5 Super Athletes With Ties To Wilkes-Barre

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Wilkes-Barre area, these values have shaped some truly remarkable athletes from different eras, whose accomplishments continue to inspire.

Patch has teamed up with T-Mobile to spotlight five standout athletes whose achievements have left a lasting mark on our community. While this list is just a snapshot, there are countless others who have helped shape the rich sports culture in our area.

1. Kimberly Smith (Basketball)

A standout multi-sport athlete, Kimberly Smith made her mark in basketball at Wyoming Valley West High School, earning MVP honors and leading her team to a Division AAA championship. At Wilkes University, she dominated on both ends of the court, earning multiple MVP awards and setting records, including the most blocked shots in a game. Smith was inducted into the Wilkes University Hall of Fame in 2003, cementing her legacy in Luzerne County sports history.

2. Rebecca McGraw (Running)

A trailblazer in Luzerne County track and field, Rebecca McGraw played a key role in establishing the girls’ cross-country and track teams at G.A.R. Memorial High School. She won multiple state championships in the 800m and 1600m, setting a course record at the 1995 PIAA Cross Country State Championship. After continuing her career at the University of Maryland, she later became a dedicated coach, marathon runner and community leader, and was inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame.

3. Al Bedner (Football)

One of the early pioneers of professional football, Al Bedner was a standout at Wilkes-Barre High School before playing collegiately at Lafayette College. A versatile athlete, he competed in wrestling, boxing, and track, earning All-American honorable mention in football. He went on to play three seasons in the NFL with the Frankford Yellow Jackets and the New York Giants, appearing in the Giants' inaugural 1925 season. After his playing days, Bedner remained a respected figure in Luzerne County, later being inducted into the county’s sports hall of fame.

4. Ray Black (Baseball)

A Wilkes-Barre native, Ray Black overcame early injuries to become one of the hardest-throwing pitchers in Major League Baseball. After recovering from Tommy John surgery in high school, he played at the University of Pittsburgh before being drafted by the San Francisco Giants in 2011. Known for his 100+ mph fastball, Black debuted in the majors in 2018, later pitching for the Milwaukee Brewers. Following his professional retirement, he transitioned into coaching, sharing his expertise with young athletes at the RailRiders University winter camp.

5. Britton Chance (Sailing)

Born in Wilkes-Barre, Britton Chance was not only a brilliant scientist but also an Olympic gold medalist in sailing. He won the 5.5 Metre Class event at the 1952 Summer Olympics, showcasing his skill in competitive sailing. Beyond athletics, Chance was a pioneering biophysicist as well as an innovator in racing sail design. His contributions to both sports and science earned him worldwide recognition, including the National Medal of Science.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.