Erika Davis Joins District 11 Hall Of Fame Class Of 2026

Hall Of Fame Induction Highlights

The PIAA District 11 Hall of Fame class for 2026 was unveiled on Tuesday, and Erika (Barron) Davis of Tamaqua Area High School is among the newest inductees. Davis, who now leads the Tamaqua girls’ basketball program, built a reputation as a multi‑sport star during her high‑school years. She excelled in cross country, basketball, track and field, and volleyball, culminating in a school‑record 2,317 points and earning two All‑State honors. Her impressive resume also includes an 11‑year coaching tenure at Tamaqua, marking this past season as her eleventh year behind the bench.

Beyond the local stage, Davis made a lasting impact at Susquehanna University, where she compiled roughly 900 points over 102 games. Her college career also featured 364 assists and 159 steals, underscoring her all‑around skill set. The induction ceremony celebrates not just her athletic prowess but also her dedication to developing the next generation of players.

Additional 2026 Hall Of Fame Members

• Bob Chandler (Northern Lehigh) – cross country standout.
• Amanda Gerhard (Catasauqua) – soccer standout.
• Keith Groller (The Morning Call) – media professional.
• Jake Jakobsen (Stroudsburg) – wrestling legend.
• Ken Lacey (Stroudsburg) – men’s basketball star.
• Stacy Perryman (East Stroudsburg) – basketball pioneer.
• Andre Williams (Parkland) – football champion.

Coaching Legends Honored

Four veteran coaches join the hall this year, recognizing their long‑standing contributions to the sport. Brian Neefe led the Southern Lehigh softball program for many seasons, while Mike Seip guided Emmaus swimming to numerous titles. Steve Shiffert built a powerhouse football team at Easton, and Frank Yelinko oversaw Salisbury’s baseball success for years. Their collective impact spans multiple decades and countless student‑athletes.

Media Honorees

The media category also sees two recipients, highlighting the importance of sports reporting. Keith Groller of The Morning Call and Mike Zambelli from Severice Electric Network were selected for their extensive coverage and dedication to covering District 11 athletics. Their work has helped preserve the stories and achievements of the region’s athletes and coaches.

The 2026 class reflects a broad spectrum of talent, from on‑field exploits to off‑field storytelling, ensuring that future generations will continue to be inspired by these legends.