Our Board of Directors & Officers
joel holka - president
Joel Holka, born in 1958, is a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls, New York, whose impact on his community extends far beyond his impressive athletic achievements. From his formative years through to his present-day contributions, Holka has demonstrated a dedication to excellence and service.
Holka's athletic prowess was evident from an early age. He excelled in multiple sports, including football, baseball, track, and swimming. Notably, he set a Niagara Falls Junior High School record in the 40-yard breaststroke. He also was the local winner of the Punt Pass and Kick competition at age 13. His football career reached significant heights at LaSalle Senior High School, where he earned three years of varsity experience (1973-1975). During his senior year, he garnered numerous accolades, including All-League and Niagara Gazette All-Area honors, and was recognized as the Most Valuable Offensive Back and a tri-captain of a record-setting team. His defensive skills were also highly regarded, as evidenced by his Outstanding Defensive Back Award. His senior year was capped off as the lead runner on the 880 Relay team that set a school record and won the Niagara Frontier League meet. Holka continued his football career at Canisius College (1976-1979), where he was a three-year starter at free safety and a two-time Gruelin Griffin Award winner. His athletic achievements led to his induction into the Niagara Falls Sports Hall of Fame.
Beyond his athletic endeavors, Holka has established himself as a respected businessman within the Niagara Falls community. He was the owner of Joel Holka Insurance Agency, where he is known for his professionalism and commitment to serving his clients. He is also known for giving back to his community, including the presentation of the "Holka Insurance Maximum Effort Award" to local high school football players. Over 130 of these awards were presented in the 37 years it was handed out.
In summary, Joel Holka's life is a testament to the values of hard work, dedication, and community service. He is a celebrated athlete, a successful businessman, and a respected member of the Niagara Falls community.
Gary Burns - Vice President
Gary Burns, born in Niagara Falls in 1962, is a distinguished athlete who established himself as a dominant force in multiple sports throughout his high school career. A lifelong resident of Niagara Falls, Burns left an indelible mark on the local athletic landscape.
Burns achieved remarkable success in football, earning a spot on the All Niagara Gazette Football Team for three consecutive years (1977, 1978, 1979). His exceptional talent also earned him recognition on the All NFL and All Western NY High School Football Teams in both 1978 and 1979. Culminating his high school football achievements, Burns was named the Defensive MVP for the North Squad in the prestigious 1980 Lions Club All Star Football Game.
Beyond the gridiron, Burns also excelled on the ice and the baseball diamond. He was recognized as an All Western NY High School Club Hockey All-Star for three consecutive years (1977, 1978, 1979). In baseball, his skills earned him spots on the All NFL and All Western NY High School Baseball Teams in 1979 and 1980, showcasing his versatility and athletic prowess across different sporting disciplines.
His exceptional athletic abilities led to a full football scholarship to Boston University, where he played from 1980 to 1985. While at Boston University, Burns continued to excel, earning the prestigious 1985 Outstanding Linebacker of the Year Award, a testament to his dedication and skill at the collegiate level.
Gary Burns' significant contributions to Niagara Falls athletics have been formally recognized through his induction into two esteemed halls of fame. He was inducted into the Niagara Wheatfield Sports Hall of Fame in 1994, followed by his enshrinement into the Niagara Falls Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the 2018 class. These honors underscore his lasting legacy as one of Niagara Falls' most accomplished athletes.
Joe Colosi - treasurer
Joe Colosi, a Niagara Falls native and Bishop Duffy alumnus from the early 1960s, carved an impressive athletic legacy. During his time at Duffy, Joe showcased his versatility by earning eight varsity letters across three sports: football, baseball, and basketball. Influenced by the esteemed Mike Niland and Guy Sottile, Joe excelled on the field and court.
His prowess on the gridiron was particularly noteworthy. In 1963, he earned recognition on both the Niagara Falls Gazette's All-City Football team and the All-Catholic League team. Archival records from the "Old Fulton, New York" site highlight his pivotal role in Duffy's victories, with headlines like "Joe Colosi Paces Duffy to Victory over Timon High" and "Colosi Paces Duffy to Win over Turner." In the latter game, the dynamic 5'9", 170 lb. speedster achieved a remarkable feat, rushing for 236 yards, scoring three touchdowns, and intercepting four passes. His football talents propelled him to the collegiate level, where he earned varsity letters at both the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Massachusetts.
Beyond football, Joe was a significant contributor to Bishop Duffy's basketball program, where he once scored as many as 20 points for Coach Soul's Rapideers. On the baseball diamond under Coach Niland, he was a key middle-of-the-order hitter and dependable first baseman. He further honed his baseball skills in the Double-Eye league, playing for the Corvettes and the champion Duffy Boosters. Later, in the 1970s, Joe continued his involvement in sports as an assistant basketball coach at his workplace, NCCC.
For his outstanding athletic achievements and enduring contributions to the local sports scene, the Niagara Falls Sports Hall of Fame proudly welcomed Joe Colosi into its class of 2013.
Christopher Robins - secretary
Christopher Robins is a dedicated member of the Niagara Falls community, where he has distinguished himself as an educator, coach, and public servant. A 1989 graduate of Niagara Falls High School, Robins demonstrated exceptional athletic talent during his student years. He was a four-year baseball player and a three-year wrestler. In football, Robins earned First Team All-League and First Team All-County honors in 1989, and was recognized as the Best Offensive Lineman that same year.
Robins has dedicated a significant portion of his career to coaching and mentoring young athletes in Niagara Falls. His coaching roles include:
Niagara Falls High School Powercats JV Coach (1991)
LaSalle High School Varsity Football Coach (1994-2000)
Niagara Falls High School Wolverines Football Coach (2000-2002)
Niagara Falls High School Baseball Assistant Coach (2000-2005)
Niagara Junior Purple Eagles Youth Hockey
Niagara Falls Little League
Since 1998, Robins has been a teacher in the Niagara Falls School District, where he has helped to educate and shape the lives of countless students.
In addition to his contributions to education and athletics, Robins has also been involved in local government. He served as a Niagara Falls City Councilman from 2006 to 2010. Currently, he serves as a Niagara County Legislator, a position he has held since 2017.
Christopher Robins' commitment to his community is evident in his long-standing service as an educator, coach, and public official.
paul smith - sergeant at arms
Paul Smith has a rich history as an accomplished athlete and coach.
During his time at Niagara-Wheatfield from 1965 to 1968, Paul excelled as a three-sport athlete, earning letters in football, basketball, and baseball. He was a valued member of Tony Frank's basketball team for two seasons and also showcased his running abilities in football during the fall of 1967. In baseball, he truly shone as a varsity pitcher, setting numerous N-W school records. His achievements include pitching three career shutouts and three one-hitters, and he etched his name in history by recording the first no-hitter for Niagara-Wheatfield since moving into the Niagara Orleans league. His senior year was particularly remarkable, as he set a school record by striking out 19 batters in a single game, also tying the league strikeout record.
Paul's athletic prowess earned him an athletic scholarship to Trinidad Junior College in Colorado. He continued his success there, becoming a two-year all-conference player. Over two years at Trinidad, he achieved a 12-win record with just three defeats, threw two 2-hitters and three 1-hitters with two shutouts, and tied the single-game strikeout record with 16 strikeouts. Notably, he compiled the second-best earned run average (1.10) in junior college baseball history. Following his time at Trinidad State, Paul received a full scholarship to baseball at New Mexico Highlands University, where he completed a two-year record of 8 wins and 3 defeats, graduating with a degree in education.
After graduating, Paul was given professional try-outs by the Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Kansas City, and Detroit baseball organizations. In 1971, he played a pivotal role in the Wheatfield American Legion Baseball team's victory in the New York State championship. This made them the first and only American Legion team to finish the season undefeated in New York State.
In 1975, Paul embarked on a new challenge as the head coach for the Niagara University Purple Eagles baseball team. At that time, he was recognized as the youngest Division 1 head baseball coach in the country. His impact was immediate, leading the team to a remarkable 44 wins and 17 defeats in his second year. This record-setting performance still stands 32 years later, solidifying these teams as not only considered great in Niagara University history but also among the greatest sports teams at Niagara.
joe rizz0
Joe “Rizz” Rizzo: Sports/Activities: Trott Vocational High School (1957-1961): Earned 8 varsity letters in baseball, basketball and football. Played 4 years of varsity baseball.
Joe caught 37 passes and scored 24 points before injury ended football career after 4 varsity games. Following high school, Joe played fast pitch softball for Carbo,
Staufter Chemical, Honey's and Pete's Market House. Played baseball in the "Double I" League for the Gavin's Panther team for three years. Played in the very first slow pitch softball league in Niagara Falls in
1969. Joe pllayed for the Honey's Pizza team (1970-1992) - one of the top teams in the state; won 15 A Division league championships and took part in Class A and B world tournaments. Coaching: Baseball: Head baseball coach at Niagara Falls High School for 17 years. The first to coach at the new NFHS in 2001 till retirement in 2003. Varsity teams compiled an overall record of 221 wins and 102 losses (.684 winning percent-age). Won Niagara Frontier League championships in 1978, 1982, 1985 and 1987. Teams went to the sectional finals in 78, 85 and '86. Coached junior varsity baseball from 1993 to 2000, winning three N.F.L. titles. Coached the Portage Post American League team from 1991 to 1995. League division champions twice. Football: Junior Varsity and Assistant Varsity Coach (Defensive Coordinator) at NFHS for 31 years.
Wrestling: Junior Varsity Coach from 1966 to 1970 and Head Varsity Coach from 1971 to 1973 at NFHS.Joe had the pleasure of coaching Mel Cunningham, New York State Champion. Sports Officiating: High school and college wrestling official for 30 years (1993 to 2003). President of the Niagara Frontier Wrestling Officials Association for 13 years. Worked the NYS High School Wrestling Championships seven times.
”Rizz” was presented with "The Official of the Year in Wrestling". He was inducted in to the Greater Niagara Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.
Dan Bazzani
Dan was born, raised, schooled, played (Niagara Falls High School) and employed in Niagara Falls, His childhood idol was the legendary Sal Maglie.
Coach Doc Parsons (NFHS) guided Dan to Coach Dr. Len Serfustini
(UB) who laid the foundation for Coach Bazzani's prestigious basketball coaching career. Over a 27 year span, he had a 74% winning record at the high school. junior college and college levels. Along the way, he touched the lives of many both on and off the court. Dan also excelled on the base paths, in the huddle, at his desk and in chamber.
In 2005, Dan was awarded the Nation's High School Coach of the Year by USA Today. Six Hall of Fames have welcomed him including the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame and the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame. He deservedly joins his hometown Niagara Falls Sports Hall of Fame.
William Ross
Bill was born in old St. Mary's Hospital in 1933. He was raised, schooled, played, resided and employed on the Niagara Frontier.
He was a star LaSalle Explorer fullback for 3 years and a track sprinter. The Niagara Falls Gazette selected Bill to the All-City Football team and the NFL coaches voted him to the All-League team. A football scholarship took him to Michigan State where he played for the National Championship Team in 1952 and on January 1, 1954, he performed in the famed Rose Bowl.
Bill was Niagara Wheatfield High School's first football coach (8 years) and Athletic Director for 26 years where he established lacrosse, female sports and modified programs.
Bill was inducted into the Niagara Falls School District Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Niagara Wheatfield High School Hall of Fame in 2003 before entering the Niagara Falls Sports Hall of Fame.
Pete Eodice
Sports & Activities: Active in baseball, basketball and track while at LaSalle High School. Baseball: Double Eye and Industrial Leagues. Fast Pitch Softball: City leagues, Niagara Falls, Ont., Buffalo Metro, industrial and independent, AA Simon Pures. Basketball: Muny League, Industrial League.
Service: U.S. Army - Far East baseball and basketball. Golf & Bowling: Several plant and city leagues.
Umpire - City, Sec. 6, NYS; All Star shortstop for Hooker Chemical, which dominated Industrial League for 20 years. Later managed. Captain of Simon Pures who won 3 NYS Fast Pitch championships.
Played with state champion Ernie B's and Stadium Grill. Coached youth baseball, LaSalle LI. Zone 6, league and city champions. PAL, regional champions, Niagara District 5 time league champs (won 4 tournaments). Coached youth hockey, NAHL house and travel teams.
Inducted into Umpire Hall of Fame (1996); Inducted into Niagara Falls Old Timers Hall of Fame
(1999); Board member: Niagara's Choice (FCU) secretary; Board member: Niagara Falls Old Timers
Hall of Fame (treasurer).
Bill Clingersmith
Bill Clingersmith has a long and decorated history in Western New York athletics, transitioning from a standout high school basketball player to a national championship-winning coach. His athletic journey began on the court at Niagara Falls High School, where he played for the Varsity Basketball team during the 1975-1976 season. He completed his high school career playing for LaSalle Senior High School in the 1976-1977 season.
Later, Clingersmith returned to the local sports scene as a coach, applying his experience to the softball diamond. From 2000 to 2006, he served as a dedicated Assistant Coach for the Niagara Falls High School Varsity Softball team. In 2006, he took his coaching talents to the collegiate level, joining the staff at Monroe Community College. His impact was immediate and profound, as he helped guide the MCC softball team to an NJCAA National Championship in his very first year with the program.
Frank Rotundo
Frank Rotundo is a dedicated and experienced coach with a lifelong passion for athletics. A 1981 graduate of LaSalle Senior High School, Rotundo was a multi-sport athlete, competing for two years each in JV and Varsity Boys Basketball, as well as two years in Boys Varsity Cross Country.
His commitment to LaSalle continued after graduation, where he spent 16 years as the Assistant Boys Varsity Basketball Coach and Head JV Coach, contributing to an impressive three State Championships. He further broadened his coaching experience at LaSalle, serving for 8 years as the Assistant Boys Varsity Volleyball Coach and JV Coach.
Rotundo then transitioned to Niagara Falls High School, where he dedicated 8 years as the Assistant Girls Varsity Lacrosse Coach and JV Coach. He also contributed to the track program for 4 years as the Assistant Boys and Girls Indoor Track Coach, celebrating a State Title in the Boys 4x4 Relay.
His coaching journey culminated in 8 years as the Head Men's Basketball Coach at Niagara County Community College. During his tenure, he led the team to the playoffs four times and was recognized as the Niagara County Community College Sports Coach of the Year. Frank Rotundo brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to any athletic program.
Rose polk
Rose Polk is a proud graduate of LaSalle Senior High School (Class of 1981), where her athletic career began with four years each of varsity basketball and softball. Her passion for sports continued at Erie Community College, where she played basketball for two seasons (1981-1983) and softball for one season (1982).
Demonstrating a commitment to service, Polk is a veteran of the United States Air Force, having served at Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage, Alaska, from 1986 to 1996.
Returning to her roots in athletics, she has been an Assistant Coach for Modified Girls Basketball and Varsity Softball since 2013.
Since 1991, Polk has been married to Anthony Polk. Together, they have built a loving family with one biological daughter, Toni Polk, and six adopted children: Ricky, Gary, Dan, Alicia, Jeremy, and Giante.
dave perreault
A lifelong contributor to the Lewiston-Porter community, Dave David Perreault has dedicated decades to mentoring young athletes and serving his hometown. His commitment to youth sports and community engagement has left an indelible mark on generations of families in the region.
A 1988 graduate of Lewiston-Porter High School, where he was a nominee for the Lew-Port Memorial Scholarship, Mr. Perreault continued his education at Niagara University, graduating in 1994. His passion for coaching began shortly after, as he took on the role of JV Coach at Niagara Catholic from 1997 to 1999.
Mr. Perreault is perhaps best known for his extensive volunteer work in youth sports. For over 16 years, from 2004 to 2020, he coached youth baseball, basketball, and football, shaping the skills and character of countless young players. His most significant undertaking was the Saturday Youth Basketball League at Lew-Port, a program he founded and ran from 2008 to 2020. This volunteer-led initiative for grades K-6 grew to serve over 1,200 children, providing a foundational experience in the sport for many.
His leadership extended beyond the court and field. He served as Vice President and a board member for Lew-Port Youth Football in 2011 and 2013. He has also been an integral part of preserving the athletic history of his alma mater as a Lewiston-Porter Hall of Fame Board member since 2016. In 2022, he returned to the sidelines as the Lewiston-Porter Modified Basketball Coach, a role he continues to hold.
Mr. Perreault's dedication to his community has been formally recognized on numerous occasions. He has served on the Town of Lewiston Recreation Commission Board since 2015. In 2018, his profound impact was celebrated when he was named the Town of Lewiston's Citizen of the Year and also received the prestigious Lewiston-Porter Cornerstone Award.
In addition to his community service, Mr. Perreault is the owner of the popular 716 Logo, featuring the iconic bison, a venture he has led since 2008. it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
martha amoretti
Martha Amoretti, born and raised and educated in Niagara Falls, has made significant contributions to athletics both as a player and a coach. Her athletic journey began at La Salle Senior High School from 1981 to 1986, where she excelled in volleyball, basketball, and softball. Demonstrating her leadership and skill, she was the captain of all three teams and earned First Team All-League honors in both basketball and softball.
Continuing her athletic pursuits at Erie Community College from 1987 to 1988, Martha captained both the basketball and softball teams, earning recognition as a Softball All-American and Team MVP. Her talent and dedication led her to Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) from 1989 to 1990, where she captained the softball team and achieved All-American status.
Martha's remarkable athletic career has been recognized with inductions into the Niagara Falls High School Hall of Fame and the Western New York (WNY) Softball Hall of Fame.
Transitioning to coaching, Martha dedicated many years to Niagara Falls High School, leading the softball program for 20 years, the basketball team for 10 years, and the volleyball team for 17 years. She also coached Modified Girls Basketball for 10 years. Her coaching excellence was acknowledged when she was recognized as Varsity Coach of the Year and Niagara Falls High School Coach of the Year. Additionally, she officiated volleyball for Girls High School for three years.
In recognition of her lasting impact on local sports, the Niagara Falls Sports Hall of Fame welcomed Martha Amoretti as a 2022 inductee.
tony dean
Tony Dean is a Niagara Falls native who has been deeply involved in the local sports scene as an accomplished athlete and coach.
During his time at LaSalle Senior High School from 1978 to 1981, Tony excelled in baseball. As a Varsity player, he earned All-NFL honors for three consecutive years (1979-1981) and was recognized as All-WNY in 1981. His team achieved notable success, finishing as the second-place contender in the NYS championship in 1981. Tony also participated in football for two years at the junior varsity level and two years at the varsity level, and played basketball for one year on JV and one year on the varsity team.
Continuing his baseball career, Tony played for the Niagara University Varsity team for two years. His passion for the sport extended to coaching, as he led the LaSalle Senior High School Baseball team in 1985 and the Niagara Pal Baseball League from 1977 to 1978. He further honed his skills playing travel baseball for the Niagara Falls Merchants and Scipione's, and also played for the Alibi Lounge for three years and in the Tonawanda News League.
Tony's athletic versatility is evident in his extensive involvement in softball, playing for numerous teams. His talent was recognized through multiple All-Tournament Team selections at events in West Windsor, New Jersey (1988), Montgomery, Alabama (1992), Battlecreek, Michigan (1993), Richmond, Virginia (1991), Orlando, Florida (2003), and Fort Devens, Massachusetts (2004).
In recognition of his significant contributions to the Niagara Falls sporting community, the Niagara Falls Sports Hall of Fame welcomed Tony Dean as a 2022 inductee.