Jan 14, 2022 2 min read

The Mercer County Hall of Fame held its 75th anniversary banquet Wednesday at The Park Inn by Radisson, near West Middlesex.

The Diamond Anniversary for the “oldest local hall of fame in the world” included the induction of 11 former athletes or contributors, including: Amy Allen, Andre Coleman, Pat Cavanaugh, Bob Morris, Erin Borowicz, Jerome Nixon, Paul Sanders, Rob Wright, Jim Raykie, Jim Tamber, and (posthumously) Keith Woods.

Lanny Frattare, the former “Voice of the Pittsburgh Pirates” and “Voice of the Mercer County Hall of Fame” for almost four decades served as master of ceremonies.

Nixon 

was a key part of the legendary Farrell High basketball program under Hall of Fame Coach Eddie McCluskey, who went on to an outstanding high school track coaching career at Bentworth High School.

He was a three-year letterman and two-year starter for the Steelers, highlighted by his role as starting center on the 1969 PIAA Class A (biggest class) state championship club that posted a 27-1 overall record. That season he shined on defense and led the team in blocked shots.

During his career the team had a combined mark of 62-12, winning two WPIAL Section III crowns and falling one game short of a third. He was honorable mention All-Section 3.

He was a key performer on the Farrell High track team, as well and a 3-year letter winner. He made the Mercer County Track Honor Roll in the 400-yard dash and mile relay in 1970.

A certified Level 1 USA Track & Field Coach, he has been head track coach at Bentworth High in Bentleyville since starting the program in 2003.

His teams won numerous championships and coached nine WPIAL individual or relay champions and one state champion. He also coached two TSTCA individual indoor champions. He coached a participant in the WPIAL finals for 17 consecutive years and a 4×800 relay team in the finals for 12 straight seasons. Several individuals went on to college careers at all levels.

He also coached youth basketball, softball and track.