Class of 2026 Induction Ceremony
Six new members will be inducted into the Hilton High School Athletic Hall of Fame on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Hilton High School. This year’s honored Hilton CSD athletes are: Nigel Walker, Class of 2012, indoor and outdoor track and field, Anai Schrader (Flanagan), Class of 2013, bowling and lacrosse; Vanessa L’Abbate, Class of 2016, soccer; Johnathan Letta, Class of 2017, basketball and football; Austin Hertel, Class of 2017, wrestling; and Tahjae Hill, Class of 2020, basketball and football.
The Hilton High School Sports Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Hilton athletic program and, in some cases, at a higher level, through their participation as athletes, coaches, or administrators. The 2026 Induction Ceremony will be held during the Hilton High School Hall of Fame Boys Basketball Tournament on January 2. All members of the Hilton Athletic Hall of Fame and all community members are invited to attend the reception at 4:30 p.m., with the presentation of inductees in the auditorium at 5 p.m. The inductees will also be recognized in the gym at the beginning of the Hilton varsity game vs. Gates Chili at 6:30 p.m.
Qualifications for admission to the Sports Hall of Fame are: graduate of Hilton High School who has been out of school a minimum of five years or coach who has been retired from coaching in the Hilton Central School District; individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Hilton sports program or have established themselves in the field of athletics on the local, state, national, or international level (professional, Olympic, college athlete, coach, etc.); a student who, while in high school, received athletic honors such as All-American, AlI-State, All-Greater Rochester, State/Sectional Championship, Athlete of the Year, or All-County (overall team success and multiple-sport participation may also be considered); any student who participated in Hilton High School athletics may be considered under special circumstances.
Members of the selection committee are Brian Bartalo, Steve Sorensen, Mike Giruzzi, Jeff Wheaton, Amy Centola, Troy Prince, Jeff Merkel, Craig Gross, Ken Krause, Tara Merino, Marcey Garo, and Mike Szozepanik.
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