USC’s Render to be inducted into Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame
Jim Render will be inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame this fall.
The former Upper St. Clair football coach is among 12 individuals scheduled to be enshrined Nov. 14 at the Sheraton at Station Square.
“Pennsylvania is a big state with quite a few marvelous athletes in our history, so it is quite an honor to be recognized among those previously inducted,” said Render. “I am very grateful.”
Render resigned Jan. 3, 2019 from his position at USC with the most wins in WPIAL history. He compiled a 406-141-6 career record.
After short stints at Carrollton and Uniontown, the Ohio native spent the next 40 years at USC.
The Panthers advanced to the WPIAL playoffs 38 times under Render and won 23 conference titles, five WPIAL championships and two PIAA title.
Render’s teams also advanced to six additional WPIAL finals.
Render said he did not find success on his own. He said he coached many great players and several who went on to the professional ranks, including Dallas Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee and former Chicago Cubs third baseman Kevin Orie.
“My career is filled with many great memories and many outstanding players as well as coaches,” Render said. “They have made this honor a reality.”
Render, 77, was inducted into the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 1998, Western Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2005 and the WPIAL Hall of Fame in 2019.
He was also recognized with the Lou Holtz Upper Ohio Valley Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013 and was nominated by the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2018 Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year Award.
Solomon joins too
Joe Solomon will be also be inducted posthumously into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.
The Canonsburg native was a three-time WPIAL wrestling champion and one-time state champion in 1950. He won an NCAA title at Pitt and competed in the 1956 Olympics.
Solomon later became an official. He worked five NCAA championship tournaments.