By Ed Birch, Special Writer
The South Brunswick Viking Athletic Club held its bi-annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in the Blue Cafeteria at South Brunswick High School Sunday night.
Athletic Director Elaine McGrath praised the 10 athletes for their amazing accomplishments and presented each with a plaque to recognize their accomplishments and membership into the shrine.
Stephen Boyd, Class of 1965, was honored for his participation and performance in football, basketball and baseball.
He was an All-State performer as quarterback, ace pitcher for the sectional championship team, and point guard for the basketball team. He graduated from Bates College where he played football and baseball. He obtained his MBA from American University and is an international capital market consultant.
Kenneth Skillman, Class of 1966, played basketball, baseball, and football for the Vikings. He led the Vikings to their first state championship as well as co-captaining the basketball team .He was an end for the football team and an outfielder for the baseball team. He went on to coach at South Plainfield High School as well as worked for AT &T. John Schneider, Class of 1994, was an outstanding baseball player for the Vikings. He played second base for the Vikings as well as running back, receiver, and defensive end for the football team. After captaining the football squad, he went on to Rutgers where he starred in baseball. Schneider is presently a Sales Director at Bloomberg L.P.
Douglas Rockhill, Class of 1997, was a star soccer player for the Vikings. He also received varsity letters in basketball and track as well. He later attended the University of Massachusetts and Montclair University. He is the Executive Director at W2O Digital.
Tanya Earl-Hartwyk, Class of 2003, starred in soccer, track, and lacrosse. She was named captain and Most Valuable Player in all three sports during her senior year. She went on to Monmouth University, where she starred and captained the soccer team. She presently teaches elementary school in the East Windsor School District.
Anthony Clemente, Class of 2003, was an all-county soccer performer. He also played baseball and basketball for the Vikings. He went on to Rowan University where he starred in soccer and was the team’s Most Valuable Player.
Joseph Clemente, Class of 2003, competed in soccer and baseball. The Home News and Star Ledger named him to the county’s all-conference team in both sports. He went on to Lehigh University where he played soccer for the eventual Division I champions. He is a Financial Analyst for PSE and G.
Nicholas Clemente, Class of 2003, rounds out the athletic triplets. Nicholas played soccer and baseball during his four-year high school career. Both the Home News and the Star Ledger named him as all-conference performer in both sports. Nicholas was also named as a Scholar-Athlete during his career. He went on to play soccer for two years at Lehigh University. He is presently employed as a Computer Programmer at Bloomberg L.P.
Michael Valentino, Class of 2003, played football, lacrosse, and wrestling for the Vikings. In his junior year, he rushed for 1,000 yards and scored 18 touchdowns for the team. He also compiled 86 wins in wrestling and led the team to statewide championship. He finished his wrestling career at McDaniel College. He is presently employed as an electrician.
Lauren Sohmer, Class of 2004, was an outstanding bowler for the Vikings. She competed for three years and captained the team for her two final seasons. She earned a county Masters Championship and has honored by the Home News and Star Ledger. She went on to star in the sport at Pennsylvania State University in national competition. She is presently employed as an Accounting-Human Resources Director.
Superintendent Gary P. McCartney praised the accomplishments of “all these outstanding athletes.” He also praised the honorees “for bringing true honor to their school and their community.”
The Board of Education was also represented by members Daniel Boyle, Azra Baig, Patrick Del Piano, Barry Nathanson, and Deven Patel.
Athletes are not considered for induction in the Hall of Fame until they have been out of the school for at least 10 years.
