Mt. Lebanon honors Distinguished Blue Devils
Eight enter Hall of Champions
Evan Pierce lives in Boston and works for the Celtics as vice president of people and culture. Before his employment with the NBA franchise, he used his business degree from Augusta University and masters from the University of Southern California while working at Apple, Hewlett-Packard and Raven Industries.
After 15 years, Pierce returned home to Mt. Lebanon to be recognized as a Distinguished Blue Devil. He was one of eight former athletes and one sports squad recognized at Mt. Lebanon High School’s Hall of Champions celebration on Nov. 1 at the St. Clair Country Club.
“It’s a full-circle moment,” Pierce said. “It feels amazing especially since I haven’t been back here in such a long time. This is the place in which I grew up in life and it’s led to really, really special things.”
When John Grogan heard those comments, the Mt. Lebanon athletics director knew his mission was accomplished. Addressing the crowd of approximately 200, during his opening remarks, Grogan said that he hoped the inductees had a great time.
“Have a chance to reconnect with a friend, reminisce about the good old days and remember those great times that you had at Lebo,” he said.
“We want this event to become a yearly opportunity to celebrate all of our athletic programs and the successes of those who participate,” Grogan added. “We hope that the lessons learned through sports, teamwork, leadership and sportsmanship; respect, honor, discipline and always striving for improvement, enable our athletes to carry those onward as they become successful men and women.”
There are approximately 1,800 students competing in 32 different varsity sports and on six club teams on a yearly basis in grades 7 through 12 at Mt. Lebanon.
Pierce and his fellow inductees participated in many from basketball to lacrosse; baseball to football, and they all acknowledged the same thing when it came to their success in and outside the athletic arena.
“It’s a little overwhelming standing here accepting this incredible honor,” said Emily Miller, Class of 2009. “This award recognizes individual accomplishments but it truly represents the sacrifice, belief and unwavering support of so many people.
“I owe so much to my parents,” said the daughter of Kurt and Lou Miller. “Then there were my brother and sister, who advocated for me in the stands. I owe so much to the coaches, not just teaching me how to play but how to lead.”
Miller played on a WPIAL soccer championship team as well as captained the 2009 basketball team to an undefeated season (31-0) that included a district and PIAA state banner. Additionally, she was the Anne Mathison Quinn Blue Devil Scholarship recipient. She recognized her “current team” that includes her husband, Dave, and three children, Theo, Ella and Sophie.
“So it’s awesome to be talking about the glory days 16 years later,” she said.
Kennan Killeen has had many glory days. She earned a plethora of honors for her basketball prowess, including at the collegiate level. She gained Washington and Jefferson’s Cooper Female Athlete of The Year distinction as well as was nominated for the 2010 NCAA Woman of the Year Award.
Killeen is an English teacher and has taught in the West Allegheny School District. Currently, she resides in Peters Township and coaches her three boys, ages 7, 6 and 4, in soccer and basketball.
“I grew up looking at the Hall Of Champions and seeing these amazing players and to be one of them now, it’s surreal,” Killeen said. “What I learned here shaped me whether on the court or in the classroom. I had brilliant coaches and teachers. They were tough and they had zero sympathy for half-hearted effort. The school and community here teach important foundational skills that translate and reinforce lessons in life.
“My family, teachers, coaches, mentors and community shaped me. The standards are still so high, the pride is still strong, and the lessons learned still matter,” she continued. “They all truly played a role in shaping me, challenging me and giving me the roots that still run in me. I’m so proud to be part of this community and so honored to be in the Hall of Champions.”
Tony Ranalli was “humbled” by his induction. Though a football and baseball player at Lebo, he is more noted for his work as a statistician. He kept score for the girls basketball team for 24 years and the boys basketball squad for 19. He also works the sticks during football games.
“Let’s be clear, this has nothing to do with my athletic abilities and everything to do with a lot of sharp pencils,” Ranalli enthused. “It’s such an honor that my head is spinning. All the accomplishments of the other inductees are just incredible. I am humbled.” Mt. Lebanon and its people, he noted, “will always be in my heart and own a part of me forever.”
In addition to Killeen, Miller, Pierce and Ranalli, Jonathan Kelly, Ashlee Kelly and the 1968 basketball team entered the Mt. Lebanon Hall of Fame as Distinguished Blue Devils. Frank DeWitt and Wayne Porter were inducted posthumously.
Individual student-athletes inductee in the Hall of Champions, because they won district or state titles, included: Lily Cramer, Lauren Krebs, Lucy Tan and Selma Bajgoric for their 4×400 relay victory in track; Jackie Tang and Michelle Yang for their doubles championship in tennis; Sylvia Roy for her swimming titles; as well as Quinn Murdoch and Max Prezioso for their All-America status in lacrosse.
Three teams were also recognized: girls tennis, boys and girls lacrosse.
Denny Postufka served as Masters of Ceremonies.
The Hall of Champions selection committee includes Stacey Franklin, Dr. Bob Schiller, Dale Cable, Bill Lewis, Meghan Anderson, Shelly Pieklik, Caity Manzo, Tyler Bluemling and Grogan.
The Distinguished Blue Devil committee includes: Bluemling, Kim Robbins, Russ Jones, Norm Faett and Shelly Saba.
Visit athletics.mtlsd.org for complete bios of the inductees.