by Linsey | Jul 24, 2019
Chauvonne developed her passion for track and field while attending Hamburg schools beginning in 1994. She proved she was an athlete to be reckoned with when she competed at the Varsity level in 7th grade, getting varsity letters each year thereafter. Chauvonne was a participant in local, state and national competitions. Her accomplishments include winning 1st place in the Empire State Games, 2nd place in the New York State Championship in 1998, and being named the Outdoor New York State Champion in 1999. She competed in NYS Sectionals and ECIC Championships, and held numerous titles for both. In addition, Chauvonne was also awarded the #1 Super 7 Athlete of the week by a local news station. She currently holds standing records in the Hurdles, High Jump, Pentathlon, Heptathlon, and 4 X 400 meters at Hamburg High School. After graduation, Chauvonne continued her education, concentrating on early childhood education. She obtained an Associate’s Degree from Bryant & Stratton and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration. She enjoys serving the community as a volunteer at the YMCA and mentors city youth at Johnny B. Wiley Stadium in Buffalo.
by Linsey | Jul 24, 2019
Don came to HHS from SS Peter and Paul grammar school. He loved it from the first day, able to use one of the greatest gifts the Lord game him — his athletic ability. He began his athletic career in 9th grade on the JV football team where he played left halfback on offense and defense. He went on to play 3 years of Varsity football, selected co-captain with Arnie Kammen his senior year. One of his fondest memories was running for a touchdown on a fake punt against East Aurora, not once, but twice, when the first one was called back. Don also spent all four years of high school on the Varsity bowling team. As a pin setter in bowling alleys from his grade school days, he was exposed to the sport at an early age. Don’s biggest surprise was making the Varsity baseball team as a freshman, where he was a starter in center field. He recalled his first at-bat at Legion Field where he hit a triple. He was named outstanding athlete of the freshman class that year. Don started every game thereafter, with the team making Sectionals all four years. Another highlight was playing Sectionals at Offerman Stadium where the Buffalo Bisons played. Don went on to Courtland State where he played football, baseball, lacrosse and was on the wrestling team. He began coaching in 1958 and has had a long career of winning records, league championships and sectional titles. He is also the recipient of numerous awards, including being named New York State Wrestling Coach of the Year on five different occasions. After 38 years of teaching and coaching, Don is now retired.
by Linsey | Jul 24, 2019
Chris is one of the most accomplished lacrosse players to graduate from Hamburg High School. A three-time letter winner, two time All-ECIC and All Western New York, Chris was selected as an All American in lacrosse, receiving the most votes of any player in the region. Some of his fondest memories at HHS include playing Orchard Park in the Sectionals with scores of friends and family in attendance, and also the good fortune of being involved in lacrosse his senior year with multiple players across Western New York committed to playing at the collegiate level. Chris also recalled his experience playing soccer with great friends and coaches at HHS that really enhanced his ability to play lacrosse at the highest level. As a result of his academic and athletic accomplishments at Hamburg High School, Chris accepted an appointment to the United States Naval Academy where he served as a Surface Warfare Officer. While a midshipman, Chris lettered in lacrosse all four years. Most notably, he was the starting faceoff midfielder in the 2004 Division I National Championship game. He still holds the Naval Academy lacrosse record for the highest faceoff winning percentage. Upon graduating in 2005, Chris served in the U.S. Navy for six years, deploying three times. Upon resigning his commission, Chris spent several years in Annapolis and was a volunteer coach for the University of Maryland’s 2015 lacrosse team.
by Linsey | Jul 24, 2019
Coach Orr graduated from Clarence High School in 1955 and Allegheny College in 1969. After teaching one year in the Cleveland, Ohio Public Schools, he began his teaching career at Hamburg in 1970. From 1971 to 1978, Orr coached 9th grade basketball. For the next 18 years, from 1979 to 1995, he coached the Varsity basketball team at Hamburg. During that time, the Bulldogs won 4 Division Championships and finished second eight times, reaching the Sectional Finals four times, including two losses to the eventual state champions. His Varsity win-loss record was 218-138. Orr also was named the first ever Hamburg Varsity golf coach and held that position for 15 years from 1974 to1988. He stepped down from coaching Varsity basketball in 1995, but remained in the Hamburg basketball program for another five years, coaching both the Modified and JV teams. His overall record in 531 games coached was 349-182. Orr also served as ECIC Basketball Chairman from 1989 to 1992. In 2002, Coach Orr retired from teaching and coaching in the Hamburg Schools after 32 years. He went on to work for local athletic apparel and footwear company, Ad Pro Sports for 11 years.
by Linsey | Jul 24, 2019
Kirk, a product of the Hamburg School system K-12, reached his potential as a long distance runner in his junior and senior years of high school. The 1952 and 1953 cross country teams won the Section VI Championships. His best personal performance in cross country was placing 8th in the 1953 NYS Intersectional cross country meet in Schenectady. He was also team captain that year. After an ill-fated attempt to become a hurdler, Kirk moved up to the mile run, placing first in this event as part of the 1953 Section VI victorious Hamburg track team. As a senior, he was undefeated in the mile, set a new school record of 4:42.7 and placed first in the Sectional meet. Kirk continued his running career at Cornell University. After a 15-year hiatus, Kirk resumed long distance running, until 2010 when his right knee had had enough. This was something he truly enjoyed — at least most of the time! After serving 3 years as an Army helicopter pilot, Kirk spent his entire career in agriculture, working with growers as a marketer and manager of their organizations. He is serving his 16th year as chairman of the National Promotion Committee of the US Highbush Blueberry Council. Retiring in 2007, Kirk moved his long-time home in Michigan to Sturbridge, MA to be closer to family. He now does restoration work on the historical buildings and grounds on his son’s Massachusetts horse farm and enjoys golf, reading, local history, and travel.
