New Era of Excellence: Cambria County Sports Hall of Fame Reveals Class of 2026 |
Inaugural World Champions Wing honors global standouts alongside local legends |
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The Cambria County Sports Hall of Fame will celebrate its Class of 2026 and introduce the first-ever World Champions Wing during its Induction Banquet on July 11. “The Cambria County Sports Hall of Fame exists to preserve and celebrate the rich sports heritage of our region,” said Chairman Bruce Haselrig. “This year’s class, along with our inaugural World Champions Wing honorees, highlights the remarkable talent that continues to emerge from our communities. We’re excited to recognize their accomplishments this summer.” The Class of 2026 features eight individuals whose achievements span local, collegiate, national, and international levels: Steve Carlson, a legendary figure in Johnstown hockey, led the 1974–75 Johnstown Jets in scoring during their championship season that inspired the film “Slap Shot.” He went on to play in both the NHL and WHA and later coached the Johnstown Chiefs. Jon Majer, honored posthumously, built a distinguished high school basketball coaching career in Pennsylvania, recording more than 600 wins. His tenure included a 1951 PCIAA state championship at Johnstown Catholic across 38 seasons. Karyn McCready captured the 2004 NCAA Division II national title in javelin at Slippery Rock University. A three-time All-American and PSAC champion, she also competed in the U.S. Olympic Trials and was named among the PSAC’s 75 Greatest Female Athletes in 2025. Janae (Dunchack) McGuirk excelled as a multi-sport athlete at Northern Cambria High School, winning four consecutive PIAA high jump titles. She continued her success at Dartmouth College, earning three straight Ivy League pentathlon championships and serving as team captain. Tim Rigby spent decades as a sports anchor and director at WJAC-TV, becoming the first to report Penn State’s move to the Big Ten Conference. He was also the first WJAC broadcaster inducted into the Silver Circle Society. Jessica (Brutz) Stoddard earned five All-American honors and eight PIAA All-State selections as a swimmer at Richland High School. She later competed at Michigan State University before transferring to Clarion University, where she won a PSAC title and accumulated six NCAA All-American honors. John Strittmatter claimed the 1999 NCAA Division II national championship at 133 pounds for Pitt-Johnstown. A three-time All-American, he also helped secure national team titles in 1996 and 1999 and finished as a national runner-up earlier in his collegiate career. Daniel Barefoot, a Richland High School and Penn State graduate, represented Team USA in men’s skeleton at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. In addition to this year’s inductees, the Hall of Fame will debut its World Champions Wing, recognizing Cambria County athletes and teams who have achieved success on the international stage. “This year’s class and our first World Champions Wing honorees embody excellence in every sense,” Haselrig said. “Their accomplishments span generations and sports, but they all share a common thread—bringing pride to Cambria County through dedication, talent, and perseverance. We are honored to celebrate their stories.” For banquet tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or additional information, call 814-659-0982 or visit the Cambria County Sports Hall of Fame website. |
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