The Lancaster County Sports Hall of Fame announced the 2024 Sports Hall of Fame Awards Banquet, an annual celebration honoring exceptional achievements in Lancaster County sports. This year’s event, taking place on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at Eden Resort & Suites, will honor Pete Horn, recipient of the George Kirchner Memorial Award, as well as former McCaskey athletes Barbara Barr, Damien Henry, and Kris Wilson, who will each receive the J. Freeland Chryst Award. These distinguished individuals have made significant contributions to the local sports community, leaving a lasting legacy of excellence and inspiration.
George Kirchner Memorial Award: Pete Horn
Pete Horn, legendary boys’ basketball coach at McCaskey High School, will receive the esteemed George Kirchner Memorial Award. Horn’s coaching career spanned two decades (1972-1993), where he led McCaskey to eight Lancaster-Lebanon League section titles and five league championships. Horn’s leadership revitalized the program, achieving a remarkable 348-166 record, the fourth-most coaching wins in league history.
Known for his dedication, Horn was named L-L League Section Coach of the Year six times and also served as McCaskey’s athletic director from 1978 to 1998. His influence extended beyond McCaskey, coaching at several institutions, including Lancaster Country Day, Franklin & Marshall College, and schools in New Jersey. His overall coaching record stands at an impressive 495-180.
Horn’s teams were known for their discipline and competitiveness, with seven 20-plus win seasons, including two consecutive 27-win seasons. His legacy as a coach, mentor, and sportsman continues to resonate in Lancaster County.
J. Freeland Chryst Award Recipients:
The J. Freeland Chryst Award honors individuals who have achieved excellence in sports while inspiring future generations. This year’s recipients are former McCaskey athletes Barbara Barr, Damien Henry, and Kris Wilson.
Barbara Barr
Barbara Barr was a standout in basketball, tennis, and softball at McCaskey High School. As the first female basketball player to score over 1,000 points, Barr led her team to two District 3 championships. She continued her basketball career at Boston University, where she served as team captain and later played professionally in England. Barr’s influence extends beyond the court, as she has become a familiar face in Lancaster, covering sports for WGAL and blazing a trail as a female sports broadcaster.
Damien Henry
Damien Henry excelled in football, basketball, and track at McCaskey, leading his teams to numerous victories. Henry’s versatility on the field earned him accolades in football, where he scored 20 touchdowns in his junior and senior years. Henry’s contributions to McCaskey continued after graduation, as he returned to coach for a decade before moving on to Coatesville High School, where he has enjoyed continued success as a coach for both football and track.
Kris Wilson
Kris Wilson, a McCaskey graduate and former NFL player, is another recipient of the J. Freeland Chryst Award. Wilson played tight end for the University of Pittsburgh before being drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He enjoyed an eight-season career in the NFL, with stints on the Chiefs, Eagles, Chargers, and Ravens. Wilson has continued his career in the sports and entertainment industries, working with NFL Films and founding Live Picture Studios in Philadelphia.
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The Lancaster County Sports Hall of Fame is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the athletic achievements of individuals in Lancaster County. Inductees are selected based on their outstanding athletic accomplishments and their contributions to the local athletic community. The Hall of Fame also provides support to local youth and encourages future generations to strive for excellence in sports.
Join us as we celebrate these remarkable athletes and their contributions to our community at the 2024 Sports Hall of Fame Awards Banquet. Tickets for the event are available online through the Lancaster County Sports Hall of Fame website.
Let’s honor the past and inspire the future!