Hall of Fame Inductees 2002

Gary Heslin
Graduated Plainville High School in 1974. “Howdy” is considered to be one of the finest, most consistent long distance runners in PHS history. Gary ran varsity cross country and track for four years. He was captain of both teams as a senior. Gary was undefeated in cross country dual meets his junior and senior years. He holds the old PHS cross country course record and the 2nd fasted two mile time in track. Always one for a challenge, Gary was once held back in cross country meet for thirty seconds by his coach and still managed to win the meet. Gary continues to train and run today. One of his accomplishments was finishing 37th out of 10,000 runners in the Washington Marine Corps Marathon. He has also run the Boston Marathon with a time of 2:32, putting him in the top five hundred runners in the field.

Robert Heslin
Graduated Plainville High School in 1974. “Rome” was a four sport star playing cross country 3 years, basketball 3 years, baseball 2 years and track 2 years, captain in his senior year. Bob enjoyed varsity success in all sports but realized after teaming with his brother Gary in their sophomore year that running was his gift. Bob exploded onto the track scene after breaking a thumb that prevented him from playing baseball. His junior year, he broke the school record in the ½ mile and in his senior year, set the current record of 1:56. He also anchored the 4X440 relay to a school record of 3:26.6. Incidentally, Bob was also undefeated as a senior in track in the ½ mile. He earned a track scholarship to Baptist University where he continued to lower his time in the ½ mile. Bob continues to train and runs in local road races.

Edward “Ted” Knurek
Coached at Plainville High School from 1945 through 1955. Coach Knurek coached three sports, football, basketball and baseball. Basketball was a one year transitional coach, but he coached football and baseball for ten years. PHS football enjoyed its most successful decade under Ted Knurek. His record of 51 wins, 27 losses and 2 ties remains the best Plainville in history. His 1947 undefeated State Champions are considered to be one the best teams in the history of Plainville Football. In additional to football, Ted Knurek also encouraged education and it is estimated by many that he helped more than 50% of his graduated find and enroll in college or secondary education. He was truly a dedicated educator and coach. Ted Knurek is in the Connecticut State Coaches Hall of Fame and the East Hartford Sports Hall of Fame. Honored Posthumously. 

Peter John Longo
Graduated Plainville High School in 1964. “Roll” was a three sport star in football, basketball and baseball. As a running back and later quarterback, Peter set the record for completions vs. Southington as a senior in the annual Turkey day battle. Always the battler on the hardwood, he was the pesky guard who complimented his fellow Hall of Famer Mike Moore. Baseball was his true passion and he was a flame throwing pitcher for the Blue Devils establishing a single game strike out record of 21 batter, that still stands today. He was also a steady hitting centerfielder when not on the hill. Peter also pitched for the Bristol Legion team leading them to the Connecticut State Title. He too, played softball for Vito’s AC and later came back to PHS as a coach.

Arthur “Artie” Martin
Graduated from Plainville High School in 1943. Artie was the consummate “late bloomer” who excelled later in his PHS career. Artie was a three sport star excelling in basketball and baseball while being a solid contributor in track throwing the javelin and discus. Throwing has always been Artie’s strength, either throwing down baskets on the hardwood or throwing “fireballs” past opposing batters on the baseball diamond. He was a top scorer for the 1942-43 State Champion Basketball team and the “Roger Clemens” of his day on the mound. He went on to play basketball and baseball at UCONN and played minor league baseball for the Boston Braves.

Michael & Marion Mastrianni
Michael & Marion Mastrianni are the Distinguished Service Inductees into the PHS Sports Hall of Fame. “Mickey & Honey” as they are known to most of us, have been the models of support for the student athletes of Plainville High School. Mickey was an exceptional athlete in his own right and he understood the value of support and guidance. He and Honey made it a point to provide a haven for many of Plainville’s athletes after school. Everybody ended up at Mickey’s house. Their “tea parties” were the basis for many friendships and team efforts, particularly on the basketball court. Mickey would organize the games while Honey made sure that everyone enjoyed the competition. Anyone who has grown up in Plainville has probably benefited from a sports program that Mickey organized, participated in or refereed. Plainville athletics owe Mickey and Honey more than words can say. Mickey was the coach, father figure and friend, who with Honey were the source of guidance for many of Plainville’s finest student athletes of the past.

Michael Thomas Moore
Graduated Plainville High School in 1964. “Skunk” was a four sport star who excelled in football, basketball and track. Baseball was in his blood for a year, but Mike chose track & field for the final three years as a sprinter. Mike used his speed and agility as a receiver in football, and terrorized the opposition in basketball, twice leading his team in scoring and  named ALLSTATE as a junior and as a senior in basketball. He helped lead the Devils deep into the CIAC tournament his junior and senior years. After PHS, Mike brought his talents to CCSU where he continued his hardwood success. Mike was a key component of the old “Vito’s AC softball teams and has enjoyed coaching success in basketball and golf. Mike is currently a math professor at Tunxis Community College and possesses and deceptively impressive golf game.

Anthony Yacobellis
Graduated from Plainville High School in 1933. “Yaco” was a hard nosed baseball star who caught every varsity game during his four years at PHS. A defensive star with the bullet throws, he thumped the opposition pitching at a .503 average during his senior year. Tony also played football as a back and end, but his love of baseball stayed with him as he went on after school to play semi pro baseball for several years. He also excelled in the “old General Electric” league. Tony coached little league for eight years and remains an avid sports fan.