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LAKEWOOD, NY (WNY News Now) – The Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame (CSHOF) honored 11 local individuals for their contributions towards sports on Monday night during their 41st annual induction banquet.
Ranging from local coaches and players, to Super Bowl ring holders, the Sports Hall of Fame recognises anyone with ties to Chautauqua County that has made an impact to the world of sports.
For most of the inductees, they were quite humbled to receive this recognition.
“It’s quite an honor,“ explained Frewsburg Swimming Coach Bruce Johnson. “I never really assumed something like this would have happened, but I’m humbled to be here with all these, more important people than me, I thought.”
The inductees range from local coaches and players, to those who have made waves in the larger sports world.
“I’m blown away to be quite honest with you,“ said Kirsten Green, Assistant Athletic Director at Harvard University. “I’m from Jamestown, born and raised in Jamestown, was fortunate to go to school at Duke, and get involved with the men’s basketball program there. And worked in athletics ever since, and have loved every day of it.”
This year also includes Bob Barlette, who has held records in track for over 50 years. And his cousin Frank Jagoda who was a baseball all-star athlete and just broke a record in Dunkirk baseball coaching.
“I held the Western New York record in 100, 200 meters,“ explained Barlette. “All Western New York, All-State, and I will mention All-American.”
“Last year I was fortunate enough to break my coaches’, Al Stulmiller’s record,” stated Jagoda. “ With 366 wins, and I overtook him.
For some inductees, they can see the rising talent that comes from our corner of New York State.
“Some people out there think our area is small, but there is a great, rich sports history here,“ explained Jamestown Track and Field Coach Sheldon Battle. “Whether it’s Jamestown, or the surrounding areas, Falconer, Southwestern, we’ve had great athletes come from here.”
The hope of many inductees is to inspire future athletes with their stories to never give up, and to see the potential that can come from Chautauqua County.
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