The School District of Lancaster celebrated five standouts in its proud athletic legacy during the 2025 McCaskey High School Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, held Friday, October 17 in the Schultz Transportation Gym at J.P. McCaskey High School.
This year’s inductees, Fredo Pagan (Class of 1981), Kanisa “Nisa” Wilson (’96), and the 2000 Boys Basketball Team, were recognized for their outstanding accomplishments, leadership, and lasting contributions to McCaskey Athletics. Additional inductees Julie and Laura Levering (’79) were unable to attend. Martin “Marty” Sponaugle (’62) was inducted posthumously.
Family, friends, teammates, and community members gathered to honor the inductees and reflect on McCaskey’s 87-year history of athletic excellence. The ceremony featured remarks from Athletic Director Teasia Peña and tributes from former coaches and colleagues, followed by a reception in the gym.
Fredo Pagan, Class of 1981
Fredo Pagan became a trailblazer in McCaskey wrestling as the program’s first PIAA State finalist in 26 years. He placed second in the 98-pound weight class at the 1981 State Championships, finishing his high school career with a record of 67-7-2, including 29-1 in his senior season.
A three-time Manheim Lions Holiday Tournament champion, Pagan was named Outstanding Wrestler in 1980 and earned three Sectional titles and three L-L League All-Star selections. His success helped set the standard for future Red Tornado wrestlers.
“Fredo’s career showed what determination and focus can achieve,” said Athletic Director Teasia Peña. “He carried himself with pride and helped strengthen McCaskey’s wrestling tradition.”
Kanisa “Nisa” Wilson, Class of 1996
A four-sport standout and team leader, Kanisa Wilson’s athletic versatility and competitive spirit defined her McCaskey career. She played basketball, softball, field hockey, and track and field, earning honors in every sport.
On the basketball court, Wilson was a four-year starting point guard and two-time First-Team All-League player. She led McCaskey to the 1996 Lancaster-Lebanon League Championship, scoring a career-high 33 points in the title game. She graduated with 1,250 career points and was named Female Athlete of the Year.
After high school, Wilson attended Shippensburg University on a basketball scholarship and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Bowie State University. She has served the School District of Lancaster for 22 years and coached girls’ basketball at John F. Reynolds Middle School for 14 seasons.
“Nisa’s legacy continues through the students she mentors every day,” said Peña. “Her leadership and love for McCaskey reflect what it means to give back to your community.”
2000 Boys Basketball Team
The 2000 Boys Basketball Team, coached by Steve Powell, earned its place in McCaskey history with a remarkable 24-7 record and a District Three Class 4A Championship. The team finished first in Section One of the Lancaster-Lebanon League and advanced to the state playoffs, defeating Lower Merion in the first round before falling to Hatboro-Horsham.
Led by standout players including Jerry Johnson, Bobby Eberhart, Tyson “Happy” McFadden, Perry Patterson, and Tyron “Butter” McFadden, the team’s success came from its chemistry, hard work, and belief in one another.
“The 2000 team demonstrated the power of unity and commitment,” said Peña. “Their championship run remains one of the great moments in McCaskey basketball.”
The Levering Sisters: Julie and Laura Levering, Class of 1979
Tennis prodigies and daughters of Judy Levering, the first female president of the United States Tennis Association, the Levering sisters led McCaskey to an undefeated season in 1979. That same season, Julie was the L-L League and District Three singles champion. Additionally, she was a District Three champion in mixed doubles.
Julie continued her career at Duke, where she was a four-year starter. She was a three-time singles titlist in the International Sports School Tournament in London and was the Atlantic Coast Conference flight three doubles champion as a sophomore.
Laura continued her career in college at Brown. Following graduation, she represented the USTA Middle States section in the USTA National Mixed Doubles Championships in 2010 and 2019. She has coached boys and girls tennis at McCaskey, Hempfield and Lancaster Country Day.
Martin “Marty” Sponaugle, Class of 1962
Playing quarterback for his uncle, Boyd Sponaugle, Marty Sponaugle led the Red Tornado to its last Central Penn football championship in 1960, his junior season. He continued his playing career at Cornell, graduating in 1966. After earning his law degree from Villanova in 1969, Sponaugle moved to Thailand for business, before returning to Lancaster to practice law and develop real estate. He passed away in 2019.
Honoring McCaskey’s tradition of excellence
The McCaskey Athletics Hall of Fame recognizes athletes, coaches, and community members who have made lasting contributions to the school’s athletic success. This year’s ceremony highlighted the history, pride, and community spirit that define Red Tornado athletics.
“Our inductees remind us that success is built on heart, character, and perseverance,” said Peña. “They continue to inspire the next generation of McCaskey athletes to dream big and work hard.”
