On Indiana In the Morning on WCCS today, Doug Steve announced the Class of 2024 to be inducted this year in the Indiana County Sports Hall of Fame. They will be honored at an event in May (site and date to be announced).
This year’s class, listed alphabetically, is:
SCOTT BOWMAN
Indiana
Baseball, billiards, running
At the age of 58, he has played local baseball for more than 50 years and still plays on five teams, including ones he sponsors, following a career in the Indiana County League that spanned more than 20 years. He batted over .300 in the ICL and maintains that average in his various leagues. He had a tryout with the New York Mets in 1983. In billiards, which he also continues to play, he has won 16 Indiana Pool League titles in 14.1 straight pool and five in 8 ball. He has run 17 marathons with a personal-best time of 4 hours, 12 minutes, and has run dozens of 5Ks, 10Ks, half-marathons and triathlons. He was also the R&P Bowling League president for 13 years and maintained a 175 average.
GEORGE BUSOVICKI
Penns Manor/United
Football
A football coach at various levels from 1970-2007. The head football coach at United from 1989-95, led the Lions to the district title and Appalachian Conference title in 1992. Compiled a 31-7 record from 1989-92. Spent 43 years from 1980 to present as a PIAA track/cross country official. Also coached scholastic wrestling and sandlot baseball. Two-year letterman at Penns Manor in football and also ran track.
DON DOUDS
Indiana
Basketball
County MVP in basketball in 1962 and 63 who went on to play four years at IUP and averaged 11 points per game. Won league and scoring titles in independent leagues and won a Senior Games gold medal in Maryland. Coached at several schools outside the area as well as Indiana (1975-78) with a 118-99 overall record. One of his claims to fame is he scored the last points in Waller Hall and the first points at Memorial Field House.
BOB FULTON
Media
A longtime sports writer/sports editor at the Gazette, in his retirement he has written extensively about the Pittsburgh Pirates for regional and national publications and has had articles on various subjects published in countless magazines. He has authored five books – the most recent this summer, and continues to write historical pieces for the Gazette and articles for IUP Magazine.
SAM IEZZI
Blairsville
Football, wrestling
In high school, he rushed for more than 3,000 yards and 50 touchdowns and in 1993-95 topped 100 yards in 19 straight games. An annual All-Gazette selection, he was player of the year in 1995 when he played on the undefeated Appalachian Conference North championship team. He was also MVP of the Lantzy all-star game. He went on to Penn State as a walk-on and earned four letters and made trips to the Fiesta, Cirtus, Outback and Alamo bowls. In wrestling, he was the District 6 and Northwest Regional champion in 1996, qualified for the state tournament and had an unblemished record in regular-season dual matches.
RICHARD KUZMINSKI (Posthumously)
United H.S.
Wrestling
A champion college wrestler who became one of the top high school wrestling coaches in Wisconsin. Wrestled at Wisconsin-Superior and placed fifth at 188 pounds in the NAIA tournament in 1966. Coached for more than 30 years, compiled 240 wins and coached six state champions. Inducted in the Wisconsin-Superior and the Wisconsin Wrestling Coaches Association halls of fame.
JILL (WISE) SMITH
Indiana H.S.
Track and field, basketball
At Division I Bucknell, she was the first female from the school to compete in the NCAA Track and Field Championships as a jumper. She won eight ECC championships, setting meet records in five. She was a three-time All-East performer in the triple jump at the ECAC indoor and outdoor meets and was named the outstanding athlete of the outdoor meet in 1988. In 1989 she received the Bradley N. Tufts Award for exceptional athletic achievement and contributions to Bucknell and was inducted into its hall of fame in 2001. In high school, she helped Indiana play in the state championship game in basketball in 1983, and her jumps in track and field were school records at the time of her graduation. Resides in West Point, N.Y.
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