South Jersey’s Top 250 Athletes: Ranks 250‑201

Top South Jersey Athletes Ranked 250 to 201

250. Leon “Donkey” Lucas, Camden

Camden’s punch‑like‑a‑donkey boxer captured four victories in a single night and secured the light heavyweight title in the Amateur Athletic Union. He earned a spot on the 1928 U.S. Olympic team that competed in Amsterdam, later opening “Donkey’s Place,” a Camden tavern famous for its cheesesteak sandwiches. Lucas’s nickname reflected both his forceful style and his lasting local legacy.

251. Mike Iaconelli, Triton

Iaconelli stands as the only angler to claim the Bassmaster Classic (2003), Bassmaster Angler of the Year (2006) and a B.A.S.S. national championship (1999). The Triton graduate added a 2014 Bassmaster Elite victory on the Delaware River, cementing his status as one of the nation’s premier fishermen. His three major titles remain a rare triple achievement in the sport.

252. Ernest Turner, Sterling

Turner amassed 2,806 points in his Sterling career, a total that ranked third in South Jersey and fifth in the state at graduation in 2001. He split his college hoops years between UNLV and Maine, playing two seasons at each program. Turner’s scoring mark remains a benchmark for high‑school basketball in the region.

253. Tom Flacco, Eastern

Flacco earned Courier‑Post Male Athlete of the Year honors in 2014, excelling in football, basketball and baseball for the Vikings. His 7,397 passing yards rank second in South Jersey and third in New Jersey at the time of his graduation. Flacco was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies but pursued a football career, landing at Towson after stops at Western Michigan and Rutgers.

254. Joanna Coe, Oakcrest

Oakcrest’s two‑sport star captured four NCAA Division II All‑American honors at Rollins College, including the 2008 national championship and a record‑low 68‑stroke round. She qualified for the 2011 LPGA U.S. Women’s Open before transitioning to coaching as the PGA Director of Instruction at Merion Golf Club. Coe’s blend of competition and instruction has left a lasting imprint on the game.

255. Chris Pallies, Washington Township

Better known as “King Kong Bundy,” Pallies wrestled 26 years on multiple professional tours, becoming a beloved trash‑talk villain. The 6‑foot‑4, 450‑pound powerhouse claimed two Region 8 heavyweight championships for Washington Township in 1973 and 1974, then a JUCO title for Gloucester County College. His larger‑than‑life persona defined an era of mainstream wrestling entertainment.

256. Rich Racobaldo, Camden Catholic

Racobaldo starred in three sports at Camden Catholic, earning All‑South Jersey honors in football and baseball while helping the Irish capture a state basketball championship in 2003. After a national title at Mount Olive, he was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 37th round of the 2009 MLB Draft and played two minor‑league seasons. His versatility made him a cornerstone of Camden Catholic athletics.

257. Michelle Rowen, Washington Township

Rowen still holds the South Jersey record in the 3,200‑meter run (10:12.8) and the second‑fastest 1,600‑meter time (4:41.5) in the region. She also owned the state indoor record of 4:43.16 for 37 years before it fell six years ago. After running at the University of Virginia, where she became the ACC’s first female indoor mile champion, she returned home to practice as a podiatrist.

258. Jackie Donovan, Sterling

Donovan scored 2,516 career points, a South Jersey high at her Sterling graduation in 1990, and was named Courier‑Post Player of the Year that season. She became the first New Jersey player to earn back‑to‑back MVP awards in state championship games and later starred at Penn State, playing 111 games over four years. Now Jackie Mulligan, she has guided Haddonfield to more than 300 girls’ basketball wins.

259. Lauren Schmetterling, Moorestown

The 2006 Moorestown graduate earned an Olympic gold medal and three world‑championship golds in rowing, part of the women’s eight that triumphed in Rio 2016 after winning titles in the three preceding years. Her Olympic‑level success highlights Moorestown’s strong tradition in crew. Schmetterling’s achievements remain among the most decorated for any South Jersey female athlete.

260. Cleveland “Cleve” Lewis, John F. Kennedy

Lewis redefined South Jersey soccer with over 100 high‑school goals, including a state‑best 36 as a senior that eclipsed New Jersey’s single‑season scoring mark. He earned All‑American honors at Brandeis, leading the Judges to the 1976 NCAA Division III national championship and finishing with a program‑record 58 career goals. His high‑school success paved the way for a standout college career.

261. Sean Redman, Glassboro

Redman’s senior season produced 32 touchdowns and 200 points, both among the best in South Jersey history, while his 1,959 rushing yards and 65 career touchdowns set team benchmarks. He also excelled in the 400‑meter dash, a signature event for the Bulldogs. Redman’s three‑year stint at Penn State included a national championship appearance in 1986.

262. Tony Hall, Oakcrest

Hall represented the United States at the 1976 Montreal Olympics and later threw for the nation’s third‑best javelin performance at the NCAA championships while at Norfolk State. During a seven‑year stretch from 1973‑1980, he recorded seven of the top ten throws in the nation. His 284‑3 old‑javelin distance places him 14th in U.S. history.

263. George Dempsey, Merchantville

A standout at Merchantville who captured a state title and MVP honors in 1946‑47, Dempsey later shined at Kings College and helped the Philadelphia Warriors win an NBA championship in 1956. He logged 315 games across five seasons in the league. Dempsey’s transition from high‑school dominance to professional success is a hallmark of South Jersey basketball’s legacy.

264. Brett Boone, Shawnee

Boone began his baseball career at Shawnee before moving to California, where he played 14 Major League seasons and earned three All‑Star selections. He finished with 252 home runs and was third in the 2003 American League MVP voting, hitting 37 homers and driving in 141 runs. Boone’s power hitting remains among the best produced by a South Jersey native.

265. Walt Montford, Atlantic City

A two‑time All‑South Jersey basketball player, Montford earned a spot on the Courier‑Post’s All‑Century Team (1969‑1999) and amassed 1,646 career points for Atlantic City, a program record at his 1975 graduation. He continued his college career at Temple for four seasons. Montford’s inside scoring helped define Atlantic City’s basketball heritage.

266. Ron Gassert, Mount Holly, Bordentown Military

Gassert graduated high school at 16, earned a scholarship to the University of Virginia, and was a fourth‑round pick of the Green Bay Packers in 1962, winning an NFL championship as a rookie. After a trade to the Los Angeles Rams and an injury, he was claimed by the Buffalo Bills, ending his pro football journey. Gassert’s rapid rise from small‑school star to champion illustrates South Jersey’s talent pipeline.

267. Larry Bland, Glassboro

Bland captured Courier‑Post Player of the Year honors as a senior in 1986 after averaging 38.4 points per game, finishing his career with 2,339 points—fifth highest in area history at the time. He later returned to college at Rowan, where he emerged as a star player in 1998. Bland’s scoring prowess remains a benchmark for Glassboro basketball.

268. Kelli McGroarty, Eastern

McGroarty dominates Eastern’s soccer records with 108 career goals and 275 career points, plus the top two single‑season scoring marks of 40 and 37. She delivered the game‑winning goal in Eastern’s 2018 state championship and earned Courier‑Post Player of the Year honors. After college stints at La Salle and Iowa, she now plays professionally in Australia. Her all‑around skill set has set new standards for South Jersey women’s soccer.

269. TJ Brennan, Moorestown

Brennan left Moorestown High early for Quebec junior hockey, capturing the Raymond Lagace Trophy as Quebec Major Junior defensive rookie of the year after scoring 16 goals in 68 games. Selected in the second round by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2009 NHL Draft, he logged 679 AHL games over 11 years and 53 NHL games, scoring five goals with eight assists. Brennan’s transition from Pennsylvania to Canadian junior hockey showcases his adaptability.

270. Demetrius Poles, Delsea

Poles led Delsea to a 48‑3 record over his final two seasons, including a state championship in his senior year (1991), and finished with a program‑record 1,783 points. He starred at Rowan, helping the Profs win the 1996 national championship and later returned as a popular coach for both men’s and women’s teams after a decade abroad. Poles’s blend of playing and coaching has left an indelible mark on South Jersey basketball.

271. Jack Pierce, Woodbury

After excelling in track at Woodbury High and Morgan State, Pierce captured a bronze medal in the 110‑meter hurdles at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. He also earned World Championship medals, taking silver in Tokyo (1991) and bronze in Stuttgart (1993). Pierce’s international success highlights Woodbury’s strong track tradition.

272. Browning Ross, Woodbury

Cut from the Woodbury baseball team, Ross turned to running and became known as the father of long‑distance running in the state. He was crowned New Jersey’s top miler as a senior in 1943 and later claimed the 1948 NCAA steeplechase title at Villanova. Ross added Olympic and Pan American medals, including a 1951 gold in the 1,500‑meter race. His journey from being cut to becoming a national champion underscores his determination.

273. Vic Carstarphen, Camden

Carstarphen earned two All‑South Jersey honors and amassed 2,136 career points, second in Camden history at his 1988 graduation, with 784 and 795 points in his final two seasons—among the top 30 scoring seasons in the region. After one year at Cincinnati, he transferred to Temple for three seasons. Carstarphen now serves as Camden’s mayor, capping a remarkable athletic and civic career.

274. Madison Tiernan, Eastern

Tiernan’s No. 13 jersey has been retired by both Eastern’s soccer and softball programs. She recorded 79 goals, 45 assists and 203 points in soccer over three seasons, earning three All‑South Jersey selections, and compiled 141 hits, 110 runs and 120 RBIs in softball, also twice honored. After a 25‑goal, 88‑game college career at Rutgers, she played four seasons in the National Women’s Soccer League with Sky Blue FC.

275. Reggie Miller, Pleasantville

Miller’s 817‑point senior season was the second‑highest single‑season tally in South Jersey at the time of the Bicentennial celebration, and his 2,505 career points were the most anyone had posted when he graduated. He became the first player to surpass 2,000 career points in the region. Miller’s scoring dominance set a new standard for Pleasantville basketball.

276. Lori Vile, Shawnee

Vile scored 104 goals on the field hockey team and helped lead the Renegades to five combined state championships in hockey and lacrosse. She earned ACC Rookie of the Year and All‑American honors at the University of Maryland, guiding the Terrapins to the 1993 NCAA Championship. Vile also represented the U.S. Under‑21 field hockey team internationally, showcasing Shawnee’s multi‑sport excellence.

277. Tony Sacca, Delran

The 1988 Delran graduate engineered the Bears’ 1987 South Jersey Group 1 title, amassing 5,869 passing yards and 41 touchdowns over 45 college games at Penn State. Sacca was the 46th overall pick, second round, in the 1992 NFL Draft by the Phoenix Cardinals. His command of the offense at Delran foreshadowed his professional quarterback career.

278. Bo Gray, Cherry Hill West

Gray posted a 30‑0 high‑school record, leading Cherry Hill West to two state titles and becoming the only pitcher in state history to go unbeaten with at least 30 decisions. He recorded a 0.78 ERA in his senior season and struck out Alex Rodriguez in a National Upper Deck Classic showdown. Gray’s dominance earned him a 32nd‑round MLB draft selection, though an arm injury steered him toward Temple.

279. Amy Lewis, Moorestown

Lewis tallied 109 goals during her Moorestown career while playing under her mother Joan, and her teams posted a 58‑1‑3 record with two state titles and a 42‑game unbeaten streak. At Rutgers she holds the Scarlet Knights’ career goal mark with 71 goals and 159 points, earning 2008 All‑America honors. Lewis’s scoring brilliance underscores Moorestown’s legacy in women’s soccer.

280. Vicky Aromando, Shawnee

Aromando amassed over 1,300 career points in three sports at Shawnee, earning a spot on the South Jersey Basketball Hall of Fame, and became a two‑time All‑American at Siena before women’s sports received NCAA recognition. She is the first woman inducted into Siena’s athletics hall of fame. Aromando’s achievements helped lay the groundwork for women’s athletics at the college level.

281. Sharon Tinucci, Eastern

Graduating Eastern in 1978, Tinucci became one of South Jersey’s most strategic field hockey players, earning a stellar career at Penn State before returning to coach Cherokee High School for two separate stints, amassing 219 wins. Her blend of playing intelligence and coaching acumen has left a lasting imprint on the sport in the region.

282. Nick Cangelosi, Camden Catholic

Cangelosi delivered two state basketball championships and a football division title for Camden Catholic, throwing for over 5,000 yards and 59 touchdowns as a three‑year starter. As a senior he was the state’s top quarterback with 2,190 yards and 25 TDs, and as point guard he scored 1,388 career points on two state title teams. He pursued football at North Carolina and Georgetown after high school.

283. Christine McGinley, Shawnee

McGinley anchored two state championship field hockey teams and one lacrosse title at Shawnee, leading the nation with 40 field hockey goals as a senior and posting 80 and 114 lacrosse goals in junior and senior seasons, respectively, for a 231‑goal career total. At Penn State she scored 86 field hockey goals as a two‑time All‑American. Her dominance spanned both soccer and lacrosse, making her one of the most versatile athletes in South Jersey history.

284. Ginny Whitaker, Haddon Heights

Whitaker earned 11 varsity letters in field hockey, basketball and softball before graduating in 1951, continued her athletic career at Temple, and then devoted her life to education, becoming South Jersey’s first female athletic director in the Cherry Hill School District. She also served as the first president of the Al Carino South Jersey Basketball Club’s women’s chapter, with annual awards and tournaments honoring her contributions. Whitaker’s lifelong service to sport and education set a high standard for future leaders.

285. Dave Budd, Woodbury

Budd started three years as a 6‑foot‑6 shooting guard for Woodbury under former Knicks player Joe Colone, becoming one of the era’s rare big men with point‑guard skills. After graduating in 1956, he scored 1,000 points and grabbed 500 rebounds at Wake Forest, selected 10th in the 1960 NBA Draft by the Knicks, and averaged 7.1 points per game over five seasons. Budd’s dual‑position prowess helped usher in a new style of play in college basketball.

286. Jonathan Grimes, Paul VI

Grimes combined his love of music with football, opting for the Eagles program largely because of its strong music offerings. He ran for a school record 1,925 yards with 33 touchdowns in 2007, later establishing nearly every offensive record at William & Mary with 4,541 career rushing yards and a 228.2‑yard per game average as a senior. Grimes signed as an undrafted free agent in 2012 and played five NFL seasons with the Jets and Texans.

287. Holly McGarvie, Shawnee

McGarvie dominated every sport she touched, winning a track state title in the indoor 4×800 relay, earning ten varsity letters across field hockey and lacrosse, and never missing a game in four years as a Princeton hockey or lacrosse player. She scored 112 career lacrosse goals and 30 in hockey, and helped the U.S. national lacrosse team win World Cups in 2009 and 2013, later co‑founding and coaching the Argentine national team to the 2022 FIL World Cup. Her sheer versatility makes her one of the most accomplished South Jersey athletes ever.

288. Kelvin Harmon, Palmyra

Harmon amassed 165 catches for 2,764 yards and 36 touchdowns during his Palmyra career, and later recorded 177 receptions for 2,665 yards at NC State, highlighted by 81 catches for 1,186 yards as a junior. He was a sixth‑round pick by the Washington Redskins in the 2019 NFL Draft, playing all 16 games as a rookie with 30 receptions for 365 yards, before a knee injury ended his professional trajectory. Harmon’s combination of size and speed made him a standout receiver in the region.

289. Michelle Tumolo, Clearview

Tumolo’s 270 career goals as a Clearview player propelled her to Syracuse under coach Gary Gait, helping the Orange reach three NCAA Final Fours and the 2012 championship game, finishing with over 100 goals and assists despite a knee injury mid‑senior season. She later captained Team USA in the 2015 Women’s World Cup and currently serves as head coach at the United States Military Academy after stints at Wagner College. Tumolo’s leadership on and off the field exemplifies the next generation of South Jersey lacrosse talent.

290. Tom Knight, Cherokee

The 1991 Cherokee graduate was a shut‑down defensive back, intercepting ten passes in college at Iowa, including four each as junior and senior, returning two picks for touchdowns as a junior and one more as a senior. He was the ninth pick in the 1997 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, playing five seasons there before finishing with the Baltimore Ravens. Knight’s intimidating coverage skills defined defensive play in South Jersey.

291. Doug Colman, Ocean City

Colman rushed for over 1,000 yards at Ocean City and earned South Jersey Defensive Player of the Year honors as a linebacker, then captured two national championships with Nebraska’s unbeaten 1994 and 1995 teams. He was selected in the sixth round of the 1996 NFL Draft by the New York Giants and played five seasons across multiple teams. Colman’s transition from local high‑school dominance to college greatness highlights Ocean City’s robust football tradition.

292. Al LeConey, Moorestown

LeConey anchored the United States 4×100‑meter relay team at the 1924 Paris Olympics, recording a world‑record 41.0‑second finish that earned gold and later inspired the film Chariots of Fire. He also posted a wind‑aided 9.4‑second 100‑yard dash and won IC4A titles in the 100‑ and 200‑meter sprints at Lafayette College in 1923, later appearing on a 1932 3‑cent postage stamp. LeConey’s Olympic legacy remains a cornerstone of Moorestown’s athletic history.

293. Kirk Luchman, Shawnee

Luchman anchored the first South Jersey team and first New Jersey public‑school squad to win the Tournament of Champions, scoring 1,135 career points while earning two Burlington County Liberty and two South Jersey Group 4 titles, including the 1992 Group 4 championship. He continued his career at Florida State, averaging 6.8 points and five rebounds per game. Luchman’s leadership elevated Shawnee’s basketball program to national prominence.

294. Kelsey Mitchell, Eastern

Mitchell scored a state‑record 171 career goals in field hockey, including 69 as a senior at Eastern, winning four state championships. She earned two‑time All‑Academic Big Ten honors at the University of Iowa, posting 20 goals with the Hawkeyes, and returned to South Jersey to coach Ocean City High School for eight seasons, compiling a 117‑42‑5 record. Mitchell’s scoring excellence and coaching success underscore Eastern’s field hockey legacy.

295. Kevin Ross, Paulsboro

One of the greatest athletes ever produced by Paulsboro, Ross carried his high‑school success to Temple University and later joined the NFL, playing 14 seasons with the Chiefs, Falcons and Chargers after being selected in the sixth round of the 1984 draft. He recorded 38 career interceptions, two pick‑6s, and returned a blocked field goal, punt and fumble for touchdowns. Ross’s defensive versatility made him a staple of the Chiefs’ secondary for over a decade.

296. Milt Plum, Woodbury

Plum led Woodbury’s Thundering Herd to an unbeaten record and Colonial Conference and South Jersey Group 3 titles before graduating in 1953, then chose Penn State for football over Minor League Baseball. He played quarterback and kicker for the Nittany Lions, earned a second‑round pick in the 1957 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns, and posted a 110.4 passer rating in 1960—an NFL record until Joe Montana surpassed it in 1989. Plum’s passing excellence defined an era of South Jersey football.

297. Natalia Torosian, Lenape

Torosian anchored the first two Lenape state championship soccer teams in 2007 and 2008, helping the Indians capture Coaches Cup titles along the way. She recorded 42 goals and 38 assists in her career, earning both Courier‑Post girls soccer and female athlete of the year honors as a senior. Torosian continued her collegiate soccer career at the University of Florida, where she was a two‑time Southeast Conference Honor Roll recipient.

298. Greg Mark, Pennsauken

Mark thrived at Pennsauken, forming a key part of the unbeaten 1985 South Jersey Group 3 champion Indians, then starred as a first‑team All‑America defensive lineman at the University of Miami, where he helped the Hurricanes claim national titles in 1987 and 1989 and participated in multiple bowl games. He was a third‑round pick of the New York Giants in the 1990 NFL Draft, though injuries limited his professional career. Mark’s dominant college defense set the tone for South Jersey’s reputation in football.

299. Phil Costa, Holy Cross

Costa earned three first‑team All‑Burlington County selections on the offensive line for the Lancers, becoming a guard at the University of Maryland as a sophomore before moving to center as a senior. After college, he signed as an undrafted free agent with the Dallas Cowboys, working his way up to the 53‑man roster and playing four seasons, starting 20 games including the entire 2011 campaign. Costa’s progression from high‑school dominance to NFL contribution underscores Holy Cross’s football pipeline.

This wrap‑up covers athletes ranked 250 through 201, showcasing the depth and talent that South Jersey has produced over the decades. From Olympic hurdles to NFL defenses, each athlete brings a unique story to the region’s rich sporting tapestry.