Submitted Photo Legendary boxer Gerry Cooney celebrates after a victory in the ring.

Enshrinement slated for Saturday, May 9

BY GREG WILLIAMS

Sentinel reporter

gwilliams@lewistownsentinel.com

BURNHAM — The Mifflin County Sports Hall of Fame will welcome a true heavyweight of American sports when boxing legend Gerry Cooney serves as the guest speaker at this year’s annual induction ceremony.

The event will be held Saturday, May 9, at 5 p.m. at the Birch Hill Event Center in Burnham, promising an evening of celebration, storytelling and inspiration.

Known to boxing fans around the world, Cooney’s name is tied to one of the most iconic eras in heavyweight history. But his journey stretches far beyond championship bouts and sold out arenas, making him a fitting headliner for a night that honors not only athletic success but character, perseverance and life after sports.

“The Hall of Fame is very excited to welcome Gerry Cooney to Mifflin County for our special event,” said Kevin Kodish, legendary high school girls basketball coach who serves on the Hall of Fame board of directors. “Gerry had a fantastic boxing career in the late ’70s and early ’80s, and it’s nice that our people will have a chance to hear his story.”

Born in New York City and raised on Long Island, Cooney emerged as one of the nation’s top amateur boxers, winning two New York Golden Gloves titles and earning a spot in the 1976 Olympic Trials.

Turning professional in 1977, the 6-foot-6 heavyweight quickly gained national attention, winning his first 25 bouts, many by knockout. His rise culminated in a historic 1982 title challenge against undefeated champion Larry Holmes before 32,000 fans at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, a bout that drew a then record gate and landed Cooney on the cover of Time magazine.

Cooney retired in 1990 with a professional record of 28 3 with 24 knockouts and has remained closely tied to the sport as a promoter, radio host and advocate for athlete support programs. He is widely respected for his openness about personal struggles and his commitment to helping others navigate life beyond competition.

While Cooney’s appearance brings national star power, the heart of the evening will be the induction of the Mifflin County Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026, a group that reflects excellence across multiple sports and generations.

The class includes Joe Stewart, a 2004 Lewistown graduate and one of the most decorated athletes in school history. Stewart earned all-conference honors in football and finished his basketball career as the program’s all-time leading scorer with 1,520 points.

Holly Loht Yeager, a 1982 Chief Logan graduate, will be honored for her achievements as one of the top distance runners in county history, helping elevate girls cross country and track during her competitive career.

The late D. Charles “Charlie” Roselle, widely regarded as a pioneer of wrestling in Mifflin County, will be inducted after becoming the county’s first district champion, regional champion and PIAA state finalist, setting the foundation for decades of wrestling success.

Also entering the Hall is Nic Bedelyon, an Indian Valley graduate and three-time PIAA medalist who went on to win 113 matches at Kent State, qualify for the NCAA Championships four times and earn All-American honors twice.

Joe Daubert will be recognized for his powerful presence on the mat, including a 1988 PIAA Class AA heavyweight state championship and a later state runner-up finish at the 3A level.

Rounding out the class is the 1986 Chief Logan girls cross country team, which captured the PIAA Class 2A state championship under coaches Ron Sprecher and Jackie Hannon, securing its place among the greatest teams in county history.

The induction ceremony is open to the public. Tickets cost $45 for the general public and $35 for current members, and can be purchased online at www.mcsportshof.com.