The Mercer County Hall of Fame will hold its 75th anniversary banquet at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at The Park Inn by Radisson, near West Middlesex. The Silver Anniversary for the oldest local hall of fame in the world will include the induction of 11 former athletic greats or contributors to athletics in county history.Lanny Frattare, the former “Voice of the Pittsburgh Pirates” and “Voice of the Mercer County Hall of Fame” for almost 4 decades will again serve as master of ceremonies and will also be the main speaker to reflect on his long tenure with the group. The banquet is sponsored by Mike Erme with co-sponsor Mel Grata.

JEROME NIXON

Jerome 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 in the Pittsburgh area.

He was a 3-year letterman and 2-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 2 WPIAL Section III crowns and falling 1 game short of a 3rd. He was honorable mention All-Section 3.

Following high school he played basketball for an Independent Company League in New York City for 2 years, playing in the league championship game both seasons.

He began his hoops career as a member of the first elementary school championship team at J.A. Farrell School and was named to the league’s All-Star team – then under the guidance of the late Tom Burns, long-time coach and former president of the Mercer County Hall of Fame. In junior high, he helped lead his teams to section titles all 3 years.

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, Pa. since starting the program in 2003. His teams won numerous championships and he coached 9 WPIAL individual or relay champions and 1 state champion. He also coached 2 TSTCA individual indoor champions. He coached a participant in the WPIAL Finals for 17 consecutive years and a 4x800 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.