Hall Of Fame

The Owego Apalachin Athletics Hall of Fame is organized as a means of recognizing, preserving, and promoting the heritage of interscholastic sports in our district.  Many individuals have made extraordinary contributions and have had superb accomplishments at Owego Apalachin.  The Owego Apalachin Athletics Hall of Fame honors the contributions and accomplishments of these individuals who are worthy of this recognition.

Nominees must exemplify the high standards of sportsmanship, ethical conduct, and moral character.
The categories of Athlete (OFA Graduate), Coach, and Contributor are included on the nomination form for expediency in understanding the primary areas in which an individual is to be considered for his or her achievements in interscholastic athletics.

All candidates will be judged on their significant and/or long-term contributions to interscholastic athletics at Owego Apalachin. While many have served their school and programs at Owego Apalachin over a long and distinguished career, their accomplishments must be worthy of recognition for them to be considered.

Applications for the Owego Apalachin Athletics Hall of Fame will be sent to the Owego Apalachin Athletics Office for review by the Athletics Hall of Fame  Committee; and if not approved will be placed in “holding for future consideration.”
Re-Nomination

The Holding for Future Consideration means a nominee may be considered again for induction for three consecutive years and that additional information and supportive material would be helpful before future consideration.

Longevity, without meaningful impact on Owego Apalachin Athletics, does not constitute appropriate credentials for Owego Apalachin Athletics Hall of Fame consideration.

Athletes will be graduates of Owego Free Academy, out of school for at least 10 years, who are being nominated for their achievements in interscholastic athletics.

Coaches will be considered on the merits of their high school coaching achievements only, and will have been an outstanding influence on young people and by example have shown the meaning of the word “sportsmanship.”  Must have 10 years or more serving within the district as a coach.

Contributors will be individuals who have made contributions to Owego Apalachin Athletics.  A Contributor will have served Owego Apalachin   Athletics by working as a long-time athletics supervisor or has made significant contributions to the OACSD athletics department.  Must have 15 years or more serving as a contributor within the district.

The 2019 Induction Class:

Michael Steele, Class of 1964 (Athlete)

Wendy Collins, Class of 1986 (Athlete)

Joseph Palladino, Class of 1988 (Athlete)

Thomas Morrissey (Coach)

Richard Brown (Coach/Contributor)

Thomas Bryant, Class of 1968 (Athlete/Coach/Contributor)

The 2018 inaugural class:

Gary Deuel, Class of 1967 (Athlete)

Kristin Doris, Class of 1997 (Athlete)

Michelle Burrell Johnston, Class of 1997 (Athlete) 

Kyle Dougherty, Class of 2005 (Athlete)

James Raftis (Contributor)

Alan C. Reppert (Coach/Contributor)

R. Allen Marean (Coach)

 

Jim Raftis (Contributor)

A 1950 graduate of Owego Free Academy and has remained in this area his entire life.  Known as “Mr. Radio” and the voice of “Owego Little League”, Jim has been the spokesperson for most events in our community for over 50 years.  He has supported, followed, and broadcasted events; wherever they were, so that the community could always take part in what was going on, even when they couldn’t be there.  For many years, Jim broadcasted play-by-play football and basketball games; and did a Sunday “Spotlight on Sports” for various Tioga County schools. Jim was the founder and 2nd President of the present day Owego Free Academy Sports Booster Club.  As a veteran Mr. Raftis remains active in the Veteran’s Memorial and originated the idea of the Courthouse Square Memorial, which honors all veterans.  Mr. Raftis is also a member of the Section IV Athletics Hall of Fame and was inducted to the OA Wall of Fame in 2004. 


 

Alan Reppert (Coach/Contributor)

He began his career in Owego Apalachin in 1962, teaching various subjects in the industrial arts and drafting disciplines.  He was named Director of Athletics and OFA Assistant Principal in 1984. He remained in those roles until his unexpected death in 1999, while he was playing in a men’s basketball league game at the Tioga County Boys and Girls Club.  Mr. Reppert was a constant contributor to and participant in the OA athletic programs and the community. He led the Basketball program in various ecoaching roles until he began his tenure as Director of Athletics. During his tenure in this role he took an active role in the Booster Club, was a member of the Section IV Ethics Committee and Task Force.  Mr. Reppert took the lead in creating the community pool project and being a driving force for the required funding and community support. Mr. Reppert earned the Owego Civic League “Al Parker Award” for outstanding support of athletic programs in 1990; he was named “Man of the Year” by the Tioga County Boys and Girls Club in 1998; The OFA gymnasium was named after Mr. Reppert in 2003 and he is a 2004 inductee to the OA Wall of Fame. 

 

Al Marean(Coach)

His athletics career began as a 3 sport stand-out at Binghamton Central High School.  He was captain of the football team, while he also excelled in basketball and track and field.  He went on to earn his undergrad and graduate degrees at Colgate, while also playing football all for 4 years for the Raiders.  Mr. Marean taught math and coached in Owego Apalachin for 33 years until he retired. He served athletics as both a football coach and basketball coach, but the hardwood is where he really made his mark.  Mr. Marean was the Head Varsity Girls Basketball Coach for 26 years, where he compiled 277 wins; with his teams winning Division titles in 1977, 1984, 1990 and 1992; the STAC Championship in 1980; and a sectional title in 1984. Mr. Marean was a strong advocate for girls basketball and female athletics overall.  In his coaching tenure, he held the position of Section IV Basketball Coordinator, member of the NY State Basketball Committee, and helped establish and coordinate regional and state level girl’s basketball tournaments. Mr. Marean is also a 2015 inductee to the Section IV Athletics Hall of Fame. 

 

Kyle Dougherty (Athlete)

A 2005 graduate of Owego Free Academy.  She excelled in basketball and soccer, earning 10 Varsity letters.  In basketball, Kyle led her team to the STAC championship and state quarter-final in 2003; the Indians finishing that season 23-2.  As a point guard, Kyle was known for her outstanding basketball skills, vision on the court and unselfish play. Kyle had 37 games with 20+ points.  Some of her all-time OFA records include 1824 points, 519 assists, 437 steals, 479 Defensive Rebounds, plus a quadruple double performance. Kyle was a 3-time Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin Player of the Year, 4-time All-State athlete (1st team her senior year), plus an Elks national Free Throw Champion.

Kyle attended Villanova University on a basketball scholarship, where she helped the Wildcats to NCAA and WNIT appearances, and a Big 5 Championship.  At Villanova she was honored as a 4-time Big East Academic all-Star, 2-year Most Improved Player, 2-year starting point guard and captain.

 

Kristin Doris (Athlete)

A 1997 graduate of Owego Free Academy.  Kristin was a 2-sport athlete, as a member of the basketball team and four year starter on the Varsity Softball team.  She received all-division honors her first three years, and was recognized as a STAC all-conference player in her senior year.  She had staggering statistics as a pitcher for the Indians, compiling an overall record of 48-12 and a career ERA of 1.16, a .36 ERA in her senior year.  Also in her senior year Kristin struck out 82 batters, while walking just 11. Kristin’s accomplishments on the mound helped lead the Indians to a #3 state ranking in 1997; Sectional finals appearances in 1994, 1996, and 1997; and STAC divisional titles in 1995, 1996, and 1997.

Kristin attended St. Joseph’s University where she was a 4-year letter winner.  She appeared in 41 games as a pitcher for the Hawks, 29 as a starter; finishing her career with 82 strikeouts, 23 complete games, and a 2.49 ERA.  Kristin worked at the Glove House and Children’s Home of Wyoming Conference, a multi-service child welfare agency; dedicated to the safety and well-being of children, their family and their community.  Kristin passed away in October 2015 after a courageous battle with Cancer. 

 

Michelle Burrell Johnston (Athlete)

A 1997 graduate of Owego Free Academy. She was a dynamic 3-sport athlete for the Indians; playing Soccer, Basketball and Softball.  She was a 4 year starter for both Soccer and Basketball, and a 5 year starter for the Softball team from 1993-1997. Michelle earned many honors throughout her career being named to multiple STAC All-Division, All-Conference, and NY All-State Awards.  She accomplished this while also leading in the classroom, finishing in the top 10 of her class at graduation. In her softball tenure the Indians advanced to the 1994, 1996, and 1997 Sectional finals; and earning STAC divisional titles in 1995, 1996 and 1997; and in 1997 finished as the #3 ranked team in NY State.  Michelle was a stand-out at shortstop, finishing her career with a .488 batting average.

Michelle attended the University of Maryland on a softball scholarship.  At Maryland, Johnston was a four-year starting outfielder for the Terrapin softball program and started 239 career games. She earned first team All-ACC honors and was named to the conference’s all-tournament team as a senior. She is still ranked in the top ten in nearly every offensive statistical category at Maryland. In 2002, Johnston was selected a member of the 50th All-Anniversary ACC Softball team.

Michelle continues her career of athletics excellence as the Head Softball Coach at Binghamton University, and has led the Bearcats to the America East Championship in 2015, and Regular Season America East Championships in 2016 & 2017.

 

Gary Deuel (Athlete)

A 1967 graduate of Owego Free Academy.  He was a tough 3-sport athlete; participating in Football, Basketball and Track and Field.  He was a four year starter on the football team. Gary led the Indians on the gridiron to a 25-7 record in his 4 years.  As a sophomore, junior and senior Gary started on both offense and defense, rushing for over 1000 yards each season; and the team finished 7-1 winning the STAC Championship each of those seasons.  Gary still currently holds 2 school records in football: Most career rushing yards with 2552; and tied for the most career touchdowns with 37.

Gary attended Penn State University on a full scholarship, where he started his senior year playing in the Orange Bowl.  As a Nittany Lion, Gary averaged 5.8 yards per carry and scored 7 Touchdowns. Following college he played for the TC Jets, a semi-pro team.  He is a 1981 inductee to the Section IV Athletics Hall of Fame.