2018 Appreciation Award
Paul Rach
The Mid Mon Valley All Sports Hall of Fame Appreciation Award is presented to an individual who has greatly contributed to making the Sports Hall of Fame a success. The person is chosen by the Special Event Committee and voted upon by the Board of Directors. The committee and directors take into account the individual’s dedication and commitment to the organization.
A 1965 graduate of Monongahela High School, Paul began his career in education teaching and coaching in the Yough School District, where he had the privilege of coaching junior high school football and basketball and high school football, volleyball, and track and field. He also coached football at Mon Valley Catholic High School and track and field at California University of PA. He served on the WPIAL track and field committee and is a retired track and field official. Upon leaving coaching he served as athletic director and assistant principal at Yough before becoming high school principal and eventually superintendent at both Yough and Bentworth. He has had the honor of serving as a member of the Hall of Fame Board of Directors since 2004.
Previous award winners:
- 2019 Tom Jenkins
- 2018 Paul Rach
- 2017 Dennis J. Stitch
- 2016 William Kubin
- 2015 Tim Urda
- 2014 Jerry Zahand
- 2013 Richard J. Bucchianeri
- 2012 Jim “Mouse” Chacko
- 2011 Randall E. Marino
- 2010 Bill Priatko
- 2009 Aldo Bartolotta
- 2008 Robert “Pat” Petriello
- 2007 Rev. Igor Soroka
- 2006 Mike Lee
- 2005 Joan Andabaker
- 2004 Josie Carozza
- 2003 Lee Oliver Hewitt
- 2002 Clair Brown
- 2001 Kathy Krisfalusy
- 2000 Melvin B. Bassi
- 1999 Steve Russell
- 1998 Andrew Solan and John Bunardzya
- 1997 Bernard T. Sarra, Sr. and Brian Herman