TODD KOKOTAJLO CLASS OF '92 YEAR OF INDUCTION: 2016 He was a member of one of the top teams to ever play baseball at Steinert High School. Todd Kokotajlo was part of the reason the 1992 SHS baseball team posted a 31-1 record and captured conference, county, sectional and state championships. "Looking back on my experience and playing career at Steinert, it was one of fun and excitement," Kokotajlo said. "Knowing the rich history of Steinert Athletics and what it meant to me as an individual and team player at that time. It was what our coaches taught us. Respect. Discipline. Work Ethic. And, Sportsmanship. You need them to achieve the ultimate goal." The '92 SHS baseball team capped off their special season by attaining the ultimate goal – an NJSIAA Group III championship. "My most memorable moment at Steinert was being a member of the 1992 baseball team that won the Group III state championship," he said. Kokotajlo's talents were not limited to the baseball diamond, however. He earned nine varsity letters at SHS, including three each in soccer and winter track. He was a star in soccer, twice earning all-state acclaim. Selected for the Hibernian Athletic Association Senior Soccer 11, he was also named to the 1991 New Jersey Soccer Coaches Association All-Star Team. As a senior, Kokotajlo captained both the soccer and baseball teams. "Speed was his No. 1 asset," said former SHS coach Rich Giallella. "He was a very good athlete, being a three-year varsity player in soccer and baseball proves that. In soccer, he was relentless in being able to score goals. In baseball, he was a great lead-off batter, he had an ability to get on base." He scored 50 runs for that ’92 team, which is still a single-season school record. During his career, the Steinert baseball teams also captured a CVC title in 1990 and a Mercer County championship in 1991. Married to his wife Carmella for 20 years, they have two sons Robert, 13, and TJ, 11, and they live in Columbus, N.J. "My mom was the person who had the most influence on my athletic career," he said. "She always gave me guidance, positive feedback and words of encouragement." Employed as a vocational horticulture teacher, OSHA forklift instructor and heavy equipment instructor with the New Jersey Department of Corrections, Kokotajlo enjoys fishing and family vacations to Disneyworld. RETURN TO THE HALL OF FAME MEMBERS PAGE