Get to Know Our CCHS Hall of Fame Members
All Hall of Fame members’ abbreviated bios are listed in the order of the year they were inducted. The bios were written on the year of induction, reflecting where the inductees were in their lives at that time their respective accomplishments to that date.
Class of 2023
Class of 2022
Class of 2021
Class of 2020
Class of 2019 (Hall of Fame Inaugural Year)
Class of 2023
Kyle Brown (2000) Baseball
Kyle Brown had an impressive career in baseball, spanning various levels of the game. He played three years of Varsity Baseball at Colonie, earning the distinction of First Team All Suburban Council for three consecutive years. In 1999, he was recognized as the Times Union “Player of the Year.” During his time at Colonie, he established and, in some cases, still holds numerous offensive individual and career baseball records.
He was a key member of the Adirondack Empire State Gold Medal-winning baseball team in both 1998 and 1999. Additionally, Brown contributed to the South Troy Dodgers baseball team’s remarkable journey to the 2000 Connie Mack National Runner-up position, where he also earned a spot on the First Team All-Tournament team.
Brown’s baseball talents didn’t stop at the collegiate level. He accepted a Baseball scholarship from Le Moyne College, where he played for four years. During his time there, he earned the distinction of First Team All MAAC and Second Team All Region in 2004. Impressively, he holds both the single-season and career stolen base records at Le Moyne College.
In 2004, Brown’s skills led to his selection in the MLB Draft by the New York Mets, and he played two years in their organization. After his playing career, Brown transitioned into coaching, beginning as an assistant Baseball Coach at Oswego State. Under his guidance, the team reached the D3 College Baseball World Series twice, in 2017 and 2018.
Beyond baseball, Brown has also made significant contributions to high school sports, coaching in Baseball, Basketball, Football, and Unified Sports. Currently, he serves as the Athletic Director, Assistant Principal, and Special Education Director at the Town of Webb Union Free School District in Old Forge, NY. His passion for sports and education continues to have a lasting impact.
Brian O’Keefe (2011) Baseball
In 2011, Brian O’Keefe demonstrated exceptional baseball skills during his senior year of high school. He achieved a remarkable .561 batting average, with 12 doubles, four home runs, and 35 runs batted in, while striking out a mere three times throughout the season. This outstanding performance earned him Second Team All-State honors in Class AA by the New York State Sports Writers Association. Additionally, O’Keefe received All-Suburban Council First Team accolades for the 2010 and 2011 seasons. Notably, he played a pivotal role in leading Colonie to an impressive 18-2 record in 2011, setting a new program record for team victories. O’Keefe also participated in the Connie Mack World Series in 2011, a testament to his talent and dedication to the sport.
O’Keefe continued to excel in college baseball at St. Joseph’s University. During his junior year, he maintained a notable .350 batting average. O’Keefe’s exceptional performance earned him a place on the Atlantic 10 All-Conference Second Team and the Philadelphia All-Big 5 Team during his sophomore year. He also led the team in various statistical categories, including at-bats, hits, home runs, and runs batted in.
O’Keefe’s baseball journey progressed when he was selected in the 7th round of the 2014 MLB draft by the St. Louis Cardinals. In 2019, he was traded to the Seattle Mariners, where he ultimately made his major league debut on October 1, 2022. During this historic debut, O’Keefe recorded his first major league hit against the Oakland A’s. Notably, O’Keefe holds the unique distinction of being the sole Colonie High baseball player to achieve such success in a major league game.
Barbara Leicht-Bowers (teacher/coach) Boys and Girls Bowling
Barbara Leicht-Bowers, a cherished educator and coach within the South Colonie School District, left an indelible mark on her community. With a career spanning several decades, she not only excelled in teaching but also displayed extraordinary skill as a bowler, achieving numerous remarkable feats throughout her life. Leicht-Bowers passed away in 2002 at the age of 54, leaving behind a legacy of dedication.
As a passionate Physical Education teacher at Sand Creek Middle School, Leicht-Bowers touched the lives of countless students. She also served as the coach for the boys’ bowling team from 1991 and the girls’ bowling team from 1995, shaping young athletes both on and off the lanes.
Under her guidance, her high school teams secured multiple Section 2 Bowling Championships. Notably, her talented players earned athletic scholarships for bowling after graduating from Colonie Central High School.
Leicht-Bowers’s leadership was particularly evident as she led the boys’ bowling squad to an impressive eight Section 2 Championship titles in 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2001. Her coaching also led the boys’ team to reach the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Finals in 1999 and 2000. Additionally, the girls’ bowling team emerged as Section 2 Champions and NYSPHSAA finalists in 1995.
Beyond her role as an educator and coach, Leicht-Bowers had a storied career as a professional bowler. In 1987, she achieved a significant milestone by winning a Ladies Pro Bowler Tour event at the PWBA Metroplex Open in Desoto, Texas. Her excellence extended to winning the state’s most prestigious women’s scratch singles tournament on four occasions, in 1982, 1983, 1986, and 1992.
Recognizing her remarkable contributions to the sport of bowling, Leicht-Bowers was inducted into the New York State Women’s Bowling Association’s Hall of Fame in 1989. Her bowling highlights also extended to earning 12 Women’s All Star Association titles, further solidifying her status as a bowling legend.
Even posthumously, Leicht-Bowers’s legacy continued to be honored. She was inducted into the Capital District Sports Hall of Fame, a testament to her enduring impact on the world of sports and education. In a heartfelt tribute, the Sand Creek gymnasium was renamed the BLB gymnasium, immortalizing the memory of the late Barbara Leicht-Bowers and her lasting contributions to the Colonie community.
Paul Mason (1972) Basketball, Football, Track
Paul Mason was a standout athlete at Colonie High School, making significant contributions to the basketball, football, and track teams. His work on the court, field, and track left an indelible mark on the school’s athletic history.
In basketball, Mason not only served as the team captain but also emerged as the leading scorer for Colonie High. During the 1970-71 season, he played a pivotal role in guiding the team to victory, securing both the Suburban Council and Class AA championships. The team’s overall season record of 21-1 reflected their remarkable success, with Mason’s stellar performance as a key factor. In a memorable AA Championship game against Troy High, Mason’s scoring skills shone as he netted an impressive 28 points, including a remarkable 20 points in the second half alone. His talent and leadership did not go unnoticed, as he earned several local high school awards and a coveted spot on the all-area basketball team. Remarkably, Mason held the distinction of being the team’s leading scorer for three consecutive years, culminating in a career total of over 1,000 points, ultimately reaching 1,247 career points.
Mason’s athletic versatility extended beyond the basketball court. He also excelled as an outdoor track sprinter and jumper, contributing to record-breaking relay teams. Additionally, Mason showcased his athleticism on the varsity football team, where he was a dedicated player for three years.
After graduating from Colonie High School, Mason continued to pursue his passion for basketball at George Mason University, where he left an indelible mark on the college basketball scene.
Colonie High School Boys Basketball Team (1970-71)
During the 1970-71 season, the Colonie High School Boys Basketball team achieved an extraordinary feat, culminating in an undefeated regular season with a flawless 21-0 record. Their remarkable journey reached its height with a resounding victory in the Class AA Championship game against Troy High, where they triumphed with a score of 82-60. This achievement marked a significant milestone in the realm of high school basketball.
Under the leadership of Coach Pep Sand, a distinguished member of the Colonie Athletics Hall of Fame, the 1970-71 team continued a legacy of success. This season was part of an impressive streak of seven consecutive Suburban Council titles—a testament to the program’s consistency and excellence.
What set the 1970-71 team apart was their historic distinction as the first Suburban Council school to clinch a Class AA title in Section 2 history. Their triumph was a momentous occasion that echoed throughout the region.
While their regular season was characterized by invincibility, the team encountered a formidable opponent in Mont Pleasant High School during a crossover AA-A Championship game. Despite their valiant efforts, Colonie faced a challenging adversary and ultimately fell short. Nevertheless, their exceptional season earned them a well-deserved recognition, ranking them 7th in the New York State team rankings.
The roster of this team included:
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- George Anson
- Bob Audi
- Tim Cunningham
- Gary Hearst
- Mark MacDonald
- Paul Mason
- John Robilotti
- Mark Shea
- Ken Strube
- Eric Teras
- Don William
- Jim Wirasnik
Guiding this talented group, Head Coach Harold “Pep” Sand, along with Assistant Coaches Lawrence Marcus and William Austin, played pivotal roles in shaping the team’s success and cementing their place in high school basketball history.
Class of 2022
2001 Colonie Girls Basketball Team
In 2001, the Colonie Lady Raiders, led by future Colonie Athletic Hall of Famers, Kim Corbitt and Michelle Blot, fought their way through a tough sectional field and went on to capture the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Class A large school title. The team beat each of their opponents by 28 points or more. From there, the Lady Raiders advanced to the Federation Tournament, where Section 2 teams historically fared poorly. But not this time, as Michelle Blot scored a Federation record 43 points to propel Colonie to the Federation Class A title, beating New York City champion Murry Bergtraum 72-55. This historic win culminated a storybook 27-1 season, with only one close mid-year loss standing in the way of an undefeated record.
The 2000-2001 team was talented. Four of the team’s 12 members went on to earn college basketball scholarships. But what stood out about this team was their togetherness and tenacity. They battled all opponents to be able to stand as one in the winner’s circle. When the team needed someone to step up, they did. The foundation of this team was built on their collective intensity, determination and teamwork. The successes they achieved were a product of their confidence in one another and their willingness to sacrifice to achieve the team’s goals.
The Lady Raiders were not only winners on the court but excelled in the classroom as well. They achieved a cumulative grade point average of 96.5 which earned them the Athletic Scholars team award from New York State. These achievements were duly noted by the Basketball Coaches Association of New York who recognized the 2000-2001 Colonie Lady Raiders as one of New York State’s “GREAT TEAMS.”
2001 Team Members
Head Coach Karen Bonitatibus
Assistant Coach Wendy Kelley
Junior Varsity Coach Danielle Blot
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- Kim Corbitt (Captain Senior) 2019, HOF Inductee
- Christine Wilber (Captain Senior)
- Susan Anamier (Senior)
- Danielle White (Senior)
- Michelle Blot (Junior) 2020 HOF Inductee
- Renee Blot (Junior)
- Katie Maloney (Junior)
- Rachel Longtin (Junior)
- Sharday Lewis (Junior)
- Erin Murphy (Sophomore)
- Jessica Tremblay (Sophomore)
- Krysta Peplowski (Sophomore)
Karen Bonitatibus, Coach
Karen Bonitatibus began at South Colonie Central Schools in 1990 teaching
physical education.
She coached a variety of sports throughout 32 years, truly making her mark on the hardwood, where she helped establish Colonie girls basketball as one of the preeminent programs in Section II and NYS.
While compiling a 268-82 record – a 77 percent winning percentage – Coach Bonitatibus guided Colonie to four Section II championships; three regional titles; and posted 20 or more victories in a single season 8 times. The 2000 and 2001 teams established a legacy of dominance, going 51-2 overall, and winning consecutive Section II crowns. The 2001 team punctuated the run by capturing the New York State Championship, and the NYS Federation Championship for Large Schools.
Throughout the years, she received Coach of the Year honors from the New York Sports Writers Association, BCANY, Troy Record, Times Union, Schenectady Gazette, Channel 13, and the Suburban Council Coach. She has remained in the game after stepping away from the sidelines. Until this year, she served as NYSPHSAA Girls Basketball State Championships tournament director for the past 10 years. She was also the chairperson for the Suburban Council girls basketball coaches, and currently serves as chairperson for the Section II Scholar Athlete committee.
Scott Chambers, Baseball (Class of 2001)
Scott Chambers, a 2001 graduate of Colonie Central High School, was a multi-sport athlete and a key component to the varsity baseball team. During his time, the Raiders had a 49-18 record. In Chambers’ senior year, he was selected 1st Team All State, 1st Team All Area and 1st Team Suburban, while finishing ranked as one of the top 100 pitchers by Collegiate Baseball Magazine. He still owns the school single-season strikeout record (93) as well as career strikeout record (240).
Chambers received his BA in communications while attending Marist College on a full scholarship. Following his junior year, after earning 1st Team All-MAAC, he declined a 13th round draft pick by the Chicago White Sox and returned to Marist. After graduating, he played a half season of independent baseball and earned a camp invite for the following season, however a recurring injury led Chambers to retire in 2007.
Chambers owns and operates Chambers Sports Performance, a baseball facility located in Colonie, training kids of all ages. He also coaches showcase travel baseball throughout the summer. Through his business and coaching, Chambers continues to pass on his knowledge and passion for pitching as well as the game of baseball.
Lexi DiLello (Brannigan), Lacrosse (Class of 2011)
Lexi DiLello (Brannigan) was a three sport athlete. She played soccer, lacrosse, and ran track all throughout high school at Colonie. She was a US Lacrosse All Academic American recipient her senior year in 2011. DiLello attended SUNY Albany and rostered on the Women’s Lacrosse team her freshman year and then transferred to Marist College. She is highly recognized by past and current coaches at Colonie High School and in the surrounding community. She currently coaches at the Varsity level and contributes back to Girls Youth Lacrosse, clinics, and camps. Additionally, DiLello currently serves as a special education teacher in the district.
During her High School lacrosse career, DiLello was named a 2011 US Lacrosse All Academic American. She was a four-year letter winner in lacrosse, tallied 41 goals and 21 assists her senior year at Colonie, and totaled a career 140 goals and 61 assists. She was named first-team All-Star by Times Union and Troy Record. DiLello lettered twice in both soccer and track and field and was named All-American in the 4×1 at Nationals in Spring of 2011.
During her collegiate career, DiLello was voted to the All-Rookie Team on the American East All-Conference Squad (2011), MAAC All-Academic Team (2014 & 2015), MAAC Offensive Player of the Week (2015), and was named to the 2014-15 Capital One CoSIDA Academic All-District First Team.
Noel Gebauer, Golf (Class of 1988)
Noel Gebauer is a Colonie Central High School Class of 1988 graduate. He played on the Varsity Golf team 1985-88 and Varsity Bowling Team 1987-88. He was a captain of the 1988 Golf team, which won the team golf Section II championship in 1986-87 and he posted the lowest round at the Section II Class A Championships in 1987-88.
In college he was an NJCAA All-Region individual selection in bowling and a JUCO Academic All-American while at Hudson Valley Community College.
As a professional player Gebauer won the 1993 NENYPGA Assistants Professional Classic, the 1995 NENYPGA Buick Classic, and the 2009 NENYPGA Spring Pro-Pro Championship.
Professionally, Gebauer was the 2003 NENYPGA Teacher of the Year, was named in Golf Magazine’s list of Best Golf Teachers in America in 2005. Gebauer has also been awarded the NENYPGA Horton Smith Award (contributions to PGA education) and in 2009 was named PGA’s highest honor NENYPGA Golf Professional of the Year. In 2018 Gebauer was honored with a Town of Colonie Proclamation for his service to the town’s golfers.
Jeff Green, Track (Class of 1967)
Jeff Green graduated with the Colonie High School class of 1967. He earned 11 varsity letters in Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor Track. Among his accomplishments were: [Track] 3 Suburban Council 2 mile championships and school record holder, [Indoor Track] 2 Tri-County 2 mile championships, [Cross Country] 2 Suburban Council and 2 Section II championships (also a 2nd place in each while leading Colonie to 1st place team finishes 3 years), 7th and 5th in NYS State Championships (while leading Colonie to 2nd place team finish), and several Invitational meet wins. Green was virtually undefeated in dual meet competition in the 2 mile and Cross Country from his sophomore year through his senior year and received the Colonie “Cleary Award” twice, for his dedication and leadership as voted by players and coaches.
Green attended SUNY Cobleskill and then the University of Mississippi.
He held school records in the half mile, 1 mile, 2 mile, 3 mile and 4 mile
relay. He won the JCAA Regional Championship in the half mile and 2 mile,
earned All American honors twice and was co-captain of Cobleskill’s 1968
JCAA National Championship Cross Country team. Green led Ole Miss
to a team championship in 1969 in the Mississippi Intercollegiate State
Championship while finishing 1st individually. Green was inducted in the
Cobleskill Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998.
After earning associate’s and bachelor’s degrees, Green worked for the next 37 years for New York state and served as regional director and statewide key process leader for Fostering Real Property Tax Equity with the Office of Real Property Services.
John Gregg, Track (Class of 1957)
John Gregg is a Colonie Central High School (CCHS) class of 1957 graduate. At CCHS, Gregg’s interests were academics, music and an athletic focus on track sprinting. Most notable CCHS accomplishments were the 1957 state championships and state records set at 100 yards (9.8) and 220 yards straight (21.0). He then attended University of Michigan on scholarship where he improved 100 yard time to 9.5 in an era when the world record was 9.3, and 220 at 20.8 curve. A high point was a photo finish at Big Ten Championship 60 yard dash in time of 6.1, tying the record held by Jesse Owens. After college Gregg continued with Masters competitions, improving 100 meters to 10.45, 400 meters to 48+ seconds, and achieving 4th at Canadian Decathlon ( 4,900 points). He reached Cat 3 in cycle racing, ran a 37+ second 10K and 3h 3min Marathon. His current program includes track sprint intervals and bicycle hill-climbing; non-competitive interests are mountain back-packing, and a return to music with improvisational jazz trumpet.
Parallel with athletic pursuits, Gregg achieved five degrees while at the University of Michigan including Doctorates in Dentistry, and PhD in Medicine-Neurosciences. He completed specialty surgery residency at Michigan, and has conducted academic and private practices in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery for 45 years. His clinical treatments and research have concentrated on diagnosis and repair of painful orofacial nerve injuries using microsurgery. Gregg has 125 scientific publications and has taught as Professor of Surgery at UNC, VCU and VT. Gregg was inducted into the CCHS Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Capital District Track & Field Hall of Fame in 2022. He is married with three children, and five grandchildren (all college graduates); he lives on a farm in the western mountains of Virginia.
Leonard Muhlich, Coach
Leonard R. Muhlich graduated from Ithaca College with a Bachelor of Science degree (1965). He taught at Richfield Springs Central School from 1965-1968, where he was the head baseball and football coach during that time. He came to Colonie in 1968 and taught physical education, health, driver education and was Regents business math teacher for one year.
Coach Muhlich coached varsity baseball from 1969-1994, compiling a record of (298-206). His teams won three Section II Championships (1972, 1981, 1989), they were Suburban Council Co-Champions four times (1978, 1989, 1992, 1993).
Coach Muhlich was also the assistant varsity football coach from 1970- 1978. Coach Muhlich retired from teaching in 1998.
Jim Sheehan, Coach
Jim Sheehan, long-time teacher, public official, mentor, and coach in Colonie, fostered the growth of Colonie athletics over his 40 years coaching football and boys basketball.
A 1957 graduate of Burnt Hills High School, Sheehan lettered in Football, Basketball and Baseball. He received his bachelor’s degree in Education from SUNY Oneonta in 1961, where he played on the men’s basketball team. He then began his 34-year teaching career in South Colonie.
Kicking off his coaching days in 1967, Sheehan helped create the 8th grade football program to develop players’ skills early and to strengthen the Colonie program. Described as being like a “utility player” in baseball, Sheehan was willing to take on any coaching role and went where he was needed to support Colonie athletics. Sheehan served as assistant coach to Colonie Hall of Fame basketball Coach, Pep Sand, coached numerous undefeated freshman and JV football teams, and led his teams to many winning seasons at the Varsity level. He even coached lacrosse for a couple years to ensure Colonie had a program.
As a Town of Colonie elected official, Sheehan championed the creation of new parks, athletic facilities, and programs to support Colonie youth
sports.
Through all his roles, Sheehan has been dedicated to Colonie’s youth, developing them as individuals, building confidence and discipline through athletics, teamwork, and a commitment to education and community.
Sheehan is the recipient of the Oneonta Distinguished Alumnus Award and the South Colonie PTA Mary Fraley Award.
Class of 2021
Frank Myers, Coach (Class of 1963)
Frank Myers graduated from SUNY Albany with a Bachelor’s Degree in 1968 and a Master’s Degree in 1977. He was a business teacher at Colonie Central High School for many years. He was the first girls outdoor track coach at Colonie and began the popular Colonie recreation department’s summer track meets and Dynamic Duo road race. As a coach, he has to his credit, two New York state championship girls cross country teams, a Federation State Championship, a national indoor mile championship, a two-time state champion 1600 meter runner and a Penn Relays’ 1500 Champion. Coach Myers continues to coach Cross Country and track at Colonie High school heading into his 52nd year of coaching. Coach Myers will also be inducted into the Capital Region Track, Field, and Cross Country Hall of Fame this year.
Don Myers, Track (Class of 1967)
Don Myers has been an avid runner, athlete, and friend to the youth of Colonie. A multi-letterman in cross country running, outdoor track, and basketball while a student at Colonie, Myers was the school record holder in the one-mile run from 1967-1975. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from the State University at Cortland and a master’s degree from Russell Sage College. Myers was awarded the Hudson-Mohawk Road Runners Club Distinguished Service Award for his work with the Colonie Recreation Department’s summer track program, which he helped start in 1968, and for his sponsorship of the Colonie Dynamic Duo road race which had 1979 as its inaugural year. Myers was also a hero and was recognized for saving two people who had fallen through the ice on Saratoga Lake in the winter of 1989. He and the other rescuers were given an award by the New York State Legislature and the event was filmed by WTEN Channel 10. Myers has been a member of the New York State Recreation and Parks Society and a charter member of the Capital District Track Officials Association.
Don Mion (Class of 1970)
Don Mion was a three-year starter in football and wrestling at both Colonie High School and the University of Albany. Named All-Suburban council his senior year, he was also a two-time Section 2 wrestling champion. As a senior, he captained both the football team and wrestling team and was voted “Most Athletic” by his classmates and a winner of the Edward E. Clearly award for outstanding football player. Don was awarded the Colonie Wrestling Distinguished alumni award in 2013.
Leo Carignan (Class of 1961) Colonie High School Induction Class of 1995
Leo Carignan has been a “super-fan” of the district’s Girls Basketball Program since its inception in 1975. In 20 years, he had never missed a game. At home games, he could be found working the concession stand or selling 50-50 tickets. Back in the early days, he served as a fill-in equipment manager, he went on scouting assignments and helped arrange the awards banquet. Although he never had a child play on a Colonie team, he supported the girls during the good and bad seasons. Before he became a bus driver and custodian for South Colonie Schools, he worked for 20th Century Fox Film Corporation as a manager.
Harold ‘Pep’ Sand (Class of 1947) Colonie High School Induction Class of 1996
“Pep” Sand has served this community for more than 30 years as a guidance counselor, coach and involved citizen. He has been co-chairman for the cancer drive, collected for the Heart Association, American Cancer Society and Multiple Sclerosis Society. He has counselled troubled young men through jail visitations.
David A. Gamble (Class of 1989) Colonie High School Induction Class of 2003
David A. Gamble , is a CCHS alumni who played in the National Football League. A Super Bowl champion with the Denver Broncos in 1998, Gamble was awarded the key to the Village of Colonie for his accomplishments and continued support to area youth. He has continued to mentor, motivate and serve as a positive role model through his involvement with Little League, Pop Warner and high school athletics. A CCHS letterman in three sports (football, basketball and track). A 1993 graduate of the University of New Hampshire, his accomplishments as a student athlete there included president of the Black Student Union and captain of the football team. He remains one of the top offensive players in UNH history in terms of yards gained and touchdowns scored. He has served as director of youth services for Trinity Institute, Homer Perkins Center and was executive director of the Field of Dreams for the City of Albany. He was assistant football coach at Siena College and also played in the Canadian Football League.
Paul Gansle (Class of 1960) Colonie High School Induction Class of 2014
Paul Gansle is a Masters Track and Field champion, the longest tenured varsity head coach in Colonie Central High School history, and a role model to South Colonie children for nearly a half century. Gansle taught Physical Education in the district for 47 years before retiring in 1997. A runner and hurdler for SUNY Cortland, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, Gansle was a varsity running coach at Colonie High for 32 years for the outdoor and indoor track and cross country teams. He ended his coaching career with 256 cross country dual meet victories, 28 invitational wins and 15 Section II championships in track and cross country. He also coached many other high school sports over the years, and continued to support South Colonie track and field well into retirement. Outside of the sporting arena, Gansle was a decorated lieutenant in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. As a long-time athlete, Gansle won numerous Masters Track and Field championships competing since 1984 in the Empire State Games, Empire State Senior Games and the Long Island Senior Games. He holds many meet records in these three meets. He was awarded the Adirondack Association’s age-graded Grand Prix Award for track and field from 2000-2003. His highest personal achievement came in 2003 when he won the U.S. Masters Indoor National Championship at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston jumping 4-feet, 11-1/4- inches in the high jump at the age of 61. His state and national masters’ highlights also include winning the 100-meter run, 200m, 400m and 300m hurdles, and being a part of three winning relay teams at the 2002 state masters. Locally, Gansle organized and laid out the course for the Village of Colonie’s Mayor Trophy 5K Run, which was run annually for 15 years on Columbus Day. He is also the founder of the annual South Colonie Elementary Cross Country Meet, still in existence today. His five children are all Colonie Central High School graduates.
Class of 2020
Barry Brown, Track (Class of 1962)
Barry Brown placed third in New York state at the cross country championships for the Raiders in 1961 and went to Providence College on a cross country scholarship. Brown was an All American in 1965.
After graduating from Providence, Brown became a world-class steeplechaser and road racer. He won multiple national and world championships and was part of the first father-son duo to break the four-minute mile in the US. Brown is a National Masters record holder and United States runner of the year multiple times in his age division. He has competed in three Olympic trials during his career. Brown is a member of the Road Racing Club of America Hall of Fame and the Capital District Track and Field Hall of Fame.
Michele Karangwa (Blot), Basketball (Class of 2002)
Michele Karangwa (Blot) led the Lady Raiders basketball team to the 2001 New York State Class A championship and the 2001 New York State Federation Championships. She scored 43 points in the federation game, a record that stood for 20 years. Over her career, the lady Raiders were 72 and 4 with Karangwa on the floor. She was named McDonald’s All American, Street and Smith All American, All-State first team (2002), a two time Channel 13 All-Star, Suburban Council Player of the year (2002), and Capital District Basketball Hall of Fame inductee (2012).
Caitlin Cucchiella (Colfer), Soccer (Class of 2005)
Caitlin Cucchiella (Colfer) was a scoring machine at Colonie. She was the first Suburban Council player to score 100 goals in her career. Cucchiella was three times named to all-state teams as well as two-times All American, two-times ALL-State, Suburban Council, Section II, and Fox 23 player of the year recognitions. She went on to have a successful career at The Ohio State University and played for national teams throughout the country and abroad including Ireland, Spain, and Portugal. Cucchiella coached at the collegiate level at Sage College and the University at Albany
1999 Girls XC Team (Class of 1999)
The Girls XC team of 1999 won the New York state championships and the Federation Championships and ranked number three in the country that year. Team members included Katie Twarog, Jen Kramer, Ashleigh Bordwell, Nicole Susser, Ashley Trembley, Sarah Lamback, and Julie La Frano. All members of the team received all-state recognition. In dominant fashion at the 1999 New York start meet, the team scored 23 points with the second-place team a distant 117 points. The icing on the cake, the team also won the cross country Fall Scholar-Athlete team award with a 97.1 GPA!
Dennis Foley, Lacrosse (Class of 1994)
Dennis Foley was a two-time Section II All-Star in 1993 and 1994. He was also a National High School All American in 1994. Foley was asked to play in the National High School All-Star game in Baltimore his senior year. Foley completed his high school career as the Section II all-time leading scorer. Foley went on to play Division III lacrosse at Nazareth College. He led Nazareth to the 1997 Division III national championship crown where he scored two goals and was the team’s second-leading scorer that season. In 1998, they were national runner-ups where Foley scored three goals and two assists in the finals. Foley was a Division III All American and Super six conference all-star. In 1999, due to an injury, he started the season late and still received conference all-star recognition and played in the National College North-South All-Star game. Foley scored a goal in every national championship game for two years. He was inducted into the Nazareth Sports Hall of Fame in 2007.
Paul Gerstenberger, Soccer (Class of 2005)
Paul Gerstenberger was a dominant force on the soccer field from 2001 to 2004 for the Garnet Raiders. He was a three-time Suburban Council and Section 2 All-Star. In 2004, he was named Section 2 Class A player of the year, NSCAA All-State and NSCAA All-East honors. He concluded his high school career as the all-time assist leader at Colonie. Gerstenberger received a scholarship to Boston College to play soccer and played in 63 games. He was named to the ACC all-tournament team in 2007. Gerstenberger played on the National U18 team in Northern Ireland and was chosen as an Olympic alternate for the U23 Olympic Team pool. In 2009, Gerstenberger was drafted professionally by the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer.
Matt Stenglein, Wrestler (Class of 2001)
Matt Stenglein wrestled varsity at Colonie in 7th and 12th grade and racked up 221 career wins, which was a section 2 record at the time. Stenglein was a section 2 champion four times. Stenglein also placed in the New York state championships four times and received all-state recognition. He still holds the Colonie record for most section 2 championships in school history. Stenglein also had a successful Freestyle and Greco-Roman career representing New York state multiple times at the national tournament in Fargo, ND. In 1998, Stenglein won a Greco Roman Cadet National Championship at 121lbs. Stenglein is currently on the Colonie High School Wrestling staff.
Arthur Hutton, Football, Basketball, Baseball (Class of 1940)
Arthur Hutton was a dominant three-sport athlete for Roessleville High school, currently Colonie High School, in the late 1930’s. Hutton was a running back for Roessleville Steamrollers, a six-man football team in 1939 and led them to the championship game of the Central Hudson Valley league championships. Hutton also led the basketball team to the finals of the league championships in 1939. He was the team’s season-high scorer with 65 points and was named to the league’s all-star team as a forward for the second year in a row. He was the first player to be named all-star two years in a row in the Central Hudson Valley League’s history. Hutton’s senior year of baseball was the fourth time Roessleville won the Central Hudson Valley league championship. In the Spring of 1940, Hutton signed up for the National Guard and served in WWII. Unfortunately, at the end of WWII Hutton died serving his country. Soon after the passing of Arthur Hutton, Colonie High School created an athletic award recognizing the senior male and female outstanding multi-sport athletes. This award is currently given annually at the senior awards night at Colonie High School.
Inducted in 2019 (Hall of Fame Inaugural Year)
Chuck Campagna (Class of 1973)
Chuck Campagna, Class of 1973, was the first professional football player to graduate from Colonie Central High School. He went on to study at American International College, graduated college and played for the New England Patriots of the National Football League and the Toronto Argonauts and Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League despite battling 14 serious and career ending hamstring injuries. He has been President and CEO of Amerlux Global Lighting for more than 20 years, leading the company in becoming one of the most prestigious architectural lighting companies in the world. Campagna has been married to his wife Lynda (Dawson), also a graduate of Colonie Central High School, for 29 years. The have four children Bradley, Olivia, Julia and Annabella. He was one of the first to be inducted into the Colonie Central High School Hall of Fame in 1994.
Kim Corbitt (Class of 2001)
Kim Corbitt is a 2001 graduate of Colonie Central High School. Corbitt played both tennis and basketball, but is best known for her accomplishments on the basketball court. In 2000 and 2001 she lead the Colonie Girls Basketball team to the Section 2 Championships and to the Class A Regional Championships. In 2001 Corbitt help lead the Raiders to a New York State Public High School Class A Championship and a New York State Federation Championship. Corbitt received numerous individual awards and recognitions including Section 2 Class A tournament – Most Valuable Player in 2000 and 2001. She also set the school record for most points scored in a single season and had 1,256 points for her career. Corbitt was named the Times Union and Troy Record Player of the Year in 2001. Corbitt received a full scholarship and went on to play her college career at the University of Maine.
Eric Emerick (Class of 1982)
Eric Emerick was a 1982 graduate of Colonie Central High School. While at Colonie High, Emerick was All-Metroland quarterback, but in 1986 suffered a devastating injury in an automobile accident. As a quadriplegic, Emerick, persevered in sports to become a tennis champion. In 1995, he won the U.S. Tennis Association National Indoor Doubles Wheelchair Championship and in the following year, he won the same championship while adding the singles championship. In 1996, he also won the U.S. Open quad singles championship. Emerick has operated a freelance desktop publishing company in his home. He was inducted into the Colonie Central High School Hall of Fame in 1997.
Kyle Plante (Class of 2012)
Kyle Plante is a 2012 graduate of Colonie Central High School. Plante participated in indoor track, outdoor track, lacrosse and soccer. Plante excelled in indoor and outdoor track, setting eight Section 2 All-Time Best Times in eight different events. In addition, Plante set school records in 21 different events, both indoor and outdoor, and was a state champion as an individual or on a relay team 10 different times. In addition to her state championships, Plante was an Indoor National Champion in the 200-meters and an Outdoor National Championship Runner-up.
Katie Twarog Moulton (Class of 2001)
Katie Twarog Moulton is a 2001 graduate of Colonie Central High School. Twarog participated in outdoor track, cross country and indoor track. Between these three sports Twarog was an eight time New York State Champion, four time Runner-up in the State Meet, five time All American and a two time First Team Class A All State Cross Country recipient. Twarog continued her running career at Providence College, running on the third best college cross country team in the country and was named indoor track and cross country captain. She is currently the Head Cross Country and Track & Field Coach and Director of Student Success and Retention at Nichols College.