The Gowanda Boosters Club recently announced the fifth annual Gowanda Central School Hall of Fame class.

The inductees will be honored on Sunday, Sept. 21 beginning at 11:30 a.m. with refreshments/cash bar and music by GCS Modern Band followed by the induction ceremony at noon at Gowanda’s historic Hollywood Theater.

This event will include the Spirit of Gowanda Presentation by the Chamber of Commerce and the live entertainment by GCS alumnus Joe Wiens from 1:30-3:30 p.m.

This is a free event open to the public during GCS Alumni Weekend.

The inductees to be honored are Robb Vogtli, sports legend; Mark Leous, distinguished educator; Stephen Raiport, distinguished alumnus; and the 1982 Gowanda boys lacrosse team, team of distinction.

Vogtli is a member of the Class of 1993, Vogtli distinguished himself as a high school baseball all-star and went on to play professional baseball. While at Erie Community College, he was a two-year captain and received multiple recognitions at ECC including selection for the All-Region Team, ECC Athlete of the Year, and was an All-American shortstop. He was subsequently inducted into the ECC Athletics Hall of Fame. Vogtli then went on to excel in NCAA Division I baseball at St. Bonaventure University, playing both shortstop and pitcher, and again was a two-year captain. Following his college career, he was signed by the New York Yankees as a pitcher for two years. After his tenure in professional baseball, Vogtli continued his love for the game in the role of pitching coach. He has coached golf at Randolph Central School, where he serves as a high school counselor. He is the father of two boys, Cal and Chase Vogtli.

Leous dedicated 34 years to teaching social studies at Gowanda Central School, retiring from the classroom in 2016. However, he continued his coaching career, which spanned nearly four decades. He coached varsity football, junior varsity football and modified football, in addition to serving as the head coach of varsity wrestling for 29 years. Leous is renowned for fostering strong, family-like relationships with his students, athletes and colleagues in the educational community. Leous and his wife, Glenna, have two daughters, Rose Leous and Jane Busillo.

Raiport, Class of 1991 has served as a first responder for more than 35 years. He has held positions including fire chief and assistant chief for 26 years. He currently serves as the fire chief of the Gowanda Volunteer Fire Department. In addition, he is a retired police officer who worked for 24 years with the Gowanda Police Department, including three years as the officer In charge and for the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Department before retiring in 2017. Raiport also collaborated with the Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative to support individuals facing addiction challenges. He is additionally recognized for his involvement in community events and organizations, including portraying Santa Claus alongside his wife, who takes on the role of Mrs. Claus, during the Christmas celebrations in Gowanda. Steve and his wife, Stacey, have two children, Thomas and Emily.

The 1982 boys lacrosse team achieved a commendable record of 10-1 loss during its spring regular season, securing the Western New York League championship and advancing to the state semifinals. The team won its first playoff game against Rush-Henrietta Sperry. This win allowed them to advance to a playoff game against West Genesee. This game was played on Astroturf, which was a new experience for the Gowanda team facing a talented West Genesee squad, ending their state championship dreams. Members of the team included coaches Bob Krenzer and Adrian Stevens, trainer Kelly Kingston, and players Rod Bennett, Vaughn Gates, Michael Gonzalez, Rich Stevens, Dan Williams Jr., Eric Schindler, Roland John, Eddie White, Ken Lay, Doug Thompson, Chad Stevens, Glen Lay, Randy Gates, William Sprague, Rich Kota, Shawnee Oldshield, Greg Waterman and Ron Williams.

More details can be found on Facebook at Gowanda Boosters Club-GBC.