Central Chapter PA Sports Hall of Fame

The purpose of the Central Chapter of the PA Sports Hall of Fame (CCPA Sports HoF) 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.

2026 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 Chapter of 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.

2026 Henry L. Wilder Memorial Award Winners

Maddie Zimmer
Northwestern University
Field Hockey
Hershey High School

Dylan Lambrecht
Penn State University
Track & Field
Northern Lebanon HIgh School

Henry J. Wilder Award Winner Dylan Lambrecht

Henry J. Wilder Award Winner Maddie Zimmer

2026 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.

2026 C.S. "Pop" Kelchner Award Nominees

2026 C.S. "Pop" Kelchner Award Nominees

Annville-Cleona High School

Tommy Long, Athletic Director
Mackenzie Stellmach
Oliver Funck

Cedar Crest High School

Rick Dissinger, Athletic Director|Rob Bare
Kaddel Hward
Travis Furmanski

Conrad-Weiser High School

Chris Kline, Athletic Director
Madison Derfler
Owen Hunt

ELCO High School

Tommy Mealy, Athletic Director
Kenzie Eckhart
Austin Smith

Hershey High School

Michael Montedoro, Athletic Director
Kylie Mullen
Missing from photo: Cameron Sweeney

Lebanon High School

Anthony Sinico, Athletic Director
Olive Brandt
Missing from photo: Camron Buchmoyer

Milton Hershey School

Mark Zerbe, Athletic Director
Mya Hersh
Othniel Lightfoot Taylor

Northern Lebanon High School

Scott Kyper, Athletic Director
Addison Hollenbach
Sam Wolford

Palmyra High School

Brian Weidler, Athletic Director
Jovie Weaver

Palmyra High School

Jaxton Barger

Tulpehocken High School

Trevor Brown, Athletic Director
Lyla Pugh
Jack Heckman

Central Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame's 54th Annual Induction & Awards Banquet

was held Monday, November 10th at 7 p.m. at the Lebanon Valley Expo Center.

Doors opened at 6 p.m.

The 2025 Hall of Fame inductees are:

Glenn Beidler
Thomas Brandt
Larry Eisenhauer
Mike Gross
Peyten Lyons
Kirk Pearson
Madelyn R. Shaak
Adam Webber

The Community Service Award was presented to Rick Sullivan, of Colortech Inc.

The male and female Pop Kelchner winners was awarded that evening, plus scholarships for both.