‘Pinky’ Loughlin Memorial Wall of Fame to induct first members Friday
Contributed Photos – Coach John “Pinky” Loughlin
The memory and achievements of the late long time Medina High football coach John “Pinky” Loughlin is being honored with the formation of a football memorial wall of fame named in his honor.
The inaugural class of the John “Pinky” Loughlin Memorial Wall of Fame will be inducted in ceremonies just prior to the 7:30 p.m. kickoff of Medina’s game against Depew at Vets Park Friday.
Loughlin, who also served as Athletic Director for many years, guided the Medina football team for 24 years from 1955-1978 during which time his Mustangs captured 13 Niagara-Orleans League championships and won a total of 135 games. His Mustangs won the N-O title outright eight times (1955, ’58, ’64. ’70, ’72, ’73, ’74, ’77) and earned co-championships five more times (1957, ’59, ’61. ’62, ’63) compiling a career league record of 119-30-6. Overall his teams went 135-50-7.
The initial class of inductees has five former Mustang players including Ernie Clark (Class of 1956), Norm Goheen (Class of 1963), Carlton “Duke” Little (Class of 1974), David Fluellen (Class of 1983) and Jim Snyder (Class of 1989).
Large banners with the picture of each inductee will be on display along the east end zone during football season.
“There has been a push for a long time to honor Pinky in some way at Vets Park and after years of thinking about what we could do, I came up with the concept of a Wall of Fame to honor the longtime coach along with some of the great football players that played at Vet’s Park,” said Medina varsity football Coach Eric Valley. “I have been in contact with Pinky’s family and they are very excited about the wall of fame. After looking through many deserving candidates the first five were overwhelmingly agreed upon to be the initial group to be inducted Friday.”
Ernie Clark
Clark, a two-year, two-way starter at end and linebacker, helped lead Medina to the N-O championship in 1955 in what was both the Mustangs first year in the league and Loughlin’s first year at the MHS helm. Clark went on to star at Michigan State University and then to play for the Detroit Lions becoming the only Mustang alum to play in the National Football League.
Norm Goheen
Goheen, who played from 1960-62, helped lead Medina to N-O titles in both 1961 and 1962. He scored a total of 35 touchdowns in his career including 13 in 1961 and 12 in 1962.
Carlton “Duke” Little
Little, who played from 1971-73, helped the Mustangs capture division titles in both 1972 and 1973. He rushed for 1,516 yards and scored 24 touchdowns during his career. He had 7 touchdowns in 1972 and 17 in 1973.
David Fluellen
Fluellen, who played from 1980-82, helped lead Medina to division and Section VI championships in both 1980 and 1982. He had a total of 1,687 yards rushing, 691 receiving and 37 touchdowns in his career. In 1980 as a sophomore he had a game saving pass interception in the final seconds near the goal line to preserve Medna’s 20-14 sectional championship win over Silver Creek. He had 21 touchdowns and 1,103 yards rushing in 1982 when he capped off his career with a 4 touchdown effort in the Mustangs 26-7 sectional title win over Cassadaga Valley including runs of 74 and 59 yards.
Jim Snyder
Snyder, who played from 1986-88 keyed Medina to both division and sectional championships in 1988. He scored 23 touchdowns and had 1,730 yards rushing in 1988 as he earned Western New York and New York State Class B Player of the Year awards. He capped off his career by scoring both touchdowns in Medina’s 14-7 victory over rival Albion in the Section VI championship game which completed the Mustangs only 10-0 season. He had 38 touchdowns and 2,927 yards rushing for his career.
Friday will also be Family Night as Mustang players and their families will be introduced at 7 p.m.
