Hollywood Theater, Friday, Sept.20, 2024.
GCS Alumni Weekend, facilitated by Gowanda Boosters Club-GBC, kicks off Friday, September 20, 2024, with the HALL OF FAME ceremony at 5 p.m. at Gowanda’s Historic Hollywood Theater.
The next Hall of Fame inductee for 2024 is Sports Legend Brad John. As early as his sophomore year, Brad John excelled in three varsity sports – football, basketball, and baseball – at Gowanda Central School District.
John was a true Gowanda Panthers standout athlete. Not only was he named Most Valuable Player in all three sports, but he was also honored with multiple all-star selections and postseason awards. John played two collegiate sports, basketball and baseball, for two years at The State University of New York at Fredonia before being recruited by St. Bonaventure University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree while playing Division 1 baseball.
In football, many recall John’s touchdown that helped the 1992 undefeated Panthers clench their first-ever Section VI Championship at Rich Stadium. He was also selected to represent GCS at the Big 30 Football Game. In basketball, John broke three GCS records of which his 44-point single-game scoring record still stands. He represented GCS at Buffalo State in the Basketball All-Star Game and played for the Native American Youth Organization. In baseball, he pitched three no-hitters for GCS and played shortstop and third base. He was named to the 1993 All-Western New York First Team.
John gives back to his community as director of the Cattaraugus Community Center, overseeing fitness and sports programs including those offered at the Saylor Building and Gil Lay Memorial Sports Arena in Irving. John brings expertise as a fitness trainer and strength and conditioning coach to the Seneca Nation and provides recreation and sports programs to surrounding communities. John continues to play basketball for the Native American Sports Association as of the date of this honor.
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GCS Alumni Weekend Agenda:
Friday, September 20, 2024
5:00pm- 5:30pm: GCS Alumni, Jake Swanson on saxophone & GCS Modern Band perform during the Meet & Greet at Gowanda’s Historic Hollywood Theater
5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.: Hall of Fame Induction at the Historic Hollywood Theater. GCS Alumni Tim McKeever as Master of Ceremonies. FREE ADMISSION. Desserts will be provided by The 3 Little Piggies Eatery. Join us to hear more about our 2024 Hall of Fame Inductees or check out our Gowanda Boosters Club-GBC Facebook page.
7 p.m.-9 p.m.: Gowanda Panther Varsity Football Game – at Pine Valley CSD.
9 p.m.-11 p.m.: Gowanda Night on the Town- Hang out and hit the local party spots: Gowanda Moose Club, Palm Gardens, Wicked Glen, Slovenian Club, K & L Lanes.
Saturday, September 21, 2024
10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Craft & Vendor Show! Gowanda Fire Department, 230 Aldrich St., Gowanda. Many local artists & direct sale vendors. Basket Raffle. To benefit the Gowanda Volunteer Fire Department. Rain or shine!
**12 p.m.- 7 p.m.: G-Town Golf Tournament- Tri County Country Club, Forestville. SOLD OUT! 25 teams registered! Watch and register early next year to reserve your spot!
**5 p.m.-7 p.m.: Panther Express- NYLE Wine Tasting Train Ride with Merritt Winery. $30 each. (over 21). Reserve your tickets early. Call (716) 532-5242 or visit www.nylerailroad.com
7 p.m.: The Music of George Jones & Tammy Wynette- Maria Sebastian & Band- Buffalo Music Hall of Fame inductee! On stage at the Hollywood Theater. Plays rock, folk, classic country, pop and jazz.
Sunday, September 22, 2024:
**10:00 a.m.: Panther Prowl 5K at Gateway Park, 76 Palmer St., Gowanda. Contact Courtney Aldrich for details. Link to sign up: https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Gowanda/GHSPantherProwl5k
11 a.m.-3 p.m.: Car Show & Live Band, at The Wicked Glen
**11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. PRESALE ONLY Weidner’s Chicken BBQ at Gateway Park, 76 Palmer St., Gowanda. Benefits Gowanda Volleyball Team.
