Hall of Fame

Carl Torch, Jr., Class of 1940, Athletic Hall of Fame

Carl was a three-sport athlete performing in the years 1937 through 1940. He was captain of the football, basketball and baseball teams and selected All-League and All-County in football and basketball. He competed on the collegiate level in the same sports for three years. After leaving Miami of Ohio in 1949, he took his love of sports to the coaching ranks for more than 35 years, including 15 at John Carroll, Cleveland State and Case Western Reserve. He held high school posts at St. Joseph and Willoughby South. Carl was also a guiding force behind the formation of the Geauga County Touchdown Club.

Barbara Bacon Inscho, Coach, Athletic Hall of Fame

Barbara was the first certified girls’ physical education teacher in the history of the Perry School District, She was charged with the challenge of establishing a girls’ extracurricular sports program in a time when women’s athletics were not sanctioned by the Ohio High School Athletic Association. She started the Girls’ Athletic Association field hockey, basketball, intramurals and swimming programs. Instead of an interscholastic program, a “play day” was instituted where Perry girls were permitted to play one game in each sport against other schools. She instituted what is now strong competitive girls’ athletic programs recognized throughout the state.

Tom Advey, Class of 1967, Athletic Hall of Fame

Tom participated in three sports: football, basketball and track. He was captain of the basketball team in his senior year and president of his senior class. Tom served his country as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps. He was also active in the community, involved in the Millennium Reunion, and a charter member of the alumni football team. He was well known as the public address “Voice of the Pirates” for 32 football seasons.

Marvin Bihn, Class of 1954, Distinguished Hall of Fame

Marv served his country for 25 years, rising to the rank of Colonel in the United States Army. He attended Bowling Green University, majored in business and joined the ROTC. When he graduated, he fully expected to serve just two years in the Army. However, after attending school for new officers in the Air Defense Missile field, his plans changed. He received several Army Commendation Medals, a Bronze Star, the Air Medal, the two Meritorious Service Medals, as well as several Vietnamese awards. He was assigned to the Pentagon from 1978 to 1980 where he was responsible for making all assignments of enlisted personnel in the U.S. Army Artillery and the U.S. Army Air Defense Branches. After serving as the Senior Advisor to the Adjutant General of the State of New Hampshire from 1980 to 1983, he retired from the U.S. Army. He went on to earn his realtor license and formed the real estate company, Premiere Properties. He was named 1993 Realtor of the Year for the Concord Board of Realtors and was the Outstanding Realtor of Concord in 1994 and 1996.

Raymond Sines, Class of 1969, Distinguished Hall of Fame

After graduating from Perry High School, Ray studied business at Alderson-Broadus College in West Virginia and at Lakeland Community College. He gained hands-on knowledge of all aspects of business when he joined his family’s company, Sines, Inc, in 1971, where he serves as president of this oil and gas distributor. Wanting to affect change at the state government level, Ray was drawn into the world of politics. The Perry businessman served four terms as a Representative in the Ohio General Assembly and has served as a Lake County Commissioner. In recognition of his achievements in the State House, he received the Watch Dog Treasury Award and the 1995 Legislator of the Year Award from the Buckeye Sheriffs Association. Following his term in Columbus, he and an associate formed the Sines/Towner Policy Group. He continued to champion the welfare of Ohio students and education and worked on behalf of a number of organizations. Through his farm, AVS Limited, he owns, breeds and races Standardbred and Quarter Horses, and in his spare time enjoys playing guitar.

Philip Cassella, Administrator, Athletic Hall of Fame

Mr. Cassella was Director of Athletics for Perry Schools from 1973 to 2002. He was instrumental in the design and planning of the Perry Community Athletic/Fitness Center. He developed a well-respected 20 varsity sport athletic program, establishing a girls’ athletic program in 1973. Mr. Cassella has been a N.E. District Tournament Manager for golf, cross country, football, soccer, swimming and girls’ basketball. He earned his Certified Athletic Administrator status in 1995. Phil was NEOIAAA president in 1994-95 and served on the Executive Committee as program chairman at both District and State conferences. In 1989, he was awarded the NEO Interscholastic Athletic Administrator of the Year Award, and in 1999, the State Award of Merit.

Robert Ritley, Coach, Athletic Hall of Fame

As a 1970 University of Michigan graduate, Coach Ritley began his teaching/coaching career at Olmsted Falls High School, the University of Tampa and Gibsonburgh High School. In 1977, he came to Perry where he taught physical education and was the Head Football Coach for 25 years, retiring in 2002 with a record of 204 wins, 84 losses and one tie. He left a legacy that will be in Perry record books for a long time. He was selected as head coach in the Save-A-Sight Game, the Ohio All-Stars, and the Big 33 Game. Coach Ritley was League Coach of the Year nine times, Lake County Coach of the Year three times, and two times State Coach of the Year in Division III and IV. In 2002, Coach Ritley was named Perry Classroom Teacher of the Year.

Robert Sater, Coach, Athletic Hall of Fame

Coach Sater was Head Wrestling Coach in Perry for 16 years. He coached four Sectional Champs, eight League Champions, and two State Runner-ups. His stats include a dual meet record of 229 wins and 81 losses, 126 District Qualifiers, 35 State Qualifiers, 18 State place winners, with at least one state qualifier each year. Coach Sater was named League Coach of the Year eight times, Plain Dealer Coach of the Year twice, News-Herald Coach of the Year twice, Star Beacon Coach of the Year once, and Greater Cleveland Wrestling Coaches and Officials Coach of the Year three times. In 2000, Coach Sater was inducted in the Ohio Wrestling Hall of Fame and was Division III State Coach of the Year in 2002.

Robert Wilson, Coach, Athletic Hall of Fame

Coach Wilson coached boys’ track for 23 years and girls’ track for 20 years. As boys’ track coach, he had a record of 200 wins and 41 losses and as girls’ track coach won 169 meets and lost 39. His teams included 10 Conference Championships, five District qualifiers, one individual State Champion, and 33 State qualifiers. Coach Wilsonwas named League Coach of the Year 10 times, and in 2002, he was named News-Herald Coach of the Year. He taught English at Perry for 29 years and was named a Fulbright Scholar for the 1986-87 school year. While teaching in Scotland, he coached the Fife 49ers and started the Scottish/Perry Alumni Football games. He was named Perry Classroom Teacher of the Year in 1996-97.

Jim Siegel, Class of 1970, Athletic Hall of Fame

Jim was a two-sport stand out at Perry. In football in 1969, he was Most Valuable Defensive Back and had 10 interceptions. In 1970, he was a member of the baseball team that went to the Final Four in the State Championships. He was honored by being named a Lake County All-Star. Jim was invited to try out with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Kansas City Royals. He played semi-pro football for three years and flag football for seven years. His flag football team was a three-time State Champ and won a National Championship. Jim was selected All-League. Jim’s leadership role included organizing and playing Perry Alumni Football and the Scottish/American Football Games.

Vernon C. Hull, Class of 1926, Distinguished Hall of Fame

Vernon sharpened his skill for choosing quality cattle to become an internationally respected breeder, herdsman, showman and judge. While managing Lee’s Hill Farm in New Jersey, his knowledge and expertise in selection and breeding of the Brown Swiss cow produced stock that dominated the dairy industry from 1938 to 1976. Vernon’s cows won national champion titles 16 times. Produce from his breeding program was exported throughout the world, impacting the evolution of his dairy breed. Vernon judged cattle shows all over the United States and in Central and South America. In 1941, he was the first Brown Swiss breeder to win the Klussendorf Trophy. He received a Pioneer Award posthumously from the National Dairy Shrine in 2001. Vernon passed away in 1992.

H. Russell Adams, Class of 1930, Distinguished Hall of Fame

Russ combined his life work as a farmer with a long, distinguished career in public service. While growing potatoes and raising hogs, Russ served his community as a Perry Township trustee for 40 years and became involved in many local and county-wide organizations. An advocate of planned growth, he supported the establishment of zoning that helps the area maintain its agricultural roots while introducing diversified business interests. A past president of the Kiwanis Club, the Lake County Trustees and Clerks Association and the Lake County Farm Bureau, Russ remains active on his farm and continues to serve on the Perry Township Zoning Board of Appeals. He has received a number of local, state and congressional recognitions for his dedication and commitment to his community.

Nancy Watson Brown, Class of 1965, Distinguished Hall of Fame

Nancy took the special talent she discovered in high school and turned it into a growing business. She is the founder and president of Ladies and Gentlemen Salon and Spa in Mentor. Nancy combined her desire to teach with her expertise in cosmetology and opened the Brown Aveda Institute of Cosmetology in 1997. Mrs. Brown’s civic involvement has included serving as a president of the Mentor Area Chamber of Commerce, as a member of the Lake County Mental Health Board and as a trustee on Leadership Lake County’s board of trustees. She devotes considerable time and resources to assisting students in pursuit of their educational goals.

Dr. Rebecca Moroose, Class of 1971, Distinguished Hall of Fame

Rebecca is the medical director to the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute at the Walt Disney Memorial Cancer Center in Orlando. She is a board-certified doctor of internal medicine, hematology and oncology. Rebecca’s work includes participating in clinical research trials, teaching medical professionals, working on her hospital system’s cancer and blood programs, and helping to enhance the lives of her patients. Active in professional and civic organizations, Rebecca was honored in 1993 with the Summit Award by the Women’s Resource Center for her contributions to women and family issues in Central Florida.

Dr. Loyal Tillotson, Class of 1972, Distinguished Hall of Fame

Loyal has used his research and medical skills in fighting cancer. Since earning his medical degree and doctorate of philosophy in cell and developmental biology, Loyal has taught in medical schools at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Harvard Medical School while continuing his cancer research and seeing patients. His work has identified and characterized hormonal pathways by which certain gastrointestinal tumors grow and become aggressive. He has published many articles in professional publications pertaining to his work and research. Loyal provides medical treatment to patients at the Rapid City Medical Center in South Dakota.

Ben Johnson, Class of 1940, Athletic Hall of Fame

Ben was an outstanding athlete who played three varsity sports at Perry. As a football player, Ben was chosen runner-up MVP. He later played college football and basketball at Oberlin College.

Richard Palmer, Class of 1942, Athletic Hall of Fame

Rich earned 11 varsity letters in four sports (football, basketball, baseball and track) during his high school career at Perry. He received the Gold Football Award and All-League honors his senior year. In baseball and basketball, he received All-League honors. He was instrumental in organizing and coaching Boys’ Little League and Girls’ Softball Leagues in Perry.

Cindy Cecconi Allen, Class of 1989, Athletic Hall of Fame

Cindy excelled in volleyball and softball while at PHS. She earned a total of seven letters, three in volleyball and four in softball. Cindy was named to the OHSVCA District First Team and was ESC MVP. She helped the team to State Regionals in 1987 and 1988 where they were the Regional Runner-up in 1988. In softball, she was named First Team News-Herald as a junior and senior. After a stellar high school career, Cindy went on to attend Slippery Rock University where she lettered in volleyball.

Bret Born, Class of 1990, Athletic Hall of Fame

Bret participated in three varsity sports as a student athlete at Perry. Bret found most of his success in wrestling. He finished his high school wrestling career with a record of 120-16 capped by a 34-1 senior season. He qualified for the State wrestling tournament twice, finishing second his senior year. He received a wrestling scholarship to Ohio University where he compiled a 78-18 record over the course of three seasons. He left OU with a degree in special education and now serves as a teacher and wrestling coach at Sherwood High School in Oregon.

Darrell Allen, Class of 1992, Athletic Hall of Fame

Darrell completed an exceptional high school athletic career at Perry by participating in football, baseball and track. He was a two-time All-Ohio Second Team Running Back, three-time ESC First Team Running Back, and two-time Lake County Touchdown Club Offensive Team. He represented Perry in the North-South All-Star Game. He scored 55 career touchdowns and gained over 1,000 yards in both 1990 and 1991. In baseball he never batted below .300 and was a four-year starter. He was twice named to the ESC First Team as a centerfielder. He went on to Ashland University where he played football for two years before transferring and earning his undergraduate and graduate degrees from The Ohio State University.

Tom Flenner, Class of 1992, Athletic Hall of Fame

Tom completed an exceptional high school athletic career at Perry by participating in football, basketball and tennis. He was First Team ESC in 1999 and received the National Scholar Athlete Award. He played singles on the tennis team and was the 1992 MVP. Tom went on to play football at Grove City College where he was a wide receiver. In his senior year of college, Tom was captain of the team, Team MPV and Offensive Player of the Year.

T.J. Rockwell, Class of 1992, Athletic Hall of Fame

T.J. was an exceptional athlete who participated in three varsity sports earning 10 varsity letters over the course of his high school career at Perry. He started three years as quarterback for the football team, compiling a 25-5 record. He led Perry to two straight ESC titles. He was a starter in basketball and played #2 singles in tennis. T.J. went on to play football at Grove City College where he started his junior and senior seasons. T.J. is the Athletic Director at West Geauga High School.

Lucy Kraws Banks, Class of 1961, Distinguished Hall of Fame

Lucy exemplifies lifelong learning with a career change that took her back to college and into a new field. After a 17-year career, Lucy retired from her flight attendant duties in 1978 and eventually became a full-time college student. The Minnesota resident used her religion and education degree as Director of Shepherding at the largest Lutheran church in the United States. After earning her law degree in 1994, she continued to help people as a lobbyist, as the Assistant Director of Missing Children in Minnesota and most recently as the Executive Director of the Minnesota General Crime Victim Coalition. She serves on a governor’s Criminal and Juvenile Justice Task Force. Her volunteer efforts include aiding Legal Assistance to Minnesota Prisoners Clinic, Habitat for Humanity and St. Joseph’s Emergency Shelter.

Phyllis Wilson Hudson, Class of 1936, Distinguished Hall of Fame

Phyllis turned her interest in art into a livelihood preserving it. She retired after spending 40 years as an art conservationist. After she and her husband sold their business in Chicago in 1960, Phyllis pursued her interest in art restoration, training in France and the United States to become an art conservator. She and her family relocated to New Orleans where she served apprenticeships for two established art conservators. Now an expert in the art, science and craft of art conservation, Phyllis has run Phyllis Hudson, Ltd. in New Orleans, restoring paintings and paper works throughout the South for private clients and museums. She has been a member of the American Institute for Conservation, the International Institute for Conservation, and the Institute of Paper Conservation in London, England.

Carl P. Meglan, Class of 1955, Distinguished Hall of Fame

Carl uses the skills he developed as a professional civil engineer and professional surveyor in his own business of construction dispute resolution. The Ohio State University (1961) graduate put his civil engineering degree to work in a variety of positions, including working for two separate city departments in Columbus, Great Lakes Construction in Cleveland and S. D. Pomeroy and Associates. In 1981, he became self-employed, operating the Meglan Companies, Inc. in Columbus. His experiences have enabled him to help attorneys and contractors embroiled in construction disputes. In fact, Carl was chosen to serve as a construction arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association’s Construction Arbitration Tribunal, working on 113 cases since he began in 1982. He shared his knowledge with students as an adjunct professor at The Ohio State University (1978-79) and Franklin University (1980-1985) in Columbus. Carl has held offices in professional organizations, including the Ohio Society of Professional Engineers, Professional Engineers in Construction and the Ohio Pavers.

Leonard Trubisky, Class of 1952, Distinguished Hall of Fame

Leonard pioneered developments in computer technology until his retirement in 1997. After receiving an electrical engineering degree from the Case Institute of Technology in Cleveland in 1956, Leonard joined General Electric. In 1958, he began working on government defense projects for the GE Electronics Laboratory in New York and worked on the Polaris Missile Fire Control and Guidance Computers, the United States’ first attempt to fire a rocket from a submarine. He moved to Phoenix to work at the GE Computer Department in 1964. He continued his computer engineering work even after GE sold its computer business to Honeywell and after Honeywell partnered with a French firm to become Bull HN. He served as manager of the Central Processing Design group, a manager of systems design for a Micro Technology Center and as a consultant on several important projects. During his career, he was granted many patents for computer-related technology including the major patent on the Central Processor. Retired since 1997, Leonard and his wife, RoseAnn, are active as American Rose Society Consulting Rosarians. Leonard serves on the Board of Directors for the Scottsdale Rose Society and publishes its monthly newsletter.

Ann Cook Whitman, Class of 1925, Distinguished Hall of Fame

Ann developed secretarial skills that took her to New York and the White House during her career. After early jobs in New York City, including secretarial and accounting work for philanthropist Adele Rosenwald Levy, Ann became the confidential secretary to Dwight D. Eisenhower from 1952 to 1962, working during his campaign and during his two terms as president of the United States. Later, she served as confidential secretary and executive assistant to New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller. When Rockefeller became vice-president under President Gerald Ford in 1974, Ann became his Chief of Staff, the first woman to hold that position. She later handled Rockefeller’s personal affairs in New York before retiring in 1977. Ann died at the age of 83 on October 15, 1991, in Clearwater, Florida. She left her estate, worth over $1 million, to be used for educational purposes. In her honor, the Eisenhower Institute for World Affairs began administering in 1994 the Eisenhower/Whitman Scholarship for graduating Perry High School seniors from her funds.

Ralph Rockow, Class of 1951, Distinguished Hall of Fame

Ralph is the founder and president of Exodyne, Inc, in Phoenix, AZ. The Ohio State mechanical engineering graduate oversees its four wholly owned subsidiaries offering engineering and management services to the government and private industry. Early in his career, Ralph was the project leader for the development of the lunar module descent engine for the Apollo space flights. He was also responsible for testing and evaluating nuclear reactors and heat transfer studies of nuclear reactors. He was also instrumental in advancing state-of-the-art safety measures in automotive vehicles. A recognized expert in his field, Ralph has authored technical papers, participated in panel discussions and testified at hearings in Washington, D.C. He has received a number of special recognitions from The Ohio State University, including the OSU Benjamin G. Lamme Meritorious Achievement Medal, the most honored award presented by the College of Engineering. He has contributed to and founded scholarship funds, including the GIFT ’51 Scholarship at Perry High School.

Richard Drews, Class of 1954, Athletic Hall of Fame

Dick was a lineman on the undefeated 1953 football squad and received All-League and All-County honors in 1952 and 1953. At one time, Dick held the school record in the half-mile and mile track events. He advanced to the State Meet in 1953 and 1954, and was Perry’s first athlete to qualify for the state finals.

Bernie Trubisky, Class of 1954, Athletic Hall of Fame

Bernie played center on offense and middle linebacker on defense. He was part of the 1953 undefeated football team. In the 1953 season he was selected First Team WRL and the Cleveland Touchdown Club WRL Most Valuable Player. As center on the basketball team, Bernie earned All-WRL First Team honors in 1953 and 1954.

Dennis Loria, Class of 1975, Athletic Hall of Fame

Dennis was a Sectional Champion in both the 120-yard high hurdles and 180-yard low hurdles in 1974 and 1975. He placed at Districts in 1974 to qualify for the State Meet where he finished third in the 180-low hurdles. In 1975, he set a Perry record and a District record in the low hurdles with a time of 20.2 and also set a Perry record in the high hurdles with a time of 15.1, qualifying him to the State Meet a second year in a row. In 1975, he was selected as one of the National Prep Track & Field Athletes of the Year.

David Trubisky, Class of 1984, Athletic Hall of Fame

David holds the honor of being the sport MVP in all the sports in which he participated, including two times in football and tennis. In football, as a senior quarterback, David was chosen Lake County Touchdown Club’s Player of the year, received All-Ohio Football Honorable Mention, First Team All-GRC and Second Team All-Lake County Quarterback. In basketball, he earned First Team All-GRC, First Team All-Lake County, News-Herald Coaches All-Star, and Western Reserve Basketball Coaches Association All-Star in 1984. David led Perry to a GRC Championship in tennis in 1984 and qualified to the OHSAA District Tournament. He was the Lake County Tennis Classic Champion at first singles.

William Coleman, Class of 1991, Athletic Hall of Fame

Bill earned nine varsity letters in four sports. His senior year, he was First Team ESC, First Team All-District and All-Ohio First Team Linebacker in football. He received the Army Scholar/Athlete Award his senior year, along with an Army ROTC Scholarship and appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy.

Ray Tenkku, Class of 1947, Athletic Hall of Fame

In football, Ray was awarded First Team All-WRL in 1945 and 1946. In basketball, he earned First Team All-WRL and First Team All Lake County in 1946 and 1947. In baseball, as a pitcher and center fielder, the Pirates won two WRL Championships in 1946 and 1947. Ray was selected to the First Team All-WRL squad.

Terry Rich, Class of 1971, Athletic Hall of Fame

Terry was the cross country team’s MVP for three years and qualified for the State Cross Country Meet in 1969 and 1970. In track, Terry’s times of 2:01.1 in the half mile and 10:29 in the two mile are among the best in Perry track history. A time of 3:30.3 for the Mile Relay Team was the best in the tri-county area in 1971. In basketball, Terry was selected to the All Lake County squad in 1971.

Brenda Tenney, Class of 1984, Athletic Hall of Fame

Brenda earned numerous awards in basketball and softball. In basketball she received Honorable Mention Class AA-All-State in 1984, First Team All-GRC and All-Lake County in 1983 and 1984, held the girls’ basketball scoring record, and was Second Team All-Northeast Ohio. In softball, Brenda was First Team All-GRC in 1982, 1983 and 1984.

Joseph Medlen, Sr., Class of 1985, Athletic Hall of Fame

Joe was a two-time state qualifier in cross country. He holds the record in Perry cross country for leading the team to a 44-0 dual meet record in 1982, 1983 and 1984. During this time, he won first place in seven invitational meets. He was GRC MVP in 1982 and All-ESC in 1983 and 1984. In track, Joe holds the 3200 meter school record with a time of 9:42. He held the record in the mile for over 10 years.

Dana Tharp, Class of 1989, Athletic Hall of Fame

In basketball, Dana was First Team All-ESC and Second Team News-Herald All-Star Team in 1987. In 1988, she was ESC MPV, Division III N.E. Lake District Player of the Year, Plain Dealer All Scholastic Team, News-Herald First Team, A.P. Division III All-Ohio First Team, UPI Division III Special Mention. In softball, she was selected News-Herald First Team in 1988.

Patrick New, Class of 1980, Athletic Hall of Fame

In football, Pat was selected to the 1979 Lake County Football Squad and First Team All-District. He also received Second Team All-Ohio Football honors in 1979. Pat was named to the All-GRC First Team in basketball in 1980. The same year, he received Special Mention All-Ohio and Honorable Mention All Lake County in Basketball.

Lisa Fiske Boylan, Class of 1980, Athletic Hall of Fame

Lisa was Perry’s first MVP in volleyball in the GRC. Perry’s volleyball team won the GRC all four years she played, were Sectional and District Champs in 1976 and 1979, were in the Regional Semi-finals in 1976, and were Regional Runner-Up in 1979. In track, Lisa ran the 440 and 880 relay, threw the discus and high jumped. Lisa played volleyball for Cleveland State University for four years, and while her husband was in the Navy, she played on the Navy Women’s Volleyball and Softball teams.

Tom Barrett, Class of 1965, Athletic Hall of Fame

Tom was awarded Regional Press All-Star status in football in 1963 and 1964. He played on the 1961 WRL Championship Football Team. In the 1963 track season, Tom set a Perry high jump record and went on to place first in the District Track Meet and qualified for the OHSAA State Track Meet.

Barbara Moore, Class of 1987, Athletic Hall of Fame

Barbara was a two-time District champion in the shot and discus. She was part of the first Perry Girls’ Track Championship team. She took first place in the shotput at the Ohio Indoor Classic in 1987, and placed in the discus at the State Track Meet in 1986 and 1987. While at Heidelberg College, Barb was an All-American, competing in the shotput, discus and javelin.

Tracy Nichols Busch, Class of 1987, Athletic Hall of Fame

Tracy qualified for State in cross country in 1986. She was a two-time All-Ohio runner in track in the 800. She finished second in the State Track Meet in 1987. Tracy was an All-American Cross County runner at Vassar College and won the Honda Award for Courage from the NCAA.

Noel Sferra, Honorary, Athletic Hall of Fame

The Perry Pirate Boosters’ Mothers’ Club was formed in 1973. Noel was president or vice president of the Mothers’ Club from 1976 through 1982. The beginning of the Mothers’ Club was small, but grew to encompass many special extras for Perry’s sports teams. Noel was a strong leader and mainstay through many years. She was responsible for adding to Perry’s athletic tradition.

Clifford Brewster, Class of 1980, Athletic Hall of Fame

Cliff was the first Perry wrestler to go to the State Tournament. He placed sixth at 112 pounds in 1979. He was named to the All-Lake County Wrestling Squads in 1979 and 1980. He has been a wrestling coach at Perry for many years and was recognized by the Greater Cleveland Coaches and Officials Association with an Award of Merit in 1998.

William Meredith, Class of 1985, Athletic Hall of Fame

In football, Bill was selected to the First Team All League, All County and Lake County Touchdown Club in 1982, 1983, and 1984. He was All-Ohio in 1983 and 1984. He scored 52 touchdowns and rushed for over 4,000 yards. In track, he holds records in shotput and discus and also records in the 400 and 800 meter relay teams. He is Ohio’s only four-time State qualifier.

Fred Colburn, Class of 1955, Athletic Hall of Fame

Fred was chosen WRL Second Team in 1953 and First Team in 1954 in football. In basketball, he earned Honorable Mention in 1954 and Second Team in 1955. He was also All-County First Team in basketball in 1955. Fred spent 31 years coaching and teaching, and wrote a book on defensive football strategies entitled, “Multiple Front-Pressure Defense-Simplified.”

Lee Katona, Class of 1976, Athletic Hall of Fame

Lee earned All-GRC honors in football in 1974 and 1975. He was listed in “Who’s Who of Football” in both years. His senior year he was All-County Tailback and Second Team All-State Tailback. In 1976 he rushed for over 1,000 yards and scored 100 points. In wrestling, Lee was All-GRC in 1975 and 1976.

Julie Lukey, Class of 1977, Athletic Hall of Fame

Julie received GRC honors in basketball in 1976 and 1977, and received All-County honors and All-Ohio Third Team in 1977. As MVP of the volleyball team in the first season, she led them to a GRC Championship, Regional Semi-finals, and a 16-1 record.

Stephanie Soppitt Bauer, Class of 1986, Athletic Hall of Fame

Stephanie ran the hurdles in track and went to the State Track Meet in 1984 and 1986, taking fourth place in 1986. She was MVP for the GRC in 1986. During her track career at Perry, Stephanie held seven school records. She received a four-year scholarship to Ashland College and held a record in the 400 meter Intermediate Hurdle event.

Dennis Hoffacker, Class if 1968, Athletic Hall of Fame

Denny received honors in football in 1967 as All-Lake County, All-Northeast Ohio and All-WRL. In basketball, he received All-WRL, Associated Press All-League and Cleveland Press All-Stars in 1967 and 1968. He was on the Plain Dealer Dream Team in 1968. Denny played basketball one year and track two years at Bethany College.

Don Crawford, Class of 1953, Athletic Hall of Fame

Don received All-WRL honors and was the Cleveland Press First Team in football in 1952. He received All-WRL honors in basketball in 1951, 1952 and 1953. In baseball, he was All-WRL and played on the undefeated WRL team in 1953.

Paul “Dean” New, Class of 1954, Athletic Hall of Fame

Dean played offensive and defensive end on the undefeated 1953 football team. He also played shortstop on the undefeated WRL baseball team in 1953. He received WRL honors in football, basketball, baseball and track. In track, he set a school high jump record in 1954. Dean served in the U.S. Army for 1954-1956 where he was a member of the Regimental Baseball and Track teams.

Rick Brewster, Class of 1971, Athletic Hall of Fame

Rick was selected All-Lake County First Team in football in 1969 and 1970. He was selected to the first Save-A-Sight All-Star Football Game. In baseball, he led the first Perry team to make it to the State (final four) playoffs. Rick was the catcher, had a career .370 batting average, and threw out 50 percent of his opposing base stealers.

John “J.W.” Smith, Class of 1962, Athletic Hall of Fame

J.W. received All-League honors in football. He played for four years at Ohio Northern, lettering two years. In basketball, he was selected All League, First Team Regional Press, and Honorable Mention All-State in 1962. In track, John set a school record in the discus in 1961 and went on to the State Track Meet.

Norman Hoyt, Class of 1965, Athletic Hall of Fame

Norm was selected to Regional Press and All-WRL Teams as an offensive lineman in 1963 and 1964. In 1964, he was on the All-District Football squad. In track, he set a school record in 1965 in the shotput and discus and qualified for the State Track Meet.

Robert Brewster, Class of 1946, Athletic Hall of Fame

Robert earned All-League honors in football, basketball, and track. He was selected to All-Star Teams in football as a fullback, basketball and track. In track, he set school records in the shotput, discus and 440 yard dash. Robert went to The Ohio State University where he earned a varsity letter in golf. He obtained PGA Tournament Player status in 1954.

James Rockow, Class of 1954, Athletic Hall of Fame

Jim played quarterback on the 1953 undefeated football team and was selected All-League in 1952 and 1953. In baseball, he was All-League in 1953 and 1954. In those years the team won two WRL Championships and qualified for the State playoffs. Jim was in the U.S. Air Force from 1955 through 1959 where he played baseball as a catcher.

Timothy Brainard, Class of 1961, Athletic Hall of Fame

Tim was a fullback on the football team and was selected All-WRL in 1958, 1959 and 1960. In 1960, he was rated the number one fullback in the WRL. In track, Tim broke the school record in shotput three times. In 1960 and 1961, he qualified for the OHSAA State Track Meet.

C.M. “Doc” Brown, Class of 1955, Athletic Hall of Fame

Doc lettered in four sports his senior year and was All-WRL in football. As a football halfback, defensive back and kick returner, he played on the undefeated 1953 football team. In 1954 he pitched a no-hitter in baseball. The 1954 team went on to the Regional OSHAA State Competition.

Jerry Judd, Jr., Class of 1984, Athletic Hall of Fame

Jerry received All-GRC honors in 1982 and 1983 in football, playing wide receiver and defensive end. In 1983, he was GRC MVP, First Team All-County, First Team All-District and Second Team All-State. In track, Jerry was the District Champion in the 400 meter dash and placed sixth at the State Track Meet in 1984. He was also on the 1600 meter relay team that placed seventh in the state in 1984. He received a football scholarship to Ashland College and teaches and coaches at Streetsboro High School.

Jim Secor, Class of 1944, Athletic Hall of Fame

Jim was a Perry and Ohio High School Basketball and Football Official for 35 years. He was a member of the Perry Little League Baseball Commission, Perry Area Recreation Board and Perry Athletic Booster Club. He received the Perry Athletic Department Service Award in 1990. He was All-WRL in 1944 in basketball. In baseball, he was All-WRL as a pitcher and holds the Perry High School strike out record of two strike outs per inning.

Dr. Janis Zemzars, Honorary, Athletic Hall of Fame

Dr. Zemzars was the team physician for 31 years. He held one of the longest team physician tenures in the State of Ohio, receiving certificates of commendation from the Perry Township Trustees, Lake County Commissioners and the Ohio High School Athletic Association. He was also the Chess Club coach from 1956 to 1976, during which time he coached several State and National Chess Champions.

Charlene Digman, Coach, Athletic Hal of Fame

Charlene coached volleyball 16 years in Perry from 1977 to 1991 with a record of 272 wins and 79 losses. Her teams won eight GRC Championships from 1976 to 1983 and were co-champs in the ESC in 1987. She had teams qualify for OHSAA Districts ten times, were District Runner-up six times, and District Champs four times. Her teams qualified for Regionals six times and were Regional Runner-up two times. Charlene was League Coach of the Year five times and had seven athletes named League MVP, three named to All-Ohio honors. Her team ranked seventh in the State in Class AA in 1987.

Harry Hawkins, Coach, Athletic Hall of Fame

Harry was a teacher and coach for Perry from 1936 to 1947 and from 1957 to 1963. He coached football, basketball, baseball, track and all junior high sports. He was one of the founding coaches of the WRL. His teams were League Champions in 1941 and 1961 in football. His teams won the WRL Baseball Championship in 1930, 1939 and 1943.

William Walker, Coach, Athletic Hall of Fame

Bill was a teacher and coach for Perry from 1954 to 1970. He coached football (head coach 1964-1966), basketball, baseball and track. He was head track coach from 1955 through 1968. Bill coached the first Lake County track team to win WRL Championships in 1961 and 1962. He started the Perry Relays in Track in 1960. Bill had State qualifiers in the pole vault in 1966 and 1967. He organized the first girls’ track team in 1964. He also coached Perry’s Alumni Football Teams.

Larry Brainard, Class of 1957, Athletic Hall of Fame

Larry was selected to the All-WRL Football Team for three years. In basketball, he was All-Lake County in 1957 and All-WRL in 1956 and 1957. He held the school record in track in the mile relay and 440 yard dash and qualified for the State Track Meet in 1957.

Larry Brewster, Class of 1966, Athletic Hall of Fame

Larry received WRL and County honors in 1963 and 1965 as defensive back in football. He placed first at the State Track Meet in pole vault and won the County Track and Field Award for high jump in 1966. He also held records in the high jump, high hurdles, low hurdles and pole vault.

Penny Crofoot, Class of 1980, Athletic Hall of Fame

Penny was an All-Ohio Track performer in 1979 in the 1600 meter event, setting an all-time school record of 5:21.1. She was a State Track Meet qualifier in 1979 and 1980. In cross country, Penny finished eighth in the State Meet in 1978 and 17th in 1979. She went on to The Ohio State University to compete in track and cross country. She placed sixth in the 800 meter race for OSU in 1981.

Barry Deming, Class of 1979, Athletic Hall of Fame

Barry was All-GRC in 1977 and 1978 on offense and defense in football. He was GRC MVP and All-District First Team Defense and All-Ohio Defense in 1978. In track, he was a member of the Shuttle Hurdle Relay Team which set a school record.

Ray Joles, Class of 1954, Athletic Hall of Fame

Ray played quarterback, defensive half and punter on the football team. In 1952 and 1953 he was All-WRL and played on the 1953 undefeated team. In baseball he was a pitcher. The team went to the State Finals in 1953. In 1953 and 1954 the team was WRL Champs. Ray played football and baseball at Adrian College. He was an All-Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletic Association selection in baseball.

Keith Klinger, Class of 1973, Athletic Hall of Fame

Keith was All-GRC, All Lake County and All-State in 1971 and 1972 on the football team. He holds the single game and season rushing record of 1,300 yards and six touchdowns in a single game. In wrestling, he was a District qualifier and All-GRC in 1973. On the track team, Keith was a State qualifier in 1972 and 1973. He placed third in the 440 yard dash, fifth in the 220 yard dash and qualified for the 10 yard dash in 1973.

Larry Logan, Class of 1958, Athletic Hall of Fame

Larry was All-League in football in 1957 and fifth in the State in scoring. He held records for yard per carry and the longest touchdown from scrimmage at 99 yards. He received numerous County, District and State awards.

Bruce Phillip, Class of 1967, Athletic Hall of Fame

Bruce received All-WRL honors in football and basketball in 1964. He set the school record in the low hurdles in track and qualified for the OHSAA State Track Meet in 1965.

Ron Richmond, Class of 1966, Athletic Hall of Fame

Ron ran on the Perry cross country team where he held the course record. The team was undefeated as well as WRL Champions in 1965. He was a Regional qualifier in 1963, 1964 and 1965. In track, Ron led the team to a WRL Championship in 1966. He held school records in the half mile and mile.

Cindy Seese, Class of 1977, Athletic Hall of Fame

Cindy was the first News-Herald Player of the Week in N.E.O. for girls’ basketball. She set Perry and County records for most points in a game (53). She was All-GRC and MVP in 1977. She was also First Team All-Ohio AA, Regional Press All-Lake County, Fourth Team Parade Magazine All-American, and Joe Namath National Prep Sports All-American. In softball, she was All-GRC and MPV in 1975. Cindy played on Perry’s first volleyball team in 1976. The team finished 10-0 and advanced to Regional Semi-finals.

D.R. Tristket, Class of 1979, Athletic Hall of Fame

D.R. was selected All-GRC in football in 1977, 1978 and 1979. He was also AA All-District First Team and AA All-Ohio First Team in 1978. In basketball, D.R. was All-Lake County in 1979. In track he was the 300 meter low hurdle and shuttle hurdle relay record holder. He received a full athletic scholarship to Youngstown State University.

Halley Weaver, Class of 1962, Athletic Hall of Fame

In football, Halley was First Team All-WRL in 1960 and 1961. He was All-Ohio Defense in 1961. In track, he set a school record in the 180 yard low hurdles.

Norvin Carter, Coach/Athlete, Athletic Hall of Fame

During 1930-32, Nick earned nine varsity letters in football, basketball and track. He moved to Painesville his senior year. During the 1932 football season, he carried the ball 32 times in a row against Mentor. While attending Kent State University, he lettered in wrestling, football and track. He reached the final trials for the U.S. Olympic Wrestling Team, narrowly missing the squad. His opponent went on to take a silver medal in Berlin in 1936. Nick coached PHS football, basketball, baseball and track from 1952 to 1957. He also coached at Eastlake North and became their athletic director. North's stadium is named in his honor.

Henry Kobulnicky, Class of 1959, Athletic Hall of Fame

Hank received All-WRL and All-Lake County honors in the four sports in which he participated. He held Perry’s discus record in track with a toss of 122 feet, 8½ inches in 1959.

Gary Richmond, Class of 1968, Athletic Hall of Fame

Gary earned All-WRL honors in football and basketball. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Marine Corp. Gary received multiple combat awards, including the Purple Heart. He died in an automobile accident in December 1969. The Gary Richmond Baseball MVP Trophy was established in his honor.

Larry “Pete” Thompson, Class of 1942, Athletic Hall of Fame

In football as an offensive fullback and defensive linebacker, Pete was a WRL All-Star in 1939, 1940 and 1941. In basketball, he was a WRL All-Star in 1939 and 1940, and led the team to a WRL Championship. In baseball, Pete was on the WRL championship teams in 1939 and 1940.