By Amara Hintz ‘24
On September 15, 2023 at CVHS, Trey Keeley, Melissa (Gates) Rohrer, Gianna Yurchak, Lee Gerdes, Dave Evans, Doug Cody, Jenifer Wanger Teale, and Travis Switzer were inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame.
The Athletic Hall of Fame was created for individuals who have done outstanding things for the sports program at Conestoga Valley. This could include being an athlete, a coach, or helping out in the athletics department.
Out of all of the people inducted on the 15th, 6 out of the 8 inductees played a sport in high school, while the other 2 were recognized for coaching.
According to the Hall of Fame page on the CV District website, Randy Mellinger writes, “The individual nominated must be removed from either participating as an athlete or coaching at Conestoga Valley for at least five years; friends of athletics do not fall under this criteria.”
“I was inducted for my support of CV athletics in a variety of ways. I have been heavily involved in soccer…and ended up coaching for several years serving as a travel coordinator for a couple of years on CV youth soccer board and supported the high school team in the booster club,” said Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, Doug Cody.
“I felt a little unworthy because of not being a great athlete, but I definitely appreciated the recognition,” he added.
Another inductee, Gianna Yurchak, agreed, saying, “I felt very excited, very honored, I never thought this would happen.”
“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work,” she added when asked what advice she would give to athletes wanting to be in the Hall of Fame. “Work as hard even when people aren’t looking.”