About this series
Coming up with a short list and then ranking the 10 greatest athletes in the history of each YAIAA high school was a daunting task. For sure, there is no scientific approach. But after two years of interviews, research and roundtable discussions, we are presenting as fair an attempt as possible to create an objective list on a decidedly subjective topic.
OUR CRITERIA: 1. The only accomplishments considered were those achieved while competing in high school varsity athletics. If an athlete earned a college scholarship, that was also factored in. 2. Accomplishments outside the setting of high school varsity sports and accomplishments after high school were not taken into account. 3. Athletes who attended more than one local high school were only evaluated at the school where they had the most varsity success. 4. Female athletes were rated by how they dominated their own sports not how they would fare going head-to-head against male athletes.

Your turn
If you d like to comment or offer a differing opinion on this list, we d love to hear from you. Each Sunday, we ll present your feedback on opinions on page 2 of the York Sunday News sports section - The Rundown. E-mail your thoughts to Sports Editor Chris Otto at cotto@ydr.com or mail them to: Greatest Athletes, c/o Chris Otto, 1891 Loucks Road, York 17408.

Read more
Check out the full series

Recently, I heard of your "Ten Best Bolts" listing for the top Littlestown High School athletes. I was flabbergasted to discover James DeGroft, '94, was left off the list nor given an honorable mention.

As James' partner, I reviewed my old newspapers clippings, many from the York Daily Record waxing eloquently about his adeptness in football and track.

I'm not sure who you interviewed or gathered for roundtable discussions, but I wonder about your methodology.

I felt an obligation to your readers, and to an honorable man and athlete, to provide highlights from his career:

DeGroft set four LHS track records, breaking Neal Lippy's 20-year, District III pole vault record (Lippy was No. 10 on your list). DeGroft's vault won the Class AA title, qualifying him for the PIAA championships.

DeGroft broke Lippy's record with the historic pole Lippy used two decades before. Other records DeGroft set were the 100-meter dash, 100 relay and discus, with him winning the YAIAA discus title.

Several YDR reporters described James as "outstanding," "a naturally gifted athlete," and "a dominating force."

As a linebacker, the YDR named him Defense Player of the Year and atop the Super 24, having 113 tackles, 51/2 sacks and six quarterback hurries.

Also an offensive guard, punter and kicker, James scored 37 points, placing him in the top 1993 YAIAA scorers. He also played in the War of the Roses game.

A three-season athlete, he also advanced to wrestling Districts in 1994.

DeGroft was named Class of 1994's co-Male Athlete of the Year, an honor he holds dearly, moreso than any of the YAIAA honors rolls or Player or Athlete of the Week titles he was given.

If you ever decide to update your list, I ask this all be taken into account by simply reviewing your own newspaper archives.

DR. NICOLE P. ROOP
LITTLESTOWN