The Ellenville Central School District hosted its sixth annual Athletic Hall of Fame induction on Saturday, October 5. Honored during the ceremony, which was held in the Ellenville Elementary School cafeteria, were Class of 1993 Baseball star Steven Levine, Class of 1989 Softball phenom Marcia McCombs, Class of 1999 Wrestling standout Keith Pickell, and the 1961 Varsity Baseball team. These individuals were recognized for making significant contributions to Ellenville athletics while exemplifying good character, sportsmanship, and leadership.
There were many hugs and happy reunions between players, coaches, staff members, and community members during the event. Several athletes even teared up as they recalled their fond memories of their time at Ellenville, as well as the strength of the community that had always supported them. Inductees also enjoyed the support of family members and friends, who packed the cafeteria and cheered them on as they received their awards.
“This is one of our best events,” said Ellenville Superintendent Lisa Wiles. “I love watching all of you interact with each other and share memories. It is just so good to see all these community members here today.”
First to be honored was Steven Levine, who was inducted for his prowess as a pitcher on the Baseball team. Levine still holds two school records—one for 10 wins in one season, and the other for his career earned run average (ERA) of 1.13. Levine’s former coach, Mike Guiney, described him as a “complete player,” who could not only pitch, but hit, too. “I was lucky to coach him,” he said. “Steven represented Ellenville with great pride and led by example.”
Joining Levine in this year’s class of inductees was Marcia McCombs, a star pitcher on the Blue Devils Softball team. McCombs was named to multiple All-Star teams by the Daily Freeman, the Times-Herald Record, and the Mid-Hudson Athletic League. McCombs also led the Blue Devils to a second-place finish in the New York State Championships in 1989.
Speaking about McCombs was her former coach, Lance Lewin. “The relationship between an educator or a coach and their students is very special,” Lewin said. “I have so much love in my heart for one of my ‘girls,’ Marcia Combs.” After a long hug with Lewin, McCombs took to the podium. “This is such an incredible honor,” she said.
Inductee Keith Pickell was a standout on the Blue Devils Wrestling team. In addition to holding the school record for career wins (124), he was named a 1999 Section IX champion, a New York State runner up, and an All-American athlete. Pickell’s brother Vinnie presented his award. “Keith trained tirelessly, and was willing to push through his challenges and obstacles,” he said.
Athletic Hall of Fame founder John Burns, who emceed the event, inducted the 1961 Varsity Baseball team, which won the Dutchess, Ulster, Sullivan, and Orange (DUSO) League Championship in 1961. Burns, a former Ellenville teacher and coach and a current Board of Education trustee, noted that this Blue Devils team had a 9-2 record, and the 1961 League championship was their fourth in five years. The players compiled an overall team batting average of .365, averaged over 10 runs per game, and scored a total of 111 runs, while yielding just 24 runs to their opponents.
All inductees thanked their families and Ellenville coaches, teachers, and staff members for their unwavering support. Many of them mentioned how they are now coaches and have children enrolled in athletic programs—some even in the Ellenville school district.
Established in 2018, the Athletic Hall of Fame recognizes athletes, coaches, and other individuals for their outstanding accomplishments. Nominations are reviewed and voted on annually by the Hall of Fame Committee, with selected honorees being inducted each fall.
Watch a video of the ceremony here.
