VIDEO: Six Selected for Clarence Athletic Wall of Fame

The talent, hard work, teamwork and success of six Clarence athletics alumni and coaches was recognized as they were selected for the Clarence High School Athletic Department Wall of Fame. 

This year’s class of inductees are Mark Armstrong (2013), Mary Corbelli Konopa (1978), Kimberly Hunt (1992), Mark Kensy (Teacher/Coach), Robert Maley (1982) and Stephanie Turner (2006). The group will be inducted during a ceremony at 5 p.m. on Friday, October 10 at the Clarence High School auditorium. The event will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/@ClarenceCentralSchoolDistrict/streams. 

The wall recognizes and honors alumni who have brought distinction to the Clarence Athletic Program through their leadership, participation, or support. The honor is open to student athletes who graduated at least five years ago, retired coaches and administrators, and others who have provided meritorious service. For more information about the Clarence High School Athletic Department Wall of Fame, visit https://www.clarenceschools.org/athletics/wall-of-fame.

Meet this year’s class:

Mark Armstrong (2013)

Mark Armstrong competed in three sports throughout his time at Clarence High School. He competed in football, hockey, and baseball. Mark earned nine Varsity Red Letters and is arguably the most decorated baseball player in Clarence History. In the fall, Mark was a member of the varsity football team for three years. He was a three-year starter at quarterback. 

Mark participated in hockey during the winter for two years. His team was the first team at Clarence to win the league title. He received All-League and All-Section VI 1st Team honors. For his efforts, he was awarded the coveted White Letter Award and the Bob Armstrong Memorial Award. 

Baseball was Mark’s real pride and joy. He played on the varsity for four years. He attributes much of his success to his coach Dave Smith. Mark achieved All-ECIC and All-WNY 1st Team for two years. He won the White Letter Award as well during his junior and senior year. Mark led his team to the State Championship and although that team came up short, his talents led him to be named to the All-State Team. He was awarded the New York State Gatorade Player of the Year honor. 

Mark was the Male Athlete of the Year at Clarence in 2013 and after graduation, he was selected in the third round of the Major League Baseball draft.

Mary Corbelli Konopa (1978)

Mary Corbelli Konopa competed in four varsity sports throughout her tenure at Clarence High School. During her time at Clarence, Mary participated in field hockey, volleyball, basketball, and softball every season. She earned ten Varsity Red Letters. 

Mary never missed a single practice or game, maintaining a perfect attendance throughout her time at Clarence High School. She was recognized not only for her athletic ability, but also for her leadership and strong commitment to team spirit. 

Mary played varsity field hockey for two years earning ECIC and Division II All-Star honors. She was a co-captain her senior year.

Mary competed in varsity volleyball for two years earning Division All-Star honors. 
She played varsity basketball for two years earning ECIC First Team All-Star honors. Mary led her team in steals and assists as part of “Charlie’s Angels.” That team captured the Section VI Championship. 

In the spring Mary competed in varsity softball for four years. She was a true competitor driven to win and improve her skills. Mary was a leader by example with an unwavering work ethic. 
Mary and her teammates’ commitment and enthusiasm paved the way for future female athletes and Title IX. 

She went on to Cortland State College, where she majored in physical education while competing in field hockey. 

Kimberly Hunt (1992)

Kimberly Hunt competed in three sports throughout her time at Clarence High School. She competed at the varsity level in cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track for five years. She earned fifteen Varsity Red Letters. Kimberly is the daughter of John Hunt, a Class of 2016 Clarence Athletic Wall of Fame inductee. 

In cross country, Kimberly was a member of the undefeated ECIC and Sectional Championship teams for five consecutive years. Her teams qualified for the State and Federation Championships all five years. In 1988 the team placed second in the Class B State Championship. In 1991, Kimberly was a member of the team that won the New York State Championship. 

In the winter, Kimberly ran indoor track. She competed in the 1000-meter and 1500-meter runs. Kimberly was also a member of the 4 x 400 and 4 x 800 relay teams. Those teams won numerous championships throughout her time at Clarence. For her efforts, Kimberly won the White Letter Award in her senior year. 

Kimberly ran outdoor track in the spring. She excelled in being a member of the 4 x 400 and 4 x 800 relay teams. Kimberly was a captain during her senior year. 
Kimberly was awarded the Female Athlete of the Year as well as the Jack Hesslink Scholarship for her efforts. 

She went on to Fredonia State University where she competed all four years in cross-country, indoor track and outdoor track.

Mark Kensy (Teacher/Coach)

Mark Kensy taught physical education in Clarence for thirty-five years. He began his career at Ledgeview and Sheridan Hill Elementary Schools. Mark continued at Clarence High School before moving to Harris Hill Elementary for thirty-one years.

Mark has always had a special way of using humor and life experiences to impact his students and athletes. 

Mark has coached many sports at Clarence including varsity football for twenty-eight years. His role as the assistant coach was as the defensive coordinator. His teams won many League and Sectional Championships and competed in three Far West Regional competitions in 1998, 2010, and 2023. Upon his retirement he continued being a part of the Red Devil Football Program by being a volunteer assistant for five years. 

Mark has also earned the reputation as one of the finest basketball coaches in WNY and New York State while coaching in the Maryvale School District. In 1999 he earned the ECIC 20-year Service Award. Maryvale honored him by inducting him to their Athletic Wall of Fame in 2010. 

In 2024, Mark was inducted into the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame by the Basketball Coaches Association of New York, Inc. 

Robert Maley (1982) 

Robert Maley competed in three sports throughout his time at Clarence High School. He participated in football, basketball, and baseball. Robert excelled as an honor roll student-athlete earning eight Varsity Red Letters, two in football, and three in basketball and baseball. 

Depending on the sport and coach, Robert was also known as “Bert” to coaches, Howard Johnt and Charlie Donnor and “Bob” by Glenn Faust. 

In fall, Robert competed in varsity football for two years. He was the starting safety as a junior on the 1980 Red Devils who went 9-1 and captured the Section VI Championship at Rich Stadium. As a senior, Robert moved to quarterback leading the Devils to an 8-1 record and a share of the Division Title. For his efforts, Robert earned two Division II Second Team All-Star honors. 

Robert participated in varsity basketball for three years. He led his team in scoring and assists during his junior and senior seasons with back-to-back ECIC A-2 playoff appearances. For his efforts, Robert earned Most Valuable Player twice, and was a recipient of the coveted White Letter Award. Robert was honored by being named to the ECIC Division I All-Star Second Team both years. 

In the spring, Robert was a three-year starter on the varsity baseball team. He contributed as a pitcher, third baseman, and outfielder. 

Stephanie Turner (2006)

Stephanie Turner, Class of 2006, was a three-sport varsity athlete who competed in volleyball, basketball, and softball. She was a standout multi-sport athlete whose dedication, leadership, and talent left a legacy both on the court and in the community. Throughout her career at Clarence, she earned eight Varsity Red Letters, four in volleyball, three in basketball, and one in softball. 

In the fall, Stephanie competed in volleyball. She was a four-year starter. Stephanie was named to the All-ECIC and Buffalo News All-Western New York teams three times. As a senior, she earned Second Team All-State honors. Stephanie was the team captain and earned the White Letter Award as well as Scholar Athlete recognition. 

Stephanie played basketball during the winter. She was a three-year starter contributing to a Sectional Championship. She earned her second coveted White Letter Award as well as her second Scholar Athlete recognition. 

Stephanie played one year of varsity softball and helped the team to the state tournament as a sophomore. 

Academically, Stephanie was just as dedicated, earning Honor Roll all four years, National Honor Society membership, and the prestigious Williams College Book Award.  For her efforts she was named Female Athlete of the Year as a senior. She continued her athletic career at East Carolina University, earning a full athletic scholarship for volleyball.