Barbara Wachowiak, Class of 1981

Barb was a four sport athlete at HHS, playing field hockey, volleyball, basketball, and softball. While lettering in all four sports, Barb achieved her greatest success in field hockey, even though she only started playing her sophomore year. One of her fondest memories was scoring a hat-trick in a field hockey game against West Seneca West in the rain and mud. She also recalls the thrill of making the Scholastic Empire State field hockey team. Barb continued her athletic career at Indiana University (IU), transferring to Ithaca College (IC) her sophomore year after IU dropped their field hockey program. At Ithaca, Barb scored the game-winning penalty stroke 1982 to win the Division III title. She competed in the NCAA Final Four all three years at Ithaca, finishing 2nd and 3rd. She also played softball, competing in the NCAA tournament all 3 years. She was captain of both teams and received All-American awards in both sports. Barb was inducted into the Ithaca College Hall of Fame twice, for both individual and team achievements. She continues to play field hockey, competing in the Empire State Games for over 15 years, winning a total of 8 medals — 2 gold, 3 silver and 3 bronze. Barb said her greatest achievement came this year when she played internationally on the USA Master’s World Field Hockey team, assisting on the first goal and the team winning a bronze medal. In addition to playing field hockey, Barb is also a collegiate and high school field hockey official. She says she has had the best all worlds at HHS as a student, athlete, teacher, coach and now a member of the Hamburg Sports Wall of Fame. She is grateful for the opportunity and honor.