The Ellenville Central School District hosted its seventh annual Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony on October 11. Honored during the event, which was held in the Ellenville Elementary School cafeteria, were Class of 2001 three-sport standout Desiree Montanez, Class of 1956 three-sport star A. Lee Roberts, Class of 1994 four-sport phenom Raymond D. Younger, and the championship-winning 1972 Varsity Football team. These individuals were recognized for making significant contributions to Ellenville athletics while exemplifying good character, sportsmanship, and leadership.
Athletic Hall of Fame founder John Burns emceed the festivities and reflected on the importance of honoring the school's athletic legacy. "When our athletes do well and they're out on a stage, people come and support them," Burns said, emphasizing the strong bond between Ellenville's athletes and their community.
First to be honored was Desiree Montanez, who was inducted for her exceptional achievements as an outstanding athlete in field hockey, basketball, and softball. Montanez was named a Mid-Hudson Athletic League (MHAL) First Team All-Star in field hockey after her sophomore, junior, and senior seasons, and earned All-State recognition in her final two years. She was also a four-year starter on the basketball team and helped lead the team to a Section IX Class C Championship her junior year, finishing her career with 972 points—the third highest total in Ellenville girls basketball history. "Desiree earned respect and admiration, not only from me, but also from our teammates, opposing coaches, opposing players, and officials," said Mary Borello, Montanez's former coach, who introduced her. "She was the heart of the defense—team captain and leader on and off the field."
Joining Montanez in this year's class of inductees was Raymond D. Younger, who excelled in football, basketball, baseball, and track. Younger helped lead the Blue Devils to the 1993 MHAL and Section IX Class C Championships in football and was named to the Times Herald-Record's Section IX All-Star Team (receiving first-team honors) and the New York Class C All-State football team. In basketball, he finished his career with 1,047 points and led the team to a 66-19 record over four years. Former Coach Lee Augustine introduced Younger and praised both his athletic prowess and his character, noting his humility. "Ray Younger was one of the most humble athletes I've ever met," he recalled. "In all the times that I ever talked to [him], he never said the word I. It was always our team, our guys, we."
Also honored was A. Lee Roberts, a member of the Class of 1956, who could not attend in person but sent a video message. Burns introduced Roberts and highlighted his remarkable career. After graduating from Ellenville, Roberts earned All-American status in soccer at Springfield College and helped lead the team to the 1958 NCAA Championship. He later served as athletic director at SUNY Cortland, where he was responsible for major facility improvements. In his video message, Roberts reflected on his time in Ellenville, calling it among "the happiest days of my life."
The final inductees were the members of the 1972 Varsity Football team, who were Ellenville's first football champions. The team finished with a 7-2 record and won the Ulster County Athletic League Championship. Head Coach Dave Frank introduced the team, remembering their character and dedication: "We just had a great group of kids. Never had to look around and say, 'Where is so and so today?' He was always there on time, working hard." Quarterback Kyle Hoar also spoke on behalf of the team, noting the community support they received and honoring teammates and coaches who have passed away.
All inductees thanked their families and Ellenville coaches, teachers, and staff members for their encouragement and support.
Established in 2018, the Athletic Hall of Fame recognizes athletes, coaches, and other individuals for their outstanding accomplishments. Nominations are reviewed and voted on annually by the Hall of Fame Committee, with selected honorees being inducted each fall.