cumberland valley football hall of fame

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Congratulations to the 2024 Cumberland Valley Football Hall of Fame Inductees.  They join a talented group of accomplished athletes and coaches in CV football history - along with those special people who have contributed in other ways to the success of the CV football program. 

Christian Arrington  '18

Barry Lyons '11

Jake Palmer '18

Coach Pete Rhodes

Jim Koontz (Special Recognition)

Honoring the 1974 Fall Team (Class of 1975)

Anyone may nominate a CV football Alumni or Coach for consideration for induction into the CV Football Hall of Fame.  Player nominees must have graduated at least five years previously.  

To obtain a nomination form contact the CV Athletic office at 717-506-3679 or scroll down to download a PDF Nomination Form.  You can also submit a nomination online.  Scroll down and fill out the form and hit send.

Wide Receiver

Linebacker

Class of 2018

Christian played and lettered for the Eagles in the fall of '15, '16 and '17 as a wide receiver and linebacker.  He always dreamed of playing for Cumberland Valley starting in the CVMFA PeeWees.  Christian moved to Oklahoma but upon returning to PA devoted his athletic abilities and leadership to the Eagles.  His honors include team captain, 6A all state linebacker, Big 33 all star game, East/West all star game (team captain), a Division I full scholarship and now induction into the CVFAA Hall of Fame.

Christian spent roughly five and a half years at the University of Rhode Island where he continued playing football.  In 2022 his football days were finished by a spinal cord injury.  Christian’s football career did not end how he planned, but he graduated with a degree in Communications and one in Sports Media.  He then used his experiences at college to advocate and speak publicly regarding mental health at universities, local schools and at the 2023 National Governors' Association Conference.  Christian returned home in 2024 to pursue new endeavors in life.

Offensive Guard

Tight End

Defensive End

Class of 2011

Barry played and lettered for the Eagles in the fall of '08, '09 and '10 as an offensive guard, tight end and defensive end.  He was relentless on the field and in the weight room... he would sacrifice anything for his teammates and coaches... he played with passion with his heart on his sleeve... and he will always remember the ‘08, ‘09, and ‘10 teams that went back-to-back-to-back in District Championship games because without those teammates and coaches their were no  medals to be won.

In 2016, Barry graduated Cum Laude from West Chester University where he played all four years as a defensive end and tackle (as a starter for two of those years).  

Currently, Barry is a Public Accountant for Freed Maxick CPAs in Philadelphia.  He is married to his high school sweetheart (Lauren Topash). Their first child “Sawyer” now has a sibling, Thea Harper Lyons, born on July 17th. Congratulations!

Halfback

Corner

Kick Returner

Class of 2018

Jake Palmer played and lettered for the Eagles in the fall of ‘15, 16’ and ‘17 as a half back, corner, and kick returner.  He was a competitive leader with class and discipline who always left everything out on the field.  Jake was never afraid of any competition and was a hard hitting team player... and h

After graduating from CV, Jake parted ways with football in order to focus on the future.  He went to West Chester University and earned a degree in business management and supply chain management.  

After graduating from West Chester, Jake moved to Philadelphia with his high school sweetheart to work for a logistics company.e loved to see his teammates succeed just as much as himself.

Coach / Equipment Manager

1972 - 1979

1995 - 2023

Coach Rhodes served the Cumberland Valley Eagles in various ways including coaching offensive and defensive lines with a concentration on tight ends and monster linebackers.  He was also the Eagles’ equipment manager for nine years.

Coach Rhodes consistently encouraged players to play up to their ability and to continue the Cumberland Valley football tradition.  He was proud to be a part of the coaching staff that produced numerous District Championships and playoff games. 

When he played high school football he always remembers scoring the winning touchdown against an arch rival.

Since retiring in 2023, Coach Rhodes keeps busy with exercise, golf, yardwork, taking his wife to numerous appointments, and finding time for his four children and four grandchildren. 

Jim began his career at Cumberland Valley in October 2000 as the CV Grounds Supervisor and one of his first tasks was to improve Chapman Field. In 2002, Sports Turf Management Association awarded Jim and CV the High School Football Field of the Year.

His dedication to our facilities and to his work, and his commitment to CV helped him to climb the ranks, becoming the Assistant Facilities Director in 2009 and, eventually, our Facilities Director in early 2012. 

Jim was responsible for the construction of many facilities at CV including the building of Winding Creek and Mountain View, the upgrades at the 9th grade Academy, the Eagle View stadium and most recently the transformation of Chapman Field at Giant Stadium. When people would complain about getting rid of the grass field at Chapman, Jim's wife Colette would always tell them “If my husband said it was time to make the move to turf….it was time to make the move because nobody loved this field more than him.”

The greatest way to honor Jim's life is to remember him for who he was: He's the guy who got things done. He's universally known, universally respected, universally loved. His kindness and compassion for others was well known and he mentored many young men and women during his career.  Jim is CV red and white.

Jim passed away on December 11, 2023. He was survived by wife, Colette, sons Ben, Alex and Dawson, stepdaughter Sarah and granddaughter Penny, sister Heather and husband Cory and nephews Seth and Conner.