The Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame is gearing up to honor dozens of exceptional athletes at their annual picnic next Monday at the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club. This year, the organization will recognize 41 individuals who have excelled in various sports, ranging from youth to adult categories.
Among the honorees are several standout swimmers from Jamestown Community College (JCC), including Paiden Wittmeyer, Lindsey Spitz, Anna Jones, Ella Fosberg, Madison Kramer, and Ashlyn Swan. These athletes have achieved multiple All-American titles in both NJCAA and NCAA competitions. Additionally, the NJCAA women’s swimming & diving team will be recognized for their non-scholarship national championship win, with Coach Todd Conklin receiving the Women’s Coach of the Year award.
In the high school bowling category, Abbie Derby from Jamestown will be honored for her contribution to the NYSPHSAA composite bowling team championship. The Frewsburg/Falconer/Southwestern/Jamestown 200-yard freestyle relay team, consisting of Aidan McCleery, Connor Dean, Grady Moore, and Miles Moore, will also be recognized as NYSPHSAA champions and All-Americans in swimming.
The Chautauqua Christian Academy girls basketball team will receive accolades for their Division 5 national championship win. In kids wrestling, several young athletes from Falconer and other local clubs will be honored for their achievements in various weight classes.
Other notable awardees include Jordan Lucas from Fredonia for her NYS Class B First-Team All-State softball performance, Matt Trim from Maple Grove for winning the NYSPHSAA Division 2 215-pound wrestling title, and Carter Ray for his success in USA Wrestling competitions.
Evelyn Miller from Flyers Gymnastics will be recognized as the NYS Child A Division Level 4 balance beam champion, while Kelly Bates, Jeff Barkstrom, and Karen Williams from Jamestown Masters Swimming will be honored for their outstanding performances at the Empire State Games.
In the adult category, track and field athletes Mike Sayers, Norman Chambliss, and Denny Furlow will receive gold medals for their respective age groups in javelin, discus, shot put, and hammer throw events at the Empire State Games. Tiffany Decker will also be recognized as the NYS Lady 1 non-resident singles champion in trap shooting.
Overall, the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame picnic promises to be a celebration of talent, dedication, and sportsmanship across a wide range of athletic disciplines. The event serves as a reminder of the rich sporting heritage in the Chautauqua region and honors the hard work and achievements of these exceptional athletes.
