WEST YORK FOOTBALL

The West York Football Booster Club has formed a Hall of Fame and inducted its

inaugural members prior to the game against Eastern York.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

Those being honored are:

Coach Thomas Heckard  .... Had two stints at Weest York as head coach. starting in 1958 to 1964 and then returning in 1966-1969. In his 11 seasons, the Bulldogs won 63 games against 38 losses and 6 ties. Heckard’s 1967 and 1968 teams won the YCIAA Championship with an unbeaten streak of 19 games with the ’67 team only allowing 7 total points in 10 games. In both of those seasons, Heckard was voted the Coach of the Year. Coach Heckard is also a member of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. Mr. Heckard was long time World Cultures teacher at West York totaling 34 years. In addition, he was the Student Council advisor, the “inclement weather” varsity golf coach, and a JV basketball coach. He also oversaw the operations of the West Manchester Township Recreation Department’s youth playground system for 30 years. Mr. Heckard passed away earlier in 2016 but he leaves his wife Shirley and 2 sons, Thom and Dave (both 3 sport WY athletes) to cherish his memory.

Coach Terry Bupp ... The longest tenured head coach in WY football history with 24 years of service starting in 1982-2005. In those 24 years, Coach Bupp was victorious 152 times against 97 losses and 3 ties. Bupp’s teams won or shared 8 division titles. In the post season, T Bupp’s 1988 and 1991 brought home the district gold medal while the 1997 team captured silver. Coach Bupp garnered a total of 12 Coach of the Year awards. He is also a member of the York Area Sports Hall of Fame. A graduate of Richmond University, Mr. Bupp started his teaching career at West York in 1973 retiring in 2006. Coach Bupp still is active in the WY sports scene as a

game manager at various sports. His family includes wife Kathie, sons Troy (played for his dad), Trent, and daughter Tracey, all West York graduates.

John Sprenkle ... From 1966 -1968 , he roamed the field at West York as a fleet offensive lineman and a menacing defensive tackle. Sprenkle was a big part of the 19 game winning streak over the ’67-’68 seasons as well as anchoring the defense that only allowed 7 points in 1967. John was voted as a team Captain for the 1969 Big 33 Game as well as an Honorable Mention All American. Sprenk continued his football career at Virginia Tech from 1969-1973. He was a defensive tackle who lettered in the ’70,’71,’72 seasons. He also was chosen as a captain in 1972. Sprenkle is retired from West York where he served as a health and physical education teacher. He coached both football and wrestling. Presently, Sprenk resides in Delaware with his wife Connie. They have a daughter Abby and son Matt, both WY graduates, who also reside close by to their parents.

Keith Zimmerman ... Played 3 years of varsity football at West York in the early 70’s. He was a quarterback, safety, linebacker and punter. Keith made All-County in both his junior and senior seasons as well as capturing Player of the Year for his senior year. Keith continued his postseason awards by being named All State and also a member of the Big 33 team. After WY, Keith attended Penn State to play for Joe Paterno. He played 2 years for the Nittany Lions starting 3 games as a sophomore before getting injured and having to endure 3 knee surgeries. Keith attended the 1974 Orange Bowl as a team member and played in the 1975 Cotton Bowl.

After college, Keith worked for 32 years for York International/Johnson Controls before retiring. His family

 members include his wife Terry and married daughters Sarah Ruberg and Katie Hoffman (both WY graduates)

 and grandson Jackson.

Russell Stoner ... made his mark on the West York field from 1986-1988. An all-around performer, Stoner’s career stats have a little bit of everything. 48 catches for 576 yards (12 yards/catch), 366 rushes for 2028 yards (5.5 yards/carry), 39 TD’s, 41 PAT’s, 2 2-point conversions, 3 Field Goals for a total of 288 points. Defensively, 109 solo tackles, 75 assists, 1 sack, 2 fumble recoveries, 14 interceptions. Stoner was part of the first West York district championship run in 1988. The semifinal win over Littlestown best illustrates Stoner’s versatility where he scored 25 total points (WY scored 31 total) with 3 TD’s, 2 PAT’s, 1 2 point conversion, and a field goal. His TD’s came on a pass reception, a kick-off return, and an interception return. Russell captured Player of the Year honors both his junior and senior seasons.  Upon his graduation, Stoner attended Potomac State Junior College, where he was an All-American and then finished his playing days at Towson University. He has served as an assistant coach at Central, head coach at Spring Grove, and currently is head coach at William Penn. Co-Owner of College Mulchers, Russell’s family includes wife Allison (WY graduate) and current WY students Maddie (sophomore) and Sam (middle school).

Aaron Sheetz ... Fund a home on the West York offensive and defensive lines in the early 90’s as a 3 year 2 way starter. Sheetz was the leader of a stingy Bulldog defense that brought home the school’s 2nd district gold medal as well as its’ 3rd undefeated regular season in 1991. That defense gave up 67 total points in 10 regular season games with Sheetz totaling 32 solo tackles (most on the team), 17 assists, 5 QB sacks, and 1 interception. Sheetz was voted to the York Dispatch/Coaches Division II all-star team as both an offensive and defensive tackle. He was the York Daily Record Super 24 Defensive Player of the Year. To cap off his stellar season, Sheetz was named to the Associated Press Small School All State Team as a first team defensive selection. Sheetz went on to play at Shippensburg as a 2 year starter and lettermen on the defensive line. Currently, Aaron is a Quality Assurance Manager at Protech Powder Coatings. He has two sons, Mason (16) and Alex (12).

Dakota Kessler ... In the early 2000’s, Dakota Kessler was a standout 2 way player for the Bulldogs. In his junior year, Kessler led the ‘Dogs in rushing with 431 yards on 86 carries (4 TD’s). He also caught 13 passes for 80 yards. In his senior season, Kessler continued with 363 rushing yards and 167 receiv-

ing yards. From his defensive backfield spot, Dakota was a team leader. He accumulated 76 solo tackles, 26 assists, 1 sack, 3 interceptions, and 3 fumble recoveries. In 2004 & 2005, Kessler was voted to the YAIAA Coaches/York Dispatch All Star team 1st team defense. He was also selected to represent West York in the War of the Roses All Star Game. Kessler spent his college days playing for Shippensburg and was part of the 2009 PSAC Championship team. Presently, Dakota works as a Program Manager at Penn-Mar Human Services as well as a varsity assistant football coach right here at West York. His family includes his Mom Julie, Father Scott, and Step Mother Michelle.

​

HALL OF FAME MISSION STATEMENT

West York Football has been and always will be the Pinnacle of Pride, Tradition, and Values. We as a community

should pay homage and never forget those who have set the bar in West York Football. Football is a team sport. All of our nominees have proved that by their character, hard work and unselfish accomplishments. We hope that our players and families of today will follow the footsteps of excellence through our nominees each year.

 

 

Each candidate has met specialized criteria and standards while representing West York Football. Each year our

players and coaches must be at least ten years out from the program prior to being considered as a nominee.

 

 

Special thanks to the West York Booster Club and West York Football Alumni For donations.