Rebecca Hilgar

            Rebecca Hilgar enrolled at James Madison University as a biology major with

Rebecca Hilgar

the intent of attending medical school. Along the way, her priority shifted to law school.

            As an associate litigator with an international law firm based in New York City, the Hereford native has retained a scientific aspect to her work. In her practice, Hilgar focuses on life sciences and intellectual property litigation. Most of her work includes protecting the drug patents for pharmaceutical companies from potential generic infringement.

           "It's a booming industry," said Hilgar, who lives in Hoboken, N.J.

            A 2007 graduate of Upper Perkiomen High School, Hilgar emerged from the shadow of her older sister Rachael on and off the field. As a senior, she helped lead the Indians to a 23-3 record and an appearance in the PIAA Class 2A title game. A broken left hand forced Rebecca Hilgar to watch a 1-0 loss to Wyoming Seminary.

            She helped lead the Tribe to three Pioneer Athletic Conference titles. Hilgar was named first-team all-state as in her final two high school seasons and earned Second Team All-American honors as a senior.

            The offensive player relied on hard work to do most of her damage. She said hustle created most of her scoring opportunities.

            "I did pretty well," said Hilgar, who grew up in Hereford. "I had quite a few breakaways. As a team, we always had success. I looked forward to the competition."

            She excelled in the classroom as well, receiving the President's Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence. Hilgar, the school's National Honor Society President, earned distinguished honors all four years and graduated in the top 10 of her class.

           At JMU, she continued to excel in the classroom and on the field. As a senior, she was named to the Dean's List during the fall semester and received the Colonial Athletic Association Commissioner's Academic Award. On the field, she collected six goals and five assists during her career.

            "I loved my time at James Madison," Hilgar said. "I would say my competitive nature stuck with me. But I always wanted to make sure we were having fun. The friendships I made during that time are irreplaceable."

            According to Hilgar, competing in a team sport helped her learn how to work with others and communicate. She said also displays a degree of leadership.

            "Playing sports in high school and college has always been a helpful tool," she said. "During my job interviews after law school, everyone always asks about my time as an athlete."

Bob Graber

            Bob Graber relied on a repeatable delivery and solid mechanics to pitch for

Bob Graber

multiple local baseball teams for nearly 40 seasons. Graber says he thrived on the competition and the camaraderie. He quit playing in 2006, when his son Nolan started playing on a travel team.

            "I figured that was enough," said Graber, a Pennsburg native.

            The 1979 graduate of Upper Perkiomen High School earned acclaim as a standout hurler in the Tri-County League. Graber spent 28 seasons with the Chiefs, where he pitched and played outfield.

            Under his leadership as player/manager for 10 seasons, the team consistently contended for the league title. Graber was part of four championships with the Chiefs, including one while he was managing in 1987. They finished the regular season 22-5, winning the league's South Division by a game over the rival Gablesville Owls.

            Graber also pitched for the Owls. He was part of four championships with the team, based just outside Boyertown.

            "I was at my best as a pitcher when I was older," Graber said. "I think I just enjoyed doing it."

            As a sophomore, Graber worked his way into the Indians starting lineup, playing first base. The following year, he emerged as a top pitcher.

            "I was very competitive," Graber said. I wanted to play, and I wanted to win."

            Graber, who also played four seasons for Perkiomen's American Legion baseball team, said he was considered a hard-thrower whose second-best pitch was a slider. He decided to walk on to the baseball team at Kutztown University.

            Graber made the team, pitching in four consecutive seasons. He also played third base, first base and right field.

            "Playing at Kutztown was fun," Graber said. "I had a real good time in college."

            During the summer of 1982, Graber competed in the Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League. He won a league championship playing for the Allentown Wings. His teammates included high school classmate Craig Kriebel, future major league pitchers Terry Mulholland and Jamie Moyer and Jeff Trout, the father of current Los Angeles Angels Mike Trout.

            "That team had a really good pitching staff," Graber said. "Most of the guys on that team were homegrown. It was definitely a different situation,"

            Graber, who currently works in the family electrical business, was scouted by some professional teams. However, he said he never received a contract offer.