By Jimmy Allinder
The late Hugh Walsh, one of the architects of Monroe Township High School’s athletic program, was among five others along with the 1987 boys’ varsity soccer team that were inducted into the inaugural Hall of Fame class.
The announcement was made by current athletic director Greg Beyer at the first Hall of Fame Banquet March 25 at Knob Hill Country Club in Manalapan.
Walsh, considered the “Father of Monroe Athletics,” was the first athletic director and football coach when the high school opened its doors in 1974, and the stadium where many Falcons athletic teams compete is named after him. He served in that capacity until his retirement in 1997. He died in 2013.
George Packard, a retired physical education teacher who coached a number of varsity sports, including soccer and bowling, was also inducted. Athletes Mike Mischler, Class of 1985; Donny Lala, Class of 1988; Nicole Scarmato, Class of 1994; and Melissa Martenak, Class of 1995, were inducted as well.
“A selection committee was formed to pick the first class made up of current and past athletes, coaches and parents, administrators and others associated with Monroe athletics for many years,” Beyer said. “They had to whittle down to the current selectees through close to 40 nominees nearly every one met the committee’s criteria.”
Beyer encouraged anyone to nominate individuals by visiting the school district website and linking to Monroe Athletics.
