WHEELING — The Wheeling Central Catholic High School Athletic Hall of Fame has added eight members to its 2024 class.

To put the wraps on an impressive group of HOF honorees, two longtime, dedicated and passionate Maroon Knight supporters have earned special recognition.

Greg Sacco and Robert (Herk) Henry have been chosen as the Wheeling Central Hall of Fame Distinguished Service honorees.

They join the previously announced Hall of Famers for this year’s HOF induction: Jim Schmitt, Lou Smith, Eric Osterman, Todd Flanagan, Stephanie Caruso, Chris Stephens, Brandon Tucker and Justin Edwards.

The 10 honorees will be feted during the Maroon Knights’ annual Hall of Fame Brunch on Saturday, Sept. 28, sponsored by Dan Stephens State Farm Insurance at the CCHS Great Hall.

Only a limited number of tickets are available for this event and are $25 per person. They can be purchased by contacting the school at 304-233-1660 or stopping by between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. during the month of August. They may also be purchased by calling Coach Mike Young at 304-312-9125.

The brunch begins at 10 a.m. Doors open at 9 a.m. It will be catered by Generations. The Wheeling Central Football Moms and cheerleaders will be assisting during the brunch.

The distinguished service honorees:

GREG SACCO — He began teaching at Wheeling Central in 1974. He taught and coached at the East Wheeling school for nearly 40 years.

Sacco never aspired to be a head coach, but once said, “I just want to be the best possible assistant coach.” His humility and avoidance to shy away from the limelight was characteristic of all Greg’s pursuits and endeavors. He relished the work he did behind the scenes.

Greg handled his assignments meticulously, with precise organization and thoughtfulness. There was never a task regarding Central football that he viewed as insignificant.

He maintained an accurate inventory of all the equipment assigned and loaned to athletes. Moreover, he duplicated the records of every student athlete which were located in the school office and kept them in file cabinets in his home to avoid them being lost.

If equipment was not returned in a timely manner at the end of each season, Greg would send letters to parents reminding them of their and their child’s responsibility to do so. He could tell you exactly who had not turned in a specific item, documented by his careful records.

Greg’s love of Central and Maroon Knight football was an integral part of his character. He would often say that he was honored to be part of the “Valley’s best coaching staff.” He turned down many offers to teach and coach at public schools for more money but always declined because he said, “I’m already associated with the best.”

Greg opted to retire from coaching a year before he retired from teaching in order to care of his mother. She was confined in a nursing home. Retiring from coaching was a difficult decision for him but did so for the love of his family.

Greg died in 2016.

Legendary Wheeling Central Principal Dr. Joseph Viglietta eulogized Greg at his funeral mass. Dr. Viglietta highlighted Greg’s undisputed dedication, loyalty and service to Wheeling Central. In addition, he acknowledged the countless time Greg put in tracking athletic equipment in addition to his teaching and coaching duties.

“Greg Sacco was a true Maroon Knight inside and out. He was the most dedicated and loyal assistant Coach to JT Thomas and myself for over 45 years,” Central football coaching legend Mike Young noted. “His ability to make sure every player was fitted and treated was outstanding and respected by players, parents and coaches.”

ROBERT (HERK) HENRY — The U.S. Army veteran dedicated his adult life to selflessly serving Wheeling Central in countless capacities, while also serving as a Wheeling policeman (25 years) and city council member (22 years).

Henry created the Central football chain-gang and served on it for 40 years. He was a 50-year Central Athletic Booster Club member and was a 25-year Band Booster, running the Band Stand at Central games. He passionately worked Maroon Knight fundraisers, including selling raffle tickets at Central events.

Henry was a three-sports performer (football, basketball and baseball) during his prep days at Central.

His family lineage is steeped heavily in Maroon. All six of his children and 12 of his grandchildren all graduated from Wheeling Central.

In addition to his passionate support and love for Wheeling Central, Henry still found time to be very active in community endeavors.

He was a member of St. Alphonsus Church where he was a Eucharistic minster and a member of the finance committee. He was a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Carroll Council #504; a member of the Fraternal Order of Elks #28 in Wheeling and a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie 2541 in St. Clairsville.

“Herk Henry and his wife were icons to the entire CCHS Family. Herk supported and loved Central athletics and extracurricular activities, especially the Band and the Boosters,” Young said. “Herk represented Central as great booster, parent and alumnus. All his children were CCHS graduates and excelled as student athletes.”