Springfield High School Athletics Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the selection of six candidates and two coaches for the 24th annual induction. Members of the class of 2015 include Sarah Dougherty Trout ’00, Albert Grundy ’98 (of Elverson), Matt Kass ’94, Debby McAllister Mazza’67, Coach Sue Purvis, Marty Shane ’59, Coach Kim Caffey Smith and Chris Wilkins ’84. In addition, the 1996 Field Hockey team will be honored. Shana Goane Foody ’96, inducted with the class of 2014, will be honored this year as well. These individuals and teams will be recognized at halftime of Springfield’s Homecoming game against Lower Merion High School on Friday, Oct. 16 and on Oct. 17 in a ceremony at The Springfield County Club.
Sarah Dougherty Trout was a multi-sport athlete at Springfield High School, but a stand-out in track and field. She was a four year varsity letter winner in both Indoor and Outdoor track. Trout set numerous school records in the long jump, triple jump, pole jump and shuttle hurdle relay. She also set a county record in the pole vault. She qualified for the state championship meet in her junior and senior year and was a member of both All-Central League and All-Delco teams numerous times during her career. Trout went on to an impressive tenure at Penn State University where she continued to set records and place first in numerous meets.
Shana Goane Foody ’96 was a three year varsity member of the inaugural girls soccer team, and she was awarded an additional eight varsity letters as member of the basketball and softball teams. In addition to earning several All-Central and All-Delco honors, in her senior year she was selected as female athlete of the year. Foody went on to play basketball and soccer at Ursinus College.
Albert Grundy ’98 is a resident of Elverson. While in school, he was awarded multiple varsity letters for his contributions to the football, basketball and track teams. He set school records in football for rushing 373 yards in one game, which was also a Delaware County record, and for scoring seven touchdowns in a single game. Grundy was also named to First-Team All-State, was the Maxwell Club Player of the Year and was MVP of the ’97 Hero Bowl. During track season, Grundy also left his mark by setting a school record in the high jump. Also, a talented sprinter, he placed sixth in the State Championship Meet. Grundy went on to be a prominent member of an undefeated Valley Forge Military Academy squad for two years and then finished his college football career at the University of Buffalo.
Matt Kass ’94 was a three-sport athlete who made an impact on the football, basketball and baseball teams. A respected cocaptain, Kass earned All-Central and All-Delco honors playing defensive end and offensive guard. Described as one of the best catchers to ever come through Springfield, Kass was also cocaptain of the ’94 squad. Kass went on to play football at Virginia Military Institute.
Deb McCallister Mazza ’67 lettered in field hockey, basketball, lacrosse, tennis and track. Mazza was part of the very successful field hockey and lacrosse teams who were league champs all four years and two years, respectively, that she played. She was named captain of the field hockey team and was the high scorer for the team. Her senior year she was voted as the Field Hockey Outstanding Player.
Sue Purvis, coach, has made a tremendous impact on female athletes at SHS over the past 32 years. When hired in ’83 she was tasked with beginning a Varsity volleyball and softball program. Four years later, she guided the volleyball team to win the ’87 Central League and PIAA District I title. Purvis began a very successful tenure as Varsity field hockey coach in the 90s and went on to guide the girls to two Central League titles in ’96 and ’97 and numerous trips to Districts. She coached many of SHS’s finest female athletes who went on to earn All-Central, All-Delco and Keystone Games honors. Purvis herself was named Field Hockey Coach of the Year. You can currently find her on the freshman field hockey field and continuing as Health and PE teacher.
Marty Shane ’59 will be added to the Hall of fame as an “Old-Timer,” meaning that he graduated 50 plus years ago. He was an outstanding athlete who excelled in football and baseball. He was a part of the first team All-East Delco, All-Delco team and played in the North South All-Star game. He was an All-League catcher and only one of three individuals who played catcher in every game for three year of high school. In his senior year, Shane was awarded the Class of ’59 Male Athlete Award. He then went on to an outstanding two-sport career at Lafayette College where he earning several All-MAC football honors.
Kim Caffey Smith, coach/contributor, also made a tremendous impact on female athletes at SHS. In addition to being at the helm of the girls’ basketball program for twenty years ’94-14, Smith also coached all levels of field hockey and Varsity softball, ’92-99. She served as Assistant Athletic Director, Co-Advisor for Athletic Advisory Council and a mentor to many aspiring college athletes. Smith built up the basketball program and eventually guided them to five Central League championships, multiple trips to the District Tournament and four trips to States. She coached multiple All-Delco and All-Central athletes and a McDonald’s All-American Nominee. During her tenure with the softball team in 1997 the team won the league title, the district title and was a state quarter finalist. Smith continues as a Health and PE teacher at SHS.
Chris Wilkins ’84 earned nine varsity letters playing tennis, football and basketball for Springfield. On the football field Wilkins was an intelligent player, which earned him first and second team All-Delco and All-Central honors. He was also a cocaptain and played every play (offensive, defensive and special teams) for three years. Wilkins also earned first and second team All-Delco and All-Central honors playing basketball. The Richard Shoemaker III award for Most Outstanding Senior Athlete was given to Wilkins for his accomplishments. Wilkins went on to be a first team All-Ivy offensive guard at University of Pennsylvania.
The Hall of Fame will honor the 1996 field hockey team for winning the Central League title. This team was coached by Sue Purvis.
The induction ceremony will take place on Oct. 17 at The Springfield Country Club, 400 W. Sproul Road, Springfield. Persons interested attending should contact the Springfield Area Education Foundation for prices and information.