meet your 2024 inductees
Tom blinco
Pictured:Lynn Blinco, accepting on behalf of her late husband, Tom.
Tom Blinco
Born in 1957, Tom Blinco's athletic prowess was evident from his high school years, leaving an indelible mark on Lewiston Porter High School. A three-year varsity football standout from 1974 to 1976, Blinco dominated the gridiron, earning All-League honors in his junior and senior years. His senior campaign was truly exceptional, garnering him All-Western New York and All-State recognition. He concluded his LewPort career with school records in rushing yards, touchdowns, and punt yardage, solidifying his place in the school's history. His outstanding senior season culminated in the prestigious Connolly Cup, awarded to Western New York's most outstanding player.
Blinco's athletic talent extended beyond football. He was a force on the wrestling mat, earning All-League honors from 1973 to 1976 and All-Western New York recognition in his sophomore and junior years.
His exceptional high school career paved the way for a successful collegiate journey at The Ohio State University. From 1977 to 1980, Blinco earned three varsity letters as a member of the Buckeyes football team. He participated in three major bowl games, including the 1977 Orange Bowl, the 1978 Sugar Bowl, and the 1980 Rose Bowl, competing at the highest level of college football.
In 2024, Tom Blinco's remarkable athletic achievements were recognized with his induction into the Greater Niagara Sports Hall of Fame, a testament to his enduring legacy as a multi-sport athlete of exceptional talent and dedication.
Giulio Colangelo
Giulio Colangelo, a Niagara Falls native, has a distinguished record as both a player and coach. Born in 1967, he excelled in athletics throughout his upbringing, including football and basketball at Niagara Catholic High School (’82-’84). As a basketball player, he amassed over 900 points, leading the team in scoring his senior year. Colangelo continued his basketball career at SUNY at Buffalo for two years before transferring to SUNY Fredonia. There, he made a significant impact (1987-89), averaging 19.3 points per game (second in school history at the time), scoring 904 points, and grabbing 466 rebounds (both top-ten at graduation). A two-time All-SUNYAC performer, he led Fredonia in scoring and rebounding for two seasons, earned team MVP honors, and received Upstate New York ECAC Player of the Week recognition. His .597 field-goal percentage in 1987-88 was among the best in team history. These accomplishments led to his induction into the SUNY Fredonia Athletic Hall of Fame in 1996. Colangelo transitioned seamlessly into coaching, first at Niagara Falls High School (four years, 83-11 record). During his tenure, he led the team to two NYSPHSAA AA State Finals Runner-Up finishes, four NFL Division titles, and earned the Section 6 AA Coach of the Year award in 2009, along with Section 6 titles in 2008 and 2009. He later coached at his alma mater, Niagara Catholic High School (four years), where he led the team to the 2018 MMHSAA Class B Championship, along with titles in the Harbor Creek Christmas Tournament and the Wilson Holiday Tournament. He is one of only three Western New York basketball coaches to win both Section 6 and Monsignor Martin championships. His overall high school coaching record stands at an impressive 127-54.
MIchael Freeney
Michael Freeney
Born in 1963, Michael Freeney's basketball journey began and flourished in the heart of Niagara Falls, where he was raised, educated, and honed his athletic skills. His exceptional talent was first showcased at LaSalle Senior High School, where he dominated the hardwood from 1977 to 1981.
During his tenure at LaSalle, Freeney established himself as a multifaceted player. He earned All-Niagara Frontier League (NFL) honors in 1980 and 1981, demonstrating his consistent excellence. He was the team's assist leader from 1979 to 1981, showcasing his playmaking abilities. In his senior year, he led the team in scoring and steals, proving his all-around impact. His stellar performance in the 1980 North vs. South All-Star game earned him the MVP award, and he capped off his high school career with All-Western New York honors in 1981.
Freeney's talent took him to Alabama State University, where he continued to shine from 1981 to 1985. He immediately made an impact, earning Freshman MVP honors and leading the team in assists throughout his entire collegiate career. His consistent performance earned him All-Conference honors in 1984 and 1985. He also contributed to the team's appearance in the 1982 National Invitational Tournament (NIT), competing on a national stage.
After his playing career, Freeney remained involved in the sport he loved, becoming a respected basketball official with the Alabama High School Athletic Association.
In 2024, Michael Freeney's remarkable contributions to basketball were recognized with his induction into the Greater Niagara Sports Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as a true Niagara Falls basketball legend.
Robert “Bear” Henry
Robert “Bear” Henry
Born in 1961, Robert "Bear" Henry's athletic journey is a testament to his versatility and exceptional talent in both football and lacrosse. His impact on the Niagara region and beyond is undeniable.
At Niagara Wheatfield High School, Henry excelled in both varsity football (1977-78) and lacrosse (1977-79). On the football field, he contributed to the 1977 Niagara Frontier League (NFL) Championship team and earned All-Gazette 2nd Team honors in 1978. However, it was on the lacrosse field where he truly shone. As a member of the Niagara Wheatfield lacrosse team, he helped secure the Western New York League Championship in 1977. He earned First Team All-League honors for three consecutive years (1977-79), All-Western New York recognition in 1979, and capped his high school career with All-American honors in 1979.
Henry's lacrosse career extended far beyond high school. He achieved national success in Canada, winning the Canadian National Jr. B Lacrosse Championship with the Niagara on the Lake Warriors in 1981. He further solidified his championship pedigree by winning the Canadian National Sr. B Lacrosse Championship twice, first with the Tuscarora Thunderhawks in 1994, and then with the Newtown Golden Eagles in 2000. The 1994 Tuscarora Thunderhawks team was later inducted into the Can/Am Lacrosse League Hall of Fame.
His professional career reached its pinnacle as a member of the World Champion Buffalo Bandits, winning championships in 1993 and 1996.
Henry also proudly represented the Iroquois Nationals on the international stage. He competed in field lacrosse tournaments in Australia (1990) and England (1994), and in indoor lacrosse in Ontario, Canada (2003).
In 2024, Robert "Bear" Henry's extraordinary contributions to lacrosse and football were recognized with his induction into the Greater Niagara Sports Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as a true legend of Niagara sports.
Vincent mazza
Vincent Mazza,
“Vinnie”, a Niagara Falls native born in 1963, enjoyed a decorated football career. After playing at Niagara Catholic High School (1978-81), Mazza excelled at Ashland University (1983-87). As a freshman, he earned First Team All-Heartland Conference Punter honors, was named Ashland Special Teams Player of the Year, and received Associated Press All-American recognition. He continued his dominance, collecting First Team All-Conference and Special Teams Player of the Year awards, along with AP All-American honors, in both his sophomore and junior years. His senior campaign saw him earn First Team All-Conference accolades as both a punter and kicker, along with Kodak All-American status, Ashland University Special Teams Player of the Year, and Greater Heartland Conference Player of the Year (MVP). Mazza became the first four-time All-American in Ashland history and currently holds five school records. In 1987, he was named Dunlap Pro/Am Athlete of the Year and was the sole finalist for the Division II Harlow Hill Award. He went on to sign NFL contracts with the Bengals, Steelers, Falcons, Cowboys, and Dolphins, and was drafted by the Orlando Thunder of the World League of Football. Mazza is currently on the National Football Foundation College Football Hall of Fame final ballot for the fifth consecutive year.
Dan Meterko
Dan Meterko
“Turk”, a Niagara Falls native born in 1959, distinguished himself as a multi-sport athlete in high school. At LaSalle High School (1974-76), he earned All-Division First Team honors in football for three consecutive years (sophomore through senior), was named to the Niagara Gazette All-Area team in 1975 and 1976, and received Second Team All-New York State All-Star recognition in 1977. He was also an honorable mention Joe Namath Prep All-American, participated in the Western New York All-Star game, and served as tri-captain of the 1976 championship football team. On the baseball diamond (1976-77), Meterko was an All-Division and All-Area selection as a pitcher, compiling a 5-0 record. He captained the co-championship team and was again named to the Niagara Gazette All-Area Team in 1976. He also wrestled for LaSalle in 1974-75. Meterko continued his athletic pursuits at Canisius College, playing football in 1977-78 and baseball in 1978-79. He later coached at both Lewiston-Porter and Niagara Falls High Schools.
Sal pagano
Salvatore "Sal" Pagano
Sal dedicated his life to teaching and coaching young athletes in Niagara Falls. From 1954 to 1960, he played football at Niagara Falls High School, both at the junior varsity and varsity levels. He also played JV basketball at Carleton College in 1962. Pagano began his coaching career in the Whirlpool Soccer League (1980-82). In 1982, he co-founded the DeDee's Dairy Soccer Program (with Roger Carroll), which evolved into the Niagara PAL Soccer Club Program, a thriving organization to this day. He coached for the Niagara PAL Soccer Club from its inception and served on the Board of Directors until 1998. From 1985 to 2000, he coached girls' soccer at LaSalle Senior High School, first at the JV level (1985-87) and then as the Varsity coach until the school's closure. He continued as the Niagara Falls High School Girls Varsity Soccer coach from 2000 to 2002. During this same period, he also coached modified and JV basketball and softball at both LaSalle and the new Niagara Falls High School. After retiring from coaching in 2002, Pagano became a basketball and soccer official, refereeing in the Niagara Frontier League and the Buffalo Western New York Junior Soccer League. The Greater Niagara Sports Hall of Fame proudly welcomes Salvatore Pagano as the 2024 Pep DiRamio Service Award recipient.
John Pitarresi
John Pitarresi
Born in 1948, John Pitarresi's life has been defined by a deep passion for sports, both as a participant and a chronicler. Raised and educated in Niagara Falls, his athletic journey began in his formative years.
He played JV football at Bishop Duffy High School in 1962 and continued at LaSalle High School in 1963. He then earned two varsity letters in football at LaSalle from 1964 to 1965. In 1966, he contributed to LaSalle's Section 6 Championship-winning baseball team.
Pitarresi's athletic career flourished at Hamilton College, where he earned four varsity letters in football from 1966 to 1970, serving as co-captain in 1969. His lacrosse prowess was equally impressive, earning three varsity letters from 1967 to 1970. He captained the team in his final two years (1969-70), earned MVP honors, and was a leading scorer in the ECAC West, placing him among the top college lacrosse scorers in the region. He also had the honor of playing lacrosse for legendary coach Wes Patterson with the Buffalo Lacrosse Club in 1968.
His athletic achievements were recognized with the Niagara Falls Police Club Athlete of the Year award in 1970.
Beyond his playing days, Pitarresi transitioned into a distinguished career as a sports journalist. Since 1972, he has been a sports writer for Utica, New York newspapers, covering a wide range of sports, including Syracuse University, Colgate College, Hamilton College, Utica College, professional hockey, and professional baseball. He has also authored numerous feature stories on outdoor wildlife topics.
His journalistic excellence has been recognized with the Gatehouse (Gannett) Company Feature Writer of the Year award in 2012. He is also a member of the New York State Outdoorsman Hall of Fame (2002) and authored the "UTICA BOILER MAKER ROAD RACE - 25th ANNIVERSARY BOOK" in 2002. He was inducted into the Greater Utica Sports Hall of Fame in 2016.
In 2024, John Pitarresi's remarkable contributions to athletics and sports journalism were honored with his induction into the Greater Niagara Sports Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as a true Niagara Falls icon.
Harris wIEnke
Harris Wienke, born in 1945, has a long and distinguished history of athletic achievement and service to the Western New York sports community. At Niagara Wheatfield High School (1960-62), he excelled in both football (All Niagara-Orleans League, 1964 MVP Award) and baseball. He went on to a successful football career at Syracuse University (1964-66), where he was a three-year starting tackle, named Outstanding Sophomore Student Athlete (1965), received the Pat Miller Outstanding Player Award (1966), and was selected for the ECAC All-Academic Team (1964). Wienke started at tackle in both the 1964 Sugar Bowl against LSU and the 1966 Gator Bowl versus Tennessee. From 1969 to 1972, he played and coached for the Lockport Travelers semi-pro football team. He later coached modified and varsity football at Orchard Park High School, where four of his former players went on to the NFL. He also coached JV and Varsity girls' softball at Orchard Park, winning a Section 6 AA title in 1980. Wienke was a highly respected official in high school baseball, softball, girls' basketball, field hockey, and all levels of football. He served as President, Vice President, and Assignor of the New York State Field Hockey organization. His contributions to officiating were recognized with the Mike Perry Referee of the Year Award (2006) and the John Burns Award for outstanding support and devotion to high school football (2015). He received a 25-year service award from the ECIC League. Wienke was the first inductee into the Niagara Wheatfield Hall of Fame and was inducted into the Section 6 Hall of Fame in 2015. For over 25 years, he taught the Western New York Certified Football Officials rookie referee class.
jimmie winkfield
Jimmie Winkfield, born in Niagara Falls in 1957, was a standout athlete at LaSalle High School (1972-75). On the football field, he earned All-Western New York honors in 1975, was a two-time All-League First Team defensive lineman (’74 & ’75), and was named to the All-Area Gazette Team in 1975. He was also the Defensive MVP in 1975 and team captain. A memorable highlight of his senior season was scoring all 10 points in LaSalle's 10-8 upset victory over heavily favored Lewiston-Porter, scoring a touchdown as a fullback, kicking the extra point, and booting the game-winning field goal. Winkfield also excelled in wrestling (1972-75), becoming a sectional champion in the heavyweight division in 1976, and competed in track (’75 & ’76). He was a four-year starter on the Canisius College football team (1976-79), serving as captain in 1979 and receiving the Grueling Griffon Award that same year. He later returned to Canisius College as an assistant defensive line coach in 1981 and head defensive line coach in 1982.