Thirteen people became the newest members of the Queensbury Union Free School District’s Athletics Hall of Fame during a dinner at The Queensbury Hotel on Saturday, Oct. 18.
The Athletics Hall of Fame recognizes and honors athletes, coaches, teams, administrators, staff and community members who have made significant contributions to Queensbury’s athletics program.
“Tonight is about you,” Athletic Director Richard Keys told the inductees. “Your accomplishments, your commitment and your sportsmanship have left a lasting mark on our school and our community, whether as athletes, coaches or contributors, you represent the best of what it means to be a Spartan.”
Each inductee earned a place in the Hall of Fame through dedication, talent and unrelenting drive for excellence, said Superintendent of Schools Kyle Gannon.
“You put us on the map,” Gannon said. “You showed us what was possible. And now, with this induction, your legacy becomes an official part of our school’s proud history.”
Queensbury swimming coach Ed Clark, who was honored posthumously at the event, was the district’s first director of aquatics as well as the head coach of the varsity football team. He began his educational journey as a Spartan on Sept. 3, 1969 and taught physical education for 21 years.
He was honored at the ceremony by his three children, including daughter Julie Clark, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame last year. She recalled the many years her father took students on canoe and camping trips to Canada and the Adirondacks.
“We learned how to roll a duffle bag, tuck our gear, carry our food, carry our canoe, read a map, work as a team, help those in need, follow a leader, share responsibilities, enjoy a one-pot meal, get up with the sun and make memories that last a lifetime,” Julie Clark said. “Whether it was football camp or camping trips, Dad believed those who shared the experiences built trust and acceptance of each other forming connections that link them together — a unique sort of team bonding.”
Three-sport athlete Jennifer Dennett Johnston ‘92 was a top-10 student and two-time female athlete of the year at Queensbury High School. She was inducted into the Hall of Fame along with her teammates Christy Lindstrand ‘92, Kathleen Moynihan Thompson ‘92, Monica Rodriguez Llanes ‘92 and Bobbie Tompkins ‘91.
She thanked her “sisters in battle.”
“We played almost every season together — field hockey, basketball, softball,” she said. “We pushed each other. We carried each other. We celebrated and cried together. We felt a lot of joy in our success and a lot of heartbreak in our defeats, but we did it together. We made each other better, and we wanted the best for each other. We were a family in the truest sense.”
Other inductees included Bruce Faubel ‘78, Jessica Fiore Keller ‘99, Michael Himes ‘84, James Hubert ‘88, Andrew Mackenzie ‘95, David Miller ‘78, and former Athletic Director W. Scott Stuart.
Tim Jones, the district’s sports information specialist, served as the evening’s master of ceremonies. Jones said it was a privilege to research and share the inductees’ achievements.
“Your exceptional contributions to Queensbury’s history of athletics and our community will be cherished forever,” Jones said.