The 416 Project: Carrying on the Legacy with Help from the Community
By: Doug Noldy | Sportzwire | May 25, 2025
In 2016, within a few months, the Lakeland and surrounding communities mourned the loss of two former standout athletes from Lakeland High School: Shane Rivenburgh and David Duchnik. A collective effort from family and friends honored their memory by giving back to the community and memorializing their legacies for future generations.
In 2022, the Shane Rivenburgh Big Ball Classic partnered with the David Duchnik Memorial Golf Tournament with the objective of constructing an indoor baseball training facility in Scott Township. This is known as “The 416 Project”. The 416 stands for the jersey numbers David Duchnik (4) and Shane Rivenburgh ((16) wore during their baseball careers at Lakeland High School.
Shane Rivenburgh, a 2015 Lakeland graduate and standout athlete, was continuing his education and athletic career at Lackawanna College, when he was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident on Route 6 in Eynon, Pennsylvania, while on his way to a baseball game. Hundreds of teammates, competitors, former and current classmates, family, and friends paid their respects to Shane, whose life was cut short.
David Duchnik, a 2005 Lakeland graduate, excelled in both football and baseball and was a successful SnowXracer for team Artic Cat. He was poised to assume the daily operations of his family business, Duchnik's Towing in Benton Twp, until a tragic accident while on a recovery call on I-81 near Clarks Summit took his life shortly thereafter. Once again, the Lakeland and surrounding communities mourned as tow truck companies from various parts of the eastern United States came to pay their respects.
Tragedy often leads to stricter and new laws.
Shane’s Law
In response to the tragic loss of his son, Scott Rivenburgh, and former state senator, Senator John Blake,enacted Shane’s Law. This legislation aims to deter drunk driving and enhance accountability for individuals who cause serious harm or death while driving under the influence. Notably, it mandates immediate license revocation for certain DUI offenses.
Blue Light Law:
Michele and Dave Duchnik collaborated to implement the Blue Light Law, which enhances safety for tow truck operators by increasing visibility and raising awareness among other drivers.
Slow Down and Move Over:
Although this law was already in effect, it has been further strengthened to impose more stringent penalties for those who disregard its provisions.
