PEN ARGYL HALL OF FAME ADDS FIVE

It should be a gorgeous day at Pen Argyl on Saturday afternoon (see how I think the Knights will do in my predictions post here on Groller's Corner).

At halftime of the game against Notre Dame, five new members will be inducted into the school's athletic Hall of Fame.

Here's the list of inductees with bios courtesy of the athletic department:

MR. JAMES LUGG

(Class of 1952)

James was an outstanding athlete at Pen Argyl High School during the early 1950’s. He earned three Varsity Letters in each Football, Basketball and Baseball.

James was coached by Mr. Fred Leonard for his entire high school football career. He was second on the team in scoring and yards per carry during his junior year. James returned the following year and was named Co-Captain of the team. He led the team in scoring and total yards gained from scrimmage as a senior. He also received the Gap Theatre “Outstanding Football Player Award” for the Green Knights.

James was also an outstanding Basketball player for Coach John Lakey. He was second in scoring in 1951 and led the team his senior season. James was also a member of 1950 District XI & 1952 Lehigh Northampton League Championship Baseball teams.

James continued his education at Penn State College until he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1955. He served our country during that time until he received an honorable discharge in 1957. James returned to the area and continued his athletic endeavors playing centerfield for Wind Gap Athletic Association in the Blue Mountain Baseball League. He played on the 1973 undefeated team and had a life-time batting average of .329. In 1987, James was inducted into Blue Mountain Baseball Leagues Hall of Fame for his accomplishments.

James is a retired science teacher at Warren Hills. He coached baseball for at least 10 years and has also served as a Council Member in Pen Argyl Borough.

MR. KEITH WILSON

(Class of 1972)

Keith is the most accomplished player to ever walk the fairways for Pen Argyl Area High School. He earned 4 Varsity Letters where he golfed in the number position on the team all four years. Keith also had a winning individual match play record every year and was the District XI Runner-Up his junior season.

Keith took the Colonial League by storm his senior year. He was undefeated in Individual Match Play and established the League single round scoring record by shooting a round of 66. Keith had the lowest stroke average for the year and was named Colonial League “Most Valuable Player.” He capped off his senior year by winning the District XI Championship and finishing in the top 20 at the P.I.A.A. State Golf Tournament.

Keith continued his career at East Stroudsburg University where he was the Warriors Team MVP for three years. He won numerous individual Junior Golf Tour Events (Pocono 21 Tour) and was named yearly champion twice. To date, Keith has won over 25 individual Club Championships. His lowest round recorded was a 7-under par 63 at Skippack Golf Course. He advanced past local 36 hole US Open Qualifying in 1986, shooting lowest 1^st round of the day 67.

Keith has served as President of Employment Golf League for 30 years and is currently Secretary of Ben Salem Township CC Golf Association.

MRS. TAMMY BUSKIRK-SINGLEY

(Class of 1979)

Tammy Buskirk was four-year letter winner for the Pen Argyl Gymnastics Team during the late 1970’s. She was coached by Mr. Duane Toth all four years and was an integral part of the team’s success during that time period. She was a great addition to the team her freshman year and consistently finished top six in the All-Around competition.

In 1977, she helped the gymnastics team finish the season with an 11-6 record and qualified for the post season. At the District XI Tournament, she scored a 17.10 out of a possible 20 points and was crowned District XI Champion in the Vault. Tammy qualified for the PIAA State Championships in Shippensburg, where she placed 8^th out of 36 Vaulters.

Tammy was named Co-Captain, as a junior, along with fellow team members Cindy Ambrose and Nan Rutt. Tammy set a new school record during the season when she scored a 9.2 out of 10 on the Vault. She placed second in the League and again won the Gold Medal at the District XI Tournament. She again competed in the PIAA State Tournament where she placed 10^th.

Tammy’s senior season was abruptly ended due to an injury that occurred at the last meet of the year. She continued her education at Lock Haven University where she majored in Physical Therapy.

Tammy currently works in the Human Resource Department at Easton Hospital. She resides in Nazareth with her husband, Mark, and children, Kaitlyn and Brett.

MR. RICHARD MUTTON

(Class of 1980)

Rich was a multi-sport athlete at Pen Argyl High School, who lettered in Football, Wrestling and Baseball. Rich played football for the Green Knights for all four years. He was a three year starting lineman and letter winner. He was named Captain his senior year and helped his team to an undefeated season. In 1979, he was named First Team All-Colonial League Offensive Tackle and Defensive End and First Team All Northampton County Offensive Tackle. He was also a participant in the Larc All Star game.

During the winter, Rich spent his time wrestling for Pen Argyl. He received two letters and was the 1978 Delaware Valley Christmas Tournament Champion and Colonial League Runner-Up.

Rich played catcher for the Green Knights on the diamond for 3 years. He was again named Team Captain his senior year leading his team to the Colonial League Championship. He led the team in Average and Runs Batted In. He was named Mike Williams Top Offensive Player and First Team All Colonial League Catcher.

Rich began coaching in Pen Argyl immediately after graduation and has coached at least one sport every year. He was an assistant football coach for 11 seasons, in which time Pen Argyl won four Colonial League, two District XI and one Eastern PIAA Championship.

Rich also served nine years as Baseball Coordinator and one as President for the Green and White Youth Association in Pen Argyl. He attended East Stroudsburg University and is currently employed by B.Braun Medical in Allentown, PA. Rich still resides in Pen Argyl and is married to the former Lisa Mabus. They have two sons Kirby and Brady.

MR. DAVID “BUDDHA” MUTTON

(Class of 1985)

David was a seven time letter winner who participated in Football and Wrestling at Pen Argyl High School. He played Offensive and Defensive Tackle for the Green Knights and was a member on the 1984 District XI Championship Team that defeated Notre Dame Green pond 34-0 at Liberty High School. David also received the Sandt’s Pharmacy Award his senior year for his enthusiastic spirit on the field.

On the mat, David wrestled at the Unlimited Weight Class for 4 straight years. He placed 3^rd in Leagues and at the District XI Tournament his junior year. In 1985, David became the District XI Champion and placed 4^th at Regional’s. He was recipient of the Tim Henshue Award for the best record on the team 29-4-1 and finished his career with a lifetime record of 63-47-1.

After graduation, Buddha has remained very involved in Pen Argyl athletics and District XI Wrestling. David continues to work as the Equipment Manager at Pen Argyl, a position that he has held for the last 20 years. He also helps the athletic department by keeping the clock at football and basketball games throughout the year. David has been assisting District XI with the Junior High and Junior Varsity Wrestling Tournament since 1990. He has also served as the scorekeeper for our wrestling team for many years. In 2002, David was inducted into the District XI Wrestling Hall of Fame for his dedication to the sport.

David is currently employed by Pen Argyl Area School District as the Transportation Coordinator. He still resides in Pen Argyl Borough with his two nephews Taylor and Tylor.