Daily Local News: 10/11/09

Chester County Hall announces second induction class

Following a lengthy nominating process, the CCSHOF committee narrowed the
field before selecting this year's inductees, which include:

HOWIE BEDELL (Baseball) -- The former Pottstown High and West Chester State
Teachers College star went on to enjoy a major league career both as a
player and coach. His claim to fame as a player came as a Phillie on June 8,
1968. His pinch-hit, sacrifice fly RBI against the Los Angeles Dodgers in
the top of the fifth inning snapped Don Drysdale's string of 582/3 scoreless
innings.

ART DOUGLAS (Broadcaster) -- "The Voice of Chester County," Douglas worked
for WCOJ Radio in Coatesville where he was the station's morning show
personality for more than 40 years. Although best known for broadcasting
high school sports throughout the county, Douglas was deeply dedicated to
West Chester University football as the play-by-play voice of the Rams.
Douglas died July 31,2005.

MONTE IRVIN (Baseball) -- Starred in both baseball and football at Lincoln
University before moving on to what would become a Hall of Fame career in
the major leagues. Irvin sparked the New York Giants' remarkable comeback to
overtake the Brooklyn Dodgers for the N.L. pennant in 1951. That year Irvin
hit .312 with 24 home runs and a league-leading 121 RBIs.

BILLY JOE (Football) -- The former Coatesville resident was a star running
back at both Cheyney State and Villanova before being drafted by the Denver
Broncos of the old AFL in 1962. Played professionally with Buffalo, Miami
and the New York Jets before moving into the coaching ranks where he enjoyed
stints with Cheyney, Central State (Ohio) and Florida A&M. Also served as
running backs coach for Dick Vermeil's Philadelphia Eagles (1979-80).
Presently the head coach at Miles College in Fairfield, Ala.

ADDY KELLY (Sports contributor) -- A lifelong West Chester resident and
co-owner of Kelly's Sporting Goods, she donated freely of her time, talents
and money for the betterment of athletics in and around the West Chester
area for most of her adult life. She and her husband, Alvy, started Kelly's
Sports Ltd. in the '70s and demonstrated a deep commitment to the community
and West Chester University. Kelly's annually sponsored some 50 youth and
adult sports teams. Addy Kelly died in 2005.

HUGH "BUTCH" McDEVITT (Sports writer) -- A former West Chester resident,
McDevitt began his writing career while attending St. Agnes High School.
During his senior year he began writing for the Daily Local News in 1923.
Went on to become the newspaper's sports editor before accepting the
position of managing editor in 1951. Also served as a sports and news
correspondent for the Philadelphia Bulletin and Inquirer and a national news
service. McDevitt died on May 11, 1961.

CURT SCHILLING (Baseball) -- Made his home in Kennett Square while pitching
the Philadelphia Philles from 1992-2000. Also played for the Arizona
Diamondbacks and most recently the Boston Red Sox. He was the ace of the
Phillies staff in 1993 when he guided the Phils to the World Series with a
16-7 record and was named MVP of the NLCS. The six-time All-Star finished
his career with a record of 216-146 and an ERA of 3.46.

DON STROCK (Football) -- Born in Pottstown, Strock played his high school
ball at Owen J. Roberts before moving on to Virginia Tech where as a
quarterback he led the nation in both passing and total offense. Played 14
seasons with the Miami Dolphins, one season with the Cleveland Browns and
part of another with the Indianapolis Colts before retiring. Best remembered
for coming off the bench and rallying the Dolphins from a 24-0 deficit
against the San Diego Chargers in January of 1982. Although Miami eventually
lost the game, Strock completed 29 of 43 passes for 403 yards and four TDs.

MARION WASHINGTON (Basketball) -- Born and raised in West Chester, she
attended West Chester High and West Chester State Teachers College where she
lettered and starred in both basketball and track. Was one of the stars of
the Lady Rams' 1969 national championship basketball team. Became the
women's head coach at Kansas University in 1973, a position she held until
2004, the same year she was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of
Fame.

DICK YODER (Athlete/Sports Administrator) -- A lifelong West Chester
resident, Yoder played quarterback at West Chester State Teachers under the
legendary Glenn Killinger. Returned to his alma mater as an assistant coach
and assistant professor of physical education. Was named the school's
athletic director in 1979, a post he held for 19 years. Served on numerous
NCAA committees before retiring from the college after 38 years. Was
subsequently elected mayor of West Chester, an office he continues to hold
until his term expires next year.

CCSHOF president Jerry Schneider admitted his committee had a tough act to
follow, referring to last year's elite, inaugural class of inductees, which
included the likes of Dick Vermeil, Glenn Killinger, Herb Pennock, Jon
Matlack, Mike Piazza and Rip Hamilton, to name just a few.

"We knew we had our work cut out, but we also realized that Chester County
has a rich athletic heritage," Schneider said. "There is no shortage of
worthy nominees to choose from and I suspect there never will be. Once we
collected all the nominations submitted by our Hall of Fame membership, the
committee was asked to narrow the list to its top 10.

"We feel this year's class of inductees is both extremely worthy and
representative of the caliber of outstanding sports figures who have brought
honor and glory to the county throughout its history."

All that remains is to formally induct the Class of 2009. That piece of
business will be taken care of on Nov. 7 when the CCSHOF hosts its annual
awards banquet at the Red Clay Room in Kennett Square.

"Last year, we were extremely gratified and relieved to discover that our
efforts to get the Hall of Fame up and running were so well received
throughout the county," Schneider said. "It sent a loud and clear message to
us all that a sports hall of fame was long overdue in Chester County.

"We had a terrific response and turnout at the Westside Entertainment
Complex in West Chester for our inaugural banquet. Our intention, however,
is to hold the awards banquet at a different site throughout the county each
year. We are very fortunate to hold this year's dinner at the Red Clay Room
in Kennett Square, which, like so many spots in Chester County, has a long
and storied athletic history. We're looking forward to another great
turnout."

Tickets for CCSHOF awards dinner are still available. The cost is $45 per
ticket. Checks made payable to CCSHOF should be sent to CCSHOF, P.O. Box 30,
West Chester, Pa. 19381-0030, or by visiting the Hall of Fame's Web site at
www.chestercountysportshallofame.com

- close -