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The Belle Vernon Area Football Hall of Fame has six new members thanks to their class of 2017 inductees.

The mission of the hall of fame committee is “To preserve and honor student-athletes, teams, coaches and contributors who have helped bring recognition and excellence to our school’s storied football program.”   The small but active committee that raises funds for the BVA Football Hall of Fame called this year’s class “one of our most distinguished.”

     The 2017 honorees are:

• Pat Gimbara, an aggressive lineman who played on both sides of the ball for the 1962 Rostraver team that captured a WPIAL co-championship.
• Tim Susick, a consummate scholar-athlete and standout linebacker who went on to play and coach at the college level.
• Jim Cicchini, a heavily-recruited, all-star running back who also led the Leps in basketball and track
• Larry Callaway, a three-year letterman, team captain for two seasons and all-around player offensively and defensively.
• Ron Clawson Jr., a center who anchored an explosive offensive line that opened doors for backs and paved the way for the Leps to achieve 12-1 and 11-2 records.
• Eric McElvenny, a 2001 BVA graduate, who achieved all-conference honors as a defensive back in football and all-section recognition as shortstop in baseball. McElvenny is this year's special honoree. While his scholastic athletic accomplishments are well-documented, he pushed his compulsion for winning and obsession with physical activity to the limits by overcoming the loss of leg to an IED as a U.S. Marine Corps captain in Afghanistan in order to compete in triathlons and serve as an inspiration to others.

 An informative booklet by BVA Hall of Fame historian Steve Russell titled “The History of BVA High School Football” can be digitally received by contacting Russell at stephenrussell1106@comcast.net

Go to our photo gallery to view photos of the candidates.

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