He was also inducted into the New Jersey Scholastic Association Hall of Fame in 2007.
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
1961 BRHS Golf Team
The 1961 BRHS Golden Falcon Golf Team was the first team in BRHS history to go un- defeated posting a record of 18 - 0 - 1. Under the direction of Coach A.J. Troisi and led by ace Don Vallario this team could not be beat. Team members included Tony Va- dimsky, John Carlin, BRHOF Inductee Rich Marton, Jack Sadowsky, Dan Papcun, Frank Leary and BRHOF inductee Don Vallario who also split his time playing baseball for the Golden Falcons during the same sea- son.
1991 BRHS West Girls Track Team
Led by Monal Chokshi and coached by Baron Hicken the 1991 West Girls Track Team would go on to win the Central Jersey Group II Champ - ionship. Monal Chokshi would go on to be the State Champion in the 3200 meters. She also ran the 1600 meters and would be the Central Jersey winner in both. Pamela Lopata was named First Team All - County for the 400. She also ran the 100 and 200 and was the anchor on the relay team. Cathy - Jo Willis was named First Team All - County for the 1600. She also ran the 800 and finished first in the Central Jer-
sey Group II meet. Other members of the team include: Jill Willdonger, Tara Presholdt, Heather Reager, Sandy Koehler, Theresa Trotter, Sandra Lynch, Kristen Frisch, Jen Caufield, Kim Adams, Kara Anthony and Monica Parikh.
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
1970 - 71 BRHS East Baseball Teams
Under the direction of BRHOF Class of 2020 inductee Head Coach Ray Koperwhats the Minutemen of East ’ s Baseball team won the Mid - State Conference and the Group III State Championship in 1970. Additionally, the team produced two All - Americans in Jim Foxwell and Scott McHenry. During the championship run McHenry hurled two no - hitters. Eight of the Minutemen starters batted over .300. The team consisted of Gary Debes, Jim Foxwell, Scott McHenry, Tom Miller, Loren Bates, Charlie Sandora, Dudley Colton, Rich Ju- dice, Fred DeFazio, Karl Hammerclofer, Stu Richter, Mel Beck, Dave Wessel, Jack Spears and Jack Leight. The 1971 team continued the success begun in 1970 by reaching the state finals.
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
1989 BRHS West Baseball Team
The 1989 BRHS West Golden Falcons Baseball Team coached by Norm Hewitt and Chuck Nelson won the State Championship with a 7 - 2 win over Rutherford. The team consisted of 2023 Hall of Famer Bob Collins, Dave Dudeck, Pete Iovine, Mike Winchock, Mike Lynch, John Fidacaro, Dan Engelhardt, Otto Gsell, Mark Crawford, Eric Sutphen, Mike Hodorowski, Steve Russell, Randy Fisher, Scott Shaw, Brian Demuro, Curt Gandolfo and Todd Zaninelli. The captains of the team were Dan Engelhardt, Mike Winchock and Bob Collins. One of the highlights of the season was Otto Gsell stealing home in the 4th inning of the State Champi- onship game.
1974 BRHS East Football Team
The 1974 BRHS East Football Team led by B - R Hall of Fame Coach George Greiner had a great season with a record of 8 - 1 and capped off by winning the Central Jersey Group III State Championship by defeating Carteret 20 - 6 in Atlantic City. During the regular season the Minutemen outscored their opponents 252 - 89. BRHOF 2022 inductee Jeff Vander- beek, Ken Siegrist and Dan Wilbur helped lead the Minutemen on offense while Steve Sac- co, Bob Wolfe and Andy Voss anchored the defense. Coach Greiner summed up his team ’ s workmanlike attitude about the preparation for the State championship game, “ We didn ’ t come here to party, we came here to beat Carteret. ”
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
Class of 2023!
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B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
Congratulations to all of the 2023 B-R Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees
from your fellow inductees The 1989 B.R.H.S West
Golden Falcon State Champion Baseball Team
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
Congratulations Ed Minetti
Washington Trip 1983
Congrats on this honor! You deserve it!! With fond memories, Adam Schweickert, Dennis Fink, Elaine McKay (Bien), Lisa Halperin (Ruchlin), Meredith Sheridan (Johnson), Michael Dominguez, Michelle Madsen (Torcivia) and Tony Iovine.
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Uncle Vinnie’s Clam Bar
Raw Bar ● Italian Style Seafood ● Cocktails 5 East Somerset St. Raritan, NJ 08869 (908) 526 - 9887 www.unclevinniesclambar.com
There is no better place to celebrate the Bridgewater - Raritan Athletic Hall of Fame and all of the teams, players, coaches and contributors who have made B - R Athletics the best! Congratulations to all the inductees!
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
Bridgewater - Raritan Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees
Congratulations!
The Weigner Family
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
Congratulations to the Class of 2022 On your induction into the B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Congratulations to the Class of 2023
Richard Pieros - President 58 Tannery Rd. Somerville, NJ 08876 rich@pierosroofing.com Main (908) 534 - 4451 Fax (908) 634 - 5458
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357 Union Ave. Corner of Route 28 & Adamsville Rd. Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Congratulations to the entire 2023 class of B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees
After the game come to the best place in town! Hoagie Hut Mon. - Fri. 6am - 3:00pm Sat. 8am - 3:00pm Closed Sundays
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
Is proud to be the official banking partner of the Bridgewater - Raritan Athletic Hall of Fame committee.
Congratulations to the 2023 Class inductees.
For all of your banking needs remember Magyar Bank! Where we specialize in “ Making Relationships. ”
Find out more at www.magbank.com
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
Classic Auto
Body of Raritan
Foreign & Domestic
1137 Route 202
Raritan, NJ 08869
(908) 722-2959
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We would like to congratulate Bob Collins & Otto Gsell and the rest of the 1989 BRHS West Golden Falcon Baseball team. Additionally, we would like to congratulate Ed Minetti And the rest of the 2023 inductees. Well Deserved The Collins Family
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
Congratulations to the BRHS Hall of Fame Class of 2023!!
The mission of The Eric Murdock Foundation is to provide assistance in
enhancing communities, their environments and the resources for those who live in them, especially our youth.
The Eric Murdock Foundation
PO Box 6278
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
theericmurdockfoundation@gmail.com
Special Congratulations to inductees, David Miller, Coach Tim Ortelli, Ed Minetti & Robert Luedeke
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
A Look Back
The 2020 B - R HOF Inaugural Class Inductees A.J. Troisi - West, Joe Porcaro - East, Tom Roushey - West, Mark Barrett - East, Joe Fisher - West, Ray Koperwhats - East, Lance Miller - West, Ernie Van Ness - West, Gwen Gano - East George Greiner - East, Glenn Snape - West, Kathy Schreyer - East, Vaughn Stapleton - West, Alice Yohn - West, Kelly Schwertfeger - East, Otto Gsell - West, George Herr - East, Derek Capanna - East, Mike Grosso - BRHS, Barbara Levonaitis - West, Barbara Withers - East, Eric Murdock - West, Steve Havran - East, Bruce Hennemuth - East, 1965 BRHS Boys’ Basketball Team, 1969 H.S. East Football Team, 1976 H.S. East Girls’ Basketball Team, 1987 H.S. West Boys’ Basketball Team
October 23, 2021
“Oh What A Night!”
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
A Look Back
The 2022 B - R HOF Class Inductees
Carl Weigner - West, Dr. Jack Kripsak - East, Henry Galpin - BRHS, Don Vallario - BRHS, Jeannette Goepfert - East, Mike Leta - West, Jeff Mase - West, Bob Bernabe - East, Patricia Cherego - West, Jeff Vanderbeek - East, James Norgalis - West, Joann Worbetz - West, Jeff Hines - East, Gabe Truppi — West, Bob Morris - East, Lisa Adams - West, Rich Marton - East, West & B-R, Linda Mueller - West, Ron Fulop - West, Gary Debes - East, 1970 & 1971 East Football Teams, 1989-90 West Girls Basketball Team, 1973 & 1974 East Gymnastics Teams, 1988 & 1989 West Boys’ Basketball Teams
October 22, 2022
“We are Family”
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
Always a Night to Remember
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
Governing Board President — Rowlie Dech Vice President—Joe Marlatt
Treasurer—Mike Leta Secretary—Jim Merritt
www.t2t.org In honor and remembrance of Loren Bates. Proud supporter of the BRHOF
Stocking Committee: Lou DeMeo, John Miller, Jim Herdman Membership Chairman: Bill Saloukas
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Introducing the Hall of Fame Store
NEW
Now you can order products to help support the Hall of Fame Scholarship Fund
Item BR009
Item BR005
Item BR006
BR012 Replica wall
Cutting Board $30.00
Ornament $25.00
Stemless wine glass
plaque (all years available) team or individual $50.00
$18.00 each
Item BR004 Inductee Crystal for team or induvial $25.00
Item BR013
Item BR010 Lapel Pin
Item BR011
Program $10.00
$5.00
Inductee lapel pin $5.00
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
To order any items from the Hall of Fame store Email this form to jim@crowntrophy152.com Questions? Call (908) 782 - 1476
OUR BEST SELLER
Item BR015—B - R Hall of Fame Tee - Shirt - $25.00
Specify Color __________ Gray ___________ White
Specify Size ________ Small _________ Medium ________ Large
________ Extra Large __________ XXL
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
62 West Somerset Street Raritan, NJ 08869 (908) 526 - 9010 www.icecreamshop.com
Tom & Malinda wish all of the inductees CONGRATULATIONS!
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A history lesson
In the beginning there was only one high school in Bridgewater, New Jersey and it was known simply as Bridgewater - Raritan High School, their mascot was a Golden Falcon. In the mid - 1960 ’ s with a burgeoning population in the township came the need for a second high school and Bridgewater - Raritan High School East was opened, their mascot was the Minuteman. The original high school was renamed Bridgewater - Raritan High School West and retained the Golden Falcon mascot and one of the best rivalries in high school sport was born. In the early 1990’ s amid declining population and enrollment the two schools were combined on the West campus to be renamed Bridgewater - Raritan High School again with a new mascot, the Panthers. The Panthers have achieved much suc- cess in conference, county and state competitions. But it can be argued that the success wasn ’ t created by merging two high schools, but rather by the founda- tion laid by those who came before. Regardless of whether you were/are a Golden Falcon, a Minuteman or a Panther . . . WE ARE B-R!
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
B - R Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
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