The Stillwater Central School District is honored to present this year’s induction class for the 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame. The five profiles below detail the extraordinary accomplishments of each inductee since their graduation from Stillwater High School.
“The efforts of our teams, coaches, athletes, and supporters have brought honor, recognition and excellence to Stillwater Central School District. With the addition of this year’s class, a total of 34 individuals and seven teams have been inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame.”
The Stillwater Athletic Hall of Fame was established in 2007; its purpose is to recognize and honor the achievements of inductees and develop pride in the rich athletic traditions at Stillwater. This year’s induction ceremony will take place on Friday, Dec. 20 between the boys junior varsity and varsity basketball games.
Congratulations to the Athletic Hall of Fame, Class of 2024!
Nick Esopi (Class of 1998)
Nick Esopi was a distinguished member of the Class of 1998 and left an indelible mark on the school’s sports legacy with his remarkable athletic accomplishments.
An essential member of the baseball team, Esopi led the squad through its historic 1998 season, culminating in a state championship win. He also played an integral role in the team’s regional and league championship victories the same year. His outstanding achievements on the field earned him the New York State Class C Co-Player of the Year Award and the Wasaren League MVP title.
During the State Championship, Esopi had a standout performance, pitching five hitless innings and striking out 13 batters, earning a special place in the hearts of fans and teammates. His senior year statistics include a pitching record of 8-1 with a 1.59 ERA, accumulating 115 strikeouts in 66 innings. At the plate, he boasted a batting average of .398, hitting six home runs and driving in 33 runs.
Esopi’s career statistics are also impressive, with a pitching record of 24-3 and a remarkable 1.17 ERA over 181 innings. His talent led him to set two school records, achieving a total of 310 career strikeouts and earning a notable 117 strikeouts in only 43 innings. Moreover, he once held the Section 2 public high school record for 20 strikeouts in a single game (seven innings) during the 1998 season.
In addition to his baseball accolades, Esopi was a force to be reckoned with on the basketball court, scoring a total of 1,144 career points. During his senior year, he averaged 26.1 points per game, finishing second overall in Section 2. He also managed to score 30 or more points in six games and made 71 three-pointers that season. Esopi’s incredible accomplishments earned him the Wasaren League Basketball MVP, in addition to a league championship title.
Furthermore, Esopi’s athleticism extended to the football field where he was a varsity starter from 1995 to 1997. With a strong commitment to athletics, Esopi continued playing baseball after graduation, serving as a pitcher for Columbia Greene Community College.
Esopi’s induction into the Stillwater High School Athletic Hall of Fame highlights his relentless dedication and exceptional talent in sports and will forever be remembered as one of the school’s most elite athletes.
Jay Peacock
Jay Peacock is a distinguished physical therapist and athletic trainer renowned for his outstanding contributions to Stillwater High School’s athletic program.
For over 30 years, Peacock dedicated countless hours to supporting Stillwater athletes as a volunteer athletic trainer. His passion for sports – especially football and baseball – was bolstered by Peacock’s extensive experience as an assistant coach, where he spent 25 years in football and five years in baseball. He was also instrumental in establishing the Stillwater Battle Football Program and remained actively involved in the organization for years.
As a student-athlete, Peacock excelled at the two sports he loved, football and baseball. He was a key member of the varsity football team in 1986 and 1987, earning the lineman spot on the All-League team in 1987. Moreover, Peacock showcased his leadership skills on the baseball field as the team’s co-captain in 1987 and played a vital role in the teams’ successes during the 1986 and 1987 seasons.
In addition to his athletic achievements, Peacock served on the Stillwater Board of Education for over a decade, reflecting his unwavering commitment to all generations of the Stillwater community.
Gilbert “Gibby” Travis (Class of 1977)
Stillwater High School proudly announces the induction of Gilbert “Gibby” Travis into its Athletic Hall of Fame for 2024. A standout athlete from the Class of 1977, Gibby has left a remarkable legacy in both basketball and baseball.
Gibby made history as the first Stillwater basketball player to score over 1,000 points, finishing his career with an impressive total of 1,060 points during the two-point era. He was also the first freshman to earn a spot on the varsity basketball team, where he played for four consecutive years from 1973 to 1977. His talent did not go unnoticed, as he was named the team MVP in 1976 and 1977.
In addition to his basketball accomplishments, Gibby excelled on the baseball field. He was a key member of the varsity baseball team for four years and served as team captain in 1977. Under his leadership, the team clinched the Tri-League Championship that same year. Gibby’s outstanding performance earned him recognition as a member of the Times Union All-Area Baseball Team in 1977 and the Most Improved Player for the varsity baseball team in 1974.
Beyond his high school athletic career, Gibby has actively contributed to the community by co-founding Stillwater’s Biddy Ball and Tee-Ball Leagues. He served as President of the Stillwater Athletic Association from 1990 to 1993 and as Vice President from 2013 to 2016. Gibby remains involved in sports, currently playing in two men’s baseball leagues for those aged over 55 and over 65.
The legacy of Gilbert “Gibby” Travis serves as an inspiration to current and future generations of athletes at Stillwater High School.
Leah Mullis (Moran)
In an impressive display of athletic prowess, Leah Mullis (Moran) has been inducted into the Stillwater High School Athletic Hall of Fame for 2024. A standout athlete, Mullis has left an indelible mark on the track and field scene, particularly in the long jump and triple jump events.
Her remarkable achievements began in 2014 when she won the New York State Championships in both the long jump and triple jump. That same year, she also secured victories as the Sectional Champion and League Champion in both events. Mullis’ talents were not limited to outdoor track; she dominated indoor competitions as well, capturing multiple titles including the Indoor Long Jump and Triple Jump Sectional and League Championships.
Mullis showcased her skills at the national level, earning 6th place in the Freshman Long Jump Nationals in 2013. Her accolades continued to grow, with additional state championships at Holy Names in 2015 for both long jump and triple jump. Notably, she set the Section 2 record in the triple jump with a remarkable distance of 40’00”.
Her collegiate career at Indiana University further solidified her status as a top-tier athlete. She became the record holder for both indoor and outdoor triple jump events and claimed the Big Ten Championship titles in outdoor triple jump in 2019 and 2021, as well as the indoor long jump title in 2019.
Mullis’ dedication to her sport led her to the 2020 Olympic Trials, where she placed 10th in the triple jump. Her illustrious career has also earned her a place in the Greater Capital Region Track & Field & Cross Country Hall of Fame, recognizing her contributions and achievements in athletics.
Leah Mullis (Moran) stands as an inspiration to future generations of athletes at Stillwater High School and beyond, embodying the spirit of excellence in sports.
2018 & 2019 Girls’ Soccer State Championship Teams
Stillwater High School is proud to announce the induction of the remarkable girls’ soccer teams from 2018 and 2019 into the Athletic Hall of Fame. These teams exemplified teamwork, dedication, and sportsmanship, achieving extraordinary success on the field.
Under the leadership of Head Coach Christine Ihnatolya, the 2018 team had an impressive season. Their overall record was 22 wins, 0 losses, and 1 tie, with a league record of 13 wins, 0 losses, and 1 tie. They proudly claimed the title of Wasaren League Champions.
The team showcased remarkable offensive and defensive skills, scoring 129 goals while conceding only 16 goals throughout the season, achieving 11 shutouts.
Following the remarkable success of the previous year, the 2019 girls’ soccer team continued the legacy with another outstanding season. They finished with an overall record of 21 wins, 0 losses, and 2 ties, and a perfect league record of 9 wins and 0 losses, also securing the title of Wasaren League Champions.
In 2019, the team scored 125 goals while allowing 21 goals against them, resulting in 10 shutouts during the season. These two championship teams have not only brought pride to Stillwater but have also set a high standard for future athletes. The Hall of Fame induction is a testament to their hard work, talent, and dedication to the sport. Congratulations to both teams for their outstanding achievements!