Sue Butz-Stavin was inducted into the inaugural District 11 Hall of Fame Class back in October of this year.

The longtime Emmaus field hockey coach was unique among the group of 14 that were honored at the Holiday Inn in Breinigsville.

The group included eight former star athletes and six coaches. But of the six, Butz-Stavin is the only one who is still coaching.

“To be honored by such a distinguished group and to be part of the first class in District 11 is quite an honor,” said Butz-Stavin. “I was a little surprised (when I found out), being someone who is still coaching.”

Joining Butz-Stavin in the 2018 class were Bob Mlkvy of Palmerton High School; Artie Owens of Stroudsburg High School; Michelle Marciniak and Ed McCaffrey of Allentown Central Catholic High School; J. Birney Crum, John Donmoyer and Milo Sewards of the Allentown School District; Matt Gerhard and Larry Miller of Catasauqua High School; Al Erdosy of Northampton High School; Diane Decker of Marian High School; Allysa Vavra of Panther Valley High School; and Ray Nunamaker of Nazareth High School.

Larry Miller had an iconic basketball career at Catasauqua from 1860-64, ending his career as District 11’s all-time leading scorer with 2,722 points. He also secured 2,062 career rebounds and led the Rough Riders to four straight Lehigh Valley League titles and three straight District 11 championships.

Al Erdosy was the football coach of the Konkrete Kids from 1939-68. He posted a remarkable record of 169-25-9. His teams won 21 Lehigh Valley League championships. Erdosy may be best known for his use of the short punt offense. In 1969, the football stadium at Northampton was named in his honor.

“We have such an unbelievable group of inductees,” said District 11 chairman and Whitehall High School Athletic Director Bob Hartman, who was tasked with organizing the event. “They are a group of phenomenal athletes and coaches. It’s such a great class.

“The focus of this Hall of Fame is on what the athletes and coaches accomplished at the high school level. But when you look at the names and the credentials of this first class, it’s amazing how much they achieved during and after their high school careers.”

During her 43 years coaching the Hornets, Butz-Stavin’s teams have captured 33 District 11 championships, including a streak of 29 in a row. Emmaus has also won 12 PIAA championships and compiled over 900 victories during her tenure.

Despite the glowing numbers and accomplishments on the field, it was what has happened off the field that Butz-Stavin wanted to talk about.

“The thing I’m most proud of is how our girls have developed over the years,” said Stavin. “What they are (now) doing in their professional lives.

“It’s great to follow them and to see them over the years at Alumni games. That’s quite exciting.”

Hartman said that as wonderful and talented as this inaugural class was, he’s already looking forward to the future.

“Our plan is to hold a banquet every year on the first Sunday following Columbus Day,” he explained. “This year we had 70 nominees, which is great. But next year we would love to have 170 nominees.

“For that to happen, we need the support from all our schools. We don’t take nominations from the public. School administrators are the only ones that can nominate people. With their cooperation, we want to continue to grow and expand this event.”