ADAMS TWP — After not electing an induction class for 20 years, the Mars Sports Hall of Fame continues to make up for it.

Last year, the hall took in its first honorees since 1987, and the 2008 class was announced recently.

It includes six female athletes, six male athletes and three coaches who will be inducted at a ceremony at 5 p.m. Sept. 5 at Mars Middle School.

The event will precede the Mars football team's home game against Hopewell.

With so many deserving athletes and coaches, the selection committee chose to have another large class.

"There were years when just one person got in and I think the most they ever took in during the early years was four," said Mars Sports Hall of Fame president Tim Tyler. "And then there were 20 years where they didn't take anybody.

"We aren't going to have classes of 15 people every year," he added.

Last year's event produced a lot of positive feedback.

"It went great," said Tyler. "I had some of the members who got in last year tell me how honored they were and that they were so glad we started it up again. Members of the community were pleased as well."

Like many high school halls of fame, Mars' focuses on the nominee's accomplishments while at the school.

"High school achievements, that's the biggest thing we look at," said Tyler. "We've had kids come through here who were great athletes and end up not going to college, but they should be honored."

Forty nominations were received by the selection committee.

Tyler should know by the beginning of August which inductees will attend the ceremony.

"Hopefully, we'll have most of them here," he said. "Many of them still live in the area."

Any nominations received from this point will be considered for the 2009 class. Nominations for teams will be accepted as well.

A $20 ticket will buy admission to the hall of fame ceremony and the football game.

For details, contact Mars athletic director Scott Heinauer at 724-625-9380.

The Mars Sports Hall of Fame recently selected its 2008 induction class. The new members will be honored at a ceremony at 5 p.m. Sept. 5 at Mars Middle School.<B>Name...............Class...............Primary Sport</B>Glenda Mahan-Conley...............1969...............BasketballLiz Hawkins-McMeekin...............1973...............BasketballDonna Eckstein-Dallatore...............1974...............Track and FieldLeslie Aiken-Brooks...............1977...............BasketballCarolyn Shott...............1978...............BasketballLeatrice Totin-Krivyanski...............1981...............Track and FieldDennis Clark...............1971...............FootballEdward A. Totin Jr................1972...............Track and FieldJames Hardt...............1980...............Cross CountryMike Hensel...............1983...............FootballRussell Ford...............1983............... FootballWayne Santom...............1988............... Cross Country<B>Coaches</B>Clem Papik...............(1964-90)...............Cross Country and Track and FieldDave Skurcenski...............Basketball