North Hills School District celebrated the induction of five new members of the 2022 Hall of Fame over two days, including during a dinner at Rico’s Restaurant on Sept. 8 and on Sept. 9 during a halftime ceremony at the Indians game vs. Bethel Park.
Created in 1995, the North Hills Hall of Fame was established to honor those who have exceeded in athletics during or after their years at North Hills High School.
Members of the 2022 Hall of Fame class are:
Shawn Gaertner, class of 1982 – Gaertner, a football player, was honored posthumously. He was captain and quarterback of the first North Hills team to appear in a WPIAL championship game. Today, the Sean Gaertner Foundation supports scholarships and donations for NHSD and the community.
Brad Hanes, class of 1984 – Hanes played tennis for the high school and won the WPIAL boys doubles championship in 1981 and 1983. He attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he continued to play tennis. There, he ranked among the top 50 singles players in the country in NCAA Division II. He was inducted into the IUP Sports Hall of Fame in 2017.
Duane Hitchcock, class of 1989 – Hitchcock was running back and leading rusher on the 1987 national No. 1 North Hills football team. He also played football at Slippery Rock University.
Mary Malone, class of 2014 – Malone was a cross county and track field athlete who won nine WPIAL medals, including a gold and two silver. She went on to run at Syracuse University and was the captian for its nationally-ranked cross country team. She was honored with the Syracuse Courage Award in 2019.
Nick Smith, class of 2017 – Smith was a basketball player who held records for most career points and most points scored in a single season. He attended Nova Southeastern University, where he was a four-year starter on the school’s basketball team. He also received Nova Southeastern’s Golden Shark Award, which is given each year to one male and one female athlete.
“My induction into the North Hills Hall of Fame is significant given the quality of the other individuals that comprise the Hall of Fame. It allows me to reflect on my time in high school and the many memories and friendships of the time,” Hanes said.
Malone has advice for current students.
“Enjoy these four years and make the most of every opportunity presented to you. Don’t be afraid to dedicate yourself to your goals and have fun along the way,” said Malone.
