RELEASE: The Southington Sports Hall of Fame generated more excitement than anybody had hoped in 2010. Hundreds of former athletes, coaches, family, and fans packed the Aqua Turf in Plantsville, and officials expect that excitement to carry over to 2011.

“I think it's safe to say that last year's event was far more successful than even the most optimistic member of the selection committee could have expected,” said selection committee chairman Dennis J. Stanek, Jr. “It was a big success.”

The Southington Sports Hall of Fame selection committee recently announced their second class, and officials believe that it will be as good as the first. The list includes 12 athletes, a coach, a booster, two individual teams, and a pair of posthumous members. The group includes athletes, coaches, along with members of the press and community. Stanek said that the group is a great representation of Southington’s rich sports tradition.

“I think that this year's class is equally as impressive as the last one,” he said. “Someone can make the case that every single one of this year's inductees could have been put in the inaugural event. We're so happy that they were inducted into this class. I think it's a great honor, and they've all made such a great impact on sports in our community and their long overdue recognition is right in front of us.”

Longtime track coach Wayne Nakoneczny heads a list that includes current professional athletes and coaches. He will be joined by former athletes Jack Valentine, Chris Denorfia, Kelly Hart, Irene Mach, Gary Solomon, Joe DePaolo, Tom Poitras, Ray Thorpe, Ed Nardi, Dick Tully, Mike Raczka, and Corky Cassella.

In addition, the committee will recognize the accomplishments of Southington High School’s 1961 baseball team and 1982 girls basketball team. Joseph Abate will be honored for his behind-the-scenes contributions as a booster, while Dick Galiette and Charlie Klemovich will be honored posthumously for their efforts on and off the field and in the pressroom.

“I think this is a very good cross section,” said Stanek. “The committee took input from the fans, the communities, the supporters, and coaches. I think that this year has an even broader spectrum of athletes with men and women and team sports. We put a lot of time into selecting those athletes that truly deserve this.”

The class will be inducted on Wednesday, Nov. 9 at an award dinner at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville. Tickets cost $50. Call Jim Verderame at (860) 628-7335 for tickets.

“It's going to be a lot of fun,” said Stanek. “We wanted to give back to this community by recognizing those athletes that have given so much to the town at a nice evening event at the Aqua Turf. Family and friends can come back to reminisce about the history of Southington sports and recognize those athletes that brought so many titles to Southington over the last 60 years or so.”