Hall of Fame  

1998 Inductees

Carol Erzen, Volunteer, Allegheny
At an Allegheny County competition, 54 people were asked "Who would you nominate for the Hall of Fame?" The response of 47 of those individuals was "Carol Erzen." This overwhelming support is simply because Carol has been the mainstay of this program for over 20 years serving in every conceivable capacity. She has attended five World Games as a coach, is a certified coach in seven sports, and was voted SOPA Coach of the Year in 1991. In addition, she established the county's figure skating, speed skating, and alpine skiing programs and has been the event director for more than 50 competitions.
 

Daniel Gallagher, Athlete, Montgomery
Ask anyone who knows Dan -- coaches, friends, teammates -- and you'll find their responses sound the same: Dan motivates people. A Special Olympics participant since age 8, Dan is a hard-working, talented athlete. A competitor in athletics, aquatics, basketball, bowling, cycling, equestrian, floor hockey, gymnastics, long-distance running, roller skating and weight lifting during his 20-year career, he has competed in two World Games. His accomplishments include being named SOPA Male Athlete of the Year in 1988 and competing in over 70 road races, including the Penn Relays.
 

Paul Gasdick, Volunteer, Beaver
A certified coach in 10 sports -- bowling, aquatics, speed skating, soccer, volleyball, softball, basketball, athletics, powerlifting, and motor activities -- Paul has also served as Beaver County manager for nearly 20 years. In addition, he has been the event director for all local competitions since his involvement and has attended nearly every state event. Most important, "Coach" Gasdick is loved by the athletes of Beaver County. The athletes respect him and look up to him because of his genuine enthusiasm and ability to motivate them. He's a winner outside Special Olympics as well, having received the Pennsylvania ARC Teacher of the Year in 1992.
 

Ben Harris, Volunteer, Delaware
When Ben Harris speaks, people listen. That happens when you're a savvy, successful, still-working businessman at age 85, with more fire than most 20-year-olds. Ben's skills as a businessman helped to grow the professional environment of SOPA, with one of his first tasks being to help write SOPA's bylaws. Since then he has worked on numerous committees: Executive, Finance, Investments, Audit, Human Resources, and Nominating. Why does Ben continue to be committed to the athletes of Special Olympics? "I have stayed a part of Special Olympics because I love its objective. I love the things it does for the athletes as human beings and how it helps the rest of the world see them as individuals." And we love what Ben has done for Special Olympics. That's why when Ben speaks, we all still listen.
 

Matt Jones, Athlete, Luzerne
Training in bowling, aquatics, powerlifting, skiing, long-distance running and athletics, Matt has excelled at all levels of local and state competitions. What accounts for Matt's success: Sheer determination. He first began swimming with a life jacket; today he competes in the 400 meters. In athletics, Matt started with a 50-meter sprint and has progressed to the 3K and 5K runs. In addition to his sports skills, Matt is a true leader who is extremely supportive of fellow athletes. To share his enthusiasm for Special Olympics, Matt has become a certified coach and a Global Messenger.
 

Michael Witmyer, Athlete, Berks
When it comes to Berks County, an individual would be hard-pressed to talk about Special Olympics without mentioning Mike Witmyer. An athlete for over 10 years, Mike trains in roller skating, bowling, floor hockey, alpine skiing, basketball, aquatics, and softball. Mike consistently demonstrates strong leadership abilities, and his spirit of unselfish teamwork has earned the respect of his coaches and athletes alike. He has also become a regular participant at the local management team meetings -- the first athlete in Berks County to do so. A trained Global Messenger, Mike frequently speaks on behalf of Special Olympics.

Aaron Younkin, Athlete, Somerset
During his 12 years in Special Olympics, Aaron has trained in cross-country skiing, biking, soccer, basketball, skating, athletics, powerlifting, and golfing. Aaron's attitude that practice and hard work are as important as the actual competition is much of the reason behind his great success. Aaron has always been well-known for his athletic ability and positive attitude. However, by using his outgoing personality and his passion for Special Olympics to inspire others to get involved, he has truly become a standout in his community. After finishing his Global Messenger training, Aaron has become a much-asked-for speaker because of his high energy and positive message.