The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Lehigh Valley Chapter Edward J. Watto President Swiftwater

Michael Hancharik II Vice President Emmaus

Bill Poretta Vice President Hellertown

Jim Wentz Vice President Lehighton

Jack Legath Vice President Northampton

Dom Tanzella Treasurer Easton

Keith Newhard Secretary Whitehall

Randy Ehle Assistant Treasure Wind Gap

Herb Barrall Assistant Secretary Northampton

Photo's by Don Herb The Lehigh Valley Chapter of the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame is proud to present its 2004 Hall of Fame inductees from left to right: John "Jeep" Bednarik:

John was born in 1927 in Bethlehem, PA. In 1948 after returning for the US Navy he played fullback/linebacker for Perkiomen Prep before injuring his knee. He transferred to Moravian Prep and played basketball, they did not have a football team. In 1950 he enrolled at the College of William & Mary where he was all big six in Virginia and honorable mention All-American in 1954. He had a tryout with the Baltimore Colts of the NFL. He coached many teams including Easton High 1955-1960, Neptune High as head coach - 1961-1967, Dieruff head coach - 1967-1973 and at Lehigh University - 1973-1996. Jeep is retired and living in the Parkland Area. Franklin "Skip" Baer:

Skip was born in Allentown, PA and was a graduate from Whitehall HS in 1952. He proudly served in the National Reserves for 8 years. He was a very active supporter of Whitehall sports and faithfully attended many games. He coached 12 years in midget, playground and American legion leagues. Skip was a member of the National Football Foundation of the Lehigh Valley chapter for the past 25 years and served as 2nd vice president. Skip passed away this past year and is survived son in-law David: Brothers, Lester and Dennis, grandchildren Nicole, Samantha, Emily and Faith and long time companion Louise Reinhard and former husband of Dorothy M. (Kohut) Baer. Larry Christoff:

Larry was born 1951 in Allentown, PA. He played for Northampton HS from 1966 to 1968 and for Rutgers from 1969 to 1972. Larry signed as free agent with the Baltimore Colts and was on their roster in 1973. He was traded to the New York Giants in 1974, but was released in pre-season. He became an assistant football coach at Emmaus HS. Mike Corvino:

Mike was born in 1960 in Philadelphia PA. He played for Pius X HS in Roseta, PA from 1975 to 1978. He was named All State and Big 33. He played at Maryland from 1979 to 1982, where he was named All-ACC and set a Terapin record with 24 career sacks. Mike played for the Washington Federals of the USFL from 1983 to 1985. A knee injury ended his career in 1985. Mike is married to Joyce Corvino and has two daughters, Elizabeth and Alexandra. He and his family reside in Nashville TN and are moving to Danville, CA. Mike is employed by VF Corporation since 1986. He currently holds the position as President Jansport. Michael P. Meilinger:

Michael was born in 1940 in Bethlehem, PA. He graduated from Liberty HS in 1958 where he played football and wrestled. Michael graduated from West Chester State University in 1963 where he was a three year started and received Pennsylvania and All Star College Honors (Honorable Mention). He was principal at Dieruff for 24 years adn asst. football coach for 7 years. His greatest honor was when LED was presented by the U.S. Dept. of Ed. the Educational Excellence Model School Award on the Whitehouse Lawn in Washington, DC. Very important in his life are his wife, June and his 2 sons Michael and Glenn, his sons' wives and his 5 grandchildren. Bob Roeder:

Bob was born in 1941 in Allentown, PA. He was a quarterback for Emmaus HS from 1957 to 1959 and was named All-State honorable mention his senior year. Bob played for the University of Pittsburgh from 1961 to 1963 as a halfback and defensive back. After graduating from Pitt, Bob played pro ball for 2 years with the Duquesne Ironmen, a minor league team affiliated with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Sam Senneca:

Sam was born in 1953 in Bethlehem, PA. He played football for Nazareth HS from 1968 to 1970. North Carolina State from 1971 to 1974. Sam played for teh Charlotte Hornets in the World Football League in 1975. He became assisant coach at Central Catholic HS. Sam is the president athletic director at Liberty HS. Dan Yochum:

Dan was born in 1950 in Bethlehem, PA. He played football at Bethlehem HS from 1965 to 1967. Dan went to Syracuse from 1968 to 1971 and was named a Look All-American in his senior year and played in the College All-Star game in Chicago. Dan was the number one pick of the Philadelphia Eagles and 28th pick overall in the 1972 NFL draft. However he signed with Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian football league where played from 1972 to 1979 winning 2 Grey Cups. Dan then played for Edmonton in 1980 and 1981 winning the Grey Cup in 1980. He was named All-CFL tackle 9 times and CFL Lineman of the year in 1976. Photo Gallery