Quite a year, that 2016.

Elsewhere in this section, Knoch senior track and field standout Jordan Geist is lauded for his shot put and discus exploits as the Butler Eagle’s local sports story of the year.

And rightfully so.

We present the next 14 top local sports stories of the year as well.

But I can’t stop there.

Too many other notable sports items of the past year cannot fade away without due recognition.

Fond farewells — Slippery Rock High School girls basketball coach John Tabisz and Knoch football coach Mike King retired. They combined for well over 40 years of coaching at their respective schools.

Milestone of the Year — Girls basketball takes center stage here. Mars coach Dana Petruska earned her 400th career win and Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic’s Sam Breen scored her 2,000th career point.

Goodbye to legends — Longtime Butler tennis coach Dave Barnes and legendary Freeport football coaches Don Earley and Gary Kepple died in 2016.

Welcoming football home — Freeport opened its new football stadium on campus, ending decades of playing its games at antiquated Swartz Field.

Experience of the year — Butler graduate Nunzio Esposto coached one of his Duke University divers at the Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Newcomer of the Year — The Portersville Christian archery team won the state championship in just its third year of existence.

Achievement of the Year — Moniteau softball pitcher Kennedy DeMatteis tossed three no-hitters in as many days.

Breaking barriers — Butler’s girls soccer team reached the WPIAL playoffs for the first time in 13 years. Mars’ baseball team won a WPIAL playoff game for the first time in 18 years.

Play of the Year — Seneca Valley’s Gabe Miller blocking the extra point kick following a North Allegheny touchdown with no time on the clock, preserving the Raiders’ 28-27 WPIAL Class 6A semifinal football win over the rival Tigers.

End of an era — Mars saw its six-year Eagle County baseball league championship run snapped with a loss to Mars II in the finals.

Honor of the Year — Seneca Valley and Slippery Rock University graduate Brandon Fusco had his uniform No. 74 retired by The Rock.

Hot Shot of the Year — Butler’s Madden Clement won the Pa. Hoop Shoot state title, becoming the first winner of the event from Butler in 43 years.

Those are just a few more highlights as 2016 disappears.

Time to open the curtain for 2017.