Exciting News! Announcing the Jefferson-Morgan Sports Hall of Fame Fall 2024 Class!
We are thrilled to introduce our inaugural Hall of Fame class, selected through nominations and by the Jefferson-Morgan Sports Hall of Fame committee. This committee is made up of administrators, retired teachers, current teachers, the school board athletic committee chair, and dedicated community member volunteers.
Since this is our first year, we will be honoring three classes: Fall, Winter, and Spring. Our Fall Class will be celebrated at the home football game on Friday, September 27th.
Members of the Class who are unable to attend will be honored at an athletic event later in the school year.
Each member of the Hall of Fame will also be honored on a new electronic touch screen display called the "Wall of Honor," which will be installed this fall in the lobby of the High School Gymnasium.
Learn more about each inductee on our website or read more below. Let's come together and celebrate our remarkable athletes and their contributions to Jefferson-Morgan!
Stay tuned for more updates and information!
JSHOF Fall Class of 2024 Bios
Madison Clayton
Madison Clayton, a distinguished athlete from the Jefferson-Morgan Middle/High School graduating class of 2018, is being honored for her exceptional contributions to soccer. During her high school career, she played as part of a cooperative agreement in soccer with Waynesburg Central from 2014-2017, where she was coached by Joe Kijowski and Colby Love. Madison led her team to victory as the 2017 WPIAL AA Girls Soccer Champion and became the leading scorer in Jefferson-Morgan/Waynesburg Central history with an impressive 142 career goals. She earned All-State selection, was a four-time All-WPIAL, and a four-time All-Section player. Notably, she led the entire WPIAL in scoring for both 2016 and 2017, setting a record with 57 goals in a single season.
Following her stellar high school career, Madison continued her soccer journey at the University of Pittsburgh from 2018-2021, where she earned a bachelor's degree in communications. She then played for Ohio University from 2021-2022, completing a master's degree in sports administration. Currently, she works as the Director of Donor Relations and Communications, including Chief of Staff at West Virginia University. Madison's dedication, talent, and leadership both on and off the field make her a deserving inductee into the Jefferson-Morgan Sports Hall of Fame, celebrating her lasting impact on the sport and her community.
Brandi (Ankney) Laurita
Brandi (Ankney) Laurita, a 2000 graduate of the Jefferson-Morgan School District, is celebrated for her remarkable achievements as a multi-sport athlete in volleyball, softball, and basketball. During her high school years from 1996-2000, she earned over 10 letters and received multiple All-Section selections, as well as All-WPIAL honors in both volleyball and softball. Coached by Ron Headlee in volleyball, Tom McCort in softball, and Buddy Hawk in basketball, Brandi showcased her versatility and skill as an outside hitter in volleyball, a center fielder in softball, and a forward on the basketball team.
After graduating from Jefferson-Morgan, Brandi continued her athletic career at NCAA Division II St. Andrews Presbyterian College in North Carolina, playing both softball and volleyball for four years. She garnered numerous accolades, including the Carolinas Virginia Athletic Conference Academic All-Conference, the Carolinas Virginia Athletic Conference Murphy Osborne Outstanding Senior Athlete Finalist, the St. Andrews Award Winner, the Knight Award for St. Andrews Outstanding Senior Athlete, and the Volleyball Coaches Award for Leadership. Currently, Brandi serves as the Vice President for Student Affairs and Athletics at the University of Findlay in Ohio, having previously held the position of Athletic Director there. Her dedication, leadership, and exceptional athletic and academic accomplishments make her a fitting inductee into the Jefferson-Morgan Sports Hall of Fame.
Ben Parker
Ben Parker, the legendary football coach of the Jefferson Jeffs, left an indelible mark on Jefferson-Morgan's athletic history during the mid-20th century. The Rockets football field, named in his honor, stands as a testament to his incredible coaching career, where he amassed a remarkable record of 122-14-11, boasting an impressive .897 winning percentage. A standout player himself, Parker was part of the outstanding Waynesburg College teams of the early 1930s under the legendary coach Frank Wolfe. He carried forward Wolfe’s single wing philosophy, even as the T-formation became dominant in the 1940s. His strategic prowess led the Jeffs to a 7-1-1 season in 1940, after which the team remained unbeaten until the 1945 season finale. Alongside his coaching duties, Parker also served as the high school principal, further demonstrating his commitment to the school and its students.
Despite their dominance, Parker's teams often faced challenges in securing enough Gardner Points to qualify for the WPIAL playoffs, as few "Class B" schools would schedule them. Nonetheless, his perseverance paid off in 1951 when the team finally earned enough points and tied Wilmerding 20-20 to become WPIAL Co-Champions. Beyond his coaching success, Parker's leadership extended into public service, where he served in the Pennsylvania legislature upon his retirement from coaching. His legacy is not only enshrined in the record books and the named field but also in the hearts of the Jefferson-Morgan community, celebrating his dedication, strategic brilliance, and commitment to excellence.
1973-1974 Football Team
The 1973-74 Jefferson-Morgan Rockets football teams stand as a testament to excellence and dominance in WPIAL Class B football. Clinching the WPIAL Class B Football Championship titles in both 1973 and 1974, the Rockets also emerged as conference champions in those years. Under the leadership of coaches Walt Whitehead in 1973 and Dave Eavenson in 1974, the Rockets showcased their prowess and resilience on the field. In 1973, the team achieved a 9-0-1 record, with their only blemish being a tie with rival Carmichaels. The following year, the Rockets completed a perfect 10-0 season, bringing their two-year record to an impressive 19-0-1.
The Rockets' remarkable journey included notable victories, such as their 35-6 triumph over Western Beaver in the 1973 championship game and a commanding 20-0 win against Midland in the 1974 championship game. The 1973 team notably ended Chartiers-Houston's two-season undefeated streak with a 15-0 victory. That year, the team allowed just 43 points overall, including posting three shutouts. Key players who contributed to the Rockets' success included Dennis Garrett, Jon Culp, Jeff Culp, Steve Yourich, and Kevin Martin, among others. The legacy of the 1973-74 Jefferson-Morgan Rockets is etched in the annals of school history, celebrating their unmatched dedication, teamwork, and football excellence.
Michael McCort
Michael McCort, a 1995 graduate, was a three-sport athlete in football, baseball, and wrestling from 1991 to 1995. In football, he played running back, outside linebacker, cornerback, and returned kicks for the Rockets. Michael was an all-conference selection and was named to the Fab 22. He was also on the WPIAL wrestling championship team and was part of four playoff baseball teams. He was coached by Jan Haiden in football, Ron Headlee in wrestling, and John Curtis in baseball.
Michael went on to play football and baseball at West Virginia Wesleyan College, then baseball at California University of Pennsylvania, and later attended chiropractic school at Logan University.
Michael currently resides in Washington, PA with his wife and two daughters. He is a chiropractor and a softball coach.
Michael’s dedication to multiple sports, his talent, and his leadership both on and off the field make him a deserving inductee into the Jefferson-Morgan Sports Hall of Fame, celebrating his lasting impact on the sport and her community.
Robert Keys Jr.
Rob Keys, a 1990 graduate of Jefferson-Morgan, distinguished himself as a three-sport athlete in football, wrestling, and track and field from 1986-1990. Under the guidance of his father and coach, Bob Keys, Rob excelled in football as a quarterback, defensive back, and kicker. He led the Rockets to an undefeated 10-0 regular season, becoming Tri-County South champions and advancing to the WPIAL semi-finals. His exceptional performance earned him First Team Quarterback honors from both the Tri-County South Conference and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Additionally, Rob was the third leading scorer in the entire WPIAL, showcasing his versatility and skill as both quarterback and kicker.
In wrestling, Rob continued to demonstrate his athletic prowess, becoming the Southwest Regional and WPIAL Wrestling Champion under coach Ron Headlee. His talents on the football field carried him to West Virginia University (WVU), where he starred as a special teams player and was named captain in the 1995 season. Rob's coaching career has been equally impressive, with roles at various Division 1 and 2 schools, culminating in a successful tenure as Head Coach at the University of Findlay in Ohio from 2011-2022. During his time at Findlay, he amassed an overall record of 75-43 with ten winning seasons. Currently, Rob Keys serves as the Quality Control Coach for kicking at The Ohio State University. In recognition of his outstanding contributions and achievements, Rob Keys is now honored as an inductee into the Jefferson-Morgan Sports Hall of Fame.
Justin Falcon
Justin Falcon, a 2008 graduate of Jefferson-Morgan, distinguished himself as a multi-sport athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. Under the guidance of head coach Jan Haiden, Justin excelled on the football field as the Rockets' running back and outside linebacker. He is the all-time leading rusher for the Rockets, amassing an impressive 3,155 rushing yards. During his senior season, Justin scored 24 touchdowns and accumulated over 146 points, earning the Herald Standard Touchdown Club winner title. His outstanding performance also garnered him several accolades, including 2nd Team All-State Linebacker, Tribune Review Terrific 25 member, and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Fab 22 member.
Following his stellar high school career, Justin attended Waynesburg University, where he majored in secondary mathematics education. He became a four-year starter at running back for the university's football team and spent a year on the golf team. Currently, Justin Falcon is a Major Account Executive in Pittsburgh with AmCom/Xerox. In recognition of his remarkable athletic achievements and contributions, Justin Falcon has been honored as an inductee into the Jefferson-Morgan Sports Hall of Fame, celebrating his legacy and impact on the school's sports history.