Wall Of Fame Induction At Phoenixville High Will Honor Three

PHOENIXVILLE, PA — The Phoenixville Area School District will induct three new members to its Wall of Fame on Monday evening — John J. Coll Jr., a dedicated coach and volunteer, "Big Tom" Thomas E. Mitchell who was sometimes Santa Claus, and sports journalist Barry Irvin Sankey.

The induction event happens on Monday, May 3 at 7 p.m. outside the Phoenixville Area High School, 1200 Gay Street. If the weather is inclement then the ceremony will be moved inside to the high school auditorium, the school district said. The event is sponsored by the PASD Wall of Fame Committee.

The 2020 Wall of Fame ceremony was not held because COVID-19 had shut down schools in Pennsylvania on March 13, 2020.

"This year the Wall of Fame Committee decided to combine the 2020 and 2021 ceremonies to honor all three inductees," said Sandy Claus, PASD Communications and Community Relations Coordinator.

The 2020 Inductees will be John J. Coll Jr. and the late Thomas E. Mitchell, known as "Big Tom."

John J. Coll Jr. was born and raised in Phoenixville and is a 1971 graduate of St. Pius X High School. He continued his undergraduate education at Mount Saint Mary's University graduating in 1975 with a bachelor's degree in Political Science. He then graduated from George Mason University with a Juris Doctorate in 1980. He continued on to Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law and graduated in 1987 with a Master of Laws in Taxation.

Coll is the founding partner of PFG Advisors, a financial advisory firm in Berwyn. He became a licensed investment advisor in 1989. Coll has spent many hours as a volunteer with Ann's Heart Code Blue Shelter in Phoenixville, Cure Alzheimer Fund of Philadelphia, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Holy Family Regional Elementary School, Coach at Phoenixville Marian Youth Club for field hockey, Member of the board of the Phoenixville Athletic Complex Booster Club, Coach and President of the Phoenixville Babe Ruth Baseball League.

Over 40 years of coaching, Coll has become a proponent of community-based athletics as an inexpensive means by which attributes such as perseverance, dedication, resiliency, a strong work ethic and the ability to deal with adversity can be developed.

The late Thomas E. Mitchell was born and raised in Phoenixville and was a 1969 graduate of Phoenixville Area High School where he was also a varsity wrestler. He started working at the Spring City Knitting Company after high school, but his true passion was that of being a car salesman in the Phoenixville area for over 30 years.

"Big Tom" was a dedicated volunteer to many groups in the Phoenixville area. He served on the school board, with Kiwanis, Knights of Columbus, Lion’s Club, St. Ann’s Church, PACA, Latino Board, Diversity in Action Committee, and the founder of the Phoenixville Youth Wrestling League.

For 41 years "Big Tom" served as Santa Claus, bringing the holiday spirit to the Phoenixville area. He raised funds and organized the Christmas lights on Main Street, the Christmas parade and Santa’s House.

For his community service, “Big Tom” received multiple recognitions including the Phoenixville Area Recreation Department Outstanding Service Award, Phoenixville Athletic Association Service Award, Phoenixville Health Foundation Champion of the Community, Volvo US Heroes Award, Pennsylvania State Senate Service Award, and the Phoenixville Area Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Citizen of the Year.

"Mitchell was a true Phoenixville Phantom! He loved Phoenixville and its residents. His commitment to service truly impacted the people of this community," a school district news release said.

The 2021 inductee is the late Barry Irvin Sankey.

Barry Irvin Sankey was born in Pottstown. He was a 1972 graduate of Spring-Ford Area High School. He then graduated from Temple University Cum Laude in 1976 with a bachelor's degree in journalism and political science. While at Temple he served as a reporter, editor, and managing editor for the Temple News Sports Newspaper.

After graduating from Temple, Sankey became a sportswriter for the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin, Pottstown Mercury, Spring-Ford Reporter, and the Evening Phoenix.

Sankey was an active volunteer with the Phoenixville Area School District Sports Hall of Fame Committee, President of the Congregation Mercy and Truth Synagogue in Pottstown, and a member of the Board of Directors of B’Nai Jacob Synagogue in Phoenixville. He was also a major supporter of the Phoenixville and Spring City American Legion Baseball teams.

For his many years of covering sporting events, Sankey was awarded the Who’s Who for Sports Journalism, Keystone Press Award, Managing Editors Award, and the Professional of the Year: America’s Registry of Outstanding Professionals/VIP.

"Barry was a mainstay sports reporter in my hometown for decades. The industry changed but his love for the Phoenixville Area never did. He always had a kind spirit and loved seeing locals succeed.” Kevin Neghandi, ESPN Sports Broadcaster and Phoenixville Area High School graduate in the Class of 1993.

Persons who wish to attend the induction ceremony are reminded that masks must be worn at all times. Also, all COVID-19 protocols will be adhered to.

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