Photo: From left, new Hall of Fame inductees Emma Kinnicutt, Cooper Buckley, Amy Hurd-Brown, Joe Moretti, Cortni Monroe-Hughes and accepting posthumously for James Giopulos is Dean Giopulos. Photos by Ella Green
The write up is courtesy of Hall of Fame Master of Ceremonies, Matt Warren:
The Wellsville Athletic Hall of Fame honors the many outstanding athletes, coaches, and others who had a significant impact on the success of athletic programs at Wellsville High School and beyond.
The Wellsville Athletic Department and Administration thank the Hall of Fame Committee members for their work in selecting this year’s Hall of Fame Inductees.
And now to recognize our newest inductees:
Emma Kinnicutt, Wellsville High School Class of 2020
Sports Played – Swimming 5, Indoor Track and Field 5, Outdoor Track and Field 4
Emma Kinnicutt had a remarkable athletic career at Wellsville High School, marked by numerous achievements. She qualified for the NYSPHSAA Championships for three consecutive years and became the New York State Champion in discus during her junior year. Emma was also an indoor track and field Section V Champion in the shot put and weight throw in 2019 and 2020, and an outdoor track and field Section V Champion in the discus throw in 2018 and 2019. Emma qualified for Sectionals in the 100m hurdles and 800m run as well as being a key member of the 4×800 relay team that won the Section V Championship in both 2016 and 2017.
While her biggest achievements came in shot and discus performance, in swimming, Emma was a member of the record setting 400m freestyle relay team and qualified for sectionals in the 100m breaststroke. Emma is one of few athletes to excel in three sports at such high levels.
Emma Kinnicutt’s athletic journey at Wellsville exemplifies the pinnacle of hard work, commitment, and talent. Her remarkable achievements in multiple sports showcase not only her abilities but also her unwavering dedication to excellence. Emma is a true testament of what can be accomplished through determination and perseverance.
Please welcome Emma Kinnicutt to the Wellsville Athletic Hall of Fame.
Cooper Buckley, Wellsville High School Class of 2016
Sports Played – Soccer 4, Basketball 3, Golf 5, Track and Field 1
Cooper Buckley made a significant impact on Wellsville High School athletics. His leadership and dedication were unwavering. Cooper is one of only a few athletes to win three Section V Championship titles in one school year.
In soccer, Cooper was a pivotal midfield player that helped propel the team to a Section V Championship his senior year.
In Basketball Coopers’ first Section V Championship title came in his junior year. The following year, as a senior, Cooper was a key player in winning a second Section V Championship and boosting his team to the Far West Regional game. Cooper was also selected to the Section V All-Tournament Team in 2016.
During Cooper Buckley’s one year on the track and field team, he left a lasting mark. Cooper set a school record in the 800m run, was a member of the 4x800m relay and the 4x400m relay that both won Section V Championship titles in 2016; along with the 2016 Track and Field Team Section V Championship.
Cooper went on to play basketball and run track and field at the college level. Just another example of his passion for athletics.
Cooper Buckley made himself a standout athlete as a 3 sport Section V Champion. His legacy in Wellsville Athletics is solidified through not just his talent, but his character as well. Cooper led with integrity and elevated all those around him. A true role model for Wellsville Athletics.
Please welcome Cooper Buckley to the Wellsville Athletic Hall of Fame.
Joe Moretti, Wellsville High School Class of 2010
Sports Played – Soccer 3, Basketball 2, Golf 3
Joe Moretti will always be seen at Wellsville High School as a leader and a true fighter. During his junior year, Joe battled back from a medical condition that would have ended most athletic careers. The following year, as a senior, Joe led the basketball team to win the school’s first Section V Championship title in 2010. He was also named to the Section V Class B2 All-Tournament Team in 2010.
Joe was an exceptional goalkeeper on the soccer field where he helped the team win a 2007 Section V Championship. In 2009 he was named an Independent League All-Star for his standout soccer performance. Joe graduated in the top 5 for having the most shutouts in goal.
In all three sports at Wellsville, Joe Moretti was seen as an exemplary leader and someone whose work ethic and humble attitude set him apart.
Please welcome Joe Moretti to the Wellsville Athletic Hall of Fame.
Cortni Monroe-Hughes, Wellsville High School Class of 2009
Sports Played – Soccer 4, Track and Field 3
Cortni Monroe-Hughes embodies the power of hard work and self-discipline. Her Wellsville High School athletic journey is marked with incredible achievement and inspiration.
Cortni was a standout soccer player who earned her team’s MVP award and a place on the Big 30 All-Star team during her senior year.
Embracing the challenge of Track and Field as a sophomore, Cortni was part of the 2007 Section V Championship team and played a pivotal role in clinching the back-to-back Section V Championship titles in 2008 and 2009. She also collected an individual Section V Championship for the 100m hurdles in 2009. Through 2008 and 2009 Cortni won a variety of track and field invitational titles in the 100m dash and 100m hurdle events, including the Expressway Conference Championship for the 100m dash in 2008. In 2009 Cortni broke both the 100m dash and 100m hurdle school records as well.
Cortni Monroe-Hughes was one of the finest sprinters and hurdlers in Section V. She is a true stand out in Wellsville Athletics.
Please welcome Cortni Monroe-Hughes to the Wellsville Athletic Hall of Fame.
Amy Hurd-Brown, Wellsville High School Class of 2006
Sports Played – Swimming and Diving 6, Track and Field 4
Amy Hurd-Brown was well respected by her peers and coaches during her Wellsville Athletics career where she led by example, was a team captain and accumulated many awards and accomplishments.
The pool is where Amy really excelled. Beginning in her 7th grade year, Amy set the school record for 6 dives. She continued to reset that record every year after. Amy reset the record for 11 dives multiple times throughout her career as well.
Amy qualified for the Section V Swimming and Diving Championships every year of her career in several different events, including the 1-meter diving, the 50-meter freestyle, and the 200-meter and 400-meter freestyle relays. In 2004 Amy became the first female in Wellsville to win an individual swimming Section V Championship title for 11 dives. She also qualified for the NYSPHSAA Championship meet in 2005.
In track and field Amy again qualified for the Section V Championship meet each year she participated in 3 different events that included the 100m hurdles, 400m hurdles and pole vault. Amy was the first female athlete in Wellsville to clear 8 feet in the pole vault and held the school record for 3 years from 2005 to 2008. Amy was a member of the Section V Championship track and field team in 2005 and the Expressway Conference Championship team in 2006.
Amy went on to dive at Monroe Community College and was a key contributor to the team winning 2 stright Region III Championships, as well as qualifying for the NJCAA National Meet for 2 straight years.
Amy Hurd-Brown will be remembered in Wellsville Athletics for her exceptional work ethic and competitive desire that allowed her to become a highly decorated athlete and one of the best (if not the best) divers at Wellsville High School and the surrounding area.
Please welcome Amy Hurd-Brown to the Wellsville Athletic Hall of Fame.
James Giopulos: Awarded Posthumously, Wellsville High School Class of 1941
Sports Played – Football 1, Basketball 4, Baseball 4
James Giopulos was a standout in Wellsville Athletics. He was a leader, a hard worker, and an all-around great person to have on your team. James excelled in sports and was president of Wellsville Senior High School.
Newspaper articles and the Wellsville High School Senior Souvenir highlight James’ football skills with the following quotes: “Giopulos is known for his pass snatching” “…we find Jim Giopulos speedy, pass snaring, end who will always be remembered for his receiving abilities.”
In Basketball James was a high scoring, left-handed forward elected to be captain and was often headlining the sports news for basketball. Quotes from 1939 and 1940 articles include: “Orange Hoopsters Trounce Andover- Jim Giopulos played his usual good game…” “Jim Giopulos was a high scorer for the Orange” “Forward Giopulos was a high scorer on the floor…” “Giopulos was a shooting star on the lion squad” “Giopulos Stars for the Lions.”
In baseball James was part of the nine that won the Allegany County Class A Championship in his senior year.
James went on to graduate from college with an engineering degree. He entered the Military in 1942 and worked on the Manhattan Project.
James Giopulos leaves a solid legacy in Wellsville Athletics. He gave his all in everything he did and accomplished so much. Forever, a role model.
Please welcome Dean Giopulos to accept the Wellsville Athletic Hall of Fame award on behalf of James Giopulos.
Congratulations again to our newest Athletic Hall of Fame Members. Thank you for attending today’s ceremony and congratulations on your accomplishments.
