Dec 11, 2017 4 min read

Bethel Park will induct seven new members into its athletic hall of fame on Dec. 22. While the enshrinement ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. in the cafeteria, the members will be introduced at halftime of the high school boys’ basketball game against Mt. Lebanon.

Brothers Craig and Scott Gob are among the honorees.

A 1985 graduate, Scott played linebacker on Penn State’s undefeated national championship team in 1986. He played in two additional bowl games and ranked second on the team in tackles during the 1988 season.

A three-year varsity starter at fullback and linebacker, he earned all-conference honors and all-state acclaim. In 1984, he led the Hawks to the WPIAL Quad-A semifinals. He participated in the Big 33 Game, where he guided the Pennsylvania all-star squad to victory. In the contest, he intercepted two passes, recovered a fumble and racked up the most tackles.

A 1987 alumni, Craig played college ball at rival Pitt. A two-year starter at linebacker, he played in the Blue Bonnett and John Hancock bowl games. A four-year letter winner, he captained the Panthers in 1990.

In addition to wrestling, Craig started three seasons at linebacker and offensive guard and steered the Hawks to consecutive playoff appearances. He averaged 10 tackles a game in 1986 and gained all-conference acclaim.

John Hepler gained enshrinement based on his swimming career at Bethel. A four-year varsity letter winner, he captured two gold medals and one silver at the 1963 WPIAL championships. He was a state runner-up that year in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle events. He set school records in those races and the 200 free as well as in the 200 medley and free relays. Helper also led the Hawks to a WPIAL team title and a third-place finish in the 1963 PIAA championships.

Maureen Hester excelled in basketball and competed in jumping events for two seasons on the track team for the Hawks. A four-year varsity starter, she scored 1,149 career points in hoops. A Streets and Smith All-American (honorable mention), Hester guided the Hawks to two section titles and a WPIAL runner-up showing in 2006. That season, she averaged 14.2 points and 8.6 rebounds a game and gained All-WPIAL recognition.

At Xavier University, she played in four NCAA tournaments,, advancing to the Elite Eight in 2010. Her club captured three Atlantic 10 tournament titles and two regular season championships. Hester earned All-Academic honors, three times and was named to the All-America Academic team. Since graduation, she has served as the director of basketball operations at Xavier and as an assistant coach at Robert Morris University, which won the 2014 NEC championship and advanced to the NCAA tournament.

Taylor Meister taught and coached baseball at Bethel. As a head coach, his teams won back-to-back section titles and reached the 1990 WPIAL finals, finishing as runner-up. From 1969-1988, he served as an assistant coach as the Hawks won 11 section titles and advanced to six WPIAL finals, winning championships in 1985 and 1987. They were western regional champions three times. Meister’s career includes 382 victories, 13 section titles, two WPIAL wins and one PIAA championship. The school’s only state banner in baseball was hoisted in 1988.

One of the school’s most versatile athletes, Dr. Geoff Oakley is recognized for his feats in the rink, on the diamond and the pitch.

The 1984 graduate guided the Hawks to the WPIAL soccer and baseball playoffs. He was a varsity letter winner for two years in both sports as well as an all-section performer.

His biggest achievements, however, came on the ice, where he steered the Hawks to their first-ever Penguins Cup championship in 1983. A team captain, he also propelled the team to the state finals. The team captain and all-star also played in the Keystone State Hockey All-Star Game, where he scored a goal.

Oakley went on to play at St. Bonaventure, gaining Rookie of the Year and MVP honors during his career. He led the Bonnies to three ICHL championships. Oakley earned his degree in dentistry from the University of Pittsburgh. He practices in Mt. Lebanon and resides in Bethel Park, where he coaches youth hockey. In 2000, while serving as a high school assistant, he coached the Hawks to the Penguins Cup and the Pennsylvania state championship.

Jerome Williams is the final inductee. As a two-year starter, he rushed for 2,204 yards and 33 touchdowns. In leading the Hawks to three straight playoff appearances, he earned all-conference and all-WPIAL laurels.

While playing for Morehead State University, he led the OVC conference in receptions in 1988 and 1989 and set school records for career catches with 167 and grabs in one game with 18.