Class of 2009 Hall of Fame Inductees
Kim Bonesteel, ‘87
Kim played soccer, basketball, and softball. She played four years of varsity soccer. During her soccer career, she won the 110% Award three times and the best offensive player award twice. Kim was captain of the soccer team in her senior year. She also played three years of varsity basketball, where she won the 110% Award three times and was named the best defensive player in her senior year. She was the team captain of the basketball team in her senior year. Kim played two years of varsity soccer, where she was awarded the MVP and sportsmanship awards. She also was a member of the National Honor Society.
Kim says Gordie Johnson has inspired her to give back to the community and the school that provided the opportunity for her to succeed. As a result, Kim has volunteered in assisting with the girls basketball program by coaching the summer and AAU teams. In addition, she has been the “voice” of the WHS girls’ basketball games for the past 10 years.
Kim graduated from HVCC with an Associate’s degree and she holds a Bachelor’s degree in accounting from Siena College. Kim played soccer at both schools. Today, she is employed by the NYS Comptroller’s Office as an associate examiner. She lives with her boyfriend and best friend, John Monte.
Gerald Connors, ‘76
Jerry played football, wrestling, and baseball. He played football for three years under Coach Joe King and was the starting fullback during his senior year, which was the first winning season (7-1-1) under Coach King. He played for three years and was a backup catcher to Tony Curro on the varsity baseball team in addition to playing in the outfield.
His favorite sport was wrestling and he was an outstanding performer for the Cannoneers for three years. He was a member of the first wrestling team at WHS in 1973-74 coached by George Seymour. He was one of the first to distinguish himself as a champion. His accomplishments included: 1974-75 1st place Colonial Council Tournament @ 138 lbs. (WHS’ first Colonial Council Champion); voted Most Improved Wrestler at WHS; 1975-76 team captain; 2nd place Duanesburg Christmas Tournament @ 145 lbs; 1st place Colonial Council Tournament @ 145 lbs; 1st place Section 2 Class “C” Tournament @ 145 lbs. He and Keith Buckley were Watervliet’s first Class “C” Champions. He was voted the Most Valuable Wrestler in his senior year.
His impact on the wrestling program, along with his teammates and Coach George Seymour, set the foundation for a program that is still successful today. During his senior year, standing room only was the norm at home matches. Tragically, Jerry died from an electrical accident during the summer following his graduation. Today there is an annual award called “The Gerald F. Connors, Jr. Memorial Award” which is presented to the senior athlete who has demonstrated outstanding dedication and integrity.
Andre Cook, ‘90
Andre played basketball and baseball. He played four years of varsity basketball, starting in 67 of 82 games in his career. He scored 1211 points in his career (5th highest in school history). He averaged 24.5 ppg in his senior year and 15.6 ppg during his career. He was captain of the basketball team that was 23-1 in his senior year, capturing the Colonial Council Championship for the 5th year in a row and the Class “CC” Championship. He was the MVP of the Colonial Council, The Troy Record Player of the Year, Times Union All-Area Team, Schenectady Gazette All-Area Team and was named to the Channel 13 All-Star Team. He was also on The Troy Record All-City Team as a junior.
Andre was a first baseman on the varsity baseball team where he also excelled. He was a member of two Colonial Council Championships and one Class CC Championship team. He was named to the Times Union All-Area 2nd Team and The Troy Record All-City 1st Team. He was named WHS Male Athlete of the Year in his senior year.
Andre graduated from Skidmore College in 1994 where he participated in basketball. He was the “Athlete of the Year” in his senior year where he led his team to their first ever postseason tournament. He was the team MVP, team captain during his junior and senior years and a 1000 point scorer.
Following graduation from Skidmore, he coached and taught at Hudson Falls High School. For the last four years he has been a successful coach at HVCC, where he led his teams to a record of 119-40. His 2007-08 team was 30-1 (a school record) including a 16-0 league record. He recently accepted a new coaching position at St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas, where he will live with his wife Stacy and his two children Emily and Colin. St. Edwards is a member of the Division II Heartland Conference.
Andre credits his high school coach, George Mardigan, for giving him the guidance and direction in becoming a student athlete in high school and a successful coach in his present career.
Jeff DiNuzzo, ‘86
Jeff played soccer, basketball, and baseball at WHS. He excelled at baseball. As a junior he was a member of the NYS Class “C” Championship team that finished the season with 28 wins and two losses. As a senior he was a member of the Colonial Council and Section 2 Class “C” Championship team that finished with 24 wins and 4 losses.
As a junior, besides playing the outfield, he was a starting pitcher and also became their best relief pitcher. As a senior, he had one of the best seasons in school history. Not only did he compile a 12-1 record as a pitcher, which included three no-hitters, but he also struck out 19 batters in one game. In addition, his ERA for the season was a .068 (school record) and he walked just 23 batters in over 80 innings pitched. His 12 wins tied a school record, his 19 strikeouts in one game set a school record (3rd best in Section 2 and NYS history) and his three no-hitters in one season set a school record (tied for 1st, season and career in Section 2, and NYS history). Besides his outstanding pitching this year, he also batted .426 with 9 HRs and 46 RBIs. He was selected MVP of the Colonial Council and “Player of the Year” by the Troy Record.
Jeff received a baseball scholarship to Seton Hall University, where he was the first pitcher to pitch a no-hitter in the Big East, selected “Player of the Year” and was a member of the 1987 Big East Championship Team. He was the #1 starter as a senior and compiled a 7-2 record with a 3.14 ERA. He finished his career with a 35-18 record. He was drafted after his junior year by the Minnesota Twins, but he declined and remained for his senior year. Following graduation, he was drafted by the Chicago White Sox, where he played for two years in their minor league organization.
Today Jeff lives with his wife Christina and their four children Gabriella, Nathan, Alex, and Cole in Ballston Spa. Jeff is employed as a corrections officer in Albany County.
Richard Foglia, ‘56
Dick is most remembered for his outstanding accomplishments on the track team and the football field during his high school years.
Dick was a member of the track team for four years. The team, coached by Walt Nash, had a winning record. Dick constituted a major portion of the wins with his outstanding achievements in the shot put and discus throwing. He set the discus record of 124 feet in his senior year.
As a member of the varsity football team, Dick was selected for The Troy Record All-City Team as a junior and senior. He was selected as an offensive lineman as a junior and as a linebacker in his senior year. He was also selected captain of the football team in his senior year. His coach, Walt Nash, called Dick “the greatest football player to come out of Watervliet High School in my 18 years of coaching here.”
After graduation from high school, Dick entered the U.S. Army serving in Korea in the 7th Infantry Division. He was in service from 1956-59 where he also played on the U.S. Army All-Star Football Team.
Dick graduated from HVCC and later received a BA in Business Administration from Empire College. He became manager of the food service program for the Watervliet City School District in 1976. He received several awards for his leadership in the food industry.
Dick was very active in the community as a member of the St. Brigid’s Athletic Association, Watervliet Little League, Watervliet Pop Warner and the Watervliet Civic Center. He was an avid supporter of his children and their academic and athletic careers throughout their high school and college years.
Dick passed away in 2003. He is survived by his wife Joan and their children Nick, Richard, Christine, Joe, Mike, their spouses and his grandchildren.
Brian Fruscio, ‘86
Brian was a three-star athlete at WHS in football, basketball, and baseball. His coaches were three WHS Hall of Fame members: Dan Reinfurt, Tony Curro, and George Mardigan, and they are the individuals he credits for his success.
Brian was a running back and place kicker in football. As a senior he carried 135 times for 568 yards (4.2 average) and 6 touchdowns. He also kicked two field goals and caught 9 passes for 147 yards (16.3 average). As a result, the Cannoneers won the Capital Football Conference and the Class “C” Sectional Championship. Brian was selected to The Troy Record’s All-City Team and the 2nd Team All-Area by the Times Union.
In basketball, he was a three-year varsity starter, averaging about 15 ppg. While on the team, the Cannoneers won the Colonial Council Championship and made it to the Class “CC” sectional final. He was a three-time Colonial Council All-Star point guard, including the MVP as a senior. He was also named to various All-City and All-Area teams.
In baseball, he was a three-year starter as a catcher/outfielder. He was a member of the 1985 NYS Class “C” Championship Team. In his senior year, he hit .385 and the Cannoneers finished with a 24-4 record and won a second straight Class “C” Sectional crown. Brian was named to the All-City and All-Area teams.
Brian’s ability and leadership played a major part in the accomplishments of all three teams. For this, he was named The Knickerbocker News High School Athlete of the Year. He was also selected as the WHS Male Co-Athlete of the Year, along with Lyle Darmetko, in 1985.
Following graduation, Brian continued his playing career at Ithaca College where he spent his junior and senior years as the starting point guard. He captained the team in his senior year and was part of post-season qualifying basketball teams for the four years he attended the school.
Brian remained in the athletic field after receiving his degree from Ithaca. He coached at Southern Vermont College, LaSalle Institute, Siena College, and for the Albany Patroons. Today he continues to be a successful coach at The Albany Academies where he leads his teams to sectional and division finals. He also serves as the Dean of Students and Camp Director of the AA Boys Basketball Camp. Brian lives in Cohoes with his wife Lisa and their three children Nicholas, Will, and Jack.
Richard Fruscio, ‘69
Rich participated in football, track, tennis, and baseball for the Cannoneers. He played four years of varsity football, his favorite sport. He credits Coach Walt Nash for inspiring him and to relish his experiences on the field. He was the captain in his senior year and led the team to their first winning season in 20 years with a 4-3 record. Rich was the starting fullback and linebacker in his junior and senior years. For his achievements and success on the football field as a fullback, he was selected to The Troy Record All-City Team, All-League Team, and The Albany Times Union All-Area Team.
On his selection to The Troy Record Team, reporter Bill Whitney described Rich this way: “Find a 5-ft. tree stump, equip it with shoulder pads and a helmet, a ton of heart, and you have a Rich Fruscio doll. Wind it up and it explodes. He ran, he blocked, he punted, he tackled, he passed. Captain, leader, and a gentleman on and off the field. He was the biggest gun in the Cannoneers’ arsenal. If Fruscio was the heart, Reinfurt (Dan) was the inspiration.”
Robert “Hack” Harris, ‘47
Bob excelled in football, baseball, and track. He was the starting fullback as a senior on the varsity football team when WHS, coached by Tom Jones, returned to playing football after 25 years. Bob was one of the leading rushers and punters as WHS competed in the Principals’ League.
Hack’s passion, however, was on the baseball field. He was a member of three championship teams that won the Principals’ League, two coached by Jerry Thompson and one coached by Tom Jones. The Championship won in his senior year was the fifth in a row for the Connoneers in the Principals’ League. He was an outstanding pitcher and outfielder and one of the best hitters on the team. He pitched a no-hitter against LaSalle and had 17 strikeouts against Troy High School in his senior year. He was selected in his junior and senior years to the Capital District All-Star Team.
His favorite memories at WHS were the no-hitter he pitched against LaSalle and singing in variety shows. He continued singing after high school in various venues, which was something he enjoyed.
Following his graduation from WHS, he was considered to be one of the best pitching prospects in the area. He was invited to Yankee Stadium for a pitching tryout, and at the age of 19 he signed a contract with the NY Giants and played professional baseball in Bowman, North Dakota. He was also an outstanding pitcher for the Mahar Vets in the Albany Twilight League for many years.
Hack served in the U.S. Army from 1950-52 and was honorably discharged as a Master Sergeant. He worked for General Foods Corporation, Two Guys Department Store, Paragon Food Brokers, McClennan, and Gharjon Food Brokers, retiring in 1983.
Hack was married to his wife Phyllis for 51 years, and they had four children–Patrick, Brian, Roger, and Barbara. Hack passed away in 2004.
Keith Heid, ‘94
Keith played football, baseball and basketball. His favorite sports were football and baseball. Keith credits his coaches Dan Reinfurt, Tony Curro, and George Mardigan for providing direction and advice during his high school career.
Keith was a three-year member of the varsity football team. As a sophomore, he was the backup QB and DB on the New York State Championship Team. As a junior, he was the starting WR and DB and was the leading receiver. He was selected to the All-Conference team as a DB. As a senior, he was the team captain and starting QB and DB. He was selected as the MVP of the football team and the All-Conference QB. For his work on the field and in the classroom, The National Football Foundation awarded him the Hall of Fame Scholar Athlete Award and he was also awarded the Sports Foundation Athlete Award.
Keith was a member of the varsity baseball team and a starter for four years. He had a career batting average of .399 with 118 hits, 82 RBIs, 109 runs scored, 31 doubles, 4 triples, and 7 homeruns. He also had a career pitching record of 17 wins, 4 losses with 4 shutouts. In his career he was named team MVP, started on the NYS Championship Team, All-Area 2nd Team pitcher, and a member of the Adirondack Region baseball team-Empire State Games. As a senior, he was the team captain, MVP, All-League and All-Area SS, WTEN Channel 10 Athlete of the Week, and was selected as the Male Athlete of the Year. He was also the Salutatorian for the Class of 1994.
Keith attended the University of Vermont for two years and was a two-year starter at this Division I school. He transferred to RPI after his sophomore year where he graduated with a degree in finance. While at RPI, he played baseball and was a two-year starter. He was selected to the 1st Team All-League, 1st Team All-Region, and 1st Team All-American in 1999. He was also selected as a member of the RPI All-Decade Team for the 1990s.
Keith is employed as Committee Director for the NYS Senate. Keith and his wife, Erin, were married on October 9, 2009.
Don Kehn, ‘98
Don participated in football, baseball, and track at WHS. His favorite sport was football. He was the modified team captain and the MVP in 1993, captain and MVP of the undefeated JV team in 1995, MVP of the undefeated 1996 varsity team, and captain and MVP of the 1997 varsity team.
During his two years as the starting quarterback, the Cannoneers were 24-1, including the NYS Class “C” Championship Team in 1996 that was undefeated with a record of 13-0. The 1997 team finished with a record of 11-1, losing in the NYS semifinals.
Don holds most of the passing records at WHS including individual season records: yards passing–1730 in 1997; pass completions–121 in 1997; TD passes–26 in 1996 and 1997; individual career records: yards passing–3299, pass completions–229, and TD passes–52.
Because of his success on the football field, he received many honors for his accomplishments. As a junior, he was the NYS Class “C” Player of the Year, USA Today All-American Honorable Mention, NYS Championship Game MVP, 1st Team All-State QB, The Troy Record’s Offensive Player of the Year, All-Conference 1st Team QB, Times Union and Schenectady Gazette 2nd Team All-Area QB.
As a senior, he was 1st Team All-State QB, Troy Record Offensive Player of the Year, All-Conference 1st Team QB and 2nd Team All-Area QB in the Times Union and Schenectady Gazette. He also held the Section 2 record for TD passes in a year from 1996-2005.
Don played for Dan Reinfurt in his junior year and Nick Fitzgerald in his senior year. He credits both of them for providing the guidance to develop his leadership skills.
Don attended HVCC and played football while majoring in business administration. Today he is employed by the Value Option Insurance Company as a supervisor and lives in Watervliet.
John Kennedy, ‘49
John participated and excelled in five varsity sports at WHS. John was a three-year varsity basketball player, team captain, and All-City selection in 1949. He was a four-year soccer player, team captain in 1948 and 1949, and a Tri-City All Star choice in 1949.
In the spring seasons, John was a two-year, hard throwing left hander on the baseball team and a versatile track and field competitor for three years, competing in the high jump, 100-yard dash and 440-yard sprint relays.
In the fall of 1949, John returned for a post-graduate semester and even though he never participated in football in his prior years, quickly established himself as the starting halfback on the team, co-captain of the team and was named to the 2nd team All-City squad.
John credits class advisor, Robert Collier, for encouraging him to go to college; and soccer coach Donald Hill, and basketball coach Tom Jones for encouraging him to never quit. John was also the president of the Varsity Club and vice-president of the senior class of 1949.
Upon graduation, John matriculated at Siena College and was a three-year member of the varsity basketball team, graduating with a BA in Sociology in 1955.
John was commissioned a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and served two years at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he was also the playing coach of the basketball team on the base.
Upon discharge from the service, John was hired by the ESSO (Exxon) Oil Company and had a distinguished 30-year career serving in various sales and management positions in California and New York, retiring in 1983.
John and his wife Mary Ann have been married for 54 years and live in Clifton Park. They have two children: son Jay, his wife Catherine and their children Christopher, Brendan, and Robert; daughter Susan, her husband Austin and their three daughters Alyssa, Jillian, and Brynne.
Peter Torncello, ‘80
Peter participated in soccer, basketball, and baseball at WHS. He was an outstanding basketball player on the varsity team for three years. As a junior, he averaged 24.5 ppg and was a 1st team selection on The Troy Record All-City Team. As a senior, Peter averaged 29.9 ppg, a school record, shot 58% from the field and 88% from the foul line. He also scored over 40 points in a game four times as a senior. He ended up with 1307 career points, which is second in school history.
For his efforts, in his senior year, Peter was selected to the 1st team All-City and All-Area by The Troy Record, 1st team All-Area by the Knickerbocker News and the Times Union. He was a McDonald’s All-American Nominee and he participated in the Empire State Games. Joe Hogan was his coach in his sophomore and junior years, and George Mardigan was his coach in his senior year.
Peter was on the varsity baseball team for four years, where he was an infielder and a pitcher. As a senior, his batting average was .477 and he was selected to Times Union All-Metroland Team. Peter was selected as the WHS Male Athlete of the Year for his outstanding effort in basketball and baseball.
Following graduation, Peter accepted a basketball scholarship to the University of Rhode Island, a Division I school. He later transferred to Union College where he received a degree in political science. He then went to Albany Law School where he graduated in 1991.
He worked in Washington for former Congressman Sam Stratton in the Albany County District Attorney’s Office in charge of the Special Victim’s Unit Bureau and is presently serving as a public defender in Albany County.
Peter lives in Colonie with his wife Ginny and their two daughters Emma and Eva.
Kevin Yanni, ‘99
Kevin played soccer, basketball and tennis at WHS. His favorite sport was basketball. He was an outstanding player who played 4 years on the varsity team. He is the leading career scorer in WHS history with 2085 points. He is the 7th leading scorer in Section II history. He is the 49th leading scorer in NYS (including NYC) history. As a senior, he was the leading scorer in Section II with an average of 26.5 ppg. He was a member of WHS teams that won the Colonial Council Championship, Section II Class “C” Championship, Regional Championship, and participated in the NYS semifinals.
Kevin was a three-time All-City selection by The Troy Record, MVP of the Colonial Council in his junior and senior years, MVP of the Section II tournament, a member of The Troy Record’s Team of the Decade, Channel 13 All-Star team, Channel 10 Scholar-Athlete, selected as one of the top 50 players to ever play in Glens Fall and selected to the 1st Team All New York State as a senior.
He credits his coach, George Mardigan, for teaching him valuable lessons on and off the court. His greatest memories were scoring his 1000th and 2000th point, along with the success the basketball team had at the Glens Falls Civic Center during his last three years at WHS.
Following graduation Kevin attended Hamilton College where he was a 4-year member of the varsity basketball team. He was a 1st team All-League selection in his senior year and played in the NCAA tournament advancing to the “Sweet Sixteen” round. He holds the school record at Hamilton for the most 3-point field goals in a season (85). He graduated from Hamilton with a BA degree in political science.
Kevin lives in Watervliet and is a salesman with First Cardinal Insurance.
George Roe, ‘54
George is this year’s recipient of the “Contributor” honor for his community work as the Program Director and later the Executive Director of the Watervliet Civic Center. He was the program director for 20 years and the executive director for 24 years.
George graduated from Watervliet High School where he was an outstanding member of the championship soccer teams coached by Donald Hill and a starting guard for coach Tom Jones on the Cannoneer championship basketball teams during his junior and senior years. He was also a member of the golf team for four years.
Following his graduation from WHS, George attended Cobleskill College and HVCC where he received a degree in recreation. While at Cobleskill he played basketball and baseball. He was the leading scorer on the basketball team and was inducted into their Athletic Hall of Fame.
From 1956 to 1958, he served in the U.S. Army and participated in various sports during his tour. After his tour, George played on area championship fast pitch softball teams for the next 20 years. These teams competed throughout the Capital District and New York State.
George’s impact in the community is legendary. He acted as a second father to hundreds of children at the Civic Center. This is where so many boys and girls have gotten their start in sports. He made the Center a rite of passage for Watervliet’s children when they turned 8 years old, the age when you could receive an ID card for the Center. He encouraged all children to get involved in the recreational and educational activities that were offered. He believed in teaching fundamentals, was a disciplinarian, and demanded respect. He established a reputation as a “grizzly bear with a valentine heart” as well as a mentor and a friend.
George frequently attended games and activities at Watervliet High School, many times with his good friend, Harry Tucker.
Sadly, George died in 2004. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Eleanor “Rusty” Berger Roe, son George Jr., and daughter Lynn Csakany, her husband Tom, and their daughters Jessica and Rachel.
Donald Hill, 1946-1966
Donald Hill was a teacher in the Mechanical Arts Department of Watervliet High School. In 1946 he was hired to be the soccer coach at WHS. Coach Hill was and still is the most successful coach in WHS history. During his tenure, from 1946 to 1966, his teams played 263 games, won 175 games, lost 46 (winning % of .740) and tied 42. During this time, his teams won 10 league championships (7 years in succession), 6 sectional titles, and had 4 undefeated seasons. His teams scored 758 goals and had 346 goals scored on them.
His career coaching record speaks for itself. He was the man who knew how to inspire his players to their utmost performances. His records are one of the hallmarks of WHS. Among the players he listed as his top players during his career were Bill Tetrault, Red Chambers, Lloyd Edwards, Bob Christiansen, George Mardigan, Lou DelSignore, and George Roe. He singled out John Kania, goalkeeper, as his top defensive player, who in one season gave up only one goal. He never missed a WHS soccer game and was quoted as “having had a lot of help from Tom Jones, who over the years has done so much for athletics at Watervliet High School.”
His contributions to WHS do not end on the soccer field. He was also admired and respected as an Industrial Arts teacher for over 25 years. The experience and dedication he exhibited in his machine shop instilled in his students a sense of responsibility and pride in good workmanship.
He never lost the burr that became fastened to his speech as a boy in his native Scotland. He was admired by all who knew him, including faculty, students, players, and the community. The Donald Hill Memorial Soccer Award is presented annually at graduation to the soccer player who represents the ideals of good sportsmanship.
Donald passed away in 1987. He was predeceased by his wife Nan and is survived by his daughter Rita, her husband Earle, and their children Donna and Lee.
Thomas Jones, 1938-1975
Tom began his career at Watervliet High School in 1937, which was the first year that the present building was opened. He was a graduate of Catholic Central High School in Troy, where he was an outstanding athlete, especially in basketball and track. He graduated from Ithaca College in 1936 and starred in track, football, basketball, and soccer.
In 1937, when he arrived at Watervliet High School, he was a one-man physical education department. He coached soccer, basketball, ice hockey, bowling, track, baseball, and tennis. Tom’s soccer team in the first year won the championship of the Scholastic league. He was responsible for bringing back football in 1947, after a 25-year absence following his three-year stint in the Navy. Approximately 100 students tried out for football in the first year and in their first game they lost to LaSalle by a score of 18-0 before 4000 fans at Notre Dame Field in North Troy. The baseball team won five straight baseball championships in the Principals’ League from 1942 to 1946 under Tom and Jerry Thompson.
Basketball was Tom’s first love and under his guidance, Cannoneer teams always provided worthy competition. In 33 years his squads compiled an overall 336-224 record and were frequent participants in the sectionals. His 336 wins currently ranks him 21st in Section II history. One of his players, George Mardigan, ranks 1st with 546 wins.
Tom led Watervliet to win sectional titles in 1938, 1939, 1958 and to win more than its share of championships in such leagues as the Eastern B, Principals’ Capital District and Colonial Council.
In addition to teaching physical education and coaching during the five decades, he also served as Athletic Director for 38 years. During the early 1970s, girl’s interscholastic athletics was introduced under the direction of Tom. He retired from the WCSD in June 1975.
Today, there is a graduation award presented in his honor. The Thomas E. Jones Sportsmanship Award is offered by the Varsity Club to the senior displaying the highest qualities of sportsmanship.
Tom died in 1991 and was predeceased by his first wife Christine who taught English and Spanish at Watervliet High School.
Walter Nash, 1950-1970
Walt was a graduate of Georgetown High School in Georgetown, NY, a graduate of Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY, and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was hired by the Watervliet School District in 1949 as a physical education teacher and coach.
He replaced Tom Jones as head football coach. During his first year, the Cannoneers received much recognition on the gridiron, winning the Principals’ League and Section “B” of the Eastern Scholastic Conference. Walt coached football for 20 years and finished his last year in 1969 with a record of 4-3.
Among the outstanding players that played during those years were John Kennedy, Bob Sheehan, Dick Amsden, Jim Feldmaier, Bob McBain, Dick and Don Foglia, Spiro Kirtoglou, Tom Hebert, John & Dave Walko, Bob Marano, Bob and Steve Collins, Art and Rich Fruscio and Dan Reinfurt.
Walt also coached track during this same time period and was responsible for continuing the success that the Cannoneer teams had experienced in the past seasons. Among his outstanding track participants were Jack Hughes, Walt Lapinski, Steve Dombroski, Dick and Don Foglia, Jim Feldmaier, Bob Marano, and Pete and Curtis Grimes.
Walt was also instrumental in providing after-school activities for boys and girls in gymnastics and other activities that would encourage physical fitness and provide a social atmosphere that would promote good sportsmanship and leadership.
Sadly, Walt passed away in 2002. He was predeceased by his wife Louise Nash. Surviving is his companion Phyllis Whitehead of Latham.
The popular and well-liked teacher and coach is remembered each year at the Watervliet High School graduation, when the Walter Nash Memorial Scholarship Award is presented to a senior who displays outstanding loyalty and leadership.
Watervliet Athletics … A Tradition of Excellence