2024 Baldwin-Whitehall School District Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees Announced
On Monday, February 12, 2024, the Baldwin-Whitehall School District inducted four coaches, three teams, and one individual athlete into the Baldwin-Whitehall School District Athletic Hall of Fame.
“These athletes stand as inspiring examples of dedication, drive, focus, and teamwork. It is a joy to celebrate them with this honor,” reflected Dr. Randal A. Lutz, Superintendent of Schools
2024 Inductees:
- Maddison Sgattoni
- Coach Bob Gneuhs
- Coach Ed Helbig
- Coach Bunny Schmidt
- Coach Rich Wright
- 1987–88 Ice hockey team
- 2014 and 2015 Girls volleyball teams
The recognition took place at the varsity basketball game on Monday, February 12th.
MADDISON SGATTONI
During her Senior year Maddie won the WPIAL Scholar Athlete Award, the Bress Award Female Athlete of the year, 4A WPIAL Player of the year, Big 56 All section first team and the KDKA Extra Effort Award winner. During her 4 years as a player Maddie was a 3 time PVC Pennsylvania All state Selection, 3 time All WPIAL First team Selection, 4 time all section selection, Purbalite Female Athlete of the year, 2 time Post Gazette Athlete of the week and the 2014 WPIAL player of the year. Maddie continued her playing career at the Naval Academy where she earned several honors including rookie of the week 4 times, NAAA Athlete of the week, All Patriot League Player of the week 2 times, All Patriot League First Team Selection, Patriot League Championship MVP, All Patriot League 2nd team 2 times and was named Captain her final 2 seasons. Upon Graduation, Maddie went on to become an Officer in the United States Marine Corp where she is currently serving.
COACH BOB GNEUHS
Over his four decades as a Fighting Highlander, Coach was part of 24 section titles and 10 WPIAL titles as an assistant softball coach. Coach Gneuhs’s development of athletes was evident as he coached over 10 division 1 athletes, numerous division 2 and 3 athletes and ultimately was a part of 11 softball players being inducted into the Baldwin-Whitehall Hall of Fame.
COACH ED HELBIG
Coach Helbig is entering his 49th year as a track coach in the District! An assistant coach for 19 years and this will be his 30th as the head coach. During his time in the BWSD, Coach Helbig has earned 2 WPIAL championships, 5 WPIAL runner ups, 38 section championships, 75 individual WPIAL champions and 15 individual PIAA champions!
COACH BUNNY SCHMIDT
Joining the coaching team in 1993, Coach Bunny was influential in building the 1999 WPIAL championship team. She also was a huge part of runners Dan Mazzacco and David Adley winning the WPIAL championship during their time here. Dan went on to become a state champion. Bunny became the men's head coach in 2006 and remained at that position till being forced to retire as her illness became too difficult to continue coaching in 2017. Coach lost her battle with Cancer a year ago. Each October Highlanders celebrate her with the Pink out cc event Bunny's Run.
COACH RICH WRIGHT
Coach Wright lead his 1999 CC team to a WPIAL championship and was part of the 2002 track WPIAL championship. He has coached 23 WPIAL champions and 3 different state champions, totaling 8 PIAA championships during his time here. Coach is also a member of the Pittsburgh Marathon Hall of fame. He is on the PIAA selection committee and he is a voting member of the track and field hall of fame. A dedicated runner himself, Coach Wright has a consecutive day running streak spanning over 29 years.
1987-88 ICE HOCKEY TEAM
The 1987-88 Ice Hockey Team has previously been inducted into the Pennsylvania High School Hockey Hall of Fame for their accomplishments on the ice during the 87-88 season. The team was the winner of the AAA Penguin Cup and ultimately the PIAA state Champions.
2014 AND 2015 GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TEAMS
Both of these teams finished each regular season with perfect records. 2014 went 19-0 and the 2015 team went 21-0. Both years, the teams were tournament champions of every tournament they entered. Both seasons, the teams defeated North Allegheny for the WPIAL titles. Both years the matches went 5 sets.Grit and determination helped each team raise the WPIAL trophy each year. The teams were led by Head coach Chris Kelly and Assistant coach Adam Foote.