Congratulations to the 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame Recipients:
Brandon Arnsberger~ Class of 2012 (accepted by his father)
With 117 career wins, Brandon made a name for himself early on, placing 8th in the PIAA AA state tournament in 2010 and, just two years later, securing another 8th place finish in the PIAA AAA state tournament. In addition to being a 2-time state medalist, he was also a 3-time district champion.
Kendel Dixon ~ Class of 2005
As a standout member of the track and field team, Kendel was a three-time PIAA District 1 Qualifier in the 400-meter, showcasing his talent and commitment. In his senior year, he took his performance to the next level, becoming the 2005 District champion in the 400-meter and leading the team as captain. His leadership and speed propelled him to a school record in the 400-meter, a mark that still stands today. Additionally, he was a key member of the 4x100 relay team, which qualified for districts twice, finishing 2nd and 5th. In 2005, he capped off his high school career as a PIAA two A State Championship qualifier in the 400-meter, demonstrating his dedication and excellence on the track.
Kendel’s athletic journey continued at Kutztown University, where he competed with the same passion and determination that defined his high school career. He became a three-time member of the All-PSAC 4x400m relay team and left his mark on Kutztown’s history as well. He holds the 5th best outdoor 400-meter men’s time in program history with an impressive 47.95, as well as the 5th best indoor time of 49.13, a nationally provisional mark. Kendel is also part of the top 10 indoor 4x400m relay team, with a time of 3:20.19, further solidifying his legacy as an outstanding collegiate athlete.
But Kendel’s passion for track and field didn’t stop with his own accomplishments—he went on to inspire others as a coach. At Kutztown, he coached the men’s and women’s teams, guiding the women’s team to the 3rd all-time mark in program history. After returning home to Octorara, he continued to make a difference by coaching the girls’ 4x100m relay team to a 6th place finish at the 2011 PIAA AAA State Championship. He also helped guide Octorara’s 400-meter athletes to a PIAA District 3 AAA 4th place finish and played a pivotal role in setting the 2024 girls’ 400-meter school record, along with leading several athletes to top 10 marks.
Cierra Runge ~ Class of 2014
Her journey took her to some of the most prestigious programs in collegiate swimming, including the University of California-Berkeley, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Arizona State University. During her time in the PAC 12, Cierra became a PAC 12 Record Holder, PAC 12 Champion, and was honored as the PAC 12 Swimmer of the Meet.
But Cierra’s accomplishments didn’t stop there. She went on to break American and NCAA Division 1 records, and in 2015, she became both an NCAA Division 1 individual and team champion. She also earned the distinction of being a 4-time NCAA All-American. These accomplishments were just the beginning of a journey that would see her represent the United States on the world stage, bringing pride not just to Octorara but to the entire nation.
Internationally, Cierra’s career boasts victories that span the globe. In 2012, she claimed a silver medal at the Junior Pan Pacific Games. In 2013, at the FINA World Junior Championships, she took home four medals, including gold in the 4x200-meter freestyle relay. She continued her dominance with a silver medal in the 400-meter freestyle and top placements in multiple events at the 2014 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships.
Her dedication culminated in representing Team USA at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, where she secured a gold medal in the 4x200-meter freestyle relay—a moment of triumph that commemorates her as an Olympic champion. And, as if that wasn’t enough, Cierra went on to win another gold at the 2017 FINA World Championships.
Season 2 is here. Pod Sup Podcast with Hall of Fame inductees Cierra Runge and Kendel Dixon. https://rss.com/podcasts/podsup
Congratulations on the 2024 Golden Apple winners (from the right) Kelly Doughtie, Christy Spoto, Edgar Rosa, Tom Imms.
