Bethel Park inducts 7 into Hall of Fame

The Bethel Park Athletic Hall of Fame recently welcomed seven new members. The inductees include:
Ray Bedner – Class of 1995 – Baseball and Football
A three-year varsity starter in baseball and a two-year letter winner in football, Bedner guided the Hawks to an undefeated section title and to the WPIAL baseball finals in 1995.
He was BP’s winningest pitcher in the 1990’s with a record of 16-0. He also never surrendered a home run. An all-section performer and two-time Diamond Dozen selection, he earned The Almanac’s MVP honor in 1995.
Bedner played baseball at Slippery Rock University and Flagler College.
Nick Bonaccorsi – Class of 2011 – Wrestling
The winningest wrestler in school history with a record of 158-28, Bonaccorsi earned four letters and qualified for the state wrestling Championships all four years at Bethel Park. He earned three state medals, including a bronze for third place in 2011. That year, he also was a WPIAL, Allegheny County and Powerade champion as well as a Flow Wrestling National and Dapper Dan Classic winner.
A two-time section champion, Bonaccorsi wrestled for the University of Pittsburgh, where he was a three-time NCAA Division I Qualifier; the 2012 Eastern Wrestling League Conference champion and Freshman of the Year. He was the Atlantic Coast Conference bronze medalist in 2015 and a team captain in 2016.
Dean Gabey – Class of 1986 – Football and Baseball
A three-year football letterman, Gabey quarterbacked the Hawks to two WPIAL Playoff appearances in 1984 and 1985. After throwing for 1,185 yards and nine touchdowns, Street and Smith Magazine ranked him 15th among quarterbacks in the nation in 1985. Gabey was also a first-team All-Conference performer.
A left fielder and pitcher in baseball, Gabey lettered all four years and helped the Hawks capture a WPIAL title and finish runner-up in the state in 1985.
Gabey played football and baseball at Kent State University.
Lyle Marsh – Class of 2009 – Football and Track
The Almanac’s 2009 Male Athlete of the Year led the Hawks to its first and only WPIAL championship in football. A three-year starter at tailback, he also helped BP to the 2008 conference crown and the state runner-up title. Named All-State and All-Conference, he also played in the Big 33 Classic.
Marsh also participated in track and was voted team captain in 2009.
In college, he helped the University of Pennsylvania win three Ivy League Titles and was named the team’s Most Valuable Offensive Player in 2012. He was also twice named All-Ivy League, securing second team laurels.
Ulysses “Uly” Scott – Class of 1991 – Football and Track
Scott earned three varsity letters in football and two for track. His best year in football came in 1990, when he rushed for 770 yards and scored 13 touchdowns on his way to being named All-Conference.
In college, he played football for the University of Richmond, where he was a four-year letter winner and rushed for over 100 yards 17 times, including breaking the school rushing record in 1994. Richmond’s 1995 Male Athlete of the Year gained additional post-season accolades including All-American and All-Yankee Conference.
Don Smith – Class of 1955 – Baseball, Football and Basketball
The winningest pitcher of the 1950s, with a career record of 18-3, Smith guided the Hawks to two section banners and WPIAL playoff appearances in 1954 and 1955. He pitched the first playoff victory in school history in 1954 and hit the winning home run in the 1955 WPIAL quarterfinals.
Additionally, Smith lettered two years in football and basketball.
Jim Sprandle – Swimming
Jim coached the school’s varsity girls’ swim team from 1974-1991.
Under his direction, the Lady Hawks captured two state crowns, two PIAA runner-up titles, 13 WPIAL championships and 15 section banners. His teams dominated dual meets, posting over 210 wins, including 73 consecutive victories over a six-year period.
When he retired, his swimmers held every pool and school record. He also coached numerous All-Americans.