Wall of Fame Brings Athletes to Pine Plains


 


NORTH EAST — "I think it’s great that there are finally people who are being honored for what they’ve done as Pine Plains athletes," said Stissing Mountain High School student David Kaestle, capturing the essence of last Friday night’s Wall of Fame event.

One coach, a handful of past students and three basketball teams were recognized for their athletic prowess and sportsmanship with the dedication of a new monument.

"Pine Plains has a very rich sports heritage," said event coordinator and former Pine Plains coach Bill Brewer. "Unfortunately as time passes memories can fade."

To prevent that, Brewer spearheaded the project of erecting a wall of fame for past coaches and athletes. He said the idea was really the brainchild of former coach John Soracco, who diedy in 2004.

"We would not be here tonight if it were not for the vision of John Soracco," Brewer said, as he dedicated the night’s activities to one of Pine Plains’ favorite sons.

Tim Reynolds, on behalf of the Varsity Club, told honorees, "We will try to do our best to inspire others as you have inspired us."

Nina Van Erk congratulated the inductees and spoke about the importance of sports for so many students.

"We have the opportunity to celebrate the competence of students, to celebrate the impact of the students, to celebrate the commitments the kids have to their sport and to celebrate the memories created by high school athletes," she said. "Tonight is a certain affirmation that the memory is living strong."

Robert Clinton honored the late coach Les Barton.

"No one person has ever made such a lasting impression on the community as coach Les Barton," he said. "We will always be grateful to say that Les and Veronica Barton made Pine Plains their home."

Other honorees included Austin Knickerbocker, Irving Jackson, Barbara Rembsurger and Teresa Vaill. The men’s basketball teams from 1959 to 1962 were honored for their records of the most consecutive wins, 62 in a row, which held up for three years.

"There became a vital part of interscholastic sports excellence here in Pine Plains," Brewer said. "Hopefully we’ve been able to give a little bit back to you tonight after all that you have given to us. Thank you so much."

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