1. Athletes must have been out of school for a period of ten years.
2. Administrators, coaches, boosters and other community members are eligible for nomination, with a ten year waiting period from initial contribution to the school.

Black Knight Hall of Fame Application 

2022 Inductees:
Scott Piccolo - 1989
Jon Williams - 2006
Jason Bonasera - 2007
Matt Johengen - 2007

2021 Inductees:
Mike Mangano - 1963
Ray Cross - 1965
Joe Krupa - 1975
Bob Schwenkel - 1970
Dean Goodell - 1971
Archie Bradley - Coach/Administrator
Alvin “Mac” Crowe - Administrator (posthumous)

2018 Inductees:

Larry Barreca: Class of 1966: While at Silver Creek Larry lettered in football, basketball, wrestling and baseball.  Baseball was Larry’s first love.  He was a three year starter on the varsity, playing shortstop and catcher.  He was class vice-president for three years.  He was an active member of Student Council, Key Club and Hi-times.  After graduation he attended Erie Community College.  Following college Larry joined the Dunkirk National Guard where he became a Sargent.  Throughout his adult life Larry played for many town and company sponsored baseball teams.  Larry was married and had four children.  He was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 1980 and lost his battle to cancer in February of 1990.  His contribution to Silver Creek baseball continues today as the Larry Barreca award is still awarded to the senior who most demonstrates a love for the game of baseball.

Dan Bradley: Class of 1995: Dan earned three varsity letters in football, two in baseball and two in golf while at Silver Creek.  Most of Dan’s success came on the football field.  In 1994 he was named a Blue Chip Illustrated Pre-Season All American and was the #19 ranked Senior in New York State according to Super Prep Magazine.  As a senior Dan was named Honorable All-WNY having finished his career passing for over 2,300yards.  In February of 1995 Dan signed his NLI to play football at Wake Forest University.  Dan played for 5 seasons earning a varsity letter and was a member of the 1999 Aloha Bowl Champions.   

Paul Mangano: Class of 1969: Paul Lettered in football, basketball and baseball while at Silver Creek.  He was selected first team all-league quarterback in the 1968 and 1969 seasons.  He was a two-year letterman as a basketball player.  In 1967 and 1968 Paul was selected first team all-league catcher.  In 1968 he helped lead the Black Knights to an undefeated baseball season which was highlighted by 20 hits and a batting average of .400.  After high school he spent two years in the United States Army.  In 1972 he attended JCC where he played baseball for two years.  Paul was named to the National Junior College Athletic Association All-Regional 1st Team as well as the Penn York Athletic Conference All-Conference 1st Team.  He then attended Cornell University as the starting catcher finishing with a .385 batting average.  He finished his college baseball career at Buffalo State splitting duties between 3rd base and catching and was one of the team leaders in hitting.  Paul also coached the JCC Cattaraugus campus women’s basketball team leading them to the NJCAA’s regional finals.  In 2000, he was inducted into the Jamestown Community College's Jayhawk Distinguished Athletic Club, as a Charter Member, recognizing the Top 50 Athletes in Jamestown Community Colleges Jayhawk History. 

Chris Perry: Class of 1993: Chris earned letters in football, wrestling, track and volleyball while at Silver Creek.  He was a thrower on the varsity track team for four years.  On the wrestling mat and the football field is where Chris excelled.  Chris was a dominating heavy weight wrestler with 99 wins finishing as the 3rd ranked heavy weight wrestler in New York State.  In 1991 Chris helped lead one of the best football teams in Silver Creek history finishing with a 10-1 record including a regional championship.  Chris was named the Jim Burt Award winner which goes to the best defensive lineman of the year.  He was named team MVP and was also named to the ALL-Western NY football team as well as the class C all-state team.   Chris was named to the Post Journal All-Star team and competed in the Lions Club Classic all-star football game. 

Pete Stockunas: Class of 1966: Pete played football for four years, earning two Varsity Letters.  He was Honorable Mention All-Conference his junior year and a unanimous All-Conference selection his senior year.  A three-year letter winner in track, he set school records in the shot put and discus in 1966 that are still unbroken.  He also set meet records in both events at the Section 6 Championships.  He went on to qualify for the New York State Championships in both events.

In addition to his Regents Scholarship, he earned an academic scholarship to Alfred University, where he competed in track for four years, and football for three years.  His senior year, he went undefeated in the discus, won ECAC State Discus Championship, and was named Alfred University's Senior Athlete of the Year.  He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army.

He continued to compete in the Army for several years, winning the shot and discus at the First Army Area (East Coast) Track and Field Championships at Fort Meade, Maryland in 1972.  Both were track and meet records.

While assigned as an ROTC Instructor at Clemson University in 1985, he became involved with YMCA Youth Track Programs and started coaching local high school throwers.  After his Army retirement in 1993, he taught high school Junior ROTC for 18 years, coaching part-time.  Now fully retired, he enjoys helping his daughter with her high school throwers. 

2017 Inductees

Matt Mazurek - Class of ’02 - (introduced by Mike Janisch): Matt earned seven varsity letters in the sports of football, basketball and baseball while at Silver Creek. As a football player Matt was the quarterback for two years, being a team captain his senior year as well as Class C all-star. He was a two year starter on the basketball team as well, earning first team all-league selection his senior year. Matt was a three year stand-out on the baseball diamond. In his senior year he was named Post-Journal Player of the year as well as being named to the All-Western NY team. Matt was also awarded the Silver Creek Senior Athlete of the Year. Matt went on to play baseball at JCC, then on to Division 1 Canisius College. In 2006 Matt was named the Canisius College Male Athlete of the Year. He went on to play baseball professionally in the Independent league, playing for the Joliet Jackhammers and the Rockford Riverhawks. In the fall of 2017 Matt was named the head baseball coach at his alma mater Canisius College.

Tom Herring Jr. - Class of ’83 - (introduced by Tom Herring Sr. and Tom Herring III): Tom earned 12 varsity letters during his high school career playing football, basketball, and golf. During his football career, he was the kicker and punter as well as a two year starter at QB. He was selected to the All-League team in his senior year. His basketball career landed him a three year starting position at point guard. During his senior year he earned All-League honors as well as being selected as team MVP. Tom received six varsity letters in golf, beginning in 7th grade. He also earned All-League honors and was selected as team MVP all four years of High School. He was a member of four Bi-County Golf League Team Championships for the Black Knights. As a sophomore, he was the Section 6 WNY medalist, qualifying for the New York State High School Golf Championships. He was recognized as the most successful Scholastic golf participant in school history with a 102-18-7 overall individual record. Tom was the runner up in the PGA Junior Championship (NE Division). He won the NY-PENN Junior Championship and was selected to participate in the prestigious International Junior Masters Tournament. Tom went on to continue his golf career at the University of Louisville averaging 74.7 strokes per round with his best finish a 2nd in the Ball State Invitational.

Connie Williams - Class of ’83 - (introduced by Wayne Hotelling): Connie earned eleven varsity letters in the sports of volleyball, basketball, track and tennis. Connie participated in tennis for one year and two years of track. Connie was a four year starter in volleyball and basketball. She was the team MVP in her junior and senior year in both sports. She was also a first team all-star in both basketball and volleyball in her junior and senior years. Connie finished her career with over 1,000 points in basketball. Connie went on to attend Kettering University where she participated in intramural sports as no intercollegiate programs were offered there. Connie is currently employed by H. Beck, Inc. where she is an advertising compliance supervisor.

Larry Huff Sr. - Class of ’69 - (introduced by Larry Huff Jr.): Larry earned eight varsity letters in the sports of football, wrestling and track while at Silver Creek. Larry competed in the shot and discus for the Black Knight track team for three years. As a heavyweight wrestler Larry was a dominating figure. In the 1966 season Larry was undefeated. As a football player Larry was also a destructive force on the offensive and defensive lines. Larry helped anchor the lines for an undefeated Black Knight team in 1968. He was a league all-star all three years. Larry went on to play football at the University at Buffalo until the team was cut. Larry went on to focus on competing in the sport of powerlifting. Larry was a New York State and Pennsylvania state drug free powerlifting champ and competed into his late fifties. Larry was instrumental in the development of the Black Knight football booster club, as well as having served as a coach in the district.

James Azzarella Sr. - Class of ’70 - (introduced by Gerry Zoladz): Jim earned nine varsity letters in the sports of football, basketball and baseball in his time at Silver Creek. As a football player he was a three year starter and was named all-league on both sides of the ball in his junior and senior season. Jim was a two year starter on the basketball court and was named all-league in both seasons. In the sport of baseball Jim was a four year starter. In his freshman season he set the school record for hits at that time. Jim was named to the all-league baseball team all four years. He was named to the Post Journal all-star team as well as the All-WNY baseball team. After school Jim continued to play baseball, softball, hockey and golf. He has been a four time club champion at Tri-County Country Club. Jim officiated volleyball, basketball and baseball at the high school level for many years within Chautauqua County. Jim retired from the NYS Department of Corrections after a 33-year career. 

2016 Inductees

Dan Vona - Class of ‘87: Dan earned varsity letters in basketball, baseball and golf while at Silver Creek. As a basketball player he was the starting point guard on the 19 Sectional Championship team. As a golfer he was named the Post Journal Player of the week 15 times. He won 4 consecutive Bi-County Golf League championships. He was the 1984 NYS junior champion. In 1986 he made it to the finals of the international junior Masters. Dan was the youngest player, at 17, to win the Buffalo District Men’s Individual Championship. Dan went on to golf at Penn State College where he was named team captain. Dan participated in over 20 National American Junior Golf Association Events that toured around the USA. He finished 2nd in the Bluegrass Junior invitational beating players like Stewart Cink and Jim Furyk. Finished 2nd at the Great Lakes Buick Junior, 1985, beating Phil Mickelson. He has also won the club championship at Tri County Country Club four times and one time at Wanakah Country Club. Dan has been a head professional or general manager at multiple country clubs in Florida and Georgia. In 2000 Dan earned his PGA class “A” certificate.

Mark Klein - Class of ‘74: Mark earned varsity letters in football, basketball and baseball while at Silver Creek. Mark was a four year varsity baseball player and during that time his teams won two league titles and one Sectional title. In basketball Mark was a two year starter in which both seasons his teams won league titles. In his senior year Mark led his team to an 18-2 record. He also finished the season with 3 school records: 23.2 pts/gm, 462 points, FT shooting- 78.4%. Mark was named a Prep All-American, Scoring Champion of Division 2, NY State Sports Writers Association All-Star Team, All-Conference, Section 6 Class BB Player of the Year, Co-Winner 1974 NBA Buffalo Braves Outstanding Player Award. Mark went on to play baseball and basketball at SUNY Geneseo. Mark played centerfield and batted .400 while at Geneseo. As a basketball player Mark was the school’s first freshman to start every game. He was named to the 1st team All-SUNYAC. Mark set the school record shooting 87% from the FT line. He averaged 18.8 points per game, 3.9 rebounds per game and a FG percentage of 50.7%.

Bill Smith - Class of ‘67: Bill earned four varsity letters in basketball and golf and one varsity letter in cross country. In 1967 Bill led his team to a league championship as well as setting school records for rebounds in a game with 26, rebounds in one season with 314 and a rebounding average of 16.5 per game. That same year Bill scored 38 pts in a game breaking the school record previously held by George Carter. Bill averaged over 20 points per game that season and was a first team allstar. Bill was also named the Chautauqua county class “B” most outstanding player. Bill went on to play basketball at SUNY Fredonia.

Carl Bennedict: Coach Carl graduated from Jordan Central High School in 1951. He went on to attend the Brockport State Teachers College graduating in 1958. While at Brockport Carl lettered in football and basketball all four years. In 1954, Carl set the freshman single game scoring record with 37pts. He began teaching physical education at Silver Creek in 1961. From 1961 to 1965 Carl was the boys head basketball coach. He finished with a 54-35 record, winning the 1961 Section 6 Championship. From 1965-1981 Carl served as the varsity football coach finishing with a 73-45-2 over-all record, 3 division titles and 2 Section 6 championships.

1954-1955 Boys Basketball teams

2015 Inductees

Ryan Mangano - Class of ‘03: Ryan earned letters in four varsity sports, soccer, football, basketball and volleyball. In soccer Ryan was a four year starter and won one Sectional Title. As a senior he was team MVP, Observer POY, CCAA POY as well as a 1st ALL-WESTERN NY selection. Ryan finished the season with 52 goals and 126 career goals. In basketball Ryan was a 1st teams selection three times, Observer POY twice, CCAA POY. He finished his career averaging 24.6ppg, 546 pts in one season and a total of 1,272 pts which is the current record. He went on to play soccer at MCC where he led the team in scoring. He finished his collegiate career at Medaille College where he was named Athlete of the year, conference POY, 1st team ALL-AMERICAN, and the National Scoring Champion.

Tracy (Kelly) Estee - Class of ‘90: Tracy earned five varsity letters in cross country and five varsity letters in track and field while at SC. She placed five times in the county cross country meet placing first in 1988. She placed at the Section Six meet five times, placing first in 1987 and 1988. In the NYS meet she placed five times with two top ten finishes. She went on to the University at Buffalo where she competed in cross country, Indoor and outdoor Track and field. In 1990 she was named University at Buffalo top newcomer for cross country. In 2010 she finished 1st in the 10,000m, 1st in the 5,000m and first in her age group in the 1500m. In 2010 she also finished first in the Erie Marathon. In 2011 she won her age group in the Buffalo runner of the year series.

Dr. Lance Benedict - Class of ‘78: Lance earned two varsity letters in the sport of football, two in basketball and two in baseball while at Silver Creek. In the sport of baseball Lance was name MVP his senior year. In basketball he won one Sectional title. His senior year he was a first team all-league player, team MVP and named ALL-WESTERN NY. In football Lance was the starting quarterback and safety his junior and senior year. He was named team MVP. He went on to attend the University of Michigan Tech on a football scholarship. As a junior and senior at Michigan Tech he was the starting quarterback. He coached football at both Michigan Tech and Hudson Valley Community College. He went on to become a Chiropractor and then the President, CEO and part owner of Industry Lab Diagnostic Partners, LLC Coach

Wayne Somerfeldt - Class of ‘77: Wayne earned one varsity letter in cross country and three letters in basketball and baseball while at Silver Creek. In the sport of basketball, Wayne earned second team all-league honors as a junior. In his senior season Wayne helped lead the team to a Section 6 title. He was named Dunkirk Observer first team all-star, as well as the player of the year. He was named to the Jamestown Post Journal first team. After high school Wayne went on to Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, where he earned four varsity letters. Wayne finished his career at Roberts Wesleyan with over 1,000 points.

Coach Curt Raymond: Coach Raymond attended Tupper Lake HS, in Central NY, where he earned eleven letters in four varsity sports. Curt went on to attend Ithaca College where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education. While at Ithaca he participated in soccer, baseball, basketball and outdoor track. Coach Raymond began coaching and teaching in Silver Creek in 1962 until his retirement in 1998. He was the defensive coordinator for the football team for ten years. He was the head varsity baseball coach for thirteen years finishing with 117 wins, 8 league titles and one sectional title. He held the varsity basketball position for seventeen years and finished with 251 wins and only 93 losses, 8 league championships and one sectional title. In 1987 he became the Fredonia State women’s basketball team assistant coach. The following season he moved to an assistant role with the men’s team and continued in the role for ten years. Within the county and the section Curt served many roles including Sectional Basketball Committee Chairman.

2014 Inductees

Terry Ransbury - Class of '45: Coach Ransbury lettered in Football, Basketball and Baseball while at Silver Creek. He attended Brockport State where he lettered in Football, Basketball and Track. As a coach he led the Black Knights to an undefeated season in football in 1960 and an undefeated season in baseball 1961. He led Jamestown high school to an undefeated season in football in 1964 and Clarence high school in 1961 and 1962. Coach Ransbury has been inducted into the Brockport, Chautauqua County and Clarence High School Hall of Fames.

Greg Betts - Class of '79: Greg earned varsity letters in football and wrestling three times and Track and Field four times while at Silver Creek. Greg was a two time Grape bowl MVP and a two time All-league football player. He finished his wrestling career with an 80-8 record. In track and field Greg was a three time sectional champ in discus and a two time sectional champ in the shot put. As a coach Greg was named the Post Journal wrestling coach of the year in 2007 and NYS sportsmanship coach of the year in 2012. Greg had the privilege of coaching many wrestlers at the NYS championships including 2 of his sons. He has spent the last 30 years as a coach in the Cassadaga, Fredonia and Silver Creek school districts.

Debbie (Cotton) Gula - Class of '87: Debbie earned 5 varsity letters in basketball and 6 varsity letters in softball while at Silver Creek. She earned multiple team awards in basketball and softball including MVP. She earned the most accolades in the sport of softball where she went on to play at Hilbert College for two years as the starting catcher. In her second season at Hilbert she was named team captain. After her two years at Hilbert Debbie earned a full scholarship to play catcher at Division 1 Georgia State.

Bridgette (Bradley) Wilde - Class of '93: Bridgette earned four varsity letters in both basketball and softball as well as two letters in volleyball while at Silver Creek. She was named team MVP in both basketball and softball in her sophomore, junior and senior years. She was named to the All-Western NY softball team in 1993 and finished her career in basketball having scored 978 points. Bridgette went on to play softball at Baldwin-Wallace College in Ohio. Bridgette received her Master’s Degree from Syracuse University and in 2002 and received her PhD from Arizona State University.

2013 Inductees
Howard Emhke - Class of 1913
Don Mohart - Class of 1947
Jim Mangano Sr. - Class of 1956
Rich Mangano - Class of 1961
George Carter - Class of 1963
Tom Carlson - Class of 1967    
Jim DeAngelo - Class of 1969
Elmer Steeprock - Class of 1977
Jeff Pagano - Class of 1981
Florence Williams-Cook - Class of 1981
Lauren (Brennan) Smith - Class of 1989