Legends at the Scorer's Table

Valli (Kaufhold) Hannings (CV ’80) and John Szep (CV ’84) have seen a lot of basketball at Conval over the years while serving as official timer and scorekeeper. Like more than 30 years of home games...

In fact, the Cougar alums may be the most seasoned and experienced scoring table duo in the state. Both of them are soccer nuts, with Valli starring for the Cougars in the late ‘70s and then coaching girls’ soccer at Conval and the middle school. John, meanwhile, coached soccer with Valli for many years, and most recently has been the boys’ soccer assistant coach.

So how did the two soccer lovers become basketball scorekeepers? 

In the offseason, “I began learning from the best, Ron Crowe, in the early ‘80s,” says Val. “I also remember when the scorer’s table was on the other side of gym, and there was this gap between the bleachers.” Val says she kept one eye on Ron and the clock, and a motherly eye on the players waiting to check in, making sure they didn’t disturb her infant daughter nearby. “That was more than 30 years ago—it started there, and they keep asking us back,” Val says.

John, meanwhile, began keeping the book for the freshmen basketball team and wrestling team in 1988 and grew into the varsity job at the basketball scorer’s table. “I’ve been a soccer coach for 22 years, and even helped coach the gymnastics team with Barry Costa in the late ‘80s,” he says. But learning from those who came before him, John’s made sure over the years that Conval’s official basketball book—boys, girls, junior varsity and freshman/reserves—includes first names and carefully documented field goals and foul shots.

Something that’s not common across the state these days. And either is the faithful expertise of these two Conval High alumni. Thanks, Valli and John!