Central Chapter PA Sports Hall of Fame

The purpose of the Central Chapter of the PA Sports Hall of Fame is to perpetuate the memory of the individuals who have brought lasting fame and recognition to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, specifically to the Lebanon County, and surrounding area, the world of sports. The Central Chapter encompasses all of Lebanon County, and parts of Berks County, and Dauphin County, in Central Pennsylvania.

42nd Annual Scholastic/Collegiate Athletic Awards Ceremony

The Central Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame paid tribute to senior collegiate and senior scholastic athletes by holding their 42nd Annual Scholastic/Collegiate Athletic Awards Ceremony on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

Below are photos from that event. Click on any photo to see them at a bigger size.

2025 Henry L. Wilder Memorial Award
Senior Collegiate Athletes

Henry L. Wilder was a past editor of the Lebanon Daily News. He did much to promote community athletes in the Central Chapter area.

It is in his memory that the Central Chapterof the PA Sports Hall of Fame was established and continues with this annual selection and presentation.

Only college and university athletes completing their fourth year of eligibility, or fifth year if still eligible, may be nominated.

Out of those resumes, a female and male athlete are selected to be the recipients of this prestigious award.

Below are this year's recipients. Click on any photo to see them at a bigger size.

Henry J. Wilder Award Male

Henry J. Wilder Award Female

2025 Henry L. Wilder Memorial Award Winners

Taylor McInerney
Lebanon Valley College
Volleyball
Palmyra High School

Braden Bohannon
Lebanon Valley College
Football/Basketball
ELCO High School

2025 C.S. "Pop" Kelchner Nominees
Senior Scholastic Athletes

C.S. "Pop" Kelcher was the head scout of the St. Louis Cardinal Baseball Organization. He was an athlete of Albright College.

"Pop" was very interested in high school athletics and athletes - not only their ability - but their displayed character in competition.

The Kelchner award nominees are sent to the Central Chapter of the PA Sports Hall of Fame committee by their representative high schools the Central Chapter area.

One girl and one boy are selected from this nominee slate, as recipients to be honored at our Induction Dinner in the fall.

Below are this year's nominees. Click on any photo to see them at a bigger size.