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Reading School District

Reading High Athletic Hall of Fame GO RED KNIGHTS!


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RHS Athletic Hall of Fame Application


1 month ago

HOF Application.docx

We are accepting nominations for the Class of 2025

Please return the forms by Feb. 1, 2025. 

 

2023 Reading High Athletic Hall of Fame Nominations


7.0 years ago

We are accepting nominations for class of 2023.

Please return forms by by December 15, 2022.

Please click on link below below 
 

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RHS Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2017


7.0 years ago

Back Row  Kalise Cook , Tony Hardy , James Bryant , William Bartle , Dick Cosgrave

Front  Row  Debbie Moseley Butler,  Maribeth Schorn Bates ,  James Dallessandro  on behalf of Dominic Dallessandro , Lyn  Jones

 

William Bartle


7.0 years ago

After graduating from University of Maryland, Bill joined the Reading High School coaching staff in 1983, assisting head coach Sid Burkot. In Fall 1984, Bill became the head coach of the high school’s Boys and Girls Swimming and Diving Teams and the Boys’ Water Polo Team. During his tenure at Reading High, his teams won numerous league titles, four Boys Swimming and Diving District III Titles, three Girls Swimming and Diving District III Titles, and the Girls PIAA State Swimming and Diving Championship in 1989. Bill’s success was a direct result of having the pleasure of coaching numerous All-Americans in swimming and water polo.

Maribeth Schorn Bates


7.0 years ago

Maribeth was an All-State swimmer and captain of the 1989 RHS PIAA State Championship Swim Team.  She set RHS individual records in three events (50, 100 and 200 Freestyle). She was also a part of two record-setting relays (200 IM and 400 Free Relay).  She was the captain and Academic All-American from 1991-1993 at the University of Maryland. In 2012, Maribeth was inducted into the Berks County Swimming Association’s Hall of Fame.  Maribeth is now the co-founder of Iron BridgeWealth Management Firm, specializing in serving those who serve others.  She and her husband, Jason, have a daughter, Taylor, and the family resides in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

   

James Bryant


7.0 years ago

Under the sharp eyes of Coach Al Wolski, James Bryant and his Reading High School team earned a record of 7–3 in 2002. By 2003, James was being recruited by most Division I programs as a linebacker. James also used his athletic ability in other sports, adding a District III basketball title to his resume, as well as using his speed to contribute to an outstanding 4 x 100 relay team, winning the county title and finishing 4th in District III. In his senior year, with a formidable supporting cast, James, at 6’ 3” and 245 pounds, continued to wreak havoc on opposing teams, culminating in a decisive win over Wilson who were led by future NFL quarterback Chad Henne. The undefeated 2003-2004 football team is still held in high regard by Reading fans, and for James, the season resulted in numerous awards, both national and state-wide. His senior year as Berks County Player of the Year, he compiled 314 tackles, sacked 18 quarterbacks,  ran for 984 yards, added 5 interceptions and recovered 9 fumbles for his career. He was named as a First Team USA Today All-American, a U.S. Army All-American, playing in the East-West game in Texas, as well as joining the Super Prep All-American team. He was recognized as one of the top players in the country, and was named as a member to the First Team All-State in Pennsylvania, as well as the Patriot-News’ Platinum 33 Team. As an adult, Jams is still involved in health and fitness as owner and Director of Marketing of his gym, In Shape Training, located in Pittsburgh, Pa. He lives with his wife, Amber, and their children, Braydon and Layla

Debbie Moseley Butler


7.0 years ago

Debbie started running track at 13th and Union Elementary School, where she still holds the standing broad jump record.  She then attended Northeast Middle School, where she also holds the long jump and triple jump record and helped lead the team to a County Championship in 1978.  She competed at the Districts and States during her three years at Reading High School, where she two goals: break the high school’s long jump record that Lynn Price Knotts and Joanne Gilmore held at 18 feet 2 inches, and
become a District and State Champion in the same year. Debbie broke the RHS long jump record with a jump of 18 feet 8 inches.  She has held the Girls Long Jump record for 33 years, and she helped the RHS Girls Track team become the Berks County Champions in 1979 and District Champions in her senior year.  Debbie then went on to coach the boys/girls at RHS for six years. During her coaching tenure, she helped several jumpers make Districts and States.

Kalise Cook


7.0 years ago

 Kalise Cook was a multi-sport letter winner in football, basketball and track while at Reading High School. He attended Villanova University, where he played Defensive Back on the college’s football team. He later joined the Reading School District as a teacher and a middle school football, basketball and track coach for four seasons. His accomplishments at Reading High included: All-League performer as both a defensive back and a running back; First team Associated Press All-State selection as a senior; First team All-County selection and Defensive Back of the Year; League Defensive Back of the Year; Second team All-County recognition as a running back; Nominated for Red Zone Player of the Year and was selected for the Big 33 Football Game; Named 2003-2004 Outstanding Male Track and Field Athlete and was also the Outstanding Winter Track Athlete; Sportsmanship Award winner and football and track academic honoree; 3 time All Berks Academic team member; 2nd Team All Berks 1st All League Defensive Back; and defensive back honorable mention as a sophomore.

Richard “Dick” Cosgrave


7.0 years ago


Played three years of baseball at RHS when the varsity team combined for a record of 46-4.  Also played one year of football.   As a senior in 1950, he was the starting shortstop and one of the leaders on a 15-1 team that won the East Penn League Championship and was named East Penn League MVP.  This team also won the first PIAA District III championship in school history.  Dick was a key member of the offense and committed only two errors that year.  He also played shortstop for the Gregg Post Legion team that lost in the eastern state final that summer.  He batted .354 for the City League championship Zeswitz team in 1951 batting .354.  He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1952 and played on a fast pitch softball team with the Army that won two army championships in Europe (1954-55) and batted .412.  Upon discharge, Dick enrolled at West Chester State Teachers College and started at shortstop for four years.  He was captain his senior year and batted .410.  He was a berks County football official for 16 years.  Dick coached baseball and basketball at Northwest Junior High school and is a retired Reading School District administrator. 

James Dallessandro on behalf of Dominic Dallessandro


7.0 years ago

A product of the Gregg Post Key Juniors of the American Legion program, Dominic “Dom” Dallessandro attended school in the Reading School District and lived in the Northwest section of Reading.  He played baseball in the major leagues for eight seasons.  He first played for the Boston Red Sox (1937), appearing in 68 games and batting .231.  Dom joined the Chicago Cubs of the National League (1940) and, with the exception of one year of military service, remained with that team through 1947.  The mite outfielder (5’6”) accumulated a lifetime batting average of .267.  His best season, he hit .304 in 117 games (1944).  Dom had 19 doubles, four triples, eight homeruns and 74 RBI’s that season.

Tony Hardy


7.0 years ago

Tony Hardy was a four-year varsity letter winner who played football, basketball and baseball. He was a dazzling receiver and earned MVP honors in the Big 33 game. He dominated Pennsylvania's 38-0 win over Maryland in 1992, scoring on 91-yard reception on the first play from scrimmage and adding a 74-yard punt return for a touchdown.  Tony set the Berks career record for receiving yards (1,893) and touchdown catches (27).

Lyn Jones


7.0 years ago

Lyn Jones was an outstanding athlete in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Her accomplishments include:

1979-80 Berks County Tennis Doubles Champion; 1980 PA District 3 Championships, 5th place, Discus; 1980 Reading High School Outstanding Senior Female Athlete; 1980 Catherine Rhodes, Top Senior Female Athlete in Berks County; and 1,244 total points scored in Basketball from 1978-1980.

Merv Heller


7.0 years ago

Known as “Mr. Tennis” of Berks County, Merv Heller graduated from Reading High School in 1965 and East Stroudsburg University in 1969. At East Stroudsburg, he was unbeaten in four consecutive years of conference matches.  He earned his Juris Prudence Doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh in 1973.  He founded the BCTA in 1992 and was inducted into the organization’s Hall of Fame.  He was also inducted into the East Stroudsburg Hall of Fame and USTA Hall of Fame.  In addition, he was awarded the Sam Hardy Award from the International Tennis Hall of Fame.  In 1999, The Reading Eagle recognized him as one of the most influential sports figures in Berks County during the past 50 years.

Reading High School Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2017


7.0 years ago


 William Bartle

After graduating from University of Maryland, Bill joined the Reading High School coaching staff in 1983, assisting head coach Sid Burkot. In Fall 1984, Bill became the head coach of the high school’s Boys and Girls Swimming and Diving Teams and the Boys’ Water Polo Team. During his tenure at Reading High, his teams won numerous league titles, four Boys Swimming and Diving District III Titles, three Girls Swimming and Diving District III Titles, and the Girls PIAA State Swimming and Diving Championship in 1989. Bill’s success was a direct result of having the pleasure of coaching numerous All-Americans in swimming and water polo.


 Maribeth Schorn Bates

Maribeth was an All-State swimmer and captain of the 1989 RHS PIAA State Championship Swim Team.  She set RHS individual records in three events (50, 100 and 200 Freestyle). She was also a part of two record-setting relays (200 IM and 400 Free Relay).  She was the captain and Academic All-American from 1991-1993 at the University of Maryland. In 2012, Maribeth was inducted into the Berks County Swimming Association’s Hall of Fame.  Maribeth is now the co-founder of Iron BridgeWealth Management Firm, specializing in serving those who serve others.  She and her husband, Jason, have a daughter, Taylor, and the family resides in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

   James Bryant

Under the sharp eyes of Coach Al Wolski, James Bryant and his Reading High School team earned a record of 7–3 in 2002. By 2003, James was being recruited by most Division I programs as a linebacker. James also used his athletic ability in other sports, adding a District III basketball title to his resume, as well as using his speed to contribute to an outstanding 4 x 100 relay team, winning the county title and finishing 4th in District III. In his senior year, with a formidable supporting cast, James, at 6’ 3” and 245 pounds, continued to wreak havoc on opposing teams, culminating in a decisive win over Wilson who were led by future NFL quarterback Chad Henne. The undefeated 2003-2004 football team is still held in high regard by Reading fans, and for James, the season resulted in numerous awards, both national and state-wide. His senior year as Berks County Player of the Year, he compiled 314 tackles, sacked 18 quarterbacks,  ran for 984 yards, added 5 interceptions and recovered 9 fumbles for his career. He was named as a First Team USA Today All-American, a U.S. Army All-American, playing in the East-West game in Texas, as well as joining the Super Prep All-American team. He was recognized as one of the top players in the country, and was named as a member to the First Team All-State in Pennsylvania, as well as the Patriot-News’ Platinum 33 Team. As an adult, Jams is still involved in health and fitness as owner and Director of Marketing of his gym, In Shape Training, located in Pittsburgh, Pa. He lives with his wife, Amber, and their children, Braydon and Layla.

 

 Lyn Jones

Lyn Jones was an outstanding athlete in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Her accomplishments include:

1979-80 Berks County Tennis Doubles Champion; 1980 PA District 3 Championships, 5th place, Discus; 1980 Reading High School Outstanding Senior Female Athlete; 1980 Catherine Rhodes, Top Senior Female Athlete in Berks County; and 1,244 total points scored from 1978-1980.

 

 

  Debbie Moseley Butler

Debbie started running track at 13th and Union Elementary School, where she still holds the standing broad jump record.  She then attended Northeast Middle School, where she also holds the long jump and triple jump record and helped lead the team to a County Championship in 1978.  She competed at the Districts and States during her three years at Reading High School, where she two goals: break the high school’s long jump record that Lynn Price Knotts and Joanne Gilmore held at 18 feet 2 inches, and
become a District and State Champion in the same year. Debbie broke the RHS long jump record with a jump of 18 feet 8 inches.  She has held the Girls Long Jump record for 33 years, and she helped the RHS Girls Track team become the Berks County Champions in 1979 and District Champions in her senior year.  Debbie then went on to coach the boys/girls at RHS for six years. During her coaching tenure, she helped several jumpers make Districts and States.
 

 Kalise Cook
Kalise Cook was a multi-sport letter winner in football, basketball and track while at Reading High School. He attended Villanova University, where he played Defensive Back on the college’s football team. He later joined the Reading School District as a teacher and a middle school football, basketball and track coach for four seasons. His accomplishments at Reading High included: All-League performer as both a defensive back and a running back; First team Associated Press All-State selection as a senior; First team All-County selection and Defensive Back of the Year; League Defensive Back of the Year; Second team All-County recognition as a running back; Nominated for Red Zone Player of the Year and was selected for the Big 33 Football Game; Named 2003-2004 Outstanding Male Track and Field Athlete and was also the Outstanding Winter Track Athlete; Sportsmanship Award winner and football and track academic honoree; 3 time All Berks Academic team member; 2nd Team All Berks 1st All League Defensive Back; and defensive back honorable mention as a sophomore.

 


  Richard “Dick” Cosgrave
Played three years of baseball at RHS when the varsity team combined for a record of 46-4.  Also played one year of football.   As a senior in 1950, he was the starting shortstop and one of the leaders on a 15-1 team that won the East Penn League Championship and was named East Penn League MVP.  This team also won the first PIAA District III championship in school history.  Dick was a key member of the offense and committed only two errors that year.  He also played shortstop for the Gregg Post Legion team that lost in the eastern state final that summer.  He batted .354 for the City League championship Zeswitz team in 1951 batting .354.  He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1952 and played on a fast pitch softball team with the Army that won two army championships in Europe (1954-55) and batted .412.  Upon discharge, Dick enrolled at West Chester State Teachers College and started at shortstop for four years.  He was captain his senior year and batted .410.  He was a berks County football official for 16 years.  Dick coached baseball and basketball at Northwest Junior High school and is a retired Reading School District administrator. 


Dominic Dallessandro

A product of the Gregg Post Key Juniors of the American Legion program, Dominic “Dom” Dallessandro attended school in the Reading School District and lived in the Northwest section of Reading.  He played baseball in the major leagues for eight seasons.  He first played for the Boston Red Sox (1937), appearing in 68 games and batting .231.  Dom joined the Chicago Cubs of the National League (1940) and, with the exception of one year of military service, remained with that team through 1947.  The mite outfielder (5’6”) accumulated a lifetime batting average of .267.  His best season, he hit .304 in 117 games (1944).  Dom had 19 doubles, four triples, eight homeruns and 74 RBI’s that season.


Tony Hardy

Tony Hardy was a four-year varsity letter winner who played football, basketball and baseball. He was a dazzling receiver and earned MVP honors in the Big 33 game. He dominated Pennsylvania's 38-0 win over Maryland in 1992, scoring on 91-yard reception on the first play from scrimmage and adding a 74-yard punt return for a touchdown.  Tony set the Berks career record for receiving yards (1,893) and touchdown catches (27).


 Merv Heller

Known as “Mr. Tennis” of Berks County, Merv Heller graduated from Reading High School in 1965 and East Stroudsburg University in 1969. At East Stroudsburg, he was unbeaten in four consecutive years of conference matches.  He earned his Juris Prudence Doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh in 1973.  He founded the BCTA in 1992 and was inducted into the organization’s Hall of Fame.  He was also inducted into the East Stroudsburg Hall of Fame and USTA Hall of Fame.  In addition, he was awarded the Sam Hardy Award from the International Tennis Hall of Fame.  In 1999, The Reading Eagle recognized him as one of the most influential sports figures in Berks County during the past 50 years.

Reading High School Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2016


8.0 years ago

The newest class of inductees includes:

Christine Johnston
A 1982 graduate of Reading High, Christine was a three sport athlete.

In Field Hockey she was a three year starter at goalie and was RHS MVP in Field Hockey in 1982. In Girls Basketball she was a member of the Berks County Championship teams in 1980 and 1981and team MVP in 1982. In softball, Christine was a four year starter and played on the 1979 District Championship and State Runner-up team. She was RHS Softball MVP and RHS Most Outstanding Female Athlete in 1982.

 

Christian Robertson
Christian was an outstanding athlete in Track and Field. In 1989 as a freshman she finished first in the 100 at the District meet and 3rd at the State meet. In 1990 Chris finished 1st in the 100, 200 and 400 relay at Districts and 1st in the 100 at the State meet.  In 1991 she finished 1st in the 100, 200, 400 relay and long jump at Districts. In the State meet she finished 1st in the 100, 200 2nd in the long jump and 3rd in the 400 relay.  Christian’s senior year she placed 1st in the 100 and long jump at Districts and 1st in the 100 at States. Christian was a 3 time All-State selection in Track and Field and competed against future Olympian Marion Jones at the 1991 NSIC where she posted a 7.09 in the 55 meters. 

 

 

John Keith
John was a three-year varsity letter winner is Cross Country and Track and Field.

In 1975 he was a District 3 Cross Country qualifier finishing ahead of all Berks County Runners. In the East Penn league John was undefeated in 18 races.   At the 1975 District 3 Mile Championships, he finished 2nd in the 880 and placed 6th at states in the mile. John still owns the RHS school record for the ½ mile and mile.  John was named the 1975 RHS Most Outstanding Male Athlete. Doc Silva, late great sports writer for the Reading Eagle, wrote, “The best ½ mile and mile runner in RHS history.”


Lamar Stewart
Lamar was member of the first football team at RHS to make the District III play-off in 2000. He was All Berks First Team Defensive End from 1999-2001. In 2001 he was the Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 1 and league player of the year. Lamar was the Berks County Player and Back of the Year for the 2000-2001 season. His senior year he was a Big 33 Selection and a First Team All -State Running Back. Lamar went on and played at Penn State University, where he was a Butkus Award Candidate his sophomore year.

 

Craig Bell
Craig started his soccer career at Northwest Junior High in 7th grade after being cut in football tryouts for being too light. Craig quickly became the Teams’ leading scorer in 8th and 9th grades. He continued to play for the high school. In his junior year he led the Berks county Division One scorers with 29* goals. In his senior year he led the county in scoring with 36* goals. He scored 7* goals in a single game against Hamburg and was named to PA All-State First Team. In his high school career he led the Knights to two Division I Championships with 9* hat tricks. 70* goals and 19* assists

He attended Liberty University in Virgina on a soccer scholarship. He still holds school’s single season scoring mark with 20 goals. After graduation he moved to Arizona where he played semipro for the Phoenix Flames.

*RHS Record

 

Roxann Evans
Roxann first began her gymnastics career in seventh grade. As a sophomore, she took first place in the Junior Olympic District Competition. In the1977 season she won the PlAA District and State Championships. She also placed fifth in the United States Gymnastic Federation State Championships. Roxann’s senior year she earned second all-around at Districts and fourth all-around at the PIAA State Championships. Roxann went on to compete in gymnastics at the University of Pittsburgh.     


Kevin Maier
Kevin was a member of the RHS wrestling team. His overall record was 120 wins and 15 loses.

He was a PIAA Section 3 Wrestling Champion in 1996, 1997 and 1998. He was a District III Champion at 125 lbs in 1997 and at 135 lbs in 1998, as well as a 1997 PIAA State Wrestling Champion at 125 lbs and PIAA State Wrestling 3rd place finisher at 135 lbs in 1998. 

Kevin was an All-State, All Berks and Berks County Player of the Year in 1997.  Kevin went on to wrestle at Edinboro University of PA, a Division I school.
 

Charles Griffin
Charles was a member of RHS wrestling team. His overall record was 122 wins and 29 loses.

He was a four-time Sectional Champion at 125 lbs in 2000, 2001, 2003 and 2004. He was a District III champion at 125 lbs in 2004, a 2003 PIAA State Wrestling Champion at 125 lbs and a 2nd place finisher in 2004. Charles was an All-State Wrestler in 2003, All-Berks and Berks County Player of the Year in 2004. Charles was a 2004 National High School champion and went on to wrestle at Hofstra University. 

Hoby Geesaman

Hoby the longtime athletic trainer at the Castle on The Hill. He was one of the top professionals among high school trainers. Hoby was also a three sport athlete at Reading High competing in football, basketball, and track. In football he was a two way end and the kicker. In basketball Geesaman was a forward, during his three years his team compiled a 36-18 record. Hoby ran the 100,220, 440, hurdles and the high and long jump during his track career.


 

1983 RHS PIAA State Baseball Championship Team
The team won the Berks County ChampionshipDistrict III Championship and PIAA State Championship.

Team members included:

Todd Iaeger
Derek Patton
Jeffrey DeMarte
Joseph Rosario
David Natale
Bionojel Candelaria
Eric Edwards
Jeffrey Kantner
Keith Flannery
John Latchford
Keith Miller
Mark Johnson
Anthony Zonca
Gary Aughtry
Rolland Green Jr.,
Patrick Tulley
David Hangen
Jose Candelaria


Head Coach:
Paul “Cooter” Jones  

Assistant Coaches:
 Brian Strouse, David Hertzog

Trainer:
 Hoby Geesaman

Bat-Boy: 
Joe Dallesandro

Reading High School Athletic Hall of Fame Form


9.0 months ago

If you are interested in nominating an individual for the Reading High School Athletic Hall of Fame please fill out the nomination form. Forms can be emailed to Gerard Tyson at gtsmooth@comcast.net or mailed to 129 Nantucket Dr. Reading, PA 19605. 

https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:va6c2:cdd455ac-b9e1-451f-a550-504e1a3fb001

Class of 2022


2.0 years ago

Anthony "Tony" Bonanno 

https://readingredknights.org