On Tuesday, the WPIAL Sports Hall of Fame announced the Class of 2008 at the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, Strip District.

Just like last year's inaugural hall of fame class, this year's inductees read like a who's who of the best athletic talent the Pittsburgh region has ever seen.

Many people know about the exploits of Dick Groat and his Major League Baseball career.

He was an important part of the Pittsburgh Pirates organization for several years and helped the Bucs capture the 1960 World Series.

What might not be well known was his prowess in baseball and basketball at Swissvale High School and his strong play for the Swissvale American Legion baseball team.

Other inductees made their mark locally and then went on to stardom on the college or professional scene.

Chuck Klausing led Braddock High School to six straight WPIAL AA football titles from 1954 to 1959 and won more than 80 games in the WPIAL overall with Braddock and Pitcairn.

He also fared well as a college football head coach at both Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Carnegie Mellon.

Everyone connected with high school athletics probably knows the name Larry Hanley, a former coach and athletic director at Gateway who also served as executive director of the WPIAL for 10 years.

Gateway graduate Michelle Chow set swimming records at the WPIAL and state levels that might never be broken.

The WPIAL has put together another impressive class of talent. The dedication and determination of the Class of 2008 is rightfully recognized.