SUSAN SOMMERS

Athlete, North Penn High School, 1984

9 Varsity Letters: 3 Field Hockey, 3 Basketball, 3 Softball

1982, 1983 All Bux-Mont Mont Field Hockey 1st Team Forward
1983 Field Hockey Team Captain, NPHS MVP
1983 All Bux-Mont Basketball 1st Team Guard/Forward
1983 1st Annual PA Sports Hall of Fame Girlsʼ Basketball All-Star Team
1984 Basketball 1st Team All Bux-Mont Guard/Forward
1984 Basketball NPHS Team Captain; 1983, 1984 NPHS Basketball MVP
1983 All Bux-Mont Softball, 1st Team Shortstop
1984 All Bux-Mont Softball, 1st Team Pitcher
1984 Softball NPHS Team Captain, NPHS MVP & Genuardi Award Winner
1982 WNPV Sports Award for Outstanding Sophomore Athlete
1983 North Penn Reporter Athlete of the Year
Penn State University Varsity Field Hockey, Softball, Lacrosse 1984-1989
Honored Team Member Penn State Universityʼs
Sports Museum for National Championships
NCAA National Lacrosse Champions, 1987 and 1989
Graduated Penn State University, B.S. in Exercise and Sport Science, 1989
Inducted 2012

As an athlete at North Penn, Susan earned 9 varsity letters; 3 in field hockey, 3 in basketball, and 3 in softball. As a senior, she was MVP in field hockey, basketball, and softball. Prior to her senior year, she made the Keystone State Games for field hockey where her team won gold.

After graduating from North Penn, Susan accepted a field hockey scholarship from Penn State University. While at Penn State, she played varsity field hockey (4 years) with a 4th place finish in the 1987 NCAA tournament, varsity softball (2 years) with an Atlantic 10 Championship in 1985, and varsity lacrosse (3 years). Although she did not play lacrosse at North Penn, she was asked by Penn State’s head coach to try out for the varsity goalie position on Penn State’s lacrosse team. After making the team, Susan started as goalie and won two National Lacrosse Championships in 1987 and 1989, and placed second in 1988.

Susan now lives in Royersford, PA and has been working in the pharmaceutical industry for the past 21 years. She was recently promoted to Director of Global Clinical Safety & Pharmacovigilance at an international pharmaceutical company.

She is honored to become a member of the North Penn Alumni Athletic Association Hall of Fame.

STEVE GILDEA

Athlete, North Penn High School, 1982

Football, Basketball, Track & Field

7 Varsity Letters: 3 Football, 3 Spring Track, 1 Winter Track
1981 Athlonʼs Football Eastern Elite Eleven, Defensive Tackle
1981 U.P.I. All Pennsylvania Football 1st Team Defensive Tackle
1981 Associated Press All State 2nd Team Offensive Tackle
1981 Montgomery County All Star Game Offensive & Defensive Line
Philadelphia Inquirer Athlete of the Week October 1, 1981
1981 Philadelphia Inquirer All-Area Football 1st Team Defensive Tackle
1981 Bulletin All-Suburban 1st Team Defensive Tackle
1981 District I All Star Football 1st Team Defensive Tackle
1981 All Bux-Mont 1st Team Defensive and Offensive Tackle
1981 Bulletin All-Scholastic Football 2nd Team Defensive Tackle
1981 Reporter Bux-Mont Football 1st Team Defensive and Offensive Tackle
1981 PIAA District I Shot Put Champion
1982 Bux-Mont League Shot Put Champion
Attended University of Delaware 1982-1986
Graduated Caldwell College, B. S. Business Administration, 2002
Inducted 2012

While attending North Penn High School, Steve participated in Football, Basketball, and Track and Field. In both of his sophomore and junior years Steve earned the NPHS Athletic Department Award for Outstanding Male Athlete and voted by his peers as the Most Athletic his senior year. Steve broke into the starting lineup on the football team as a sophomore playing defensive tackle and had the pleasure of scoring his first touchdown. As a junior Steve started both ways on the football team and was forced to play multiple offensive line positions when others were hurt. He was named Honorable Mention All Bux-Mont at the end of his junior campaign. As one of the captains, Steve’s senior year was very memorable. He, and more importantly, the team enjoyed great success. The most memorable moment of Steve’s football career was going over to War Memorial field in 1981 as a senior and totally shutting down Central Bucks West while holding them to negative yards rushing. This defensive performance remains a record which still stands as an all-time record second only to another opponent dominated by this same defense of 1981.

In each of Steve’s 3 years he led his class in points for the track and field team while participating in the shot put, discus and javelin events. During Steve’s junior year he was district champion in the shot put on the 1981 State Champion Boys Track Team.

After graduating North Penn High School, Steve went onto the University of Delaware on an academic and athletic scholarship where he continued to play football as a defensive tackle and winter track where he threw the 35 pound weight. Steve continued his academic pursuits at Caldwell College where he graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration in 2002.

Steve now lives in Winter Springs Florida with his wife Karen and 10 year old son Patrick. He is a Production Lead at Digital Risk in Maitland Florida, a forensic underwriting and due diligence firm. Steve loves most anything that involves family and friends and enjoying life. In his spare time he loves to golf; however, he enjoys most of his free time coaching Patrick’s baseball team.

LARRY A. FRITZ

Athlete, North Penn High School, 1971

6 Varsity Letters: 3 Baseball, 2 Football, 1 Basketball
1968 Member of Bux-Mont Championship Football Team
1969 Member of Bux-Mont Championship Baseball Team
1970 NPHS Football Tri-Captain
1971 NPHS Baseball Co-Captain
1970 &1971 NPHS Leading Pitcher Award
1970 All Bux-Mont 2nd Team Pitcher
1971 Honorable Mention Baseball Pitcher
1971 NPHS Basketball Co-Captain
1971 Montgomery County Triangle Club Scholar-Athlete Award
Varsity Athlete Temple University Football & Baseball
Member of the Temple University Football Triple “T” Club
Graduated Temple University, B. S. in Education, 1976
Inducted 2012

Larry was a three sport athlete at North Penn High School where he participated in baseball, football, and basketball. He received 3 varsity letters in baseball, 2 in football, and 1 in basketball.

During his sophomore year, Larry was the back-up quarterback on the football team, which went on to win the 1968 Bux-Mont Championship and was a starting pitcher on the baseball team, which went on to win the 1969 Bux-Mont Championship. Larry’s junior year he was the starting quarterback on the football team and a starting pitcher on the baseball team, where he would earn 2nd team All Bux-Mont honors and the North Penn High School leading pitcher award. Larry’s senior year he was the starting quarterback in football and a starting pitcher in baseball, where he would earn Honorable Mention All Bux-Mont in baseball and the NPHS leading pitcher award. At the end of his baseball career at NPHS, Larry had a career record of 17 – 8, with 194 strikeouts in 192 innings, and a 1.93 ERA. In football Larry was awarded the Central Montgomery County Triangle Club Scholar-Athlete Award. During his senior year Larry was voted a captain of the football, baseball, and basketball teams.

After a successful career at NPHS, Larry received a football scholarship to Temple University. Larry participated in football at Temple from 1971 thru the 1974 season when Temple had a combined record of 28-9-1. While at Temple Larry earned 3 varsity letters for football and is a member of the Temple University Football Triple T Club. In 1974 Larry decided to play baseball and was a starting pitcher in baseball from 1974 thru 1976, when Temple won the ECC Championship, participated in the NCAA playoffs in both 1975 & 1976 and ended up ranked 22nd and 16th in the nation respectively. Larry earned 2 varsity letters at Temple for baseball.

After graduation from Temple, Larry has been employed by Westinghouse Electric Company where he is an Engineering Project Manager responsible for the design and development of electronic systems installed in Nuclear Power Plants. In the summer of 1998, Larry worked with a group of parents to establish a football team for the local high school, for which he is currently the offensive coordinator. Larry and his wife Rena, of 35 years, have two sons Eric and Mark and reside in Rocky Hill, Connecticut.

SHARON HERZOG

Athlete, North Penn High School, 1981

4 Varsity Letters in Swimming
NPHS Outstanding Swimmer Award, 1978 and 1979
1st Team PIAA All-State, 4 Consecutive Years
6 Time National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association All-American
Member of the 1979 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM & 1980 Runner up
1979 PIAA STATE RECORD 100 BUTTERFLY
3 Time Bux-Mont Champion 100 BUTTERFLY
6 Times Bux-Mont Champion 200 Medley Relay & 4X100 Free Relay
1979 District I 100 Butterfly Champion; Runner-up 1980 & 1981
1979 & 1980 District I 200 Medley Relay Champion
1979, 80, 81 District I 4X100 Freestyle Relay Champion
1979 PIAA Runner-up State Champion 100 Butterfly
1979 & 1980 PIAA STATE CHAMPION 200 MEDLEY RELAY
1980 PIAA STATE CHAMPION 4X100 FREESTYLE RELAY, 1979 Runner-up
Graduated University of Miami, B.S. in Education, 1985
Inducted 2012

As an athlete at North Penn, Sharon earned 4 Varsity letters in swimming. She was named 1st Team PIAA All-State 4 consecutive years and a 6-time National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association All-American. She is a proud member of the 1979 NPHS Pennsylvania State Championship team. At that swim meet Sharon not only qualified for the Olympic Trials, but she broke the PIAA State Record in the 100 yards Butterfly. She was also privileged to have swum on two amazing relays with 6 other talented swimmers: Julie Schulte, Becky Heinz, Jenny Sanders, Julie Russell, Becky Ensign and Patty Boyle in the 200-yard Medley and the 400 xl00 yard Free Relay.

Sharon got her start in swimming with the North Penn Community Aquatics Program in the early 1970's. She took swimming lessons and enrolled in the pre-competitive program before joining the North Penn Aquatic Club. All this early solid training prepared her for an amazing swimming career. Throughout her swimming career at North Penn, Sharon's most memorable moments lie in all the rich traditions that the girls swim team had; from frog races to taking North Penn's pool water to away swim meets, treasured notes from her coaches, and the spirit can!

Following her graduation from North Penn, Sharon received a full four-year athletic swimming scholarship to the University of Miami where she enjoyed 4 years of colligate competition and graduated with a BS in Education.

Sharon is the very proud mother of Madison who is a very talented senior at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy. Madison is a member of the "Cum Laude Society" and was awarded the Distinguished "Brown University English Award" in her junior year. She plans to study in a BFA Musical program in college. Sharon teaches at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy in the Pre- K classroom. Sharon is a member the Service Committee Board at her school where she supports the students' service work at many local organizations in Philadelphia. She has volunteered at the Schuylkill Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic and is on the board of "Fit Rescue", an organization that helps feral cats. Sharon has enjoyed competing in the Philadelphia International Dragon Boat Festival, also practices Ashanga yoga, and enjoys walks in the Wissahickon Woods.

I would just like to add a huge thank you to Pat Henry, Selma Robinson and Rick Carroll and to all the other mentors and coaches who have made their time available so that the youth of the North Penn School District would have the opportunity to excel in their passions. Without you this all would not be possible. Thank you, Thank you.

JOSEPH HEYER

COACH Basketball North Penn HS, 1969 - 1990

North Penn HS 21 Seasons 291-186 Record
1975 Bux-Mont Basketball Championship
2 Bux-Mont Regular Season Halves Basketball Championships 1975, 77
4 Bux-Mont Regular Season Halves Basketball
Co-Championships 1977, 81, 85, 86
Head Basketball Coach LaSalle College 1965-1967
Head Coach Cardinal Dougherty HS, Record of 55-19 (74%)
2005 Elected to the Philadelphia All-Star Chapter of the PA Sports Hall of
Fame
2007 Markward Basketball Club of Philadelphia Lifetime Achievement
Award
1994 Received Philadelphia Basketball Old Timers
Lifetime Achievement Award
Graduated LaSalle College, B.A. in Education, 1960
St. Josephʼs College, M.A. in Education, 1966
Inducted 2012

In the 21 years Joe coached the North Penn teams they compiled an overall record of 291 wins and 186 losses. (61%) The first 17 years the Knights competed in the historic Bux-Mont League. In regular season Bux-Mont games North Penn won 198 lost 95. (67.5%) during those years. In the early 70's the league went to a halves system. The Knights won 3 regular season halve-and were co-champions in 3 others.

In 1975 the Knights won the overall championship in a playoff with CB East. Twice the Knights went to the District One quarter finals at the Palestra. '72&'76 The 71-72 team opened this building by going 12-0 to start the season, still a school record.

The first team in school history to win 20 games in a season was the 76-77 Knights. The Knights won 7 North Penn Booster Club Holiday Tournament Championships and 2 Emmaus Holiday Tournaments.

North Penn entered the Suburban League for the 86-87 season. The Knights Experienced three losing seasons before the 89-90 team posted a 15-9 record, winning the Emmaus Holiday tournament for the second time and winning a first round game in the District One Tournament.

Joe began coaching at Cardinal Dougherty H. S. in Philadelphia in 1960. In 3 years at Dougherty his teams had a record of 55-19 (74%) and reached the Catholic Championship game each year.

From there he went to La Salle College as freshman coach & assistant Varsity coach. The freshmen
team compiled a 36-9 record in three seasons including the 1964 Big Five Freshman Championship. In 1965 he took over the Varsity the day before the season started. In two season LaSalle won 24 games, reached the finals of the Vanderbilt Tourney, the finals of the Mid Atlantic Tournament and upset two nationally ranked teams up set two nationally ranked teams Brigham Young. (#6) and Louisville.

Joe's playing career started at LaSalle High School. In the 1955-56 season as a senior he lead the Catholic League in scoring, set a single game record of 49 points, still a school record, and was selected All Catholic. He was selected MVP of the League by the Philadelphia Sportswriters. After the season he was invited to play in the North-South High School All American game in Kentucky.

Joe was a member of the 1955 City Championship baseball team. From LaSalle H. S. he entered LaSalle College where he played 4 seasons. Joe scored 1,161 career points. (986 Varsity and 175 Freshman) In 1958 he set a Palestra and school record for field goals in a game, 17, breaking the record of the great Tom Gola. He lead the team in scoring in the 58-59 season with a 17.2 average. He had a career high of 35 the same year.

He was selected Catholic All American in 1959. The 1960 team was ranked 14th in the AP poll. Finished as ih all-time scorer in school history at the time. Just the 4th junior in school history to score 400 points in a season at the time. Honors: Elected to the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame- Philadelphia All-Star Chapter (05) Honored by the Markward Basketball Club of Philadelphia for lifetime Achievements (07) Received Philadelphia Basketball Old Timers Lifetime Achievement Award (94)

JIM KWORTNIK

Athlete, North Penn High School, 1983

5 Varsity Letters: 2 Football, 3 Wrestling
1983 PIAA STATE CHAMPION 155lb. WEIGHT CLASS
1983 Sectional Champion, District Champion, Regional Champion
1982 Sectional Champion, 3rd Place District, 3rd Place Regional
NPHS Team Record Fastest Pin, 13 Seconds
1982 All Bux-Mont 1st Team 155 lb. Class
Winner at the Challenge of Champions AAA vs AA
Competed in the Pittsburgh Classic, PA vs USA All Stars
1983 Wrestling Team Captain and NPHS Wrestling MVP
1983 Coaches Award for the most Pins
Inducted into the District I Wrestling Hall of Fame 1999
NPHS Career Record of 73 wins 10 losses
1982 All Bux-Mont Football 1st Team Linebacker
1982 North Penn High School Football Team MVP
1982 Montgomery County All Star Team, Linebacker
1983 Genuardiʼs Award for Male Athlete of the Year
Graduated Bloomsburg University, B. A. in Economics, 1988
Inducted 2012

During his athletic career at North Penn High School Jim earned 5 varsity letters. 2 in football and 3 in wrestling. He was a starter on the football team at linebacker in both his junior and senior years. He was 2nd team all Buxmont his junior year. As a senior he was the team captain and led the team in tackles. He was named team MVP, and was 1st Team All Bux-Mont at linebacker and selected to play in The Montgomery County All Star Football game.

As a wrestler Jim was a three year starter. He was a Sectional champion, District 3rd, Regional 3rd place and state qualifier his junior year. His senior season Jim was a Sectional, District, regional and 1983 PIAA State Champion at 155lbs. He was the AAA vs. AA Challenge of Champions winner and completed for team PA in the Pittsburgh Classic which is team PA vs. a USA All Star team. He finished his carrier with 73 wins and 10 losses.He was the 1983 Genaurdi’s Award winner for male athlete of the year. He was inducted into the District One Wrestling hall of fame in 1999 with his brother Chris.

Jim continued his wrestling career at Bloomsburg University and graduated in 1988 with a BA in Economics.

Jim resides in Royersford, PA with his two sons, Tyler 14 and Jason 12 and currently owns and
manages Patriot Contract Flooring, Inc., in Royersford, PA.