Tribune-Democrat High School Soccer Hall of Fame announces inaugural class of 5

Oct. 26—After delving through many worthy candidates, The Tribune-Democrat High School Soccer Hall of Fame committee has announced its inaugural class of five honorees.

Coach Fred Galiote, contributor Wilfred "Buddy" Nicholson, official Ray Leverknight and players Casey Gallaher and Ryan Henry will be inducted into the hall of fame on Nov. 16.

The class will be introduced to the crowd assembled at Greater Johns- town High School's Trojan Stadium between games of the 13th annual Santa Fund Soccer Classic girls (5:30 p.m.) and boys (7:30 p.m.).

"This is so exciting for the sport of soccer in the area — and a long time coming," Windber Area High School girls coach Paul Buza, a co-organizer of the program, said.

—Galiote retired in 2015 with a career record of 365-96-9 (.777 winning percentage). He led the Conemaugh Township Area girls to nine District 5 titles in a 12-year tenure. His squads won 11 Somerset County and WestPAC titles and advanced to the 2007 and 2008 PIAA quarterfinals. Galiote was a three-time District 5 coach of the year. He also went 150-51 at Bishop McCort Catholic, which included a 2000 District 6 crown. Galiote was selected to coach in the Pennsylvania Keystone State Games. He directed the Parochial League for six years and coached AYSO. Galiote was selected to be the first girls coach for the initial Santa Fund Soccer Classic in 2011. He started a successful business venture — Soccer City Outlet — that lasted 20 years.

—Nicholson contributed to the local soccer scene in various capacities over his life. After graduating from Conemaugh Township Area in 1968, he served as the head girls soccer coach at Bishop McCort for two seasons. He also was a volunteer assistant coach at Conemaugh Township and North Star. Nicholson helped bring travel soccer to the region with PA West (West Pennsylvania Youth Soccer) along with Dennis Saylor. He also was instrumental in starting the Laurel Highland Futbol Club (with Saylor and Mark Sotosky). Nicholson also helped start Penns Forest, the Keystone State Games and various indoor leagues and tournaments.

—Leverknight was a PIAA soccer official for more than 25 years. He officiated two state championship games and served as the Laurel Highlands chapter rules interpreter. Leverknight was the public face of District 6 referees for decades. He was a perennial contributor to AYSO and club soccer league refereeing. Leverknight was the Richland (996) AYSO regional board member and instructor, while serving as the secretary for the Laurel Highland Futbol Club.

He wrote the sportsmanship message used annually for the Santa Fund Soccer Classic.

—Gallaher graduated from Forest Hills High School (2013) and St. Francis University (2017). She became the first female athlete in Forest Hills High School history to be named to the basketball and soccer all-state teams. Gallaher led the Rangers to their first District 6 Class 2A soccer title in 2012.

She compiled 120 goals and 105 assists over four years. Gallaher also tallied 1,500 career points in basketball, second-most in program history. She played for four seasons on the NCAA Division I St. Francis University soccer team, appearing in 77 games and compiling eight goals, six assists and 22 points. Gallaher earned a spot on the 2016 Northeast Conference first team and helped the Red Flash win league titles in 2013 and 2016.

She was named Player of the Match in the second-annual 2012 Santa Fund Soccer Classic when she scored the game-winning goal.

—Henry was a three-time all-state selection while at Westmont Hilltop High School, where he graduated in 1999. He scored 110 goals during his scholastic career as he led the Hilltoppers to District 6 and Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference crowns in 1996, 1997 and 1998.

A regional All-American in 1997 and 1998, Henry was a member of the Beadling Soccer Club based in Pittsburgh. He was a multi-year member of the PA West Olympic Development team. Henry competed on the Division I soccer teams at Marshall and St. Francis universities before playing semi-pro soccer in Texas.

"I personally spoke with all five of these great individuals and they all talked of being excited and humbled," Tribune-Democrat Publisher Chip Minemyer said. "Certainly, they are all deserving of the honor and are setting the bar very high. Hopefully this is the start of something very special for soccer in this region."

Honorees will receive plaques, and a permanent plaque will be displayed in the lobby of The Tribune-Democrat building, 425 Locust St., Johnstown.

"I'm excited — and thankful to The Tribune-Democrat as well as the committee members," Buza said.

Hall of Fame committee

Angie Berzonski: Contributions to high school soccer began as a freshman midfielder for Conemaugh Township Area School District in 1988, and concluded in 2021 after 19 years of combined coaching stints at North Star and Conemaugh Township.

B. Paul Buza: Head coach of the Windber girls soccer program from 2014-present. Board of director/registrar of the Laurel Highland Futbol Club 2015-present. Santa Fund committee member 2020-present.

Ed Corona: Head coach at Charleroi 1984-90, head coach at Westmont Hilltop 1992-2001 and 2023. PA West Olympic Development staff coach 1992-98.

Robert Lasagna: District 5 soccer rules interpreter and president of the Laurel Highlands chapter of PIAA soccer officials.

Ray Leverknight: PIAA soccer official for over 25 years — officiated two state finals; chapter rules interpreter.

Chip Minemyer: Publisher of The Tribune-Democrat; coordinator of The Tribune-Democrat's Santa Fund program.

Jake Oswalt: Sports writer for The Tribune-Democrat.

Stacy Schmitt: Head coach of the boys' soccer program at North Star from 1993-2002.

Mark Sotosky: Girls soccer coach at St. Andrew's Middle School. Former AYSO regional head coach and board member. Laurel Highland Futbol Club (LHFC) — co-founder and past president. Head coach at PA West and USYSA Premiere Club Team. Former PIAA soccer official.

Former assistant boys coach at Westmont Hilltop High School. USSF Level D coach certification. Currently an assistant coach for the Conemaugh Township boys varsity team.

William Stasko: PIAA referee since 2005. Santa Fund committee referee coordinator since inception. Parochial League soccer director 1993-2005. Soccer coach 1993-2005.

Retired youth and high school coach and referee. Originator with The Tribune-Democrat Santa Fund High School Soccer Classic in 2011. Current games and sponsorships organizer and committee member.

Jake Oswalt is a copy editor for The Tribune-Democrat. Follow him on Twitter @TheWizOfOz11.