meet your 2025 inductees
Joe Agnello
🏈 Joseph C. Agnello: A Distinguished Football Career
Joseph C. Agnello's athletic journey is defined by intensity, dedication, and notable defensive prowess at both the high school and collegiate levels, leading to multiple Hall of Fame inductions.
High School Legacy: Lewiston Porter High School (1971-1975)
Agnello was a standout defensive back for the Lewiston Porter Lancers, earning Varsity Letterman honors in 1973 and 1974. His high school career highlights include:
1973 Season: Contributed to a strong 5-1-2 team record.
Named to the Section VI First Team All-Defense.
Recipient of the Lew Port Coaches Award for Outstanding Defensive Back.
1974 Season: Part of an undefeated 8-0 team record.
Recorded 53 tackles and 1 interception.
Honored with Section VI First Team All-Defense, All-Area Niagara Falls Gazette Team, All-Federation Team Buffalo Evening News, and All-State Third Team recognition.
1975: Selected as Team Captain for the first annual Niagara Frontier Football Classic.
In recognition of his stellar high school achievements, he was Inducted into the Lewiston Porter High School Sports Hall of Fame in 1986.
Collegiate Career: Ithaca College (1975-1979)
Continuing his success at Ithaca College, Agnello earned Letterman status in 1976, 1977, and 1978.
Career Statistics (1977 & 1978): Totaled 6 interceptions and 68 tackles along with 2 fumble recoveries.
The "Joe Agnello Award": In a testament to his impact and work ethic, the Ithaca College football program created the "Joe Agnello Award," which is presented yearly to the team's hardest worker in off-season weight training and the player who demonstrates the most passion and intensity for the game.
Following his senior season, his talent was recognized by the professional ranks, as he was Invited to the Oakland Raiders Training Camp but was unable to participate due to a late-season injury.
Coaching and Hall of Fame Recognition
Youth Football Coach: He later shared his passion for the game, serving as a Youth Football Coach for King Philip Pop Warner Football (Massachusetts) from 2007-2008.
2025 Induction: The legacy of Joseph C. Agnello is set to be further cemented with his induction into The Greater Niagara Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the 2025 Inductee class.
Dave Brundage
Born in 1970, David Brundage is a celebrated athlete whose impressive career spans the fields of Niagara Falls, dominating high school competition before moving on to the collegiate level. His consistent excellence and impact on the local sports scene are now being formally recognized with his induction into the Greater Niagara Sports Hall of Fame.
Niagara Catholic High School Legacy
Brundage achieved remarkable success during his tenure at Niagara Catholic High School, particularly in football, from 1984 to 1987. His numerous accolades establish him as one of the region's elite players during that era:
All-Star Recognition: He earned All-Catholic and All-Niagara Gazette honors for three consecutive years.
Regional and State Honors: Brundage was named All-WNY (Western New York) for two years and achieved All-State status for one year.
National Recognition: He capped off his high school football career by being named Prep All-American for one year.
Connolly Cup Finalist (1987): His exceptional talent was highlighted when he was a Connolly Cup Finalist in 1987, a prestigious honor recognizing the best high school football player in Western New York.
He also excelled on the diamond, playing Varsity Baseball for Niagara Catholic High School from 1987 to 1988.
Collegiate Athletics
Following his decorated high school career, Brundage continued playing football at the next level, competing for the University of Buffalo Varsity Football team from 1988 to 1989.
Hall of Fame Recognition
David Brundage's lasting impact on his high school and local community has earned him permanent recognition:
Niagara Catholic High School Sports Hall of Fame: He has been Inducted into his high school's hall of fame.
Greater Niagara Sports Hall of Fame (2025 Inductee): The Greater Niagara Sports Hall of Fame welcomes David Brundage as a 2025 Inductee, cementing his place among the area's greatest sports figures.
Terry CamANN
🎳 Terry Camann: A Champion of Western New York Bowling
Born in 1956 in Niagara Falls, Terry Camann established himself as one of the region's most dominant and enduring competitive bowlers for over three decades. From his roots at LaSalle Senior High School (1970-1974) to setting city records and competing against professionals, Camann built a storied career that has earned him recognition in multiple Halls of Fame.
Career Highlights and Record-Setting Performance
Camann's exceptional skill on the lanes resulted in numerous victories and record-breaking scores across local and major tournaments:
Niagara Falls City Scoring Records: He twice shattered the city scoring record, logging an incredible 857 series in 1994, an achievement he remarkably repeated just six weeks later.
Tournament Titles and High Average: Camann won several Classic League titles and was the high average bowler for several leagues throughout his career, demonstrating consistent, high-level performance.
Perfect and Near-Perfect Games: His scoring prowess is highlighted by achieving Twenty 300 Games (perfect games) and Fifteen 800 series.
City Tournament Success: He was a Member of 5 City Tournament Championships in the Western & Central New York 6-Game Combine in 1983. In 1996, he was the Niagara Falls City Tournament All Events Winner, which included victories in the Doubles and Team Event.
Major Competition and Television Appearances
Camann’s talent extended beyond local leagues, pitting him against top professional talent:
Las Vegas Shootout (1997): He achieved a 3rd Place Finish in the Las Vegas Shootout, earning $7,500 and having to defeat professional bowler Mike Koivuniemi to secure his appearance on the televised finals. This performance was particularly notable as the competition field included members of Team USA.
"Beat The Champ" TV Show: Camann made nine appearances on the "Beat The Champ" TV show between 1981 and 1988, a popular platform for showcasing Western New York's best bowlers.
Hall of Fame Recognition
Terry Camann's significant contributions and achievements in the sport have cemented his legacy:
Niagara Falls Bowling Hall of Fame: He was Inducted into the Niagara Falls Bowling Hall of Fame in 1994.
Greater Niagara Sports Hall of Fame (2025 Inductee): The Greater Niagara Sports Hall of Fame welcomes Terry Camann as a 2025 Inductee, recognizing his long-standing excellence and impact on competitive bowling in the Greater Niagara region.
Sero Cardamone
R
🌟 SEro Cardamone: Triple-Threat Athlete, Coach, and Champion
Born in 1965 and a product of Niagara Falls, Sero Cardamone built an extraordinary athletic career across football and baseball that spanned from local high school dominance to national-level collegiate competition. Known for his leadership, versatility, and championship contributions, his achievements are now being celebrated with his induction into the Greater Niagara Sports Hall of Fame.
High School Excellence: LaSalle Senior High School (1981-1983)
Cardamone was a top two-sport athlete for the LaSalle Explorers, earning MVP honors in both football and baseball.
Baseball Highlights (1981-1983)
Team Leader: A 3-year starter and Team Captain in both 1982 and 1983.
Awards: Named Team MVP in 1982 and 1983.
All-Star Status: Earned All-NFL (Niagara Frontier League) twice and was selected All-WNY (Western New York) in 1983.
Championship Caliber: Member of the talented 1981 New York State Championship Playoff Runner-Up team.
Football Highlights (1981-1982)
Impact Player: A 2-year starter and 2-time Team MVP.
All-Star Status: Named All-NFL in both 1981 and 1982.
Post-Season Recognition: Selected to play in the WNY All-Star Game and earned a New York Sportswriter Association All-State selection in 1982.
Collegiate and Amateur Success
Cardamone continued his baseball career with a scholarship and national impact:
LaSalle University Baseball (1983-1987):
Played all four years on an Athletic Scholarship.
Maintained a strong .315 Career Batting Average.
Ranks as the #3 Triples Leader All Time in program history.
A key member of the 1985 ECAC Division I Champions and the NCAA Division I Eastern Regional Runner-up team, which was subsequently Ranked #18 Nationally/Division I by UPI.
AAABA Baseball (1983-1984): A 2-time AAABA All-Star while playing for the Town Boys Club team.
Coaching and Hall of Fame Recognition
After his playing days, Cardamone transitioned to coaching, sharing his expertise and love for the game:
Coaching: Served as the Head Coach for the Monmouth County, New Jersey AAU Baseball Team from 2003 to 2010.
Hall of Fame Honors: He has been Inducted into the Niagara Falls Sports Hall of Fame.
Greater Niagara Sports Hall of Fame (2025 Inductee): The Greater Niagara Sports Hall of Fame welcomes Sero Cardamone as a 2025 Inductee, recognizing his profound and lasting impact as an athlete and contributor to the world of sport.
Joe Daul
🌟 Joe Daul: A Western New York Football and Basketball Phenom
Joe Daul is recognized as one of the elite multi-sport athletes to emerge from Niagara Falls, dominating football and basketball at Niagara Catholic High School before earning a Division I scholarship. His extraordinary talent and leadership earned him top regional and state honors, culminating in his induction into the Greater Niagara Sports Hall of Fame.
Niagara Catholic High School Football (1978-1981)
Daul's high school football career was defined by rapid ascension and sustained excellence, distinguishing him as a rare talent who excelled on both sides of the ball.
SeasonRecognitionHonors1979Defense2nd Team All-Catholic, 2nd Team All-County (Niagara Gazette)1980Offense/Defense1st Team All-New York State Offense, 1st Team All-Catholic Defense, 1st Team All-County Defense, Team MVP1981Offense/Defense1st Team All-New York State Offense, 1st Team All-Catholic Offense & Defense, 1st Team All-County Defense, Team MVP, Team Captain
Export to Sheets
His lifelong impact on Western New York football was acknowledged when he was named to the Buffalo News Scholastic Dream Team of the Eighties in Football in 1990.
Basketball and Overall High School Honors
While his football achievements are monumental, Daul was also a key player for the basketball team:
Niagara Catholic High School Basketball (1979-1982): He was a member of the Monsignor Martin Association Basketball League Champions in the 1980-81 season and served as a Tri-Captain in 1981-82.
Top Awards (1982): His senior year brought him the highest athletic distinctions:
Niagara Catholic Male Athlete of the Year.
Sertoma Club Award Winner.
Nominated for the prestigious Thomas Hewitt Award, which recognizes top scholar-athletes in the Niagara area.
Collegiate and All-Star Selection
Daul's exceptional high school performance led to the collegiate ranks and all-star competition:
Football Scholarship: He was awarded a full Football Scholarship to attend Syracuse University in 1982.
WNY All-Star: Selected to participate in the WNY North vs South All Star Football Game in 1982.
Hall of Fame Recognition
Joe Daul's legacy as a premier Niagara Falls athlete is permanently enshrined:
Niagara Catholic High School Sports Hall of Fame (2018): He was Inducted into his high school's hall of fame.
Greater Niagara Sports Hall of Fame (2025 Inductee): The Greater Niagara Sports Hall of Fame welcomes Joe Daul as a 2025 Inductee, recognizing his profound contributions and excellence across multiple sports in the Niagara region.
Mary DelSignore
🏆 Mary DelSignore: A Western New York Multi-Sport Legend and Dedicated Coach
Born in 1970 in Niagara Falls, Mary DelSignore is one of the most decorated female athletes to emerge from the region, excelling across four sports and achieving historic records at the collegiate level. Her commitment to athletics continued into a lengthy coaching career, cementing her legacy as a true champion. Her remarkable career is now recognized with her induction into the Greater Niagara Sports Hall of Fame.
High School Athletic Dominance
DelSignore split her high school career between Niagara Catholic (1984-86) and Niagara Falls High School (1986-88), where she quickly established herself as an elite athlete in four sports: Basketball, Softball, Soccer, and Volleyball.
Basketball and Softball: During her time at Niagara Falls High, she earned prestigious All-Niagara Frontier League and All-WNY (Western New York) selections in both Basketball and Softball.
Collegiate Record-Shatterer: Daemen and Buffalo State
After beginning her college basketball career at Daemen College (1988-91), DelSignore transferred to Buffalo State College, where she achieved unparalleled success in a short time.
Buffalo State College Basketball (One Season)
In just one season, she became an instant legend, setting six school records and earning the following honors:
Scoring Records: Set the school record for most points in a season (559) and most points in a game (39).
Career Placement: Finished as the Lady Bengals' 13th All-Time Leading Scorer despite playing only one season.
Elite Awards: Named Lady Bengal MVP, SUNYAC Player of the Year, and received the Ruth Houston Awardand the SUNYAC Championship MVP.
All-Star Status: Earned a First-Team All-SUNYAC selection, a Second-Team ECAC All-Star nod, and a selection to the Betty Abgott All Tournament Team.
Statistical Dominance: Averaged 21.5 points per game with an impressive 53.2 Field Goal percentage.
Buffalo State College Softball
DelSignore displayed her versatility on the softball diamond as well:
Awards: Earned an All-SUNYAC pick in both seasons.
Statistical Excellence: Finished with a strong .430 Batting Average.
Post-Season Honors: Named All-State NYSWCAA, ECAC All-Star, and a member of the NYSWCAA All-Tournament Team.
Hall of Fame and Coaching Legacy
DelSignore's athletic achievements have earned her three Hall of Fame inductions:
Niagara Falls High School Athletic Hall of Fame (1997)
Buffalo State College Athletic Hall of Fame (1988)
Western New York Softball Hall of Fame (2018)
After retiring from competition, she dedicated over two decades to shaping future athletes as a Varsity Coach at Lewis J. Bennett High School, leading teams in Girls Soccer, Softball, and Bowling, and Boys Soccer, Baseball, and Bowling.
The Greater Niagara Sports Hall of Fame welcomes Mary DelSignore as a 2025 Inductee, recognizing a lifetime of extraordinary achievement as a player and mentor.
Joe Etopio
🏀 Joe Etopio: Niagara Falls Basketball Legend
Born in 1966 in Niagara Falls, Joe Etopio is celebrated as one of the area's most dominant and high-scoring basketball players of the 1980s. His prolific high school career at LaSalle Senior High School led to collegiate play and earned him a lasting place among the region's elite.
High School Stardom: LaSalle Senior High School (1980-1984)
Etopio was an immediate impact player for the LaSalle Explorers, known for his scoring efficiency and dominance on the boards.
Junior Year (1982-1983)
His junior season was a breakout year for Etopio and the team:
Team Success: Led the Explorers to the NFL (Niagara Frontier League) Championship with an impressive 18-2 Overall record.
Key Stats: Scored 390 points for a 19.5 points per game (ppg) average and pulled down 11 rebounds per game.
Awards: Named Team MVP, the only junior to make the NFL League All-Star Team, 3rd Team All-WNY, and 1st Team Niagara Gazette All-Area Team.
Exposure: Played in the East/West All-Star Game at the NY State Fairgrounds and was on an All-Star AAU team coached by future Hall of Fame coach John Calipari.
Senior Year (1983-1984)
Etopio's senior season cemented his status as a local legend:
Undefeated Season: Led the team to an undefeated 16-0 NFL Championship title.
Statistical Peak: Scored 436 points (20.7 ppg) and recorded 239 rebounds (11 per game).
Single-Game Dominance: Set single-game highs with 40 points and 22 rebounds.
Major Honors: Received top honors, including:
Niagara Gazette All-Star
All-WNY 1st Team
NFL All-Star (selected by coaches as the top vote getter)
Tonawanda News Area 1st Team All-Star
Named to the 9th Team All-New York State.
Collegiate Career
After his stellar high school run, Etopio went on to play at the collegiate level:
Nazareth College (1984-85): Recognized immediately, he was named to the New York State Division III Freshman All-Star Team, averaging 11 points and 4 rebounds per game.
University of Buffalo (1985-1987): He was the Third leading scorer (11 points & 6 rebounds per game) during his sophomore year (1985-86).
Additional Honors
Empire State Games: Selected to play in the prestigious Empire State Games in 1983.
Hall of Fame Induction
The Greater Niagara Sports Hall of Fame welcomes Joe Etopio as a 2025 Inductee, a fitting tribute to a career characterized by scoring power, rebounding strength, and championship leadership in Niagara Falls basketball.
Mike Gentile
🏆 Michael Gentile: Educator, Administrator, and Service to Sport (Pep DiRamio Service Award Recipient)
Born in 1955 in Niagara Falls, Michael Gentile is recognized not only for his background as a multi-sport athlete but, more significantly, for his decades of profound and dedicated service to sports at every level—from youth leagues to NCAA Division I administration and academic program development. He is the distinguished recipient of the 2025 Pep DiRamio Service Award from the Greater Niagara Sports Hall of Fame.
Athletic and Coaching Roots
Gentile's journey in sports began as a young athlete:
High School: Played Varsity Football and Baseball at Niagara Falls High School (1970-1973).
Collegiate Play: Continued playing Varsity Football (3 years) and Baseball (2 years) at John Carroll University (1973-1976).
Early Coaching: Served as a coach for Niagara Pal baseball and football (1974-1977) and as an Interim Baseball coach at NCCC (2002-2003).
Groundbreaking Administration and Academic Leadership
Gentile's career took a vital turn into sports administration and education, where he became an industry pioneer:
NCAA Compliance and Administration (1991-2000): Served as a Division I Athletic Administrator, specializing in rules compliance, sport supervision, and event management at:
University at Buffalo (UB): He was the first ever Division I rules compliance officer(1991-1997).
Kent State University.
University of Texas at El Paso.
Conference Commissioner: Became the first Empire Eight Conference Commissioner, helping to establish the administrative framework for collegiate sports within the region.
Niagara University Program Founder: He was instrumental in creating the next generation of sport leaders:
Created both the undergraduate (2006) and Graduate (2013) degree programs in Sport Management at Niagara University.
Served as program coordinator, department chair, and Associate Dean of the College of Hospitality, Sport and Tourism Management.
Dedicated Community and Youth Service
Gentile’s most enduring impact lies in his commitment to the local Niagara community and youth sports access:
Niagara Pal Baseball: He reinstated the Niagara Pal National Tournament Team (1995-2002), also serving as coach during that period. For over 25 years, he has continuously served on scholarship and award committees, raised funds, and emceed events for numerous Niagara Pal activities.
Media Involvement: Shared his expertise as a color commentator for college, high school, and youth sport telecasts on Adelphia Cable (2000-the conclusion of the telecasts), and as a studio host/interviewer for a women’s sports cable program at UTEP.
Project Play WNY: Serves as a Liaison for Niagara County and Niagara Falls youth in the Project Play Western New York Youth Sport initiative, working to provide access to programs, training, and resources. He has been a Member of the Board of Advisors of this project since 2016.
Community Leadership: A current Member of the Board of Directors of the Ralph Wilson Jr. Niagara Community Center (2015-present).
The Greater Niagara Sports Hall of Fame welcomes Mike Gentile as the 2025 Pep DiRamio Service Award recipient, honoring a career that exemplifies service, leadership, and the growth of sports in the Niagara region.
Joe Rizzo Jr
⚾ Joseph Rizzo Jr.: Athlete, All-Star, and Niagara's Dedicated Baseball Mentor
Born in 1968 in Niagara Falls, Joseph Rizzo Jr. is celebrated for a career that seamlessly transitioned from a standout two-sport athlete to a dedicated, long-serving coach and program founder. His impact on the baseball diamonds and gridirons of Niagara Falls spans over four decades, earning him the prestigious 2025 Induction into The Greater Niagara Sports Hall of Fame.
High School Athletic Excellence
Rizzo was a versatile and recognized talent at Niagara Falls High School, excelling in both baseball and football:
Varsity Baseball (1984-1986)
All-League Recognition: Demonstrated his versatility by earning NFL (Niagara Frontier League) All-League Pitcher honors in 1985 and NFL All-League First Baseman honors in 1986.
Area Honors: Named All-Area Baseball in both 1985 and 1986.
Varsity Football (1985-1986)
All-League: Earned NFL All-League Wide Receiver honors in 1986.
Collegiate and Amateur Playing Career
He continued his baseball career at the collegiate and semi-pro levels, maintaining a high level of performance:
Niagara University Varsity Baseball (1987-1990): Earned All-MAAC (Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference) Honorable Mention Outfielder honors in his senior season (1990).
Niagara Falls Mariners (1987-1990): Played four seasons in the Semi-Pro County League.
Program Builder and Decades of Coaching
Rizzo's greatest legacy lies in his extensive commitment to coaching and developing youth baseball in the Niagara area:
Niagara University Assistant Coach (1990-1993): Began his coaching career at his alma mater.
American Legion Coach (1990-1992): Mentored young players in this competitive circuit.
Niagara Jr Purple Eagles: As founder and coach (2010-2015) of this travel baseball program, he created opportunities for local youth to compete at a high level.
Lewiston-Porter High School (2011-2023): Served as Varsity Pitching Coach for over a decade.
Niagara Falls High School (2023-Present): Returned to his high school alma mater to serve as Varsity Pitching/Assistant Coach.
Community Recognition
In recognition of his deep and prolonged dedication to local sports and youth, Joseph Rizzo Jr. was honored with the Niagara PAL Sportsman of the Year Award in 2022.
The Greater Niagara Sports Hall of Fame welcomes Joseph Rizzo Jr. as a 2025 Inductee, celebrating his lifetime of achievements as an athlete and his unwavering dedication to mentoring the next generation of Niagara's sports stars.
.