Revere welcomes new inductees to athletic hall of fame

This fall, Revere High School enshrined the second class of inductees into the Athletic Hall of Fame. The school recognized their accomplishments at a ceremony during the first home football game at halftime. The inductees were introduced, and the announcer read their accomplishments aloud on the loudspeaker for all who attended the game. After the ceremony, plaques recognizing the inductees were placed in a display outside of the high school’s gymnasium.

Phil Heyn, a member of the committee that selects inductees, explained what the Athletic Hall of Fame is to him and how it benefits the student body. He said that the Athletic Hall of Fame is an honor where former students are recognized for their athletic achievements. He also explained how the applicants are chosen from a pool of applicants who were nominated on the Hall of Fame’s website

Heyn spoke about the variety in the Hall of Fame, and how he was a surprised by the fact that different sports are all being represented somewhat equally.

“For the most part there has been a very good variety of different sports, as well as genders. There has been a pretty good mix in our first two classes. The only thing to keep in mind is the fact women’s sports in Revere were not introduced until the mid-[1970’s]. As well as the [fact that] traditional sports of football, basketball, wrestling, track and baseball [have been] around much longer than the other sports, so [you will] probably get more representation from those traditional sports because [there has] been more years played,” Heyn said.

One of this year’s inductees is Stephanie Danesis, who accomplished many feats during her career, including winning the 2005 State Doubles Championship with her sister, Samantha and receiving a scholarship to play tennis at a Division I school. She started playing tennis when she was nine, and still plays today. Tennis taught her several life skills that helped shape her into a more well-rounded person.

“Sports in general have positively impacted my life. [Hard work] on the tennis court shifted over to other aspects of my life, including the classroom. It has also taught me to never give up and to keep a positive attitude,” Danesis said.

As she reflected on her tennis career, Danesis said that she misses the thrill of competition and cheering on her teammates as they compete.

“I miss stepping on the court and combining my athletic ability, mind and mental toughness to compete to the best of my ability. I also miss the team comradery and cheering for my teammates,” Danesis said.

Mike McCall is another alumnus who was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2015. He was recognized for his achievements in track and field. After high school, he went on to compete at the University of Akron. While he was at Revere, he was a high jumper. He tied the school record for the highest jump at 6’9″, which he remembered as one of his favorite memories from competing.

“[My] favorite moment from high school would [probably] be hitting 6’9″ to tie the school record. [In] college I would have to say [my favorite moment was] when I hit 7’2″ to win my first indoor MAC Championship,” McCall said.

McCall and Danesis each left a mark on Revere High School, and serve as role-models for future generations of athletes. Their dedication and hard work continue to inspire students to do their best so they can one day join them, and many others, in the Revere High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

The Revere High School Athletic Hall of Fame’s 2015 class includes: Stephanie Danesis, Chris Dauk, and Al Kerkian, Heidi Marshall, Mike McCall, Charles W. Penzenik, Mike Stoerkel, Kristin (Anderson) Swisher, Siri Terjesen, and Keith Weaver.

The full list of inductees and their achievements is on The Revere High School Athletic Hall of Fame’s website.