Galway Central School District is proud to induct four new members into its Athletic Wall of Fame on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Junior/Senior High School Auditorium.  

Bill Brundige, Class of 1986

Bill Brundige was a three sport varsity athlete at Galway High School. He played five years of varsity soccer, three years of varsity basketball, and four years of varsity baseball, winning a Section II title in each sport.

During his high school career, Bill was named All League in each sport (twice for soccer and baseball), Section II First Team in soccer, and co-MVP in baseball. He went on to play baseball at Union College for four years.

Joel Schaperjahn, Class of 1997

Joel Schaperjahn played competitive sports throughout his years at Galway Central School District. Elementary and middle school were filled with great basketball memories with Coach Jay Anderson and Coach Jim Davenport. In seventh grade, Joel decided to give running a try and finished his first season with several wins.

Joel’s high school athletic accomplishments include: 

• 1994-95 and 95-96 Tri-Valley League Cross Country All-Star
• 1995-96 and 96-97, State Cross Country Meet
• 1996-97, Tri-Valley League Cross Country Academic All-Star
• 1996-97, Tri-Valley League Basketball Academic All-Star
• 1996-97, Tri-Valley League Cross Country Champion and All-Star
• 1996-97, Section II Basketball All-Star
• 1995-96 and 96-97, Steeplechase League Champion
• 1996-97, School Steeplechase Record
• 1996-97, National Junior Olympics - made the national team in Steeplechase 
• 1996-97, Section II Basketball Runner-Up, Class C

Emma Smith, Class of 2019

Emma Smith was a standout three-sport athlete in varsity volleyball, basketball, and softball. She held a starting position for three years on the varsity volleyball team, two years on the varsity basketball team, and five years on the varsity softball team.

Emma started playing softball when she was four-years old, and her love for the game only grew as she got older. She was asked to play as the starting shortstop on the varsity softball team in eighth grade, and by tenth grade, she was the starting pitcher. A few of Emma’s accolades while playing for Galway include a .678 batting average and over 300 career strikeouts. Emma was a three-time WAC FirstTeam All-Star and WAC Second Team All-Star.

Emma was the starting outside hitter in volleyball her sophomore and junior years, and moved to the starting setter her senior year. Emma and her team were WAC Champions, Section II champions, Section II runners-up, Regional champions, and finalists at the NY State Class C final four in 2016. Emma earned multiple WAC All-Star recognitions including First Team WAC All-Star and WAC Co-Setter of the Year. Emma also earned a NYS All-State Fifth Team award her sophomore year and an NYS All-State Third Team award her senior year. Emma reached over 1,000 career digs, was named an Under Armor AVCA Phenom, and was on the All-American WatchList. In 2019, Galway recognized Emma’s athletic talent when naming her the Female Athlete of the Year.

Emma continued her athletic career at St. John Fisher University in Rochester while pursuing a degree in nursing. In her freshman year, Emma earned a starting outfield position on the nationally-ranked softball team. Unfortunately, that season was cut short due to Covid-19. In her sophomore and junior years, she continued as a starter in the outfield and at second base and was named to the Empire 8 All-Conference Team. In 2021, Emma and her team earned a bid to the 2021 NCAA Division III Championships. 

In addition to softball, Emma also earned a walk-on spot on the Fisher Volleyball team two years in a row, before having to medically retire from sports her senior year. She continued to show her love for all sports by returning to Galway to help coach the volleyball and softball teams for the last three years. 

Richard C. Gray, Coach

Richard “Dick” Gray was an extraordinary educator, coach, mentor, and community figure who devoted 37 years of service to the Galway Central School District. Known for his unwavering commitment to his students and his enduring passion for athletics and racing, Mr. Gray’s legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched. 

A native of Johnstown, New York, Dick grew up between Rockwood and Ephrata and graduated at the top of his class from Johnstown High School in 1965. During his high school years, he was a standout athlete, participating in basketball, track, and cross-country - experiences that laid the foundation for his future as a remarkable coach.

Dick earned his Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education from SUNY Brockport in 1969 and soon began his lifelong career at Galway Central School. Over nearly four decades, he taught at all educational levels—elementary, middle, and high school—and served not only as a health and physical education teacher but also as a beloved coach and mentor. He began coaching in 1971 and led the Galway Eagles basketball teams to multiple state championships in the 1970s.

Beyond the classroom and basketball court, Dick was a dedicated racing enthusiast. From 1974 to 1986 he raced the 47G dirt modified around Central New York and considered Fonda Speedway his home track. Even after an automobile accident in 1986 left him paralyzed, he remained active in the racing world, co-owning Caroga Creek Speedway and building websites for local drivers.

Despite immense personal challenges, Mr. Gray continued to teach, adapting to his new reality with determination and grace. He transitioned from chalkboards to digital presentations and inspired all who knew him with his courage. In recognition of his resilience and impact, he was honored with the “Profile in Courage Award”—later renamed the Richard C. Gray Profile and Courage Award.

Among his many accolades, Dick was named Teacher of the Year by the National Honor Society and had the 1990 Piper Yearbook dedicated in his honor. He also served as Athletic Director and was active in youth programs, including the “It’s OK to Say No” initiative promoting healthy choices among students.

Dick Gray passed away 19 years ago, yet his memory remains vibrant in the hearts of his friends, family, colleagues, and former students. He often said he wanted to teach as many years in a wheelchair as he did on his feet—a goal he proudly surpassed with 17 years standing and 20 years in the chair. His life was a powerful testament to perseverance, passion, and purpose.