BELLAIRE, Ohio---Bellaire High School is proud to announce its 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame/Wall of Fame class, recognizing individuals whose accomplishments, leadership, and dedication have left a lasting mark on Big Reds athletics. The newest inductees represent the excellence, perseverance, and community pride that have defined Bellaire High School for generations.
The 2026 induction ceremony will take place Saturday, October 17, 2026, during the Bellaire Big Reds football game against Union Local at Nelson Field. Kickoff is at Noon. The event will provide an opportunity for alumni, families, friends, and the community to come together and celebrate the individuals whose contributions have helped make Bellaire's athletic history so special.
This year, two legendary coaches are being elevated from the Wall of Fame to the Hall of Fame and three former athletes are entering the Wall of Fame.
Bellaire High School Elevation to Hall of Fame — Coach Gene Ammirante
“Not I or Me, but Us and We.”
“Grades, grades, that's my game. That is how I'll make my fame.”
And, of course, there was “Joe Cool.”
For generations of Bellaire basketball players, those phrases — and the lessons behind them — were part of the experience of attending a Gene Ammirante basketball camp. They were lessons about teamwork, academics, character, and enjoying the game.
For 30 years, “Coach A” brought that same passion and philosophy to the Bellaire High School boys basketball program, building a career defined by both success and the relationships he formed along the way.
Ammirante came to Bellaire in 1976 as an assistant to the late Coach Mark Matz. He considers the decision to remain at Bellaire as one of the wisest decisions of his life — a decision made easier by the advice and support of his late wife, Pam, whom he credits as the foundation behind so much of his success.
As head coach, Coach A compiled an incredible 471–205 record, the all-time winningest record in Bellaire boys basketball history.
His teams were ranked among the Top 20 in Ohio 15 times, won 14 OVAC championships, 14 sectional championships, six district titles, and one regional championship.
The defining moment came during the 2003–04 season, when Bellaire reached the OHSAA Division III State Tournament Final Four for the first time in school history. The Big Reds tied the school record with 22 victories before falling to Versailles in a dramatic double-overtime state semifinal.
His teams also produced two undefeated regular seasons, going 20–0 in 1993–94 and again in 2005–06. That 2005–06 team went on to set a new school record with 23 victories.
His accomplishments earned him numerous honors, including Ohio Division II, Eastern District, District 12, and OVAC Coach of the Year honors. He received the Bob Arnzen Award for 20 consecutive years at the same school and was selected to coach the South squad in the Ohio North-South All-Star Game.
But Coach A's impact was never limited to wins and championships.
He served twice as Game Director of the Samuel A. Mumley OVAC All-Star Basketball Classic, founded and directed the OVAC Basketball Clinic, directed youth basketball programs, and established Bellaire's Saturday Morning Fundamental Feeder Program and Basketball Camp.
Through those programs, Coach A estimates that he crossed paths with tens of thousands of young people, teaching lessons that extended far beyond the basketball court.
And perhaps that is what makes his reflection on his career so fitting.
Coach A has said that he has had more fun, recognition, and satisfaction than any coach should ever dream of. He credits his family, friends, staff, assistant coaches, and — most importantly — the many quality players he was fortunate enough to coach.
He has said that if he could do it all over again, he would simply ask:
“Where does the line form? Because I would re-up for another tour of duty.”
BHS is proud to recognize that lifelong commitment — to our students, our athletes, our community, and to the game he loved.
Bellaire High School Elevation to Hall of Fame — Coach John Magistro
For more than four decades, Coach Magistro dedicated his life to developing football players, building successful teams, and teaching young men the value of preparation, discipline, and hard work.
Coach Magistro's career began in 1970 at St. John Central before stops at Martins Ferry and, eventually, Bellaire High School. He joined the Big Reds as an assistant football coach in 1980 and, in 1984, began what would become a remarkable 23-year run as Bellaire's head football coach.
During his time at Bellaire, Magistro compiled an impressive 181–76 record, highlighted by back-to-back OHSAA Division IV State Championship Game appearances.
In 1995, the Big Reds finished 13–1 and battled Versailles in a dramatic double-overtime state championship game, falling 50–44. Bellaire returned to the state championship game the following year, again finishing 13–1, before falling to Germantown Valley View.
Those teams were part of one of the most successful stretches in Bellaire football history.
Magistro's Big Reds reached the OHSAA playoffs seven times, won an incredible six regional championships, and captured nine OVAC championships. From 1995 through 1998, Bellaire put together a remarkable 37-game regular-season winning streak.
Coach Magistro was named Ohio Division IV Coach of the Year three times, East District Division IV Coach of the Year seven times, Ohio Valley Football Coach of the Year three times, and OVAC Overall Coach of the Year in 1996.
But those who played for Coach Magistro know that his program was about much more than what happened on Friday nights and Saturday afternoons.
The weight room was a cornerstone of his philosophy. Coach Magistro believed that successful football teams were built long before they ever stepped onto the field. Strength, conditioning, toughness, discipline, and commitment to preparation were expectations — not optional extras.
His emphasis on the weight room helped establish a culture in which players were expected to work, compete, and prepare themselves to be better than they were the day before. For generations of Bellaire football players, those lessons became part of the foundation of the program.
His career accomplishments have already earned him induction into the West Liberty University Hall of Fame, the Minor Pro Football Hall of Fame, the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and the Ohio Valley Football Coaches Hall of Fame.
BHS is recognizing Coach Magistro for a special reason — the lasting impact he made right here at Bellaire High School.
He coached generations of Big Reds, built championship teams, established a culture of strength and preparation, and helped create memories that have lasted long after the final whistle.
His record tells the story of his success.
His former players tell the story of his impact.
Bellaire High School Wall of Fame — Jed Perko
Jed Perko, Bellaire High School Class of 2003, is being recognized for his exceptional career in cross country and track and field.
A four-year letterman and two-year team captain in cross country, Jed established himself as one of the premier distance runners in Bellaire history. He was named District 2 Runner of the Year, earned All-Eastern Ohio honors, and was an OVAC All-Star and District All-Star all four years of his high school career.
Jed was a back-to-back District Champion in 2001 and 2002, a four-time regional qualifier, and a two-time state qualifier. At the state championship, he finished an impressive 14th individually, while earning a 9th-place regional finish during his junior year. Over his career, Jed won an incredible 11 individual meet championships.
As a team leader for Coach Chris Arno’s runners, Jed helped lead Bellaire to the 2001 OVAC Championship, back-to-back district championships, and back-to-back regional runner-up finishes. The Big Reds also earned back-to-back 12th-place team finishes at the state meet during his career.
Jed’s success continued on the track for the Coach Monte Miller led Big Reds. As a junior, he qualified for the state championship in the 3200-meter run, finishing ninth, and qualified in the 1600 meters as well. At the regional championship that year, he finished second in the 3200 and fourth in the 1600.
As a senior, Jed reached an even greater level of success. He became the regional champion in the 3200 meters, finished third in the 1600, and went on to earn All-Ohio honors with a second-place finish in the 3200 meters at the state championship.
Throughout his track career, Jed was a multiple-year letterman and team captain, earned All-Eastern Ohio honors, was a three-time District All-Star, and qualified for the regional championships three times in the 3200 meters.
Jed’s accomplishments reflect not only extraordinary talent and endurance, but also the leadership, determination, and commitment that define a true Big Red.
Jed resides in Eighty-Four, PA with wife Kristen and their two sons, Mateo and Max.
Bellaire High School Wall of Fame — Scott Pitts
Bellaire High School is proud to recognize Scott Pitts, Class of 1995, for an outstanding career as one of Bellaire’s premier multi-sport athletes.
During his time at Bellaire High School, Scott lettered in football, basketball, and track and field, while serving as a team captain in multiple sports.
On the football field, Scott earned All-OVAC, All-Valley, All-Eastern Ohio, and Honorable Mention All-State honors. He became the first Bellaire football player to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a single season, and he finished his career as the all-time leading rusher in Bellaire football history. Scott’s attitude and leadership helped pave the way for a many BHS running backs after him.
Scott was also a member of the first Bellaire boys football team to reach the state playoffs, and his senior team finished the season with an impressive 9–1 record for Coach Magistro’s squad.
On the basketball court, Scott was a letterman and team captain for Coach A’s team and was part of Bellaire’s first undefeated boys varsity basketball team. That team advanced to the regional semifinals, continuing an impressive run of success for Bellaire athletics.
Scott’s athletic accomplishments continued in track and field for Coach Stolz, where he became a regional champion and helped Bellaire qualify for the state finals in both the 4x400-meter and 4x800-meter relays.
As a member of some of Bellaire’s most successful teams of the era, Scott helped the Big Reds capture four consecutive OVAC championships from 1992 through 1995, along with district and regional championships.
Beyond his accomplishments as an athlete, Scott has continued to demonstrate his commitment to Bellaire athletics through his support as a booster, giving back to the programs that played such an important role in his life.
A decorated three-sport athlete, team leader, and record-setting football player, Scott Pitts left a lasting mark on Bellaire High School athletics.
Scott resides in Wheeling with son, Callyn, and daughter, Ava.
Bellaire High School Wall of Fame — Emily M. Taylor Porter
Bellaire High School is proud to recognize Emily M. Taylor Porter, Class of 2006, for her outstanding accomplishments as a student-athlete and her continued commitment to her community.
During her time at Bellaire High School, Emily earned three letters in volleyball and four letters in track and field. She was named All-Ohio in 2005 and 2006 and was a four-time regional qualifier and two-time state qualifier in both the shot put and discus.
At the Ohio State Track and Field Championships, Emily finished third in the shot put and sixth in the discus in 2005, followed by a state runner-up finish in the discus and fifth place in the shot put in 2006. She was also a four-time OVAC champion in the shot put and a two-time district champion in both the shot put and discus.
Emily established the Bellaire High School shot put record of 41 feet, 9 inches, a record that stood for many years. While at BHS, Emily was coached by Monte Miller, Dave Ice, and Paul Xenakis.
Her success continued at the collegiate level. After attending the University of Cincinnati, Emily competed for Wheeling Jesuit University, where she became a seven-time WVIAC champion, winning four titles in discus and three in shot put. In 2010, she was named WVIAC Field Athlete of the Year. She was also a multiple-time NCAA Division II indoor and outdoor qualifier and finished ninth in the discus at the 2010 NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships, narrowly missing All-American status.
Emily later completed six months of training in preparation for the Olympic Trials in discus, demonstrating the dedication and determination that defined her athletic career.
Today, Emily continues to serve others through her work with the Belmont County Department of Job and Family Services, specializing in long-term care Medicaid. She also serves as Vice President of AFSCME Local 3036 and is a member of Elderly Advocates and Southeast Ohio TOC, working to champion fair and respectful treatment of the aging community.
Emily returned home to Bellaire, where she now lives with her husband, Jeffrey Porter, Bellaire High School Class of 2003.
Bellaire High School invites the community to join in honoring this distinguished class and celebrating the pride, spirit, and tradition that continue to unite Big Reds past and present
For more information about the Athletic Hall of Fame/Wall of Fame, its history, and nomination criteria, visit the Bellaire High School website.