25 years later, 2002 Lewistown state champions earn MCSHOF honor

LEWISTOWN -- Twenty-five years after winning Mifflin County's only scholastic state baseball championship, the 2002 Lewistown Area High School baseball team will be honored by the Mifflin County Sports Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame selected the Panthers as its 2027 team honoree. Players and coaches will be recognized during the May 8, 2027, induction ceremony.

Lewistown capped a 19-5 season by defeating Mifflinburg 8-2 in the PIAA Class AA state championship game at Bowman Field in Williamsport on June 14, 2002.

"Next year marks the 25th anniversary of one of the greatest accomplishments in Mifflin County sports history, so we felt this was a fitting time to honor this team," Mifflin County Sports Hall of Fame President Tim Searer said. "Winning a state championship stays with the players, coaches, school and community. Twenty-five years later, what that team accomplished remains a special part of our county's sports history."

The Panthers didn't enter the PIAA tournament as District 6 champions. After losing to Huntingdon in the district championship game, Lewistown won four consecutive PIAA tournament games to claim the state title.

John Bell was Lewistown's head coach, with Ray Hoppel, Keith Yoder, Mark Zong and Mike Shore as assistants.

Members of the championship team included Micah Anderson, Ryan Coleman, Jason Cunningham, Jared Dyer, Kalen Gearhart, Josh Haines, Nathan Heider, Kyle Herto, Dane Huffnagle, Ryan Kauffman, Heath Knable, Luke Leopald, Jason Mattern, Dustin Maxwell, Seth Napikoski, Josh Oburn, Tyler Otero, Zach Smith, Richie Stewart and Cody Zong.

Alicia Rupert Michaels and Nick Sunderland served as the team's scorekeepers.

"The Hall of Fame exists to preserve Mifflin County's sports history and make sure accomplishments like this are remembered," Searer said. "The 2002 Panthers gave this community a championship season people still talk about, and we're looking forward to bringing the team back together."

The Hall of Fame is also accepting memberships from those who want to vote for the 2027 class of individual inductees.

Annual membership is $20 and gives members voting privileges in the Hall of Fame's annual induction process. Membership is open to sports enthusiasts interested in preserving and recognizing Mifflin County's athletic history.

Those wishing to join or renew their membership may send the $20 membership fee to the Mifflin County Sports Hall of Fame, P.O. Box 989, Lewistown, PA 17044, or register online at http://www.mcsportshof.com.