By Dorrie DePedro, Special to The Times
An example of a digital Hall of Fame kiosk created by a VitalSigns. The Coatesville Hall of Fame has begun a fundraising effort to buy a similar display.
The Coatesville Area Sorts Hall of Fame began in the most humble way—-over a simple cup of coffee shared by two remarkable men, Gene Burmite and Marty Flynn. Their conversations sparked an idea, and with the guidance of Ross Kershey, that idea grew into a lasting institution dedicated to celebrating Coatesville’s rich athletic legacy.
From the beginning, the mission was clear: to honor the outstanding student‑athletes of the Coatesville Area School District—boys and girls who excelled in sports while receiving a strong education from our exceptional teachers.
Our first banquet in 2000, held at the Italian LGM Lodge on Chester Avenue, was an overwhelming success. It was there that members decided to display photos of each inductee on the wall at the entrance of the J. Ross Kershey Gymnasium, while also presenting each honoree with a plaque to take home. This tradition quickly became a favorite among inductees and fans alike, creating The Coatesville Area Sports Hall of Fame began in the most humble way—over a simple cup of coffee shared by a visual history of Coatesville’s finest athletes.
Like any growing organization, we faced challenges. One early oversight was the exclusion of young men who left school in December 1941 to serve in World War II. Because they did not graduate, they were originally ineligible for induction. To right this wrong, we created the Old Timers Category, ensuring their courage and sacrifice would never again be overlooked.
As the Hall of Fame expanded, so did our vision. We began honoring the dedicated coaches who spent countless hours on courts, fields, tracks, and in swimming pools shaping young athletes into strong competitors and even stronger individuals.
We later recognized that some of the most influential contributors weren’t coaches at all—they were loyal supporters who gave their time and energy to help teams thrive. To honor these individuals, we established the Mac Stuber Award, named for a true Coatesville legend whose 40‑plus years as a coach, teacher, and athletic director left an unforgettable mark on our community.
Our growth continued as we moved our banquets to the beautiful Coatesville Country Club, where attendance often exceeded 350 guests. Each banquet is recorded and archived on our Facebook page, preserving these celebrations for future generations. As Ross Kershey once said, “This is not a banquet—this is a reunion,” and he was absolutely right. The evening is filled with laughter, memories, tall tales, and the joy of reconnecting with friends and family.
Thanks to the generosity of our community, we have also been able to award scholarships to graduating seniors, helping them take their next steps into adulthood. We honor not only individuals but also teams that achieved greatness in district and state playoffs, giving former players and coaches a chance to relive some of the best moments of their lives.
Today, after 25 years, our wall space at the gym is nearly full with only about two years remain. To continue honoring future inductees, we are exploring a digital Wall of Fame kiosk which will feature photos and statistics for every inductee. Visitors will be able to access this information instantly at the gym or download it using a QR code for viewing on any device.
Their web site is www.vitalsignswalloffame.com —
Twenty‑five years have passed quickly, but our pride has only grown stronger.
We remain deeply honored to preserve and celebrate the enduring tradition of the Coatesville Red Raiders—past, present, and future.
