Joe Curtis’s entire life has been devoted to providing people with the opportunity to engage in sports and other recreational activities.  He reorganized and revitalized New Rochelle’s Parks & Recreation department and left his imprint in that department when he retired in 1998 as Commissioner.  Joe’s creative thinking and administrative abilities were the foundation for programs to benefit the citizens of New Rochelle.  He was able to obtain funding to renovate and build city facilities so that the people of our city would be able to engage in recreation and sports so necessary for a full and healthy life.  The development of Five Islands Park, renovation of Hudson Park, construction of the Pinebrook Tennis Courts, along with Summer Day Camps and Fitness trails are just part of his legacy.

Ken was an outstanding athlete; captain of football, basketball and lacrosse teams in high school, and recognized as an All-East football player in college, but it was as a coach and leader that he made his greatest contributions to the young athletes and to sports in general.  Ken had opportunities to play professional football but instead chose to join Iona Prep as football coach and later as Athletic Director.  As a coach his teams were undefeated two years in a row and only lost one game the next year.  His success had him honored as Westchester Coach of the Year.  Ken became involved with the formation of the Catholic High School Football League.  Iona own the first League Championship and Ken was named the first CHSAA Football Coach of the Year.  Ken left Iona for various administrative positions and received numerous awards and honors for his work.

Joe is the first athletic trainer to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.  He was the trainer for the NRHS football team for four decades.  McKenna first became interested in sports training as an assistant to Fritz Massman at Iona Prep and Iona College.  He enrolled in Gus Mauch School for training, and Dusquenes University In-Service Training Course.    McKenna’s tenure saw him as a Trainer of the Football Teams of Hall of Fame Coaches Amonson, Crocker and Ryan. He also worked with Hall of Fame Pro Footballer George Starke Jr..  McKenna describes successful training as, “When a player is able to make his way back on the field after getting hurt.  That’s what the profession is all about - tending, mending and caring.”

Darcel had a fantastic athletic career, starting at NRHS, with a NYS record in the 880 yard relay.  She was selected as a High School All-American and “Athlete of the Year” in Prep Track and Field.  She also was successful at the club level, establishing herself as an AAU All-American at the 220 yard distance.  She was the Section 1 Champion and a member of the All-County team.  Darcel was selected to be on the All-Divisional Team of the Westchester-Putnam Conference in recognition of her achievements in the 220 and 880 relay.  She received the Marie V. Farrar Scholarship Award from the Young Women’s League of New Rochelle.  Darcel went on to run and play basketball in college, continuing to win post season recognition and awards.

Clyde had a very successful basketball career.  Starting at NRHS he was a Con Edison Award winner, selected to All-County, All-State and All-American teams.  He also led NYS in scoring with 35 points per game.  Vaughan played for the University of Pittsburgh, leading the team in scoring and rebounding in his final three seasons.  He also led the Big East in scoring twice and his career point total is second all-time.  Clyde went onto a pro career in  Europe, where he continued to his scoring prowess, leading the European League in scoring four times.  Vaughan then became a coach at various schools, including South Florida, Long Beach State and Connecticut.  He has been elected to the Westchester County Sports Hall of Fame and their All-Century Team.  His No. 40 jersey is retired at NRHS.