ThunderRidge’s Abby Waner Bartolotta and Widefield’s Vincent Jackson Headline the Hall of Fame Class of 2023

AURORA – The Colorado High School Activities Association Hall of Fame has announced its 34th Hall of Fame class. This eight-member group embodies the core values of the Association along with its vision of seeking excellence in academics, activities, and athletics. Each of these individuals upholds the very essence of education-based activity participation.

The CHSAA Hall of Fame Class of 2023 will honor Jan Anderson, Sue and Al Synder, Mike Palloto, Jane Silver, Linda Witt, Vincent Jackson (posthumously) and Abby Waner Bartolotta. 

“Kudos on a job well done to the CHSAA Hall of Fame selection committee. The nominees they have selected for the Class of 2023 are an incredibly deserving group of amazing individuals,” said CHSAA Commissioner Michael Krueger. “Each member of the CHSAA Hall of Fame represents a commitment to the values and benefits of involvement with interscholastic athletics and activities, this class will add greatly to this impressive and special family.”

Short bios on the inductees are included below:

Jan Anderson (Denver East) – As a teacher, Jan Anderson filled roles outside of her regular teaching duties as the school’s yearbook adviser, Student Council sponsor, and Cheer sponsor. Upon her retirement, that strong desire to serve continued as Anderson has been a mainstay. For the past 35 years, shehas served as a CHSAA official for boys and girls swim, has spent 25 years as a statistician for the CHSAA Boys and Girls State Basketball Tournament, and has volunteered for a variety of other sports.

Sue and Al Snyder (Simla) – The accomplishments of these two highly successful coaches has them being inducted into the CHSAA Hall of Fame together. While Sue Snyder was building a two-time State Champion (and four-time runners up) girls volleyball program, Al Snyder was growing his own championship resume. His girls’ basketball teams won two 2A State Championships.

Mike Palloto (Roosevelt) – After graduating from Lakewood High School and the University of Northern Colorado, Mike Pallotto entered the teaching profession at Roosevelt High School where he was taught until his retirement. As the school’s wrestling coach, the team won three state championships, finished second seven times, and third three times. Pallotto coached 33 state champions and 11 All-Americans.

Jane Silver (Mancos) – Described by many as a perfectionist, Jane “Janey” Silver worked tirelessly for nearly 30 years. In that time, the Mancos Marching Blue Jays won the Colorado Bandmasters Association (CBA) State Marching Band contest three consecutive years. Silver’s band is still considered the “Pride of the Mancos Valley.”

Linda Witt (University) – During her tenure as the girl’s gymnastics coach (1979-1993), Linda Witt led the Bulldogs to 10 Class 3A State Gymnastics titles and five runner-up finishes. Along the way, Witt earned many coaching honors, including runner-up for the National High School Athletic Coaches Association (1994), Colorado Sportswoman of the Year (1985), and the Gatorade “Coach Who Cares” Award (1993).

Vincent Jackson (Widefield) – As a straight-A student, this Widefield High School football standout was a Colorado Springs all-area and first-team all-conference pick. After being accepted to Columbia University, Vincent Jackson chose instead to attend the University of Northern Colorado. He had a highly successful college career at UNC and was then drafted by the NFL’s San Diego Chargers.

Abby Waner Bartolotta (ThunderRidge) – As one of the most talented girls’ basketball players in the state, Abby Waner Bartolotta led her ThunderRidge Grizzlies to three Class 5A Championships. Waner Bartolotta’s 27 points per game led to her becoming Colorado’s second-ranked scorer all-time. A National Girls High School Basketball Player of the Year and two-time Ms. Colorado Basketball winner, she took her basketball accolades and her 3.9 GPA to Duke University, where she scored 1,400 career points for the Blue Devils.

The Hall of Fame selection committee includes Derek Chaney (Douglas County School District), Ann Strother Abromaitis (CHSAA Hall of Fame Inductee), Joe Brown (Niwot), Adria Herscher (Overland), Dick Katte (Advisor), Stephanie Leasure (School District 11), Kevin McWain (Severance), Dan Mohrmann (Colorado Preps/Mile High Sports), and Marcia Neville (CHSAA Hall of Fame Inductee).

The committee also includes four Student Leadership State Representatives: Sydney Crouthers (Eaglecrest), Capreese Lisac (Pueblo County), John Krug III (Eaglecrest), and Maleah Perez (Niwot).

The Class of 2023 will be inducted during a ceremony on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024. The ceremony will be held at the DCSD Legacy Campus (10035 S. Peoria Street, Parker 80134).

Look for more information on this event to be posted on the CHSAA website: CHSAANow.com.