Strong Clinton County connection in new West Branch Sports Hall of Fame class

WILLIAMSPORT, PA – An overflow crowd was on hand at the Williamsport Genetti Hotel Banquet Room on Nov. 13 to honor 14 former outstanding athletes, coaches, and contributors to the Class of 2022 for the West Branch Sports Hall of Fame. The inductees came from as far away as Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina.

This year’s inductees included half a dozen with Clinton County connections:

Joe Caruso, a standout multi-sport star at Lock Haven High School and an All-American baseball player at Alabama…

The late Bill Blacksmith, an NCAA wrestling champion at Lock Haven State College…

Ron Bowes, a successful high school wrestling coach in Maryland and a benefactor to Lock Haven University and the Keystone Central Foundation…

Mike Packer, a multi-sport star at Lock Haven High School, a record-setting quarterback at Lock Haven State College and a successful football coach at Lock Haven and Central Mountain High Schools…

George Way, an outstanding wrestler at Lock Haven State College…

Jess Zinobile, a standout in athletics at Lock Haven High School and a record-setting basketball player at St. Francis University…

Former Jersey Shore wrestling coach and president of the chapter Rod Laub welcomed the crowd, and Ken Sawyer served as Master of Ceremonies for his 45th year.