by Karen Sangillo
The Bucks County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame inducted the Class of 2023 on April 27th at Brookside Manor at Somerton Springs. Fifteen former athletes, coaches and athletic directors were honored.
Neshaminy’s Lauren Baugher was inducted for her outstanding field hockey career.] After Neshaminy, Baugher played at Delaware and was named to the USA Women’s World Cup team in 2018, where she led the team in scoring.
“It’s really incredible,” Baugher said. “It’s so much fun just being back in the area and seeing teachers and coaches I used to have. It’s such a special place and I feel really lucky. Seeing the other resumes was really impressive. It just blew me away to be included with people who have such great accomplishments.”
Doylestown resident Caroline Doty played basketball at Germantown Academy and Connecticut, where she was a member of three NCAA championship teams. She is currently the assistant at Wisconsin-Madison.
“It’s great to be inducted,” she said. “I was so excited to hear from the committee that I was on the ballot. Just the support from the community and to be recognized is great. Honestly, it isn’t just me going into the Hall of Fame. It’s everyone who supported me along the way.”
Jen Long’s field hockey career was at Central Bucks East and Penn State, where she was a two-time All-American.
“It was a shock and surprise,” Long said. “You never expect something like this. I’m just super appreciative and grateful to be here.”
Lindsay Rheiner of Council Rock North was inducted for her achievements in lacrosse and cross country. She played lacrosse for the Naval Academy and was the PIAA champion in cross country in 2010.
“The induction has made me pause and reflect,” Rheiner said. “I’m at that age (30) where I’m thinking about where I am and where I’m going. The induction also gave me a platform to thank the people who helped me, especially my parents.”
Ed Riley was a baseball standout at Neshaminy. He was drafted by the Montreal Expos and spent eight seasons in the minor leagues with the Expos and Baltimore Orioles.
“I’m so thrilled,” Riley said. “My family is thrilled. I’m so honored to be included with this group. When I got the call from the committee, I was so excited. This is an amazing night.”
Karli Schilling had an outstanding soccer career at Central Bucks West and Wake Forrest. She was a member of the Region One Olympic Developmental team and the Pennsylvania Olympic Developmental State Select team.
“It’s an amazing honor,” she said. “I’m still a little in shock but I feel very honored and privileged to be part of this group. I definitely recognized some of the names and it’s really exciting to be included.”
Sara Sargent ran cross country and track for Pennsbury and Virginia. She was the Gatorade Pennsylvania Runner Athlete of the Year in 2011. Her father, Greg, accepted on her behalf.
After a standout softball career at Central Bucks East, Christina Quinn continued at Virginia, where she holds several top 10 pitching records. She was unable to attend the event.
Lisa Palmer of Harry S. Truman was inducted for her softball career. She continued to play at Virginia, where she was an All-American. She was unable to attend the event. Former Truman softball coach Eileen Shein accepted for her.
Jenn Wolfgang Rush was a three-sport standout at William Tennent, playing field hockey, basketball and soccer. She continued her soccer career at Kutztown, where she was an All-American.
Central Bucks East girls swim coach Tom Kane received the honor for his standout career. He led the Patriots to 12 consecutive league titles and the District One team title in 1986.
“I’m totally honored,” Kane said. “I started coaching in 1971 and caught the bug and enjoyed it and kept on going. I loved working with kids and 52 years later, here I am. Coaching the girls from 1976-2022, I don’t have a bad memory. It’s all been wonderful, and this is a high point. This is phenomenal.”
Three athletic directors were inducted in the Legends category; Bob Buckanavage of Pennsbury, Ray Kelly of Neshaminy and Lou Pacchioli of William Tennent.
“It reflects upon the people who surrounded me throughout my career,” said Kelly, who is currently a volunteer football coach at Neshaminy. “I was surrounded by a lot of legends and those people made me want to do my best every day.”
Buckanavage is the current executive director of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Directors Association.
“I am overwhelmed,” he said. “I started my sports administrative career at Pennsbury in 1975 and I always bragged about Bucks County. I’m honored to be in this class. It’s an awesome class.”
Pacchioli was also a longtime professor, coach and department chairperson at Bucks County Community College.
Pennsbury golfer Dennis Milne was inducted posthumously. He played for Wake Forrest and was the longtime club pro at the Trenton County Club.
“He would have been so honored and so humbled,” said his wife Bobbi, who accepted for him. “It would have meant the world to him to be recognized.”
The Bucks County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame is accepting nominations for the upcoming ballot. For more information or to join go to their website, www.buckscountysportshof.com.
PHOTO CAPS:
- From left, Ray Kelly; Greg Sargent (for Sara Sargent); Lou Pacchioli; Caroline Doty; Jenn Wolfgang Rush; and Lauren Baugher.
- From left, Lindsay Rheiner; Bob Buckanavage; Jen Long; Karli Schilling; Ed Riley; Eileen Shein (for Lisa Palmer); Bobbi Milne (for Dennis Milne) and Tom Kane.