2024 Inductees

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Michelle Miller
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Gene M. Nighman, Class of 1977
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Gene M. Nighman, Class of 1977
Gene started his wrestling career at North East High School as a sophomore and was named team captain in both his junior and senior years. He advanced to the District Championship each of his three years at North East. In his senior year he moved on to the Regional Championship where he won his first match but was injured in his next match, effectively ending his wrestling career at North East. 
Later that year, following the regular high school season, he excelled at the national level in Freestyle and Greco Roman wrestling. He won the Pennsylvania State Freestyle Championship where he was named the tournament's Outstanding Wrestler.  He also won the USA Wrestling Northeast Region with wins over standout wrestlers from other states.  He wrestled in the AAU National Championships where he was second in both Freestyle and Greco Roman. He finished his high school wrestling career with a third place finish at the USA Wrestling Greco Roman National Championships.
Gene continued his wrestling at Cornell University where he was a First-Team All-Ivy selection three times, a four-time EIWA place winner, including a 142 lb. the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association title his senior year.  He qualified for the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships his junior and senior years earning All-America honors his senior year with a 7th place finish. He graduated from Cornell with a B.S. in Business Management.
His post collegiate career spanned 13 years, which included multiple U.S. Open place finishes.  He wrestled in the Olympic trials Finals in 1984 and 1992. He qualified for the finals trials by scoring a second place finish at the 1984 Eastern Olympic trials in Freestyle wrestling and a first place finish at the 1992 Eastern Olympic trials in Greco Roman wrestling. 
Gene's wrestling credentials led to a professional career that included a volunteer wrestling coaching position at Cornell University from 1981-1983.  He was then named the Head Wrestling Coach at SUNY Cortland where he served as Head Coach from 1983-1999. During his tenure at Cortland, Gene coached 33 NCAA Division III All-Americans, including two NCAA Champions. His team placed third in the 1990 NCAA Division III Championships. He was the Director for the 1996 NCAA Division III Wrestling Championship, hosted by SUNY Cortland and served as Cortland's Athletic Department Business Manager from 1990-1999. During his tenure at Cortland, he earned his Master's degree in Business Administration from Binghamton University.
1999 he returned to Cornell University as Assistant Athletic Director and Cornell Summer Sports School Director. He retired from Cornell in 2018 but continued teaching as an adjunct Squash instructor. He currently still enjoys teaching and playing squash at Cornell.
Currently, Gene is the Executive Director for the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association. The EIWA, the oldest conference in the nation, has 17 member universities and hosts the longest running NCAA Division I Wrestling Championship qualifying tournament in the nation. 
Gene is the father of Gene C. Nighman who also earned degrees in business management and is a current business sales account executive.
 
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Michelle Miller
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Hannah Feucht, Class of 2014
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Hannah Feucht, Class of 2014
Hannah Feucht was a member of the North East Swim Team during her four years at North East High School. She was a 16-time District 10 Qualifier, 11-time PIAA State Qualifier, and a multi-record holder. In her high school swimming career, she held seven school records at North East, and numerous pool records at surrounding schools. She held records in the 200 Medley Relay, 200 I.M, 50 Free, 200 Free Relay, 100 Free, 100 Backstroke, and the 400 Free Relay. Her first record that she broke was the 50 Freestyle during her freshman year of high school, continuously re-breaking each of her records throughout the following swim seasons. In addition to the North East Swim Team, Hannah was also a member of the Eastside YMCA team, where she attended Nationals at the National Swimming Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale, FL, during her freshman year. She was also a repeat YMCA District Champion and state competitor as well. Hannah also swam for the USA Swim Club – Erie Aquatics, where she competed at Junior Olympics, Sectionals, and various out of state meets. Hannah was nominated to attend the 2010 Varsity Cup Banquet, where she was nominated for Rookie of the Year. Hannah was also named the “Fastest Female Swimmer in North East History”, MVP 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14, Rookie of the Year 2010-11, received the Highest Point Award for each season at North East, and was All State Team.
Closing out her swimming career at the State Championship at Bucknell University, Hannah received a 4^th place state medal in the 100 Backstroke with a time of 57.39. She was named First Team All-District, Region Swimmer of the Year and First Team All- Region.  She was also awarded an NISCA State Top 16 Award for the 100 Backstroke and 50 Freestyle, and the All-State Honorable Mention for both events as well.
Along with Hannah’s many accomplishments in the pool, she excelled in the classroom too. She was also a member of the National Honor Society. After graduating in 2014, Hannah continued her education at Mercyhurst University where she graduated with a degree in Health Sciences. After graduating from college, Hannah began her career at Erie Insurance as a Material Damage Adjuster. Hannah has obtained a PA Motor Vehicle Appraisers License, along with licensure in 13 other states as well.
Although Hannah is retired from the pool, her love for the sport has not. She has continued to maintain her athletic mindset, and now shares her love for sports with her son, Grayson.
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Michelle Miller
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Justin Jones-Lantzy, Class of 1989
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Justin Jones-Lantzy, Class of 1989
A two-sport letter winner in cross country and track, Justin was most noted as a long distance runner and graduated in 1989.
In track Justin excelled, running many events including the 1600, 3200 meter individual, and the 3200 relay. Justin was two-time Erie County Champion in the 3200 run in 87-88, All District and went on to place 2nd in the State Championship in 1988 in the individual 3200 meter run. He was part of the 3200 meter relay team that were district champions and went on to place 6th in the State Championship in 1988.
In cross country, Justin was all county (4 years), winning ECL in 1986-1988, was All District (placing 2nd 1986-1988) and was 3 time PIAA State Medalist placing 19th, 4th and 5th. In the off season, Justin was accepted to train at the US Olympic Training Center Middle Distance Elite runners in Colorado Springs prior to his senior year.
Justin exceeded expectations in his final year, accumulating wins in both dual meets and invitationals, including the McDowell (course record), and Bishop McQuaid Invitationals.
As team captain, Justin led the Grapepickers to victory, culminating in winning consecutive PA State Team Championship in Cross Country in both 1987 and 1988. He later went on to run for Navy in Annapolis.
After his naval service, Justin transitioned to a career as a media executive for CBS/Cumulus radio groups. He also ventured into the hospitality industry, opening restaurants and bars in the Atlanta and Miami areas. In addition, Justin has worked as an executive in the insurance industry for the past 15 years.
Justin currently lives in Charleston, SC, with his wife Becky and son Flynn. He is honored to be part of the North East Hall of Fame and extends congratulations to all the class of 2024 inductees. Justin expresses deep gratitude to his family, lifelong friends, teammates, and coaches, especially Ted Miller and Jack Power.
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Michelle Miller
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Matt Triana-- Class of 2008
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Matt Triana-- Class of 2008
We are proud to induct Matt into the North East Athletic Hall of Fame, recognizing his remarkable achievements in basketball and soccer. His dedication and talent have significantly impacted our sports community.
Basketball Achievements
• All-State Honors: 2-time selection (2nd & 3rd team)
• Scoring: 1,000 points in 2 varsity seasons
• All-Region: 1st Team (2007, 2008)
• Region Player of the Year: 2007, 2008
• All-District: 1st Team (2008)
• District 10 All-Decade Team: 2000-2010
• Other Statistics: Led team in points, steals, assists (2007-2008)
Basketball Team Success:
• 2007: 27-3, state quarterfinals
• 2008: 29-2, state semifinals
Soccer Achievements
• Top Scorer: Most goals on undefeated team (2007)
• District 10 Championships: 2005, 2006, 2007
Soccer Team Success:
• 2006: State semifinals
• 2007: Undefeated regular season (23-0)
Overall Team Achievements
• District 10 Championships: 6 total (3 in each sport)
Matt's career is defined by his outstanding performance and leadership in both sports. His passion, resilience, and commitment have inspired many and set a high standard for future athletes.
Congratulations, Matt, on your well-deserved Hall of Fame induction. Your incredible contributions to basketball and soccer are truly commendable.
 
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Michelle Miller
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Sherry Nickell Elchynski--Class of 1977
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Sherry Nickell Elchynski--Class of 1977
Sherry was a member of the first volleyball, softball, track, and cross country teams at North East High School. With the start of Title 9, girls’ sports were added in the 70’s. She was a 4-year letter winner in volleyball and was MVP in 1976 and 77. She earned 2 letters in softball and then switched to track for her junior and senior years. She was voted MVP of Erie County in track in 77 and set school records in the 100, 200, 400, 800 medley relay and the 1600 relay. She was District 10 champion in the 100 and was undefeated until the state meet. She still holds the school record. She was also a member of the District runner-up XC teams in 75 & 76. In 1976, she was the Sports Boosters Athlete of the Year.
Wanting to coach as a career, she attended Slippery Rock University to earn a degree in Health & Physical Education. At that time, you had to be a teacher to coach.  Although recruited by Edinboro University to play volleyball, she walked on to the team at The Rock and played all 4 years. She was a setter and named captain her senior year. Her team was in the PSAC finals her junior and senior year. Her coach there never kept stats, and so it was a goal to do that should she be given the opportunity to coach.
Sherry also ran track her freshman and junior years. She played club soccer her sophomore year. With a new coach her Junior year she was a member of the women’s PSAC championship team. She placed 5^th in the 400 and her relay team set a new school record and won gold with a time of 4:01.1.
Sherry was hired by North East as head volleyball coach in 1982, one year out of college but ready for the challenge. She coached from 1982-1996 and then again from 2000-2018. She started the Middle School program in 2000 also. Her teams were county or region champs in 1991 and 2016. She qualified for districts 15 years and her team was District runner-up in 2015 and 2016. The 2016 team made a Final 4 appearance in 2016. With over 328 region wins and many non-region wins added to dozens of tournament wins from middle school, JV and varsity, as well as club, NE volleyball was always the team to beat during her career. She helped coach the Mercyhurst Prep’s boys’ volleyball team to a Final 4 appearance in 2023.
Sherry was also a track coach at NE. It was a great experience to coach alongside her coach, Ted Miller. A better experience was being able to coach her 3 sons Bryan, Justin and Jordan. Coaching the sprinters to many state meet appearances was incredible. Her 4 X 100 girls’ team broke the school record but not her 100 record.
A champion bowler in high school with her team called the Chuck-ups, plus being a part of 3 adult state champion softball teams, she also holds state and national powerlifting records. Her latest passion is Pickleball. She teaches lessons in Pa. and in FL. In April of 2024, she was invited to play in the US Open Pickleball Championships in Naples, Fl.
Her mantra is: I’ll stop competing when my heart stops beating.
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Michelle Miller
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Siarra Cornelius--Class of 2005
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Siarra Cornelius--Class of 2005
Siarra Cornelius excelled and lettered all 4 years in high school as a dual scholar-athlete in 2005 in basketball and track.  During high school she was noted for breaking the all-time women’s basketball points scoring record at the time by scoring 1295 points. She played multiple positions and excelled as a 3-year MVP and 2-year Most Outstanding in both sports. On the court she was known for leading primarily in rebounding, scoring, and team assists. Siarra was an All County All-Star player, leading her basketball teams twice to the Elite 8 in the PIAA Playoffs.  
In Track and Field, Siarra was and is the only North East girl to ever medal in the 400 at the PIAA State Championships. She was District 10 Champion as a Senior.  She still holds and shares the 400 meter record at 58.09 with Emily Miller.  She also is Number Four on the All-time list in the 200 with a time of 26.2. She ended the year as Most Outstanding for the Girls’ Track Team.
Siarra competed for 2 years for Indiana University of Pennsylvania.  In basketball her team made it to the Elite 8 PSAC women’s basketball Championships. She also competed in the PSAC 4x4 relay championships.  After that, she focused on assistant coaching and training IUP’s boxing team part-time.  Her focus currently is refereeing basketball and potentially track for the PIAA teams.
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Michelle Miller
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