Individuals, Team Join T/E And Conestoga Sports Hall Of Fame

BERWYN, PA – The Tredyffrin/Easttown and Conestoga High School Athletic Hall of Fame welcomed several new inductees for their efforts in the local high school sports world recently.

As part of the Conestoga Homecoming celebration, the T/E and Conestoga Athletic Hall of Fame inducted six honorees, as well as the 2002 girls lacrosse team.

The inductees were recognized pregame at the Homecoming football game on Friday, Oct. 5 and at the Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 6 at Waynesborough Country Club.

The 2018 Hall of Fame Class includes: Dante Coles, Jane Kleiderlein Condi, Robert Ford, Dan Lehman, Lori Havrilla Messina, Dan Reichert, and the 2002 Girls Lacrosse Team.

The T/E and Conestoga High School Athletic Hall of Fame was established in 2005 to honor Conestoga’s outstanding athletic heritage. All honorees have exemplified exceptional skill, determination, success, integrity and character throughout their athletic career.

The inductees were nominated for the outstanding athletic achievements they have made at Conestoga and beyond.

Dante Coles, Class of 1997

Coles graduated from Conestoga High School in 1997 as a three-sport Varsity athlete (Football, Basketball and Track & Field) and served as a captain for each sport. In Track and Field, Coles won the Central League Championship in the 100-meter run, 200-meter run and the 4x100 meter relay. In his senior year in Basketball, he earned all-area recognition on a team that clinched the Central League Championship. As part of the Central League Championship Football team in his senior year, he played multiple positions. His achievements included All-State honors and selection in the Big 33 Football Game. Upon graduating from Conestoga, Coles continued his football career at Valley Forge Military Academy and at Temple University on a football scholarship. After a successful career with the Arena Football League (Richmond and Wilkes Barre), Coles returned to Conestoga as an assistant football coach and as a member of the Conestoga security team. Coles is currently an assistant football coach at Malvern Prep.

Jane Kleiderlein Condi, Class of 1987

Condi was one of the most successful swimmers to ever compete for Conestoga High School. She was the fastest female all-time, setting a 50 freestyle record that stood for 30 years. By the time she graduated, Condi demonstrated her dominance by holding school records in the 50, 100, and 200 freestyle events. After helping the Conestoga girls’ swim team earn Central League titles in multiple years, Condi led the team to a District 1 Championship in 1987. At that meet she won three events, set a District 1 record, and was named the meet’s “Outstanding Swimmer.” After gaining high school All-American status multiple times and placing third at the PIAA State Championship twice, Condi earned an athletic scholarship to Penn State University. In college, Jane’s success continued as she earned NCAA Division I All-American status and competed at the NCAA Division I National Championships.

Sadly, Condi passed away in 2015 but her legacy lives on through her family, including her husband Steve and her sons Christopher (CHS Class of 2018) and James (CHS Class of 2021).

Robert Ford, Class of 1971

Ford is one of the most respected names in Golf. He was the captain of the 1971 Central League Champion Golf Team at Conestoga. He continued his career as a member of the University of Tampa Golf Team, also serving as a captain. After college, Ford entered the Professional Golf Association. During his tenure on the PGA Tour, his accolades included being a three-time US Open Contestant, 10-time PGA Championships Contestant, five-time PGA Cup Team member, three-time PA Open Champion, and two-time PA PGA Champion. Ford retired as the Head Professional at Oakmont Country Club after 37 years and currently serves as the Head Professional at Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach, Florida.

Dan Lehman, Class of 1990

Lehman was recognized for his outstanding performance on the tennis court. Lehman's career at Conestoga has been described as “impeccable”. His accomplishments during his four years include: two-time State Champion in Singles, State Bronze Medal in doubles, four-time Central League Champion in Singles and two- time All-American. After Lehman's dominance of the Central League ended with his graduation, he continued his success at the University of Virginia where he was a four time letter winner in tennis.

Lori Havrilla Messina, Class of 2002

Messina, by some, has been called one of the finest female athletes to ever grace the hallways of Conestoga High School. Over the course of her high school career, she earned numerous awards, most notable being named an All-American and the Conestoga Athlete of the Year. Her high school career was capped with the 2002 State Championship in Girls Lacrosse. Upon graduating from Conestoga High School, Messina was awarded a lacrosse scholarship to Penn State University, where the accolades continued. She currently ranks 14th in Penn State’s all-time scoring list with 120 goals.

Dan Reichert, Coach

Reichert established the swimming program at Conestoga High School and a tradition of excellence for both the boys’ and girls’ swimming teams over the course of his 18 years as a coach. Coach Reichert’s record stands at 174 wins, 11 loses and one tie. His teams have won 13 Central League Championships, three District 1 championships, a runner up PIAA State Championship and the 1980 PIAA State Championship.

2002 Girls Lacrosse Team

The 2002 Girls Lacrosse Team was undefeated in the Central League and District 1 Champions. They finished the year with a remarkable overall record of 21-0 and 9-0 in the Central League and with an astonishing No. 9 national ranking. They won all of their games by a margin of at least 11 goals, scored an amazing 369 goals, and only allowed 133 goals. All 12 seniors played at the collegiate level with nine of them competing for Division 1 programs. The seniors only lost two games in four years and boasted three high school All-Americans. In addition, Coach Lisa Murphy was named District 1 Coach of the Year.

Pictured above is the 2002 Girls Lacrosse Team: In front from left to right are Heidi Ross, Chelsea Metz, Lori Havrilla Messina, Casey Renninger, Lindsey Tifftand Jill Goldsmith, Assistant Head Coach. In back from left to right are Lisa Murphy, Head Coach; Alex Knight, Megan Havrilla, Jess Wasilewski, Kate Kunkle, Sarah Frazier, Kristin Smith and Megan Hager.

Images via Conestoga High School