JHS Athletic HOF set to induct 2023 class

It’s being called the largest class in history since the late Gary V. Mazzie founded the prestigious Johnston High School Athletic Hall of Fame back in 2011.
Sunday, in fact, a total of 42 proud Panthers who have distinguished their alma mater while wearing the famous Blue and White, will be inducted during what promises to be an exciting ceremony inside the Edward DeSimone Gymnasium.
Thus, the Class of 2023 that includes former sports standouts, coaches, community leaders and of course one-time awesome athletes will take part in the induction which will begin a 2 p.m. and will be followed by the annual dinner at Cranston Country Club.
For longtime Chairman Jim Hopkins, who helped Mazzie – who was his best friend and colleague – Sunday’s 11th annual induction ceremony will have a special meaning.
That’s because Hopkins, who has kept Mazzie name and legacy alive with the Hall of Fame and memorial golf tournament, will be among the inductees as the one-time Head Coach of Johnston High School’s 1995-96 Class B State champion basketball team.
That squad included David DelFino, Steven DeMeo, Jim DiPetrillo, Carmine Goneconte, John Holder, John MacAndrew, Ken Norigian, Normand Paquin, Robert Pelland, Michael Rainone, Brain Renaud, Steven Russillo, Doug Westerman, Kent Waterman and Brent Willliams. Managers/statisticians were Dean Beliveau, Kelli Eramian Goldenberg and Mat DiIorio and the coaches were Hopkins, Mazzie, Steven Gaskin and Lois Hopkins.
Gary Bucci ’79 and Jen Saccoccio Paolantonio ’02 will receive the Gary V. Mazzie Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Hall of Fame inductees are also Heidi Baker, 1982; Rachelle Boehm, 2014, Jason Cerro, 1998; Steven Denoncour, 1990; Alexandra DiRaimo 2014; Isabella DiRaimo, 2015; Leah Gravel, 2015; William Lytle,1965; William Lytle, 1965; Ryan McKeon,2014; Michael Mollicone, 1979; Michael Pennachia, 2013; David Principe, 1984; Len DeMeo, coach; and William McNamara coach.
A special induction/honor will be bestowed upon Glenn Carrol, and Mark Gilmore, co-founders of the highly successful and widely acclaimed Johnston Community Center Association that touched so many lives and provided many unique programs for the youth of the town.
“Glenn and Mark were a lot like Jim (Hopkins) and Gary (Mazzie),” several people offered upon learning about their election to the JHS Hall. “They were best friends and put their best foot forward for years and years.”
Which is why people predicted earlier this week that Sunday’s 2023 JHS Athletic Hall of Fame Induction may well be the biggest in history and overflowing as a current coach/administrator emphasized: “Overflowing with Panther Pride.”