Brooke High School honors inductees to Athletic Hall of Fame
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WELLSBURG - For 37 years, Brooke High School has recognized those who have led the way by distinguishing themselves on the field of play.
Brooke County Schools officials, faculty, alumni, and other guests gathered Friday evening to celebrate the latest honorees to be inducted into the school's Athletic Hall of Fame.
This year's class was comprised of three former student-athletes - Kaylea Dulaney-Harrick, Class of 2011; Ryan Lazear, Class of 2011; and Ryan Kostur, Class of 1995.
"You are all perfect examples of what Brooke Pride stood for then, and what it still stands for today; personal responsibility and daily effort, and that in itself is what helped make all of us who we were then and who we still are today," said Jason Williamson, director of athletics and community outreach for Brooke County Schools, in welcoming those in attendance.
Dulaney-Harrick, who made her name in the pool, was introduced by her husband, Jake Harrick.
She said news of her induction came as a surprise.
"I honestly wondered whether I belonged," she said.
Her swimming career began in your youth, participating in the Millsop Marlins swim program, with her zest for competition inspired by her brother and two of her cousins, each of whom also were active in athletics.
"Before I had accomplishments of my own, I had their example," she said, noting it is an example she and her husband are now passing on to their own children.
At the time of her graduation, Dulaney-Harrick was the school record holder in every individual swimming event, qualified for the state championships in each of her four years and earning eight individual state finals appearances, was a three-time state runner-up, won six Region 1 individual championships, was a four-time Region 1 All Tournament team selection, four-time OVAC champion, and recipient of the NISCA All-American Academic Award and OVAC All-Conference Award.
She attended West Virginia University, participating for four years on the university's Swim Club, qualifying for the East Coast Collegiate National Championship three times, was a two-time podium finisher with multiple top six individual finishes.
She graduated in 2015 magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology, later earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy, and co-founded High Peaks Swim Club where she helped to expand swimming opportunities in the Adirondack region.
Lazear was introduced by former Brooke football coach Tom Bruney, who referred to his former player as "The Jedi," noting the types of plays he was able to accomplish despite his smaller size.
Lazear thanked the Hall of Fame Committee, recognizing the legacy established by past honorees, many of whom, he noted, had been part of his life. That includes his father, Jim, who was inducted in 1997.
"I have a pretty unique family. I have a football family," he said, relaying how his parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, and more, often would build their schedules around watching him and his brother, Matt, play.
He credited that dedication, as well as the example provided to him by his various coaches and teammates, with setting him up for success.
"I know, without a doubt, I wouldn't be here without them," he said.
In addition to the various accomplishments of the school's football team while he was playing, Lazear's honors include the 2010 Sam Huff Award for Best Defensive Player in the state, two times First Team All-State AAA, three times First Team All-OVAC AAAA, two times First Team All-Valley, rushing for 2,996 yards with 42 rushing touchdowns, receiving the WVSSAC MVP Award in 2010, Ohio Valley Big 22 finalist, Dapper Dan Honoree, and many more.
He would continue his football career while attending the University of Mount Union, where the team won the NCAA Division 3 National Championship in 2012 and was national runner-up three times.
Kostur, who played basketball for the Bruins, was introduced by friend and college teammate Danny Sancomb.
"I never, ever thought I would be up here, especially in green and gold," Kostur said, noting his early childhood had been spent wearing different colors: red and black, but it was his times wearing the colors of Brooke High that meant the most. "Being in green and gold changed the way I looked at things."
He explained he learned the importance of teamwork, and of having fun, of supporting one another, whether it be family or fellow athletes, and of always learning. He acknowledged many of those lessons were reinforced for him while he spent three years coaching at the middle school level for a team which included his daughter.
He offered his thanks to everyone who had played a role in his development, as an athlete and as a person, saying they are what led him to his path in life, and the honor of being inducted.
"If it wasn't for my coaches and teammates, this wouldn't have been a thought," he said.
Kostur played guard from 1991 to 1995, receiving several honors for his play, including being named First Team by the Wheeling Intelligencer, First Team All-OVAC, First Team All-State Coaches Poll, Second Team All-State AP, was ranked second for all-time three-pointers made, was MVP for the 1994 Brooke Christmas Tournament, 1995 North-South All-Star Game Selection, and 1995 McDonald's All-American Game Nominee.
He continued playing in college at Wheeling Jesuit University, where he was named Most Improved Player his sophomore year, and ranked No. 1 in the country his junior year. He also coached for 12 years at his university, and currently coaches with Sancomb at California University of Pennsylvania.
This year's induction was made possible with the support of Lombardi General Contractor, Lyle's Auto, and Reasner Funeral Home.
(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com)