September 29, 2026
FROM THE HORNELL SPORTS HALL OF FAME:
(PHOTO PROVIDED BY AMY MAYO/THE HORNELL SPORTS HALL OF FAME)
TOM FAGNAN
Tom Fagnan is a 1970 graduate of Hornell High School where he earned nine varsity letters in swimming, cross country, and track and field. He held the HHS cross country course record with a time of 14:42 on the Hornell Country Club course and was the county champion in the 880-yard run in both his junior and senior years. Tom advanced to sectionals and the state qualifier each season and narrowly missing a trip to the state championship by two places as a junior and one place as a senior. He attended Alfred State College, majoring in Business.
Tom began his coaching career in the fall of 1986 when he was hired as Hornell’s cross-country coach by Athletic Director Bob Codispoti. Under his leadership, the program grew steadily from 1986 to 1991, with several athletes receiving first Team All Sullivan Trail awards.
In 1989, following a petition from parents to establish an indoor track program, Tom was asked to coach both the boys and girls teams while continuing his cross-country responsibilities. Hornell became the first Southern Tier school with an indoor team, competing as part of the Rochester Winter Track League at venues including the University of Rochester, RIT, Roberts Wesleyan, Hobart, and the New York Chiropractic College. His athletes achieved numerous individual sectional titles and advanced to state qualifiers and the state championships. As the program grew, additional coaching support was approved, and Mike Degaetano joined Tom as assistant coach in 1996. With expanded staff, the Hornell boys’ team captured sectional team titles in 2001 and 2003.
From 1994 to 2010, Tom also served as an outdoor track coach, working alongside Tom Faltham, Jim Walters, Lisa Rosica, Damian DeMarco, and Mike Degaetano. Among his most memorable experiences was entering Carl Mauro in the mile and two-mile events at the Nike National Scholastic Track and Field Championships at North Carolina State University in 1995. Tom and Coach Walters accompanied Carl to the meet, where he won the national title in the two-mile run, becoming HHS’s only athlete to earn a national championship and First Team High School All-American honors.
Throughout his 24-year coaching career, Tom worked full-time for Morrison Knudson and later Alstom. After retiring from coaching and full-time employment in 2010, he continued serving the community as a substitute for GST BOCES and the Hornell School District until his full retirement in 2023. Tom still treasures the memories and relationships built with fellow coaches, athletes, and families over the years.
Tom resides in Hornell with his wife Nancy, his greatest supporter. He is the proud father of daughters Lynnette (Darryn), who lives in New Hampshire, and Bridgette (Chris), who lived in Illinois, and proud “Papa” to Bridgette’s sons, Everett and Elijah.
Tom has long been active in the Hornell community, serving on the Hornell Alumni Association Board of Directors since 1985 and on the Hornell High School Hall of Fame Committee since 1992. He is a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) and a lifetime member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish. He enjoys spending time outdoors road biking, hiking, and kayaking, watching his grandsons play lacrosse whenever possible, and celebrating the continued successes of former athletes who have gone on to become coaches.
GLENN THOMAS
Glenn Thomas has dedicated much of his life to supporting Hornell High School athletics and the student-athletes who proudly represented the Red Raiders. His contributions span decades and encompass coaching, announcing, scorekeeping, and countless hours spent behind the scenes helping Hornell’s athletic programs thrive.
Glenn graduated from the University of Mansfield in 1968. His coaching journey began close to home, starting with his son’s Little League teams. From the very beginning, Glenn believed deeply in the importance of youth sports and the role they play in a child’s development. He felt strongly that supporting the community’s growth in athletics helped build character, responsibility, and lifelong values in young people.
That philosophy carried into his work at Hornell High School, where he began his involvement with Hornell athletics in the early 1970s. He served as the Junior Varsity basketball coach during the 1970–1971 season. He went on to coach Junior Varsity baseball for four years and also contributed as an assistant coach with the varsity baseball program.
At the heart of Glenn’s coaching approach was a simple but powerful philosophy that he instilled in every team he worked with: “Each player has a job and a responsibility with their position—just do your job.” This belief emphasized discipline, accountability, and teamwork, and it left a lasting impression on the student-athletes he coached.
His commitment to Hornell baseball extended beyond the local diamond. In 1990, Glenn was part of the varsity baseball program when the team traveled to Myrtle Beach to participate in a tournament. Experiences such as this helped create lasting memories for the student-athletes and coaches and reflected Glenn’s dedication to being part of the Red Raiders athletic family.
Perhaps Glenn’s most recognizable contribution came through his voice. For an incredible 32 years, he served as “the Voice of the Red Raiders” football team. From the press box, Glenn became a familiar and trusted presence on Friday nights, bringing the action of Hornell football to life for players, families, alumni, and fans.
His service did not stop with football. Glenn also announced Hornell basketball games and was responsible for operating the game clock. Whether behind the microphone or at the scorer’s table, he played an essential role in making sure Hornell athletic events ran smoothly and that the accomplishments of the student-athletes were recognized and celebrated.
Glenn retired from teaching in 2002 after 32 years of service to education. Even after retirement, his dedication to Hornell athletics continued as he remained the voice of Red Raiders sports for an additional five years, further extending his legacy within the community.
Across his many years of service, Glenn Thomas became much more than a coach, announcer, or game official. He became part of the fabric of Hornell High School athletics. Generations of student-athletes, coaches, families, and fans came to know his voice, his steady presence, and his unwavering support of the Red Raiders.
His legacy is measured not only in the games he coached or announced, but in the countless moments he helped make special for the Hornell community. For more than three decades, Glenn was there—on the sidelines, behind the microphone, at the scorer’s table, and alongside the young people who represented Hornell High School.
His was a voice that generations of Red Raiders will remember, and a commitment to Hornell athletics that will not be forgotten.
CHANTRE MILLINER MAURO
Chantré (Milliner) Mauro graduated Hornell High School in 2016, earning varsity letters in basketball, soccer, softball, and volleyball. Her athleticism was showcased across all sports in which she participated, leading to personal achievement awards including 2016 Hornell Sports Night Athlete of The Year, the Debbie Vanscooter Award, and The US Army Pro Football Hall of Fame Award of Excellence Finalist. She specifically excelled in basketball, receiving recognitions including Section V All Tournament All-Star, Ronald MacDonald All-Star, Second Team All Greater Rochester selection, Livingston County All-Star First Team selection, and 6th Team All-State selection.
Beginning her Varsity Basketball career as a freshman and a team captain for two years, Chantré helped to rejuvenate the Hornell women’s basketball program. In her senior year, she led her team to the first sectional finals appearance in 33 years. She is one of a small group of talented women to score over one thousand points.
In the Fall season, Chantré initially played varsity volleyball as an eighth and ninth grade student. Transitioning to the soccer field as a sophomore, where she was a three-year starting goalkeeper and senior year team captain for the Hornell women’s soccer program. Chantré helped to secure a section V championship title in 2014 leading to a state semifinal appearance. The Western Regional playoff game included a penalty kick shootout during which Chantré had two key saves.
In the Spring, Chantré played softball her sophomore year positioned in center field. Graduating as the class of 2016 Valedictorian, Chantré excelled not only in sports, but in academics as well. Post-graduation, she went on to play basketball for one year at SUNY Brockport. She obtained a Masters Degree in Social Work from SUNY Brockport in 2021 and works for Lifespan of Greater Rochester providing support to older adults and adults with disabilities in her community. Chantré lives in the Brighton area of Rochester with her husband Matthew Mauro, her two sons Theo and Lennox, and her cat Sonny.
SAM DAGON
Sam Dagon is a 2016 Honor Graduate of Hornell High School and was a three -sport athlete; excelling in Basketball, Soccer and Tennis.
Sam was a three-year starter for the HHS Basketball team and was the team Captain his Senior year. He led the Raiders in scoring, assists and steals in both his Junior and Senior years. He also led the Livingston County Athletic Association in scoring as a Junior (17 PPG) and Senior (24 PPG). Sam was a first team Livingston County Athletic Association All-Star his Junior and Senior years. He was a First Team Livingston County News Super 16 selection as a Junior and Senior and was the Livingston County News Player of the Year as a Senior. Sam was a three-time Evening Tribune Great 8 selection and is also the only player in HHS history to be named to the Section V All Tournament team for three consecutive seasons. Sam was honored by the New York State Sports Writers Association by being named 8th team all New York State as a Junior and 4th team all New York State as a Senior. He received the Billy Yergans Red Raider basketball award at the conclusion of his Senior year. Sam completed his high school basketball career by being selected to play in the Ronald McDonald House All Star game which features the top high school seniors in Section V.
Sam had a very successful soccer career while at HHS. He was a four-year starting midfielder on the HHS varsity team and was team Captain his Senior year. Sam was a Livingston County Athletic Association All Star in each of those four seasons at HHS. He led the Raiders in assists during his Sophomore, Junior and Senior years and also led the team in goals scored as a Senior. After his Senior season, Sam was selected to play in the Section V All-Star game which features the top high school seniors in all of Section V.
In the Spring, Sam was a member of the HHS tennis team. During his Junior and Senior years, Sam was given the honor of playing Number One singles for the Raiders which meant that he competed against the opposing team’s best player during every match. Sam finished his Junior season with a record of 9-3 and his Senior season with a record of 10-2. He was a First Team Livingston County Athletic Association All-Star and an All-Greater Rochester Honorable Mention selection his Junior and Senior years. Sam was a Livingston County Athletic Association doubles champion as a Junior and qualified for the New York State doubles tournament his Senior year.
Sam was selected as the recipient of the Hornell Evening Tribune Award as the 2016 top male athlete at HHS. He was honored at the Knights of Columbus Sports Night as the area’s top male athlete of 2016.
After High School, Sam went on to play basketball for the Alfred University Saxons. He was named the Team’s Rookie of the year as a Freshman, Most Improved Player as a Sophomore and Most Valuable Player as a Senior. Sam was a First Team Empire 8 Conference selection his Senior year as he led the conference in scoring; averaging 18.2 Points per game. He finished his college career with 1,123 points.
Sam graduated from Alfred University in 2020 with a Bachelors degree in General Science. He also did post graduate work at SUNY Brockport. Sam currently resides in Rochester, New York where he is employed as a Dental Implant Coordinator with Liberty Dental Arts.
CINDY MAURO FREELAND
During High School Cindy played 4 years of softball , 4 years of basketball, 2 years of soccer, 1 year field hockey and 2 years of volleyball. Cindy lettered in all sports. Cindy was a force to be reckoned with in all areas of athletics. In 1975, Cindy was recognized as the top female athlete of the year. Cindy played in the Hornell Cinderella-Princess Softball League beginning at age nine. The championship team, Able Cable was coached by Midge Hunt. Cindy was selected to play on the all-star team for four years. During this time, Cindy pitched a no-hitter and played against the “Queen and Her Maids”, a famous touring exhibition fastpitch softball team. Cindy went on to coach for four years in the Hornell Cinderella-Princess Softball League. She especially enjoyed coaching her sisters, Mary and Linda. Cindy also played in the area women’s softball league for the Moonlighters and later for a team sponsored by Steuben Trust Company.
Cindy moved to South Carolina with her husband Kenn and their three children in 1993. Cindy has several grandchildren, many of whom participate in athletics. She loves being their “biggest fan”.
Unfortunately, Cindy was not able to attend the induction ceremony. She has asked that this be read in her absence.
I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the Hornell Sports Hall of Fame Committee for their hard work, dedication and unwavering commitment . It is such an honor for me be recognized in the Sports Hall of Fame. Sports have always been an important part of my life. A special thank you to my high school coach, Yvonne Knataitis, who taught me that victory wasn’t always about winning, but the values she instilled in every athlete. Thanks to my sister, Linda, for nominating me. I have twin sisters, Mary and Linda, who looked up to me growing up and have been there for me ever since.
To my parents, Joe and Anne Mauro, who supported me every step of the way. I don’t recall them ever missing a game to cheer me on. After practices, Mom always had a meal waiting for me when I returned home. My Dad taught me how to throw a windmill softball pitch, of which I was one of the first in the area to do. Dad would often take me and my brother, Joe, down the street to the field at SKF for batting practice, fielding grounders and fly balls. Man, Dad could sure hit some high fly balls! Many nights we (Dad and Joe) spent in our driveway shooting baskets on a rim and backboard Dad had mounted to the front of our garage. We even shot baskets in the snow and in the dark with a spotlight hung from back porch.
Thank you again for this honor. Hornell is a great town to grow up in. I’m proud to be a Hornell Red Raider! “
