Pennridge Inductees
Jim C. Groff- A 1988 Pennridge graduate, Jim earned six varsity letters at Pennridge High School in baseball and basketball. In 1987, as a junior, he was the short-stop and a pitcher on the PIAA State Champion Baseball Team. His batting average was over.300 and he was instrumental in turning a record number of double plays on the way to the championship. Jim was a two time All-League selection at short-stop and was selected to play in the prestigious Carpenter Cup Tournament in 1988. His Suburban All Star Team won the tournament. Jim was a 1000 point scorer in basketball and held the scoring record for over 20 years only benefiting from the 3 point shot in his senior year. He was a two time All-League first team selection and was unanimously named Suburban One Player of the Year. Jim was selected to play in the Keystone State Games and was the only 20 point scorer. Jim received numerous scholarship offers for baseball and basketball and chose to play baseball at Shippensburg University as a relief pitcher where he received a degree in Geo-Environmental Science. Today Jim is the manager of the Hilltown Water and Sewer Authority as well as an elected member of the Hilltown Township Board of Supervisors.
Louis Riddick- A 1986 Pennridge High School graduate who was an outstanding athlete on the gridiron and on the track. In track and field, he lettered for three years. In his junior year, he set a school record in 300 hurdles and placed first in the Buxmont Championships in both the 110 and 300 high hurdles. He placed first in District Championships as well as taking a third place finish in the State Championships in the 110 and 300 high hurdles. In his senior year he was elected team captain and was the Pennsylvania State Champion in the indoor 60 yard high hurdles. In football he was a four year letter winner and received first team all league honors in his Junior and Senior seasons. His Senior season honors included setting a new school record of 5 TD in one game, 1st team Colonial Division All Star team, 1st team All State Defense, Male Athlete of the Year 1986 for North Penn Reporter, 1986 USA Today All-American Team (Defense), 1986 Parade All-American Team, 1986 Bally All-American Team (top 100 scholar athletes), the Pennridge High School Citizenship Award, Outstanding Male Athlete Award and graduated with Highest Honors (3.6-4.0). Louis earned a football scholarship and went on to the University of Pittsburgh where he was a 1987-1990-Football Letterman. While at the University of Pittsburgh he received the 1988-Pitt Golden Panthers MVP (Underclassman Defense), 1989-Academic All-American, 1990-Academic All-American, Defensive Back East-West Shrine Game, Defensive Back Blue Gray All-Star Classic, Team Captain and the Blue Gold Award Winner. His name is permanently placed on the University of Pittsburgh, Walk of Fame at the Cathedral of Learning on campus. After graduating from college, Louis went to the NFL Combine and was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers and played for 6 years in the NFL. (Atlanta Falcons-2 years, Cleveland Browns-3 years, Oakland Raiders-1 year). He retired from the NFL and went on to work in front office as the Director of Pro Personnel for the Washington Redskins and later with the Philadelphia Eagles. Louis currently works for ESPN on the NFL Insiders show and frequently appears as a guest on ESPN Sports Center, Mike & Mike and various other shows.
Rob Kell, B.S. M.Ed – A 1989 Graduate of Pennridge High School where he varsity lettered in 3 sports including Cross Country - 2yr Captain, Winter Track and Baseball 2yr Varsity LHP Starter/Captain/ 2x 2nd Team All-Suburban One. After Pennridge High School, he walked on Temple University’s baseball team and earned a 4 yr. scholarship. Due to this pursuit and the love of baseball he has experienced and played at some of the highest levels any player/pitcher has experienced coming out of the Suburban One. Personal Highlights include a 4 yr. Scholarship Division One Starter at Temple University where he was a 2x Captain. Highlights include 2x NCAA Top 10 Strikeout Per 9 innings (‘92,‘93) 2x Atlantic 10 Strikeout Leader per 9 Innings (‘92,’93), 2x 2nd Team All Atlantic-10 (’92, ’93) and an A-10 ’93 Playoff Berth. He was also recruited to play in the prestigious Cape Cod League for the Bourne Braves after his Jr. Yr where he was named a starting pitcher. Following a successful collegiate career where he held multiple pitching records he was drafted by the Texas Rangers in 1993 MLB Draft in the 36th Round, only after the Chicago Cubs offered him a contract while at an invitation tryout camp. Only one other pitcher has been drafted since Rob and he is still the last LHP to be drafted by a MLB team in over 21 yrs. at Temple. As a professional he pitched his way to prospect status with the Rangers having a breakout inaugural season in 1993 where he led the Rangers Organization in WHIP and Batting Average against and was the 1996 as the Texas Rangers Organization Strikeout (168), Shutouts (3) and Complete Game Leader (4). Heading into the 1997 Season he was listed as the Top 20 Texas League Pre-Season Prospects as well as Baseball Americas 1997 Sleeper Pick.
Jay A. Wenger- Graduated from Pennridge High School in 1969 where he earned Varsity letters in Football and Track. He was a 1968 “All League” selection in football and a 1969 “All League” selection in baseball. He played on the 1968 and 1969 baseball teams that won two consecutive Buck- Mont Championships. He earned a Associates Degree from Bucks County Community College in 1971 and was a starter on the baseball Team He was elected Team Captain in 1971 and honored with the “1971 Male Health & Physical Education” Major of the year.
Jay went on to graduate from East Stroudsburg College in 1973, with a BS in Health & PE and participated from 1970-1979, in many local Tri-County baseball and softball leagues. During his participation in local softball and baseball leagues he received many honors which included being named to numerous All Star teams and winning a league batting championship in 1974. Jay has participated in both sports for over 5 decades starting in 1968. He has volunteered his time with the Pennridge Little League, Pennridge Yellow Jackets (football) and the Deep Run Basket ball and Softball Association both as a coach and referee. From 1987-1997 he served as an assistant Varsity Baseball coach at Pennridge High School were in 1987 the team earned the State Championship title. The 1987 Team is the only team in Pennridge H.S. history to ever win a Pennsylvania State Championship. Jay was also the Pennridge H.S.Varsity Softball coach from 1998-2008 and took his teams to 4 District playoff games. Jay is a PIAA official in Volleyball and Softball and an ASA Softball Official.
Tom Moore- Started his athletic career at a very young age as the starting guard for Norristown Biddy Basketball (NB), All Star Team in 1954. NB won the Southeastern Pennsylvania Regional Tournament and lost in the State tournament to Western Pennsylvania. Biddy Basketball was for ages 8-12, and had a 5’6 maximum height limit. In 1953 NB lost the U.S. National title game in Chicago IL. While at Pennridge High School he earned a total of 9 Varsity letters 2 in Football, 4 in Baseball and 3 in Basketball. He had a combined 11-1, junior and senior pitching record while winning two consecutive Buck-Mont Championships. He threw a one hitter in the 1960 Bux-Mont Legion title game. Tom was selected as a 1960 Bux-Mont Legion “All Star”. While playing Basketball he led his team in rebounding his junior year. Tom broke his ankle in his senior football season and missed a large majority of his football and basketball season. He continued his football talents at Delaware Valley College where he earned 2 Varsity letters both as a Defensive Back and the Starting Quarterback for two seasons. He had previously held school records with a total of 199 yards of offense in a single game and season high interceptions total with four in eight games. Tom is very familiar to Pro, State and local athletes as he was the sports writer for the Doylestown Intelligencer/North Penn Reporter for 12 years covering High School, College and Professional Sports from 1964-1976.
Denise Groeber Ferretti- was a 1989 Pennridge High School graduate who excelled in Field Hockey and Lacrosse. During her high school career, Denise received a total of 3 Varsity Letters in both Field Hockey and Lacrosse. Her honors included being named to the “All Suburban One” team in 1987 and 1988 for field hockey. In 1989 she was named to the “All Suburban One” team for Lacrosse and was named Pennridge H.S., MVP for Field Hockey. She was named Captain in her senior season for both her lacrosse and field hockey teams. She continued her Field Hockey and Lacrosse career at East Stroudsburg University where she was the first East Stroudsburg University female athlete to be names “All American in 2 sports. Her college honors included being selected to as a NCAA “First Team All American “in Field Hockey as well as Lacrosse and was named Captain of both teams as a Senior. Denise was inducted to East Stroudsburg Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010. She was a member of the Warriors’ 1990 NCAA Tournament Field Hockey Team. Denise was named to All-PSAC Team in Lacrosse. In 1992, Denise received the Coaches Award for Field Hockey and played in the All-Star Field Hockey Game in Richmond, Virginia. After Graduating from College, Denise was a Field Hockey and Lacrosse coach at Upper Dublin High School. She continues to play in a Women’s Field Hockey league. Denise has been teaching for 18 years and is currently a first grade teacher in the Wissahickon School District.
Quakertown Inductees
Dave Evans- Coach Dave Evans has been credited with “Kick-Starting” the wrestling program at Quakertown Sr. High School. Dave was the head coach from 1974 through 1993 and then returned from 1999-2001. During his coaching career at Quakertown, his teams won five league titles, three Section titles, two District one titles, one Regional title and placed fifth and ninth at the Pennsylvania State Championship tournament. While at Quakertown his wrestlers amassed a total of 42 Sectional titles, 17 District titles, 12 Regional titles and produced two State Champions. His Teams also finished first or second in District One league standings for 12 consecutive years. He earned five league and two Suburban One “Coach of the Year” awards and in 2005 was inducted into the Pennsylvania Southeastern PIAA Wrestling Hall of Fame. Dave graduated in 1962 from Bensalem High School and wrestled for four years at Bloomsburg College. Dave also coached at Ewing (NJ) High School for 10 years before arriving at Quakertown.
Susan (Grim) Barnes- Was a 1975 Quakertown High School graduate where she participated and was an outstanding athlete in Field hockey, Winter Track and Softball for four years. As a junior in Field Hockey she achieved honors as an “All Bux-Month Honorable mention and was a First Team “goal keeper” selection her senior year. In Softball Susan led her senior year team in both batting average and RBI’s. She continued her athletic career at Carnegie Mellon University, where she participated in intramural softball, fencing, field hockey and was a letter winner on the lacrosse team. After college she played field hockey for the “Generics Club Team” of the Philadelphia Field Hockey Association and participated in first division tournaments in Canada, New York and Maryland. Susan played fast pitch softball in the Industrial League for many years and has passed on her experience as a coach for the Upper Bucks YMCA. Since 1998 she has been the head coach in both Lacrosse and Field Hockey at the Pennridge South Middle School. She currently is on the Board of Directors for the Pennridge/Quakertown Sports Hall of Fame and has been active with the Deep Run Sports Association, Quakertown Soccer Club and the Quakertown Youth Baseball Association for many years.
John Hangey- Was a 1988 Quakertown High School graduate where he was an outstanding athlete in Wrestling. John compiled a 108 -24 career high school record where he received countless All League and District awards. His High School career culminated in 1988 after he won the 1998 PIAA State Wrestling Championship at 185lbs. In 1988 John attended Rider University and was named the 4th best freshman at 190 lbs, by the “Amateur Wrestling News” in the United States. While at Rider he earned distinguished honors on the wrestling mat, which included the 1993 Midlands Wrestling Championship, a 3 time East Coast Conference Champion and a 3 time NCAA Division one qualifier. In 1993 John was named an NCAA college “All American “after placing fourth in the United States at 190 lbs. He compiled a “Rider University Record” which he still holds today, as having 11 wins while participating at the NCAA College Wrestling Championships. John was selected and represented Team USA at the Belarus Cup, Team Championships in 1995 and compiled a 9 -1 record. After graduating Rider in 1993 he continued his love of Wrestling and was named the Head Wrestling coach at Bucknell University (1997-2000). In 2000 John was named Associate Head Wrestling coach at Rider and continues as head coach to the present. While at Rider, John has coached 8 NCCAA “All Americans” and in 2000 was inducted in the Rider University Hall of Fame.
Mark Youngblood- Was a 1969 Quakertown graduate where he was an excellent four sport athlete and team player. He was awarded a total of 8 letters while playing sports at Quakertown High School (Football (3), Basketball (2), Baseball (1), and Golf (2). Mark’s top sport was football where he was a 3 year starting Quarterback, along with some occasional tight end work his junior year, and was the punter and place holder for extra points all 3 years. He played center in basketball and led the team in rebounding his senior year. After one year of JV baseball and varsity pinch-hitting in baseball, he switched over to the golf team where he played the #2 position on the Quakertown team that won the Bux-Mont Championship in 1969. Mark was awarded the inaugural Quakertown Coach’s Award in 1969. Academically, Mark finished #2 in his class, was a member of the National Honor Society, and President of the Student Council. Mark went on to play collegiate football at Cornell University. Following college, Mark attended Dickinson School of Law where his flag-football team won an unprecedented 3 straight championships. He played rugby and did all the primary kicking. He continued to play competitive basketball for 15 years, and learned tennis as well. Mark coached junior sports for 15 years, including basketball (boys and girls), baseball and soccer, along with many Boy Scout outings. Mark worked as an attorney and in human resources management for Bethlehem Steel Corp and later BAE Systems.
John Rittenhouse- Was a 1987 Quakertown High School graduate where he was an outstanding athlete in Wrestling. John compiled an 88-5 career high school record in his high school career where he received countless All League and District awards. John’s honors included being named a 3 time Sectional Champion, 2 time District Champion, 2 time Regional Champion and numerous” Most Valuable Tournament Wrestler Awards” during his senior year. His High School career culminated in 1987 when he finished as the only wrestler in school history to have a undefeated 35-0 season and won the 1987 PIAA State Wrestling Championship at 132 lbs. John was also the first athlete in Quakertown school history to win a PIAA State Championship in any sport. John continued his passion for wrestling as a 5 year assistant coach at Quakertown High School where he coached numerous Sectional, District, Regional and State Medal Winners. In 1998 he became the Head wrestling coach at Pennridge High School where he coached for 11 years. . During his coaching career at Pennridge his teams won three league titles and produced 18 State qualifiers, 8 State Medalist, 4 State Finalist and 1st State Champion in School history. He earned 3 league “Coach of the Year” Awards and prior to his becoming head coach, Pennridge never had a Pennsylvania State medalist. John is a graduate of Rider University.
Jeff Wolfinger “Wolf”- Was a 1988 Quakertown High School graduate where he was an outstanding athlete in Football, Basketball and Baseball. In baseball he was a 2 Year Varsity Letter Winner and was named “First Team “All Suburban One” in his junior season as well as second team all league honors in his senior year. In football Jeff was a 3 Year Varsity Letter Winner where he was an outstanding starting Quarterback for three straight seasons. In his senior year he threw for 111 completions in a single season, which is still a school record. His 1986 team won the “Suburban One Team Championship” and he was rewarded with a Second Team “All Suburban One” league selection as a junior and a First Team “All Suburban One” selection in his senior season. Jeff was also a 3 year r Varsity Letter Winner in basketball He and his talented teammates captured the 1987 and the 1988 Suburban One Team Championship. He received “All League basketball honors both as a junior and senior and still ranks as one of Quakertown’s Top Ten basketball scorers. His school records of 122 foul shots made in a season and 286 foul shots made in a career still remain today. Jeff went on to play college football at Millersville University and returned to Quakertown after graduation to coach and teach 5th grade. Jeff has been a varsity assistant with the Quakertown High School Football team for 11 years where his teams have won 3 Suburban One Team Championships. His proudest achievement has been “the privilege of teaching over 500 Quakertown students over the past 22 years.