Dryden Athletics
2004 Hall of Fame Inductees
Paul “Buddy” Lang
Paul “Buddy” Lang has been a continuous influence in Dryden Athletics for 34 years and over 75
seasons. He led Dryden baseball/softball teams to over 150 wins and basketball teams to over 200
wins. In boys and girls basketball, Buddy won seven divisional titles, seven IAC Championships,
two sectional championships, and one NYS regional championship. Buddy was the head coach
during the longest winning streak in Section IV girl’s basketball for 44 games. In baseball and
softball, Buddy won five divisional championships and four IAC championships. Buddy was also
part of a football coaching staff that won three IAC championships, four divisional championships,
and a Section IV playoff team. Paul “Buddy” Lang has coached more contests than anyone in the
history of Dryden athletics. Already recognized for his achievements as an athlete, Paul “Buddy”
Lang is a member of the Ithaca High School, Section IV, and the University of Buffalo Hall of Fame.
Unprecedented is the most fitting way to describe Paul “Buddy” Lang’s reign as a coach at Dryden.
From years invested, to games won, and most importantly to athletes influenced, no one has had
more success.
Lee Stuttle, Graduated 1982
Lee led his football, basketball, and track teams to a great success. As a track athlete, he was a
five-time IAC champion in the long jump, high jump, and triple jump. In his senior year, he was also
the Section IV Triple Jump Champion. His triple jump record stood for 23 years at Dryden. In
football, Lee was starting quarterback and defensive back on Dryden’s championship team. Lee
and the Dryden football team were ranked fourth in the state. On the court, Lee was named the
basketball MVP for the 1981-1982 season. His stellar accomplishments in high school led to his
Best Athlete Award for the Class of 1982. Lee did not let graduation stop his competitive nature; at
the ages of 30 and 31, he won bronze medals in the Men’s Open Division of the Long Jump at the
Empire State Games.
Lee continues to inspire his drive to succeed and excel in the current Dryden athletes as a football
and track coach. He has led his track team to numerous championships, helping to develop future
Hall of Fame inductees.
Kenneth T. Brown, Jr., Graduated 1947
Stellar athlete ability in soccer, football, baseball, basketball, and track was exactly what Ken Brown
exhibited. He owns the title of recording the first ever grand slam in Dryden history. With his talents
on the diamond, Ken was able to be a part of a baseball team that was always a contender in the
league. As a football star, Ken had several 100 yard rushing games and scored numerous
touchdowns. Dryden was only the beginning for Ken Brown. He was a varsity soccer letterman
from 1951-1954 at Ithaca College. High School athletics are a very important part of his life and
helped to sustain Ken during his time in the U.S. Army.
A decorated athlete, war veteran, and FBI agent, Ken has led an extraordinary life. To know that
Dryden athletics and the lessons learned helped him with all of his success should be an inspiration
to all athletes and non-athletes alike.
John Snyder, Graduation 1971
As a quarterback, John led the 1969 football team to an undefeated league championship season.
He was named as a 2nd team all IAC quarterback in 1970. John was a star on the baseball diamond
as well. Not only was John a part of a football league championship team; he also contributed to the
1969 and 1971 baseball championship teams. In his junior year, he pitched a no-hitter and as a
senior, he was named as a 1st team All-Star at third base. On the mats is where John shined the
brightest; he was an undefeated IAC wrestling champion three years in a row leading his team to
IAC team championships in 1970 and 1971. John placed 5th at sectionals his junior year and
improved to 4th his senior year.
As a top athlete in three sports, John inspired excellence on all levels. His excellence led John to
his outstanding athletic achievements.
Gloria Zirbel
If you talk about girl’s sports at Dryden, you are talking about Gloria Zirbel. Under Gloria’s guidance,
five teams have gone on to IAC championships. As a coach for over 30 years and nine sports, she
motivated young women to pursue their goals and live out their dreams. In the 1950’s, Gloria
established the GAA Gold Cup Trophy for the Most Outstanding Senior Athlete. Not only was Gloria
an outstanding varsity coach, she was also an advocate. Before Title IX and equal opportunities for
girls in sports came about, Gloria was fighting for what she believed in. As the number of girls
championships increase year after year, Gloria’s efforts are again felt and appreciated.
Doug Smith, Graduated 1965
A decorated high school and college athlete, Doug Smith impressed all who saw him play. Doug
played football and track, but he made heads turn when he wrestled. He was a two-time Tri-County
wrestling champion, a two-time Section IV champion, and a state champion his senior year. Doug
took his amazing wrestling ability to the collegiate level and continued his dominance. In 1971, while
at TC3, he was a national qualifier and the first regional wrestling champion for TC3. In 1973, Doug
became the first person ever recruited to Niagara County Community College’s wrestling program.
He was the Freshman Eastern Champion. Doug has previously been inducted in the Region 3 Hall
of Fame as well as the Niagara County Community College Hall of Fame.
A Who’s Who among junior college students, Doug Smith has become a name to be recognized for
ages in Dryden’s wrestling program and in the entire athletic community.
Deb Prignon Tvaroha, Graduated 1978
As a freshman, Deb was a started on the field hockey, volleyball, basketball and softball teams. Her
freshman year she was part of an IAC Champion Field Hockey team. As a basketball star, she
helped her team to three IAC Championships as well as a Section IV championship in 1978. Deb
earned yet another IAC championship in softball in 1977. A four-sport athlete for her entire high
school career, Deb raises the bar for all female athletes. Deb extends her gratitude to Coach Lang
and Coach Zirbel who inspired her and helped her become the outstanding Dryden athlete that is
being honored.
Deb was a leader from the moment she stepped on the court, field or diamond. She helped create
an era of women dominating Dryden athletics. Deb Prignon Tvaroha is in a league of her own.
Bobbi Lynn Hamilton, Graduated 1994
Diving into the record books was something Bobbi Lynn Hamilton did quite easily. Bobbi was the
IAC diving champion four years in a row. She finished second at the state diving meet and still holds
league and school diving records. As a high school senior, Bobbi Lynn was placed as a top six AllAmerican athlete. She took her dominance from high school to college where she competed in the
Junior Olympics on 3-meter springboard.
Bobbi continued to showcase her talents at the University of Kentucky. Bobbi also played softball
and was a cheerleader in high school. At the age of four, Bobbi Lynn began her other love, twirling.
Six years later, Bobbi Lynn had her first National title and was on her way to winning several World
championships.
Domination in a sport had never before been seen, like the dominance of Bobbi Lynn Hamilton on
the diving board. She has taken her skill and training to new levels in teaching yoga to children as
well as producing her own PBS program.
Bill Finnerty, Sr., Graduated 1954
Voted best athlete in 1953 and co-best senior athlete in 1954 was an accurate way to describe Bill’s
accomplishments in high school athletics. A four-sport athlete in football, baseball, basketball and
track, Bill excelled at them all. In 1953, Bill was on the Tri-County championship team. As part of
the 880-yard relay team, they became a force to be reckoned with, taking first place in several
events. Bill also ran the 880 low hurdles and since he didn’t have any, he made a pair. The only
time he ran hurdles was in competition; unfortunately for his opponents, Bill was a quick learner. He
took first place in the Western Division Class B meet. He placed in the top three to move on to
Class A finals, but was unable to compete due to a baseball injury.
While Bill may have had a hard time playing a whole game of basketball due to some untimely fouls,
he will have no problem staying in the Hall of Fame. He is the eldest of three generations of Dryden
athletes of whom will surely follow in his success.