Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Inductees
1974-1975 Girls’ Basketball Team
The 1974-1975 girls’ basketball team is the first girls’ athletic team to be inducted into the WHS Athletic Hall of Fame. This year (2024) marks the 50th anniversary of their impressive 14-0 undefeated regular season, and their 15-0 total season record. To date, they remain the only undefeated girls’ basketball team in school history.
The ’74-’75 lady Cannoneers were the Colonial Council champions. In April ’75, after the conclusion of the regular season, they accepted a challenge to play undefeated Catholic Central High School ((CCHS), the ’74-‘75 Big 10 girls’ basketball champions. The lady Cannoneers defeated CCHS by the score of 41-38, and ended the basketball season at 15-0.
The team had only nine players, but were talented, hard-working, and extremely dedicated. With Coach Moreen Scully at the helm, they played a fast-breaking offensive and a pressing defensive zone-style of basketball. They averaged 51 points per game, while holding their opponents to an average of 27 points per game. The team was led by co-captains Sue Bagley and Janice Crudo, who averaged 13 and 14 ppg, respectively. Crudo shares a school record with boys’ basketball star, John DiBiase, by scoring 17 points in one quarter.
Coach Scully was the driving force for the team’s overall success. With a very small operating budget, Coach Scully personally purchased uniforms for the team from a local sporting goods store. To this day, the players still remember Coach Scully’s frequent words to them – “it’s not about what we have, be humble and always hold your heads up – you are representing your School and your City!” Her players are forever grateful for the opportunity to be part of her teams.
The team is dedicating this Hall of Fame honor to their departed teammate and friend – Patti Thomas.
1990 Varsity Football Team
The Watervliet High School 1990 football team finished with an 11-0 undefeated season record. They won the Capital Conference Buckley Cup championship, the Section 2 Class C championship, the NYSPHSAA Class C Regional championship, and were named the 1990 New York State Class C champions. The team’s State title marked the beginning of an incredible athletic school year for the Cannoneers – a “Triple Crown” sports year during which the boys’ varsity basketball team and the boys’ varsity baseball team also won New York State titles.
Dom Fruscio, Yorden Huban, and Bill Williams played on all three of the 1990-1991 “Triple Crown” sports teams.
The Cannoneers scored 376 total points during the season, while allowing only 41 points by their opponents. In capturing the first State title in ‘vliet football history, they were led by Captains Tony Carroll, Mike Hochford, Bob Hotaling, Yorden Huban, and Rusty Ratigan. Tony Carroll (E), and Jim Manning (RB), were both named to the NYS Sportswriters Association Class C-D Offensive First Team, and Yorden Huban (L) was named to the NYS Sportswriters Association Class C-D Defensive First Team.
Head coach Dan Reinfurt, offensive coordinator Ken Fushs, defensive coordinator Tony Curro, and special teams’ coordinator Mike Manning, along with several assistant coaches and numerous other staff and volunteers guided the team during this incredible season.
From 1989 to 1992, WHS won 36 straight football games.
1991 Varsity Football Team
Despite the loss of 13 seniors from the 1990 undefeated State championship team, WHS football excelled en route to winning the Capital Conference championship, the Section 2 Class C championship, the NYSPHSAA Class C Regional championship, and again being named the 1991 New York State Class C champions, marking the second consecutive year they were named State champions. The WHS 1991 football team finished with an 11- 0 undefeated season record. The Cannoneers scored 457 total points during the season, while allowing only 52 points. Their offense was relentless, scoring more than 40 points in eight of their eleven games, while their defense was stifling in holding their opponents to single digits in 10 of their 11 games.
The Cannoneers were led by Captains Jim Manning, Greg Adkins, Jeff Forgue, and Erick Bernard. Manning, a running back, was voted a USA Today All American, and named the NYS Sportswriters Association Small School Player of the Year. Manning, tackle Greg Adkins, and linebacker Jeff Forgue were named to the NYS Sportswriters First Team.
Head coach Dan Reinfurt, offensive coordinator Mike Manning, defensive coordinator Tony Curro, along with several assistant coaches and numerous other staff and volunteers guided the team during this second incredible season.
From 1989-1992, WHS won 36 straight football games.
Watervliet Athletics … A Tradition of Excellence