The Elizabethtown Area School District plans to hold its 2011 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Friday, Sept 30.

The festivities begin with a deli luncheon at Freemasons Cultural Center, Brossman Ballroom at Masonic Village at noon, with a formal induction to follow lunch. The cost of the lunch is $15, which includes a ticket to the homecoming football game to be played that evening.

This year’s inductees include Robert Tuefel, Class of 1957; Linda Eshelman (Hopple), Class of 1959; Art Fairbanks, Class of 1977; Jodi Musser (Weidman), Class of 1987; Melanie Craver (Helm), Class of 1993; and Andrew Mekulsia, Class of 1994. The inductees will be recognized at the luncheon where they will receive an honorary plaque. They will also be introduced before kickoff of the homecoming game that pits the Bears against Conestoga Valley.

Tuefel was a three-sport star earning letters in football, basketball, and baseball. He also has been a strong supporter of Elizabethtown sports with numerous contributions to its programs. Eshelman was an accomplished field hockey player where she was a member of several championship teams. She also starred on the tennis court finishing with a career record of 30-1. Fairbanks was a stand-out athlete in football, basketball, and track and field. He was a Lancaster-Lebanon League all-star selection in both football and basketball.

Weidman was a record setter on the tennis court where she finished with an incredible league match record of 40-0. She was a three-time District III champion in singles. Craver was a three-sport athlete, starring in field hockey, basketball, and track and field. She was a league all-star in all three sports and still holds the school record in the long jump and 200-m sprint. Mekulsia was an accomplished soccer, basketball, and baseball player. He was a league all-star in both soccer and basketball. He broke the 1,000-point milestone in basketball.

The Athletic Hall of Fame was launched in 2007 to honor and preserve the legacy of those who have excelled in the past and to inspire our youth to achieve greatness of their own in the future. The hall of fame gives special recognition to outstanding former student-athletes, coaches, teams, and supporters for their athletic achievements and/or contributions to the athletic programs that have had a profound positive impact on the Elizabethtown Area School District.

Anyone who has questions about the Athletic Hall of Fame or who would like to purchase tickets may contact Shane Piper, director of athletics, by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone at 367-1521.