Hilton High School Sports Hall of Fame inducts four Dec. 27, 2008 at Hilton High School

Congratulations to the newest inductees into HCS Sports Hall of Fame: Gary Schwonke '63, whose career in Hilton spanned five decades first as student then as employee who touched every athlete and coach in district at some point with his preparation of athletic fields including the varsity baseball field named after him, "Schwonke Field";  Jordan Christiano '01, was a member of the first HHS gymnastic team in school history leading the team to the Section V title as an eighth grader and later became an All-American gymnast in college; Lisa Boettrich '99 [mom accepted] was the first female swimmer from Hilton to represent HHS in NYS Swim meets and also first female swimmer to earn a athletic scholarship to a Division I school; Craig Eichmann '90, was on cross-country, basketball and baseball teams, played in Ronald McDonald Basketball All-Star game and is a member of the top 10 scorers list for HHS hoops - he is a teacher in the Hilton School District.  The induction ceremony took place on Saturday December 27, 2008 in Commons III at Hilton High School. 

The Hilton High School Sports Hall of Fame annually recognizes those individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Hilton athletic program and in some cases, at a higher level, through their participation as athletes, coaches or administrators.  Nominations are sought on a continual basis and are due in late October.  Nominating applications are available the Athletic Office at Hilton High School. Mail to Hilton High School, Sports Hall of Fame, 400 East Ave., Hilton, NY 14468. For further information, call 585-392-1000 ext. 2135.   

Qualifications are: graduate of Hilton High School who has been out of school a minimum of five years or coach who has been retired from coaching for five years; individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Hilton sports program or have established themselves in the field of athletics on the local, state, national or international level [professional, Olympic, college athlete, coach, etc.; a student who, while in high school, received athletic honors such as All-American, All-State, All-Greater Rochester, State/Sectional Championship, Athlete of the Year, or All-County, (overall team success and multiple-sport participation may also be considered); any student who participated in Hilton High School athletics may be considered under special circumstances.   

Members of the selection committee include: Brian Bartalo, Principal Hilton High School and former swim coach; Tom Coyle '55 former Hilton statistician and record keeper; Ron Hendershot '64 Hilton athlete and 2000 Sports Hall of Fame inductee; Dick LeBeau, retired HCSD teacher, administrator, soccer coach, and former HCSD athletic director; Ory Mee, retired teacher and former basketball and baseball coach; Mike Whelehan '75 Hilton athlete and coach; Mike Van Auker, retired Hilton HS teacher, coach and 1998 Sports Hall of Fame inductee; and Michael Giruzzi, Hilton Director of Athletics.   For further information, contact Hilton Athletic Director Michael Giruzzi, 400 East Ave., Hilton, NY 14468; 585-392-1000 ext. 2135.

Archive of Inductees

Hilton HS Sports Hall of Fame Archive