Selinsgrove Area High School Sports Hall-of-Fame
The Sports Hall-of-Fame was created in order to give the alumni an opportunity to acknowledge the athletic accomplishments and achievements of those who passed through the halls of Selinsgrove Area High School.
The Alumni Association encourages alumni and friends aware of graduates who have excelled and/or supported athletics during and after high school to make a nomination.
The Sports Hall-of-Fame was designed to complement the existing Distinguished Alumni Recognition, but with a different focus.
Some Examples of a Deserving Candidate Might Include:
Portrayal of Individuals character while attending or post SAHS
Academic/ Disciplinary standing while attending or post SAHS
Excellence in athletics achieved while attending or post SAHS
Excellence in advancement of athletics through non-athletic activities achieved while attending or post SAHS
Demonstrated personal leadership and positive role modeling in athletic/non-athletic actions while attending or post SAHS
Nominate a player, coach, or team to the Selinsgrove Area High School Sports Hall-of-Fame
Selinsgrove Area High School Sports Hall-of-Fame
2026 Selinsgrove Area High School Sports Hall-of-Fame
We were thrilled to announce that Frank C. Hedderich, Class of 1973, Robert “Tommy” Thompson, Coach, Larry Kerstetter, Class of 1960, David Lauer, Class of 1976, Erica Hess-Gross, Class of 2007, Matthew “Matt” Cook, Class of 2007, Steven Brouse, Class of 2004, Steve Deckard, Class of 1981, Charity Payne, Class of 2002, Brent Beiler, Baseball Coach, and the 2009 Selinsgrove Seals Football Team were honored as our 2026 recipients.
Frank C. Hedderich – Class of 1973
During his four years at Selinsgrove, Frank excelled as a three-sport varsity athlete excelling in football, basketball, and track/field. Frank’s athletic success continued at West Virginia Wesleyan College, where he became a top hurdler in the nation achieving two NCAA All-American honors as well as earning induction into the college’s Athletic Hall of Fame. His elite performance earned him qualification for the 1980 U.S. Olympic Trials.
Frank’s achievements in golf span more than 35 years where he served as a PGA Professional and General Manager with HIO Golf Management and held leadership roles within the Mid-Atlantic PGA.
Frank Hedderich embodies the highest ideals of the SAHS Athletic Hall of Fame. His commitment, discipline, and competitive drive made him a multi-sport high school standout performer, respected teammate and leader, nationally recognized collegiate athlete, a PGA leader, an entrepreneur, and a community role model.
Robert “Tommy” Thompson – Coach
Coach Tommy stands as one of the most influential and enduring figures in Selinsgrove Area High School athletics. Over a remarkable 44-year coaching career, spanning sixty total sport seasons where he coached at least one team, Coach Thompson shaped generations of student-athletes through his leadership in boys’ and girls’ track & field, wrestling, football, softball, and cross country. His influence extended across nearly every corner of Selinsgrove athletics including 15 years as an assistant wrestling coach, 8 years assisting boys’ track, 5 years as head girls’ softball coach, 2 years as head cross country coach, and 25 years as assistant girls’ track coach.
Throughout his career, Tommy coached numerous athletes who went on to achieve district, state, and national recognition. His coaching style was calm, respectful, and deeply athlete-centered. He invested equal time and care into every athlete. His decades of service, coaching, and commitment to young people make him a truly deserving inductee who had a profound impact on the school and community.
Larry Kerstetter – Class of 1960
Larry is recognized for his accomplishments across high school, collegiate, and professional athletics, as well as his contributions as an educator and coach. His career reflects a combination of competitive excellence, leadership, and lifelong dedication to sport and community.
At Selinsgrove, Larry excelled in both football and wrestling, competing in an era when team success was the ultimate measure of achievement. He was a key member of the wrestling program and his impact extended on to the football field.
Larry’s athletic success continued at Susquehanna University, where he became a standout during one of the most successful eras in Crusader football history compiling a 4 season record of 32-2-1. His performance earned him recognition on the Little All-American Football Team, First Team AP All-State selection, and induction in the Susquehanna Athletic Hall of Fame.
Larry briefly played professionally for the Jersey City Giants of the Atlantic Coast Football League, showcasing his versatility by transitioning from fullback to linebacker contributing to three defensive shutouts.
Larry began a 33-year career teaching mathematics at Shikellamy High School while serving as an assistant football coach.
David Lauer – Class of 1976
Dave’s career at Selinsgrove stands as one of the most influential coaching legacies in school history. Before coaching, Dave was a three-sport competitor excelling in football, basketball, and track. He competed at the state level in multiple events and was part of the 1976 state championship team. His athletic career continued at Kutztown State College, where he competed in jumps, hurdles, and high jump, and served as team captain.
As head coach of girls’ track and field, Dave built successful teams which amassed a career record of 190–63 including a 179–21 mark his final 25 years while producing league, district championships and individual state medalists. He also served as assistant for boys’ track, head coach for cross country, and a mentor across all levels of athletics. Dave’s coaching style was defined by calm confidence, technical expertise, and genuine care for every athlete.
In 1982, he became the first women’s track coach at Susquehanna University, leading the team to a runner-up finish at the MAC Championships. His coaching excellence was recognized with ten “Girls’ Track Coach of the Year” awards, and he guided numerous athletes to collegiate competition.
Beyond athletics, Dave served 34½ years as a respected teacher, leaving a lasting mark on the school community.
Erica Hess-Gross – Class of 2007
Erica achieved outstanding success in Selinsgrove track and field. She set a school record in the 400m and 4x400m relay, a four‑time District Champion in the 400m, and a two‑time District Champion in the 4x400m. Her dominance in the 400m sprint over four consecutive years is a remarkable accomplishment, establishing her as one of the most elite sprinters in school history.
Erica continued her excellence at the NCAA Division II level, becoming an accomplished athlete in her university’s program. She earned two Division II All‑American honors, qualified for national championships, and became a 23‑time PSAC place winner. She captured the PSAC Indoor as a freshman, six PSAC titles, contributed to championship relay teams, and set school records some of which still stand today.
Beyond athletics, Erica has continued to uplift others through her professional and creative work as an optometrist, a Goldie Literary Award finalist author whose books have inspired young people seeking affirmation and hope.
Matthew “Matt” Cook – Class of 2007
From the moment he stepped onto the football field as a freshman, Matt built an impressive athletic résumé in football. He became a four-time CSC Champion, three-time State Quarterfinalist, and All-State honors twice at linebacker - Second Team 2005 and First Team 2006. He was a two-way standout, named a Daily Item All-Star at both running back and linebacker. His leadership helped propel Selinsgrove to its first undefeated regular season since 1928.
Matt also excelled during his collegiate career at Delaware Valley University. He graduated as the program’s all-time leader in numerous rushing records, earned MAC Offensive Player of the Year honors, three First Team All-MAC selections, and AFCA All-American recognition. He led DelVal to multiple MAC Championships and back-to-back NCAA Playoff appearances and was inducted into the Delaware Valley University Hall of Fame in 2023.
He has volunteered at youth football events, supported community initiatives, and remained a visible and positive presence in the Selinsgrove football family.
Steven Brouse – Class of 2004
Steve stands as a versatile and accomplished multi-sport athlete. He was a three-year letterman and two-year captain in both football and basketball.
On the football field, his versatility was demonstrated by remaining the only player in Seals history to record a passing, rushing, receiving, and defensive touchdown in the same season. Steve’s offensive production ranks among the best in program history earning him two All-Conference selections, Reading Eagle All-Anthracite Area honors, Daily Item Player of the Year, a spot on the WNEP Super 16 Dream Team, and two Pennsylvania 33 All-State selections.
In basketball, Steve was a three-year starter and two-year captain and was one of the most dominant players of his era. He also earned a letter in track and field, qualifying for districts in the 400 meters and triple jump.
Steve continued his athletic success at the University of Connecticut, where he became a four-year letterman and fifth-year senior helping the Huskies reach three bowl games, win their first Big East Championship, and support Donald Brown’s NCAA-leading rushing season.
He earned rookie camp invitations from the New Orleans Saints and Cleveland Browns, along with tryouts for the Giants and Bills.
Today, Steve is an educator, coach, and community leader in West Hartford, Connecticut.
Steve Deckard – Class of 1981
Steve distinguished himself as a dominant force in wrestling, football, and track and field.
In wrestling he earned PIAA AAA All-State honors twice, posted back-to-back undefeated seasons, team captain, two District Championships, two Myrtle Ray Tournament championships, and top-three finishes at both Regional and State tournaments. His achievements earned him induction into the District 4 Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2012, as well as selection to the USA AAU Wrestling Delegation to Japan representing his country.
On the football field he earned four letters and excelled as a defensive and offensive multi-position athlete and was twice named team captain. Steve capped his senior season with PIAA Class AAA All-State honors at linebacker.
In track and field, Steve was a four-year letterwinner and a 1981 state qualifier in the javelin.
Steve’s athletic career continued at Susquehanna University, where he became one of the most decorated wrestlers in school history. A three-time team captain, two-time MAC Champion, and two-time NCAA Division III Tournament qualifier, he earned All-American honors with a 3rd-place national finish in 1985. His numerous school records led to his induction into the Susquehanna University Sports Hall of Fame in 2000.
Beyond athletics, Steve built a successful career as a respected entrepreneur and licensed financial advisor, while giving back to the community as a coach and youth sports mentor.
Charity Payne – Class of 2002
Charity was a three-sport athlete excelling in field hockey, basketball, and track & field. Her track and field career remains one of the most decorated in school history. She earned numerous invitational, league, and district gold medals, culminating in the 2002 Pennsylvania State Championship in the shot put and a sixth-place finish in the discus. That same year, she was named District IV Female Athlete of the Year and Selinsgrove’s top female athlete. She was a four-year varsity letter winner in both track and basketball and a three-year varsity letter winner in field hockey. Her school shot-put record stood for more than a decade.
At Penn, Charity became one of the most accomplished throwers in program history. A four-year letter winner and team captain, she earned Ivy League Indoor and Outdoor Shot Put Championships in 2004 and 2005 and was named First Team All-Ivy. She held the Penn shot-put record from 2004–2013 and still ranks 5th all-time outdoors and 8th all-time indoors. Her achievements earned her a place on the United Kingdom Tour Track Team in 2006, representing Penn internationally.
Charity earned her Master of Public Health, focusing on childhood physical activity and obesity prevention resulting in her capstone research which evaluated structured play in Philadelphia schools, reflecting her dedication to youth wellness.
Brent Beiler – Baseball Coach
A graduate of Lancaster Mennonite School, Brent began his collegiate baseball career at Montgomery County Community College before transferring to Bloomsburg University. There, he completed his final two years of eligibility and competed in the Division II College World Series—an experience that shaped his competitive spirit and coaching philosophy preparing him for his 23-year career as head baseball coach at Selinsgrove. He joined Coach Jim Messner’s staff as an assistant for five seasons and assumed the head coach position upon Messner’s retirement in 2002.
Since that time, Coach Beiler compiled a career record of 275 wins and 199 losses and a 10–4 record in state tournament play. Coach Beiler guided Selinsgrove to four conference and six district championships. His crowning achievement came in 2019, leading the program to its first—and still only—state championship. He followed that by returning to the state final in 2022, finishing as runner-up. His was recognized as “Daily Item” Coach of the Year five times. Brent developed countless standout athletes, including Daily Item all-stars and Pennsylvania All-State selections.
Brent’s commitment to Selinsgrove athletics extends beyond baseball where each fall, he contributes to the cross-country program, helping develop junior high and varsity runners. His dedication to student-athletes across multiple sports demonstrated his belief in the value of hard work, discipline, and personal growth.
2009 Selinsgrove Seals Football Team
The team is recognized for capturing the PIAA Class AAA State Championship—the first football state title in school history—and completing a flawless 16–0 season. Their 10–7 victory over Manheim Central at Hersheypark Stadium on December 18, 2009, remains a defining moment for the program and the entire Selinsgrove community.
Entering 2009, Selinsgrove football had already established itself as a consistent force winning consecutive conference championships in 2008 and 2009. Throughout the season, the Seals distinguished themselves with a combination of dominant defense, balanced offense, and unwavering resilience. This complete-team approach propelled Selinsgrove through a challenging schedule and into a postseason run marked by victories over several top-ranked opponents. Capping the championship game was the decisive final drive securing a 10–7 win over Manheim Central. With that victory, Selinsgrove became the first District IV team in the top two classifications to win a state football championship.
Beyond the scoreboard, the 2009 team left an enduring impact Selinsgrove football and the broader community. Their success elevated the program’s statewide reputation, strengthened community identity, and inspired future generations of athletes.
Today, the 2009 Seals remain prominently recognized in the school’s historical records, serving as a benchmark for achievement within Selinsgrove athletics.