Sports

Last Updated on Thursday, 29 September 2022 16:15

The 22nd Class of the Belle Vernon Area (BVA) Football Hall of Fame inductees were enshrined Friday, September 2. Committee spokesperson Steve Russell announced the induction of four new members: three All Conference players from the past, along with an original coach from the beginning of the school district in 1965.

Flanking the inductees are BVA superintendent Dr. Ken Williams(far left) and head coach Matt Humbert (far right). Inductees pictured from left Dr. David Gobbie, Nick Kalcevic, coach Ray Ciferno and Spencer Lynn.)

The induction ceremony was launched at half-time during the BVA Leopards versus the Laurel Highlands Mustangs contest which the Leps won .

The BVA Football Hall of Fame credo is to preserve and honor the student athletes, teams, coaches, and contributors who have helped bring recognition and excellence to BVA’s storied football program.

As an added feature since 2018, BVA football record holders from 1965 to 2021 in major categories have been compiled and updated yearly in a BVA Football Hall of Fame program book. You can receive a digital copy of this program book by emailing: monvalleysportshalloffame@yahoo.com

This year’s class of honorees include:

David Gobbie, a 1993 BVA graduate, was a Keystone All Star Conference wingback and linebacker. BVA coach Lou Rood recalled recently, “although undersized, you would not have known it based on his intensity and skill level that his play exemplified.”

Nick Kalcevic, a 2001 BVA graduate, has been heralded as BVA’s most exciting running back. A playmaker of distinction, Kalcevic earned Associated Press All State honors. Nick still holds the following records: season rushing yards at 2,151 (1999), season TDs at 27 (1999), and career rushing TDs at 55 (1998-2000). Teammate Aaron Krepps recalled, “his running style as a masterful combination of speed, quickness, deception, and toughness.”

Spencer Lynn, a 2010 BVA graduate, was a two-time All-Big 7 Conference linebacker, a Pennsylvania Football News’ First Team Academic All State and an Old Spice Red Zone Player of the Year. His stellar play garnered a Cal U scholarship where he played with distinction. He served five years as an Infantry Officer in the U.S. Army. Spencer is a Jungle War Expert earning the “Black Jungle Flag.”

Coach Ray Ciferno, a 1959 Rostraver graduate and a special inductee, was part of the original coaching staff created in 1965 upon the formation of the BVA School District. An offensive coordinator, Ciferno coached at Bellmar Junior High from 1965 to 1968 for coach Harry Muckle whereupon he moved to the varsity ranks from 1969 to 1975 for coach Dick Fields.