Contact: Michael Mehalik
(740) 264-7176
For Immediate Release
Woroniak Recognized for 40 Years with All Stars
STEUBENVILLE- Joe Woroniak led the Jefferson County All Stars onto the basketball court to square off against
Carroll Hills on Wednesday, but he was not wearing the No. 11 jersey he’s usually donned at games.
That’s because Woroniak, of Richmond, officially retired from playing after 40 years, and although he was no
longer in the game he remains a huge part of the team. He was surprised before a packed audience in the gym at the
School of Bright Promise in Steubenville, where his coaches and teammates paid tribute to his decades of dedication.
As teammates cheered him on with signs, Assistant Coach Susie Corso called him to her side and spoke of the marvel
he has been both on and off the court.
Corso explained that Woroniak began playing at age 15 and was sidelined with arthritis, but he played as long as he
could because he simply loved the game.
“[He was] selfless in his playing and always a team player,” she added. “Joe was often a superhero on the court
with double doubles every game. We could always count on Joe to be a role model for the team. It was never about
him, yet it is tonight.”
She further described him as an All Star legend who helped the team make it to numerous state tournaments, the
last of which was in 2015 where the team was runner-up. It was at that game where he scored 14 points on his own,
but he never cared about the numbers.
“He would make a statement that we had a good game or we need to do better. We love you. You are our
inspiration,” she concluded as she presented Woroniak with the state tournament plaque.
All Stars Coach Joe Thomas echoed many of Corso’s comments, saying Woroniak was a real team player.
“He’s a selfless player and one of the best players on the team through the years. All he’s concerned about is what
we can do better,” Thomas added. “We miss him.”
Even though he doesn’t play any longer, Woroniak makes it a point to attend all of the home games and cheers on
his teammates from the sidelines. He had little to say about the recognition that evening, but his smiles, hugs, and
tears told more than words ever could.
Meanwhile, he was given flowers to present to his former coach, Mary Kay Scheutz, and his “favorite coach,”
Tomi Moore of Carroll Hills. Scheutz, who helmed the team for roughly 20 years, said Woroniak was a stellar player
and person.
“He’s always given 100 percent, even though he was hurt, he wanted to be out there playing with the team for the
School of Bright Promise,” she noted.
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The night concluded with refreshments in celebration in his honor, but Corso said the mark he’s made is indelible
and will last a lifetime.
“He inspires all of us to be better people,” she said.
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(Photo Cutline: Joe Woroniak was recognized for officially retiring from the Jefferson County All Stars
basketball team on Feb. 3 after 40 years. He is pictured with Assistant Coach Susie Corso as his teammates
look on.)