Wyoming Area Football: A Legacy of Notable Alumni

Wyoming High School boasts a rich football history, filled with talented players who have left their mark on the school and beyond. To celebrate this legacy, a selection of the All-Time Wyoming High School Football Team was chosen. This article highlights some of the most notable alumni who have contributed to the program's success, showcasing their achievements both on and off the field.

The All-Time Team Selection

In a show of community engagement, 780 ballots were cast by Wyoming alumni and fans to determine the All-Time Wyoming High School Football Team. The results were revealed chronologically by graduation year, recognizing the contributions of players from different eras. This selection process, while intended for fun, underscores the deep connection and pride associated with Wyoming football.

Standout Players by Position

Linebackers

The linebacker position has been a source of strength for Wyoming football, with several players achieving remarkable success. Tom Crosby ('70) anchored the defense during the undefeated seasons of 1968 and 1969 as a single linebacker in Bob Lewis’ Diamond Defense. Tom Berger ('76) played middle linebacker during the undefeated 1975 season. Jeff Dennis ('79) led the defense for the 1977 State Championship Team. P.J. Pope ('02), the top vote-getter at linebacker, excelled on both sides of the ball before playing in the NFL. Hassan Black ('19) and Cam O'Gara ('20), both members of the 2018 State Championship Team, continued their careers at The Citadel and West Point, respectively.

Other notable linebackers include Steve Streight ('74), Tim Marty ('80), Randy Church ('90), Justin Buckner ('93), Scott Cryder ('00), Jacob Green ('09), and Tucker Berger ('16).

Tight Ends

The tight end position has evolved over the years, requiring players to be both blockers and pass-catchers. Ted Marty ('53) and Terry Marty ('57) represent a family legacy at Wyoming. Steve Bell ('73), the top vote recipient, was a dominant force in multiple sports and played football at UC. Kevin Bates ('78) led the Cowboys to the 1977 State Championship and played at Stanford. Jacob Green ('09) continued his career at Ball State.

Read also: Discover Wyoming Catholic College

Other notable tight ends include Bill Anderson ('44), Bill Abernethy ('60), Clenent Arnold ('64), Chris Bell ('79), and Zach Novak ('00).

Wide Receivers/Split Ends

Wyoming has produced talented pass-catchers who have excelled at the high school and collegiate levels. Bernie Barre ('70), a long-time Cowboy Head Coach, holds several reception records and played at Ashland University. Ryan Fleming ('97) continued his career at The Air Force Academy. Kevin Weybright ('04) was an All-State athlete in football and basketball and played basketball at Christian Brothers University. Evan Aleshire ('10) broke receiving records at Wyoming before playing at UC. Garyn Prater ('17) walked on at Ohio State before transferring to UC. Joey Edmonds ('19) led the Cowboys to the 2018 State Title.

Other notable wide receivers include Chris Myers ('67), Cleon Plummer ('92), Chris Carter ('99), and Adam Monday ('00).

Offensive Line

The offensive line has been a cornerstone of Wyoming's football success, with numerous players going on to achieve great things. John Frick ('61) played at Ohio University and was drafted by the NY Giants. Phil Arnold Jr. ('64) anchored the undefeated teams of 1962 and 1963. Dave Lewis ('69) played for the undefeated 1968 team and later at UC. John Ammerman ('75) played college football at Tulane. Bobby Green ('77) played at the University of Pittsburgh. Matt Mefford ('99) and Dan Deering ('99) opened up holes for record-setting RB Richard Hall. Robert Brewster ('05) was the “Offensive Player of The Year” in the CHL and played for Ball State and the Dallas Cowboys. Larry Black ('08), the top vote-getter, played at Indiana University and signed with the Bengals. Larson Graham ('12) played at Duquesne and went to camp with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Atlanta Falcons.

Other notable offensive linemen include Barry Williams ('64), Scott Montross ('65), Wickly Ach ('66), and Vince Hulbert ('81).

Defensive Line

Wyoming's defensive line has consistently produced impactful players. Mendel Gentry ('63) was a force on the 1962 Unscored Upon Team. Ken Roberts ('73) also placed at state in wrestling and went on to play at Wilmington College. Steve Bell ('73) also a Tight End, later played at UC. Darryl Lawson ('76) played on the state runner-up team of 1975 and went on to play at Eastern Kentucky University. Kevin Bates ('78) was a force at Outside Tackle for the 1977 State Championship Team and went on to play at Stanford University. Jeff King ('07) went on to play at Ohio University. Larry Black ('08) played DT at Indiana University and signed as a free agent with the Bengals. Jibreel Black ('10), the top vote recipient, played at the University of Michigan and signed with Tampa Bay in the NFL.

Other notable defensive linemen include Clenent Arnold ('64), Barry Williams ('64), Butch Mobley ('67), and Dave Lewis ('69).

Kickers & Punters

Special teams have played a crucial role in Wyoming's success. Chris Payne ('72) was an old-style straight-ahead kicker. Ian Kadish ('07), the top vote-getter, excelled as both a punter and kicker and later played baseball at Marshall University. Tucker Marty ('15) became a kicker after an injury. A.J. Washienko ('20) holds many kicking records and kicked for the 2018 State Champion Cowboys.

Other notable kickers and punters include Miles Drake ('97), Drew Kaszubski ('01), and Will Marty ('14).

Fullbacks/Single Backs

The fullback position has been filled by versatile players who contribute in both the running and passing game. Barry Porter ('55) played in the pre-Bob Lewis era and played two sports at Denison University. Art Church ('60) played at UC. Steve Streight ('74) also placed at the State meet in wrestling and went on to play at Eastern Kentucky University. Jeff Dennis ('79), the top vote recipient, led the Cowboys to the 1977 State Championship and continued his career at the University of Kentucky. DeJuan Gossett ('96) played DB at UC. Pierson Rogers ('19) led the Cowboys to the 2018 State Championship.

Read also: Academic Life at Sheridan College

Other notable fullbacks include Jim Commins ('63), Mike Grandstaff ('92), and Scott Cryder ('00).

Defensive Backs

The defensive backfield has been a source of strength for Wyoming, with numerous players earning accolades. Bing Guckenberger ('63) and Bob Goodridge ('64) were key members of the 1962 team that did not allow a touchdown. Mark Schickner ('68) played at The Naval Academy and intercepted four passes in the Army/Navy game. Chuck Mobley ('72) became an All-American at Wilmington College. Steve Fletcher ('76) played at Eastern Kentucky University. Chris Dolle ('78) played at Hillsdale College. Ahmed Plummer ('95), the top vote recipient, played at The Ohio State University and for The San Francisco 49ers. DeJuan Gossett ('96) played for UC. Richard Hall ('99) played at UC. Jalen Fox ('14) played at Ohio University.

Other notable defensive backs include Dale Fulton ('86), Ivan Fulton ('92), and Michael Pearl ('92).

Quarterbacks

Wyoming has a storied history of quarterbacks who have led their teams to success. Bing Guckenberger ('63) led the undefeated and un-scored upon 1962 team. Mike Morrissey ('70) led two undefeated teams in 1968 and 1969. Ahmed Plummer ('95) went to Ohio State and the San Francisco 49ers. Kyle Seyfried ('11) led his team to the state semi-finals and an undefeated regular season in 2009. Andrew Marty ('17) led an undefeated team to the regional finals in 2016 and currently plays at Northwestern University. Evan Prater ('20), the top vote-getter, led the Cowboys to the 2018 State Title, was named Mr. Football in 2019, and is headed to UC.

Other notable quarterbacks include George "Bud" Lewis ('42), Steve Lewis ('67), and Doug Russell ('76).

Running Backs

Wyoming has produced exceptional running backs who have left their mark on the program. Bob Goodridge ('64) played at Vanderbilt University and led the nation in receiving his senior year. Norman Jacobs ('71) and Freddie Jacobs ('76) played Division I college football. Richard Hall ('99) holds most of the rushing and scoring records and played at UC. P.J. Pope ('02) starred at Bowling Green and played in the NFL.

Wyoming Area Football: More Than Just a Game

The success of Wyoming Area football extends beyond the field. The program instills values such as teamwork, commitment, and perseverance, which benefit players throughout their lives. The strong community support and tradition contribute to a sense of pride and belonging.

Notable Alumni Beyond Football

Wyoming High School has produced notable alumni in various fields, including:

John Weld Peck II (1931): Federal judge
Thomas D: Ambassador to Burkina Faso and Colombia
Deena Deardurff (1975): Olympic swimmer
Jeff Russell (1979): Baseball player
Greg Ruckman (1992): Olympic rower
David Payne (2000): Olympic medalist in hurdles
Lance Williams: Reporter and writer
William Greider (1954): Economics writer
Michael Wolfe (1963): Poet, author, and filmmaker
Dennis Bell (1969): Basketball player
Tim Metcalfe (1972): Screenwriter

The Wyoming Area-Pittston Area Rivalry

The Wyoming Area-Pittston Area football rivalry is a deeply rooted tradition, characterized by intense competition and community pride. Coaches Randy Spencer and Paul Russick, both alumni of their respective schools, have a deep understanding of the rivalry's significance. The rivalry has evolved over the years, becoming more of a family-type rivalry due to the blending of communities. However, it remains highly competitive.

Coaching Perspectives

Randy Spencer, the head coach of Wyoming Area, emphasizes the importance of commitment, teamwork, and perseverance. He believes that the program instills values that are essential for success in life. Paul Russick, the head coach of Pittston Area, admires Wyoming Area's consistency and the program's ability to maintain a high level of play year after year.

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