Amy Zuercher
Loudonville High School
Class of 1992
It is tough to find a 3-sport athlete from Loudonville High School who accomplished more during their 4 years than Amy Zuercher. Amy was a 4-year letter-winner in Volleyball. Her team won the State Championship in 1991 and Amy was an All-District and All-Conference selection. In Basketball, Amy was a key member of the 1992 State Runner-Up team, graduating with school records for assists in a season and assists in a career – both records that still stand today. At the time of her graduation – Amy was 5th in OHSAA history for career assists. She was named to the 1st-team Mohican Area Conference Basketball squad on 3 separate occasions and also was a 3-time 1st-Team Ashland Times-Gazette performer. On the Softball diamond, Zuercher once again helped lead her team to the state championship game in 1991. An All-Conference and All-District performer in softball – Zuercher was a 2nd-Team All-Ohioan in 1992. Amy’s outstanding career earned her a number of other honors as a student at LHS, including the Army Leadership Award, the Mansfield News Journal Scholar Athlete Award and the OHSAA Scholar Athlete Award.
Andie Heffelfinger
Loudonville High School
Class of 2015
A rare 2-sport Conference Player of the Year, Andie Heffelfinger’s work ethic and commitment established her as one of Loudonville’s top female athletes ever. A 2-time All-Ohio selection in Girls Basketball, Heffelfinger earned MVP honors in the Mid-Buckeye Conference in 2014, following that up with being named MVP of the prestigious Ohio North-South All-Star Game in 2015. Andie also earned Academic All-Ohio honors from the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association, as a Senior. A double-double machine, Heffelfinger averaged 17.6 PPG and 12.7 RPG as a Senior and 16.5 PPG and 12.5 RPG as a Junior. Her 24 rebounds in a single game against Northwestern, were a school record upon graduation. Andie also excelled at Volleyball, earning MBC MVP honors in 2013 for her work as a hitter, while gaining recognition from the Wooster Daily Record, Ashland Times-Gazette and Mansfield News Journal. Andie earned 2 varsity letters in Softball, starting as the 1st-baseman for the District Championship team in 2013. Upon graduation from LHS, Andie earned an athletic scholarship to Mount Vernon Nazarene University, where she was a member of the Women’s Basketball team for two years.
Andy Van Horn
Loudonville High School
Class of 2003
One of the leaders and top performers for a number of outstanding teams at LHS, Andy Van Horn undoubtedly enjoyed an individual career worthy of his own Hall of Fame induction. A 1st-Team All-Ohioan as a Boys Basketball player, Van Horn was the Mohican Area Conference Player of the Year, while also finishing his Senior season as the league’s leading scorer. In addition to the two conference championships that his teams won on the hardwood, Van Horn was a member of three league champion Golf teams, earning All-Conference honors, including medalist honors at the MAC conference match. His Senior year, the LHS Golf team finished in 10th place at the State Tournament. Andy continued his athletic career at the College of Wooster, as a member of the Golf and Boys Basketball teams for the Fighting Scots. He was a 1st-Team All-Conference Golfer at the COW, where he has the 5th lowest career stroke average in school history. Playing for legendary Coach Steve Moore – Van Horn’s Basketball teams were 83-12 in the 95 collegiate games that he started, advancing to the NCAA D3 Final 4 in 2007. Andy has the 7th highest 3-point career percentage in COW history.
Austin Cary
Loudonville High School
Class of 2013
Austin Cary was a dominant athlete at Loudonville High School and later at Malone University. A 2-way lineman for the Redbirds, he earned the Defensive Player of the Year from the Mid-Buckeye Conference and the Ashland Times-Gazette in 2012, while also being named the top O-Lineman by the North Central Ohio Coaches Association. A 3rd-Team All-Ohio selection on the gridiron, he earned numerous other honors. As a Senior Wrestler – Austin finished as the Division III State Runner-Up in the heavyweight weight class, ending the year with 29 pins and a 45-1 record. Austin also threw the discus for a school record of 163 feet and 9 inches, while advancing to the State Track Meet in the shot put and finishing in 10th place. As a Senior, Austin was named the Mansfield N-J Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Cary’s excellence continued at Malone University – where he was named the GMAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2017. Cary was an All-GMAC Football selection and Academic All-American honoree. Austin was the GMAC Indoor Track champion in the weight throw and added fifth place finishes in the hammer and discus throws at the outdoor meet. He also was named an Academic All-American for Track and Field – the first athlete at Malone to earn the distinction in two different sports.
Austin VanSickle
Loudonville High School
Class of 2016
It takes a special athlete to succeed in a high school sport. In an era of increased specialization, multi-sport stars are hard to find and 3-sport athletes are very rare. During his time at Loudonville High School, Austin VanSickle led his teams in an incredible 4 different sports, doing so in a variety of ways. On the Football field, VanSickle was a part of 35 wins in 4 years, playing quarterback, running back, wide receiver and defensive back, all while establishing himself as a dynamic punt and kick returner. Austin a was 1st-Team All-Ohio honoree as a Senior defensive back and earned Ashland Times-Gazette Offensive Player of the Year honors, that Fall as well. VanSickle earned 2nd-Team All-Ohio honors as a Junior football player. In the Winter, VanSickle was an All-Conference point guard who often guarded the best player on the other team. Austin pulled double-duty in the Spring, earning All-Conference honors as a speedster on the Baseball field and All-Ohio honors as one of the fast athletes in school history on the track. VanSickle was a member of the State Runner-Up 4×100 relay team in 2015 – a group that also finished 6th place in the 4×200 relay. After graduating from LHS, Austin was a member of the Football team at Mount Union.
Bill Herman
Loudonville High School
Class of 1973
After a standout playing career that spanned 3 sports (Cross Country, Basketball and Track and Field) and included a record-setting performance in the 100 yard dash, Bill Herman cemented his legacy at Loudonville High School with a legendary coaching career. Herman’s overall record as the Softball coach at Loudonville High School was 189-83, featuring a State Championship team in 2001 and a State Runner-Up squad in 2002. He won 6 Mohican Area Conference championships, earning Coach of the Year nods from the conference on each of those occasions. He was the Ashland Times-Gazette Coach of the Year 3 times, as well. Prior to becoming the head coach of the Softball program, Herman was an assistant coach on the 1993 and 1997 State Championship Softball teams. In addition to his success as a Softball coach at LHS, Herman coached elementary Basketball for the boys and girls programs and also assisted with the middle school Girls Basketball and Track and Field programs.
Blake Cary
Loudonville High School
Class of 2015
Blake Cary possessed a rare blend of size and athleticism during his career at Loudonville High School. A two-way performer on the offensive line, Cary helped lead the 2014 Loudonville Redbirds to an undefeated regular season and birth in the Regional Finals, earning 1st-Team All-Ohio honors for his effort. Cary was also rewarded with 1st-Team nods from the Northeast Inland District, Ashland Times-Gazette and Mid-Buckeye Conference. Cary excelled on the Wrestling mat, as well – earning a 4th Place finish at the OHSAA State Meet during his Senior year of competition. Cary’s performance at the State Meet helped his LHS team finish 7th in the overall standings. After graduating from high school, Cary continued his Football career at Malone, starting on the offensive line for the Pioneers and being recognized as an All-Conference academic performer on multiple occasions.
Bob and Bonnie Gribble
Bob and Bonnie Gribble have spent decades serving as supportive pillars of the athletic programs in the Loudonville-Perrysville community. The Gribbles received the Outstanding Booster Award for their service in the 1980’s – an accomplishment that they are very proud of. Whether it was providing limousines for teams traveling to and from the state tournament, organizing pep rallies and “welcome back” parades/assemblies for Regional and State qualifiers and champions, building floats and leading bonfires, planning caravans for away contests, donating food and refreshments for community events, working the concession stand at a number of different home contests and earning the #1 Booster distinction over the course of many different seasons of competition – the Gribbles – and their former business, Gribble’s IGA – have always done whatever they can to provide L-P’s athletes with whatever they need to be successful and feel supported.
Bob Hughes
Perrysville High School
Class of 1961
Bob Hughes excelled in Football, Basketball, Baseball and Track at Perrysville High School from 1957-1961. In Football, Bob was the starting quarterback and safety for 4 years, twice being named to the Ashland County Football All-Star Team. In Basketball, Bob was a 4-year point guard, twice earning recognition as one of the area’s top players by the Ashland Times Gazette and the Mansfield News Journal. As a senior, Bob led the Basketball team in points scored, rebounds and FT shooting, while gaining team MVP honors. In Track, Bob set the Ashland County record in the 440 yard dash and the pole vault and qualified for the Berea District A Meet. On the Baseball diamond, Bob pitched and played outfield and first base. In a 4-inning appearance against local rival Lucas, Bob once struck out 10 batters. After graduating from Perrysville, Bob enlisted in the US Army, where – during an 18-month stint in Germany, he played for the 664th Ordinance Company Basketball and Softball teams, winning the Western Regional Championships in both.
Carolyn Vickers Carmichael
Loudonville High School
A true pioneer for girls sports at Loudonville High School, Coach Vickers was integral in starting the school’s Volleyball and Girls Track and Field programs. She compiled a career record of 266 wins and 69 losses as the head Volleyball coach at LHS, winning 8 conference championships, qualifying for State in 1982, finishing as State Runner-Up in 1981 and winning the school’s first State Championship in 1991. As the Girls Track and Field coach, she sent a number of qualifiers to the State Meet, while winning multiple conference championships. She served as an educator in the LP School District for over 30 years and was active in many community organizations and groups.
Chad Beachler
Loudonville High School
Class of 1989
Chad Beachler’s work ethic led him to a Hall of Fame career at Loudonville High School in the late 1980’s. LHS’s first wrestler to qualify for the State Championship match, Beachler finished the 1989 season as the State Runner-Up in the 189 pound weight class. Chad finished his Junior and Senior regular seasons without allowing a single takedown. The Most Valuable Wrestler at the prestigious JC Gorman Invitational, Beachler also earned Wrestler of the Year honors from the Ashland Times Gazette, Northwest Ohio Wrestling Coaches Association and Northwest Ohio Wrestling Officials Association. In addition to his success on the wrestling mat, Beachler was a captain of the 1988 State Semi-Final Football team at LHS. Beachler played offense, defense and special teams, never coming off of the field. His efforts as a linebacker merited All-Area recognition from the Ashland Times-Gazette and All-District recognition from a larger local media contingent.
Charles Spreng
Loudonville High School
Class of 1953
Chuck Spreng excelled in sports during his time at Loudonville High School. He was a 3rd-Team All-Ohio selection on the gridiron as a Football standout for some of the best teams in school history – including the undefeated 1951 team, which is a member of both the Loudonville High School and Ashland County Sports Hall of Fames. Upon graduation, Chuck stayed loyal to the area and school that he loved so much, serving multiple terms on the Loudonville-Perrysville School Board of Education and the Loudonville Equity Board of Directors.
Dan Weber
Loudonville High School
Class of 1991
Weber helped lead the 1990 Loudonville Football team to the State Championship game. During that remarkable Senior season, Weber was a 1st-Team All-Ohio selection, after setting numerous rushing records and truly standing out on all 3 sides of the ball. He finished his Senior season with over 1800 yards rushing and 27 rushing touchdowns, while leading the team in tackles. Dan continued his Football career at Ashland University. After leaving Ashland, he has been a long-time teacher, coach and advisor in the Loudonville-Perrysville School District.
Dave Parker
Loudonville High School
Dave Parker made a positive impact on thousands of students during his career as a teacher and coach at Loudonville High School. Dave coached 60 different athletic seasons over 31 years at LHS, including 31 years as an assistant Football coach – winning 186 games compared to 121 losses and 4 ties – featuring the 1990 State Runner-Up team. He was the head Baseball coach for 5 years and served as a member of the Girls Basketball program for 8 years and the Track team for 2 years. Coach Parker is best known for starting the Softball program at Loudonville High School in 1981. He accumulated a career winning percentage of 79% – with 252 wins and 67 losses. His teams won 6 district championships and 3 regional championships in 1985, 1991 and 1993. The 1991 team finished as the State Runner-Ups and the 1993 won the ultimate prize, finishing as State Champions. He was a 6-time conference champion and earned Mohican Area Conference Softball Coach of the Year honors 5 times. Coach Parker also received Northeast Ohio District Softball Coach of the Year recognition in 1992 and was chosen as the Ashland Times-Gazette Softball Coach of the Year in 1993.
Dick Marshall
Perrysville High School
Class of 1958
Marshall was one of the best athletes that Perrysville High School ever produced. He earned 15 letters competing for the Admirals. As a Football player, Marshall earned Ashland Times-Gazette Player of the Year honors, after finishing as the 3rd leading scorer in the entire country. He was the MVP of the prestigious North Central Ohio All-Star Football Game. On the hardwood, Marshall averaged over 21 PPG as a Senior. In the Spring, Dick competed in both Baseball and Track – with a bulk of his accomplishments coming on the track. His Senior year, he won an astonishing 4 championships in the Ashland County Meet – winning the 100 yard dash, 200 yard dash, discus and shot put. He was a State Meet qualifier in both the shot put and the discus. After high school, Marshall served in the United States Army, where he competed in Football, Basketball and Track against other American teams throughout the United States.
Emily Eikleberry
Loudonville High School
Class of 2002
A multi-sport athlete at Loudonville High School, Emily Eikleberry won the Mohican Area Conference in either the 400 or 800 meter run in all four years of high school. She qualified for the State Meet four times and earned All-Ohio honors on 3 different occasions – finishing as State Runner-Up (1999), 4th (2000) and 6th (2001) place in the 800. Upon graduation she continued her career as a middle distance runner at Ashland University.
Emily Weber
Loudonville High School
Class of 2017
Emily Weber literally ended her LHS athletic career in the best way possible. On the last jump of her Track and Field career – she lept 18.1.5 – setting a school record and winning the Division III State Long Jump Championship – the first Track and Field state championship for an athlete in school history. Following a freshman year where she earned 2nd-team All-Ohio honors in Girls Soccer, a varsity letter in Girls Basketball and a 3rd Place finish at State in the Long Jump – Emily overcame 2 serious knee injuries that put a damper on a majority of her Sophomore and Junior seasons. Despite missing 2 full seasons, Weber still graduated with school records for assists and goals in Girls Soccer. Upon graduation from Loudonville High School – Weber continued her athletic career as a member of the Track and Field team at Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
Garrett Quickle
Loudonville High School
Class of 2016
Garrett Quickle’s Loudonville High School athletic career spanned 5 sports and left him as one of the most decorated athletes in school history. Garrett earned a whopping 14 varsity letters during his time at LHS. On the Golf course, Garrett earned 3 1st-team All-Conference selections and was a 1st-team Ashland Times-Gazette performer twice. A key contributor on one of the top Football teams in Ashland County history, Garrett was an All-Region selection by the North Central Ohio Football Coaches as a wide receiver in 2014. He earned 1st-team conference, area and district nods on the hardwood as a 3-year cog in the Boys Basketball program. Garrett may have left his biggest legacy in the Spring – on the Baseball diamond and the Track. He was the first All-Ohio Baseball player in school history, earning 4 letters and finishing with a .438 career batting average, as well as 107 RBI’s and 55 steals. Quickle earned 1st-Team All-State honors in 2016 and a 2nd-Team nod in 2015. He earned Ashland Times-Gazette Player of the Year honors and was also named the top player in the Mid-Buckeye Conference twice. He was also recognized by the state coaches – earning Academic All-Ohio honors on two separate occasions. On the Track, Garrett earned a pair of All-Ohio honors, as a member of the school record breaking relay teams in the 4×100 (state runner-up) and 4×200 (6th place). He was an Academic All-Ohio honor in Track, as well.
J.T. Croy
Loudonville High School
Class of 1993
It would be tough to find a better golfer from Loudonville High School than J.T. Croy. Croy put Loudonville Golf on the map – leading the Redbirds to 4 consecutive conference championships from the fall of 1989 to the fall of 1992. A 2-time State placer, Croy finished 3rd Place as a Junior in 1991 and 5th Place as a Senior in 1992. He finished both his Junior and Senior seasons with a sub-par scoring average. Croy went on to golf collegiately at Xavier – starting four years and getting listed among the university’s top 25 golfers in rounds played and scoring average.
Jack Augenstein
Loudonville High School
Class of 1952
Jack Augenstein is one of the first names mentioned when discussing the rich history of athletics at Loudonville High School. He was a 1st-Team All-Ohio selection on the gridiron, while also earning Ashland Times-Gazette Player of the Year honors as a member of the undefeated 1949 and 1951 Redbird Football teams. Jack was a 3x All-Mohican League selection in Football. A standout on the basketball court, as well – Jack was the leading scorer on the 1950-1951 LHS Basketball team. He ended up becoming the head coach of the Boys Basketball program at LHS – leading the 1959-1960 team to the Regional Finals, before a loss to much larger Massillon Washington ended their season. The Jack Augenstein award is given to graduating student-athletes at Loudonville HS who exemplify character and excellence in their studies and on the field of competition.
Jean Wilson
Perrysville High School
Class of 1930
The first four years of the Ashland County Girls Basketball Invitational saw Perrysville High School dominate the competition – losing only 1 tournament game over that span of time. Perrysville’s three area championship teams in 1927, 1928 and 1930 were led by a tremendous post-player in Jean Wilson. In 1927 – as a freshman – she scored 22 of her team’s 26 points in the team’s two victories. She was also named to the all-county team in 1928 and 1930, as the area’s leading scorer and top Girls Basketball player.
Jennie Allerding Bishko
Loudonville High School
Class of 1992
Jennie Allerding was a legendary pitcher for some of the school’s top Softball teams. Her career pitching record at LHS was 53-10 with an outstanding lifetime ERA of 0.43. Allerding was a 2-time 1st Team All-Ohio selection on the mound. She was a 3-time selection as the Ashland Times Gazette Player of the Year in Softball. A member of the State Championship Volleyball team in 1991, Jennie was also a member of State qualifying teams in Basketball and Softball. After graduating from LHS – Allerding attending Kent State, where she continued to excel at Softball – setting a number of pitching records, while ultimately being named the school’s top female athlete.
Jim Brewer
Loudonville High School
Class of 1966
Jim Brewer served as editor of the Loudonville Times for a majority of the time between 1972 and 2014. During that time, he covered and wrote about thousands of Redbird sporting events, athletes and coaches. A golfer at LHS – Brewer got a degree in journalism at Ohio State, serving as the sports editor of The Lantern, Ohio State’s award-winning student newspaper. Among his highlights at Ohio State, was having the opportunity to interview a distraught Woody Hayes after his 1969 Football team was upset by Michigan, ending an undefeated season and probable national championship. While covering Loudonville sports, his highlights include: enjoying watching an unheralded Boys Basketball team stun Lexington, Clear Fork and Ontario and win the Johnny Appleseed Conference in 1973, covering playoff-qualifying Football teams in 1983, ’84, ’88 and ’90 – with the last team advancing to the State Final, seeing the Redbird girls finally earn the school a State Championship in 1991 (Volleyball) with 3 Softball State Titles to follow, as well as following the Boys Basketball teams to the State Tournament in 2004 and 2005. Jim always preferred covering Football games on the sidelines, where he could see and feel the action. He still follows the LHS athletic teams closely and will always be a Redbird fan.
Jim Currens
Loudonville High School
Class of 1953
Jim Currens was by all accounts a hard worker, leader and tremendous teammate at Loudonville High School. As the starting Quarterback of the 1951 Football team – Currens led his squad to the 2nd undefeated regular season in school history. His outstanding play on the football field led him to 2 1st-Team All-Area selections. However, Currens is most well-known for his accomplishments on the track. He qualified for the State Track Meet in a remarkable 4 events (Pole Vault, Long Jump, 100 Yard Dash and 880 Yard Relay), ultimately earning a 3rd Place finish in the Pole Vault and a 6th Place finish in the 100 Yard Dash. After graduating from LHS, Currens continued his athletic career as a member of the Baldwin Wallace football and Track and Field teams – earning the school’s outstanding Senior athlete award in 1957.
John Van Camp
Loudonville High School
Class of 1981
John Van Camp is one of Loudonville High School’s most accomplished multi-sports athletes, earning 10 varsity letters during his playing career. A 3-year letter-winner in Football, Van Camp was a 2-year starter at quarterback, earning 1st-Team Ashland Times-Gazette honors as a Senior. John also earned 3 varsity letters in Basketball, leading the Redbirds in scoring and rebounding during his Junior and Senior seasons. Van Camp was the Ashland Times-Gazette Player of the Year on the hardwood, earning the opportunity to play in the prestigious Mansfield News Journal All-Star Classic. Perhaps John’s top individual accomplishments, however, were in Track and Field – where he earned four letters and set 3 school records in the high jump (6’8-3/4 inches), as a member of the 4×400 meter relay team (3:23.6) and lastly in the 400 meter run, where in his Senior season he set the school record of 49.93 seconds at the AA Ohio State Track and Field Championships., during prelims. In the finals – Van Camp finished in 5th Place, earning All-Ohio honors. John was also a tremendous student, leading him to Cornell University upon graduation – where he played football as a freshman, ultimately earning a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Labor Relations.
Kathy Harris Quickle
Loudonville High School
Class of 1988
One of the pioneers (the 1st All-Ohio selection; 2nd team in 1988) – from the Loudonville High School girls Softball program, Kathy Harris was a standout pitcher, shortstop and center fielder throughout her time at LHS. As a senior, Kathy finished with a sterling season-long ERA of 0.44 – to go with 5 no-hitters and a career pitching record of 41-6. When she wasn’t playing Softball, Kathy was also a member of the Volleyball team, as well as the school band and choir – finishing near the top of her class academically.
Kay Atterholt
Loudonville High School
Class of 1937
Kermit “Kay” Atterholt was one of the pioneers of Ashland County Basketball. His dominance on the hardwood has forever solidified him as one of the best players in the history of the Loudonville-Perrysville School District. Atterholt led Loudonville High School to a 30-0 cumulative regular season record from 1935-1937, finishing as the area’s leading scorer in all 3 seasons, as the Redbirds won 3 consecutive Ashland County League championships. In honor of Loudonville’s victorious streak, led by Atterholt, the Ashland Times-Gazette retired the area’s championship trophy and gave it to Loudonville High School as a symbol of their remarkable stretch. Atterholt was also a standout Football player on both sides of the ball. After graduation, Atterholt played on the traveling Flexible Company Basketball team – taking on opponents from across the state of Ohio and rarely losing.
Kenny Long
Loudonville High School
A tireless worker who spent over 40 years as a member of the Loudonville Athletic Booster Club, Kenny Long was instrumental in a number of projects that our community has benefitted from over the years. Kenny was the lead in building the fieldhouse at Redbird Stadium, which was finalized in 1984. He also was key in adding the third floor to the press box, as well as the visitor’s concession stand and the new aluminum bleachers on the home side of the field. He helped with the design and construction of the pole barn storage facility at the north end of the stadium and initiated the initial campaign to transition from a cinder track to a rubber track. He was known for being selfless and driven – while always making the best tasting popcorn and doing whatever was needed for the kids in our community that he loved so much.
Kim Herman
Loudonville High School
Class of 1996
A dynamic multi-sport athlete at Loudonville High School – Kim Herman left a legacy that cements herself as one of the top female athletes in area history. Throughout Kim’s Basketball career, she earned a number of accolades. After her Junior and Senior seasons, Kim earned All-Ohio recognition from the Associated Press. She was a 3-time Ashland Times Gazette Player of the Year and also earned Mohican Area Conference Player of the Year honors as a Senior. Kim graduated with school records for career points (1470), career 3-pointers (197), season 3-pointers (78) and still holds school records for career free throw percentage (80.5%) and season free throw percentage (86%). In addition to her outstanding time on the basketball court, Kim earned 4 letters on the softball diamond, contributing to the State Championship team as a Freshman in 1993 and being named a 1st-Team All-Ohioan as a Senior in 1996. In that tremendous Senior season, Kim was also named the Ashland Times-Gazette Pitcher of the Year and Mohican Area Conference Player of the Year. A great student as well, Kim was a scholar-athlete for all 4 years at Loudonville High School. Upon graduation from LHS, Kim attended Ashland University where she was a 4-year letterwinner on the AU Softball team – including the 1998 season which finished with a 51-4 overall record.
Kolton Edmondson
Loudonville High School
Class of 2015
Kolton Edmondson is undoubtedly one of the top prep-Football players in area history. He graduated from Loudonville High School as the program’s only 3-time All-Ohio selection, earning Special Mention nods in 2012 and 2013 and a 1st-Team selection in 2014. After leading his team to a Regional Runner-Up finish as a Senior – Edmondson was the Ashland Times-Gazette, Mansfield News Journal, Northeast Inland District and Mid-Buckeye Conference Player of the Year – becoming the 1st player in area history to pass and rush for over 1500 yards in a single season. Kolton graduated with school records for rushing yards in a game (387), rushing yards in a season (1850), rushing yards in a career (5066), rushing touchdowns in a season (29), rushing touchdowns in a career (67), total yardage in a season (3845), total yardage in a career (8209) and total points scored in a career (410). Edmondson – who finished his career with 12 varsity letters – also excelled in Baseball and Track at LHS, while earning letters in Wrestling and Basketball, too. As a Baseball player, Kolton was a 3-time All-Conference selection. On the Track – Edmondson was a member of state runner-up 4×100 and 6th place 4×200 meter relay teams – which both earned All-Ohio honors and set school records. Upon graduation – Kolton played Football at Ashland University for 4 years.
Lisa Marshall
Loudonville High School
Class of 1992
One of the best multi-sport athletes to graduate from Loudonville High School (8 total letters in Volleyball and Basketball), Lisa Marshall may be known best for her exploits on the Volleyball court. In the Fall of 1991 – Marshall earned 2nd-Team All-Ohio honors and delivered the State Championship winning block at the net. A Jack Augenstein Award winner, Marshall also excelled on the basketball court at LHS – graduating as one of the top rebounders in school history. Lisa was the first female athlete from Loudonville High School to earn a Division 1 scholarship opportunity – one that she took advantage of at Akron University. At Akron, Marshall earned All-Conference accolades, ultimately jump-starting a professional Volleyball career that spanned well over a decade.
Marion Zody
Perrysville High School
Class of 1954
Marion “Shine” Zody was a large reason behind Perrysville being recognized on a state-wide and even a national scale in the early 1950’s. As a Senior on a loaded 6-Man Football team, Zody led the entire country in scoring. He was named to the All-Ohio Football teams in 1952 and 1953, while also serving as a key contributor on the 1951 undefeated Perrysville 6-Man squad. Zody added to those incredible Football accolades by earning All-Ohio honors twice as a Basketball player – 2nd Team as a Senior and Honorable Mention as a Junior. Too athletic to only play one sport in the Spring, Zody threw a no-hitter as a pitcher for the Admirals and also qualified for the State Track meet in the shot put and the discus. Upon graduation, Zody continued his athletic career at Ashland College – excelling as a Football player, where he was an All-League selection, leading the entire country in punting his final season.
Mark Schlabach
Loudonville High School
While at LHS, Mark Schlabach began his coaching career in 2000 as the head coach of the Loudonville Redbirds Girls Basketball team. After a 17-6 season with the girls, Mark became the head coach of the boys program where he coached from 2001-2005. His overall record at Loudonville with the boys and girls programs was 105-18. During his tenure, the Redbirds won league titles in 2002,2003,2004, and 2005. In 2002, Loudonville won its first district championship in decades, eventually losing in the regional final. In 2004 and 2005, the Redbirds made it to the OHSAA State Final Four, the only Boys Basketball teams to do so in school history. Schlabach’s success led to a number of Coach of the Year honors from different media outlets and coaching groups.
Michael Dennis
Loudonville High School
Class of 1979
Mike Dennis earned a number of awards as a Football player at LHS. As a member of the undefeated 1978 Football team, Mike earned First-Team All-Johnny Appleseed Conference on both offense and defense. The Northeast Ohio District named him to the “AA” first team as a Defensive Back. The All-Ohio “AA” teams recognized him, as well, as he was named UPI First Team Tight End and AP First Team Defensive Back. Michael was the first Loudonville Football player to received All-State First Team recognition in the “AA” classification. Today, Mike still holds the school record for the average per catch at 29 yards. Mike was also a 1st-Team All-League selection in Basketball at LHS. Upon graduation – Mike attended Ashland University, where he was a 4-time letter-winner and 2x All-Conference selection as a member of the Football team.
Michael Warbel
Loudonville High School
During his time at Loudonville High School, Mike Warbel positively effected thousands of students as a teacher, coach and administrator. While at LHS, Warbel served as the head coach of the Football, Girls Basketball and Track and Field programs. Warbel’s Football teams compiled a record of 151 wins, 75 losses and 2 ties during his career. His 1990 team finished as the State Runner-Up and his 1983 and 1988 teams advanced to the State Final 4. The 1975 and 1978 teams both finished with perfect 10-0 regular season records under Coach Warbel’s guidance. He was a 6-time Ashland Times Gazette Coach of the Year selection. His 1980 Girls Basketball team won the conference championship, as did his 1981 Track team – which sent a number of qualifiers to the State Meet. There are few people who accomplished more at Loudonville High School than Coach Mike Warbel.
Mike Beans
Loudonville High School
Class of 1967
Mike Beans was an All-Conference performer for the Loudonville Redbirds in 3 different sports – Football, Basketball and Baseball, compiling 10 letters in all. He earned 1st-Team All-Ohio honors on the gridiron in 1966. After graduating – instead of pursuing Football at the collegiate level, Mike went straight to the Marine Corps – serving in Vietnam and earning 3 Purple Hearts. Once he returned to Loudonville – he began to train Redbird athletes – serving as the school’s strength and conditioning coach at LHS for over 15 years. He was vital to the construction of the school’s weight room facility that is still in use today. Beans served as an assistant coach for several playoff teams, league champions and state qualifiers during his time at Loudonville – including the 1990 State Runner-Up football team. Beano’s Buckeye Ballroom has sponsored a number of the district’s teams and events over the years, as well.
Mike Parsons
Loudonville High School
Class of 2001
Mike Parsons was a standout Football player and Wrestler during his time as a Loudonville High School. He earned 7 letters while at LHS, including all 4 years as a varsity Wrestler. Parsons was well-respected by his teammates, being voted wrestling team captain as a Sophomore, Junior and Senior. On the mat, he graduated with an incredible career record of 164 wins and 17 losses – the most wins in school history, upon graduation. Parsons finished as the State Runner-Up in 1997 as a Freshman and 1998 as a Sophomore. He was a 3rd Place finisher after his Junior and Senior campaigns in 1999 and 2000 – impressively earning top 3 status in 4 different weight classes throughout HS, moving up each season. Perhaps his most special accomplishment – Mike earned High School All-American status, finishing 6th Place in the national tournament as a Senior. Upon graduation, Parsons continued his Wrestling career at the Virginia Military Institute.
Misty Wells
Loudonville High School
Class of 1992
Misty Wells (Haley) attended Loudonville High School from 1989 through 1992 and was undoubtedly one of the school’s top multi-sport athletes during that time. In her four years at LHS, she accumulated a total of 11 Varsity letters – playing Volleyball, Basketball and Softball. Misty’s Basketball accomplishments include breaking the school record for the most points in a single game (49) – which she did in only 2 quarters of action. In addition, Misty graduated with the school career scoring record, at 1,411 points in her four seasons. Misty was named the Ashland Times-Gazette Girls Basketball Player of the Year as a Senior. Highlights of Misty’s time at LHS include being a member of the 1991 State Championship Volleyball team, as well as the 1991 State Runner-Up Softball team and 1992 State Runner-Up Basketball team. Misty received the prestigious Jack Augenstein Award at Loudonville High School as a graduating Senior. After graduating from LHS, Misty attended Mount Union, where she continued her athletic career as a 4-year starting catcher on the Softball team. Her Senior season at Mount Union, Misty broke the single season stolen bases record, with 30 steals.
Pat Pearl
Loudonville High School
Pat Pearl served the Loudonville-Perrysville community for over 30 years as a teacher and coach – beginning in 1972-1973 and spanning the decades that followed. Pat started Loudonville’s Wrestling program and coached for 20 years. He was recognized at the JC Gorman Wrestling Tournament for his contributions to the sport in 1999. He also served 30 years as the Freshmen/JV Football coach – developing a number of All-Ohio performers during that time. Pearl was the Varsity Baseball coach for five years, with his team winning the program’s first ever league championship in 1978. Pat assisted with JV Baseball, Junior High Boys Basketball, JV Girls Basketball and Junior High Track and Field throughout his career. Pat served as the Athletic Director at LHS for 6 years – inheriting a department that was nearly $17,000 in debt and getting it back “into the black” in nearly a year on the job. Pat is a member of the First Baptist Church of Loudonville, is an active member of the Lions Club – where he has been serving for over 20 years and is a contributor to the Loudonville-Perrysville Area Community Help Mission – one of only a few members who have been with the Mission since its inception.
Randy Hinkle
Loudonville High School
Class of 1966
Randy Hinkle was one of Loudonville High School’s early star gridders. A standout on multiple Football teams in the mid-60’s, Hinkle earned All-Ohio Honorable Mention honors and was a 3x All-Conference selection by the Ashland County League and Johnny Appleseed Conference. Since graduation, Hinkle has been a long-time supporter of LP-Redbird Athletics and a number of different booster groups and alumni organizations.
Richard “Dick” Armstrong
Loudonville High School
Class of 1945
Dick Armstrong was a 3-sport standout at Loudonville High School, shining as a Football, Basketball and Baseball player. He made a name for himself, as a prep athlete, on the Basketball court – earning All-Ohio honors during the Winter season of 1944-1945. Upon graduation Armstrong earned All-Conference honors as a Football player at Baldwin Wallace, while also earning multiple letters as a member of the Men’s Basketball team. Armstrong may be known best throughout the state of Ohio as a former OHSAA Commissioner – the 7th in the organization’s history. Armstrong was instrumental in the expansion of playoff divisions for Football, the addition of new girls sports for state competition and securing an excellent catastrophic insurance policy for the membership’s schools, coaches, athletes and athletic trainers.
Richard Porter
Loudonville High School
Class of 1953
Porter earned eight varsity letters (three each in Football and Basketball and two in Baseball) at LHS between 1951 and 1953. He was a starting linebacker for the undefeated 1951 Football Redbirds and the leading scorer for the Redbird Basketball teams in 1952 and 1953. While serving as a team captain, Porter was an All-Ohio and 1st-Team All-Area selection in both Football and Basketball – one of only a few male athletes in school history to earn All-Ohio honors in multiple sports.
Robert Cowen
Loudonville High School
Bob Cowen is a true legend in the Loudonville-Perrysville School District – not only for his exploits as a star athlete at Loudonville HS, but for his decades of generosity and service to his community and the surrounding area. Cowen was an All-Ohio and All-Mohican League selection as a running back on some of the school’s best teams in the early 1950’s. A United States Air Force Veteran and the founder of Cowen Trucking in Perrysville, Bob and his family supported a number of LP-Booster Projects over the years, while also sponsoring the District’s HS and JH track invitationals in the spring. These meets are now referred to as The Cowen Invites, after Bob and the Cowen family. Cowen also enjoyed dirt track racing, winning late model championships at both the Wayne County Speedway and Mansfield Raceway during his career.
Rod Sprang
Loudonville High School
Class of 1981
Rod Sprang was one of the most dominant offensive linemen in school history. A 3-time All-Ashland area selection, Sprang earned All-Ohio honors on the gridiron as a senior. While he was outstanding in Football – he also was a Track and Field star, showing explosiveness that helped him qualify for the State Meet in the long jump. After graduating from LHS, Sprang earned 3 letters playing Football at Baldwin Wallace University.
Russel Reynolds Jr.
Loudonville High School
Class of 1976
It takes a special athlete to earn All-Ohio honors. It’s nearly unheard of for an athlete to be an All-Ohioan in 3 different sports – yet that is what Rusty Reynolds accomplished during his time at Loudonville High School. Reynolds was State Runner-Up in the shot put as a Senior – he still owns the school record in the event with a toss of 56′ 5 1/4”. On the hardwood, he earned Honorable Mention All-Ohio honors as a Senior, averaging 16 PPG and leading the team in Free Throw percentage. A starting Offensive Guard and Defensive Nose/Linebacker, Reynolds was one of the leaders for the 1975-1976 LHS Hall of Fame Football team that finished the regular season with a perfect record. He was a First-Team All-Ohio selection, as one of the best offensive linemen in the entire state. Upon graduation, Rusty continued to compete in Football and Track at Capital University, earning All-American status in Football. Reynolds ultimately returned to Loudonville where he taught and coached at his alma mater for over 30 years.
Ryan Weber
Loudonville High School
Class of 2014
Ryan Weber’s name was synonymous with Loudonville High School athletics in the mid-2010’s. A 4-year letter-winner in Football, Weber was a key piece at running back and middle linebacker for the winningest 3-year run in school history from 2012-2014. He earned All-Conference honors as a Junior and Senior, while also being named the Player of the Year by the Ashland Times-Gazette and the Mid-Buckeye Conference. Weber was a 2nd-Team All-Ohio selection in 2012 and a 1st-Team All-Ohioan in 2013. Weber finished his LHS career in the best way possible – winning a State Championship as a Wrestler in 2014. His stellar record of 46-3 as a Senior capped off a tremendous career, which also included a 4th-place finish at State as a Junior and numerous All-Conference and All-Area awards. After graduating from Loudonville in 2014, Ryan continued his athletic career at Malone, earning 4 letters as a member of the Football program. He was named the top defensive player at Malone as a Senior, while also being named to the All-Conference, All-Region and ultimately the All-American team. He was an Academic All-Conference choice, too.
Sarah Wickline
Loudonville High School
Class of 2016
When looking at Sarah Wickline’s resume, it is easy to see why she is considered one of the best Softball players that ever competed at Loudonville High School. As of her induction, Sarah is the only Softball player in school history to earn All-Ohio honors on 3 occasions. She was a 1st-Team All-Ohio selection in 2014 and 2015 and earned Honorable Mention honors in 2016. Wickline graduated with 2 Ashland Times-Gazette Player of the Year nods and currently owns LHS school records for hits in a season, hits in a career, batting average in a season, RBI’s in a season, RBI’s in a career, home runs in a season and home runs in a career. Sarah was also a multi-year letter-winner on the Basketball court, known for her perimeter shooting ability.
Sierra Wright
Loudonville High School
Class of 2013
It’s difficult to summarize all of the accomplishments that Sierra Wright garnered during time as a Track and Field star at Loudonville High School. Sierra currently holds school records in the 100 meter dash (12.6), 200 meter dash (25.25), 400 meter dash (56.91) and the 4×200 relay (1:46:10). She also assisted the 4×100 meter relay team in setting a school record at the time of her graduation (51.7). Sierra was a 3-time All-Ohio selection, finishing as the State Runner-Up in the 400 meter dash in 2013, 3rd place in the 400 Meter Dash in 2012 and also as a member of the 8th place 4×200 meter relay team in 2013. A multi-time Academic All-Ohio selection, Wright was a 1st-Team All-Conference performer on 9 different occasions. She also earned Mid-Buckeye Conference Track and Field Athlete of the Year. and was a District and Regional Champion in the 400 Meter Dash. As a Senior, Sierra participated in the Midwest Meet of Champions – placing 4th Place in the 400 Meter Dash. As a Freshman – Sierra was an All-District and All-Area Soccer performer, as well. After graduating from LHS, Sierra competed in Track and Field at Ohio Wesleyan University, earning All-Conference honors in the 400 Meter Dash and as a member of multiple relay teams. Sierra holds Indoor records at OWU in the 4×200 meter relay (1:44:42), 4×400 meter relay (4:00:52) and the Distance Medley Relay (12:02:77). She also holds the Outdoor record for the 4×400 relay (3:53:76).
Thomas Dennison
Loudonville High School
Class of 1956
Basketball legend Bob Knight once said that “Loudonville had this guy in the 1950’s – his name was Tom Dennison and he was an absolute pain in the butt to play against.” Many area-Basketball players would agree with Coach Knight, as Dennison earned 1st-Team All-Ohio honors for the Redbirds after exploded for a school record 674 points during his Senior campaign – one in which he averaged 29.3 PPG. Dennison was the Northeast Ohio District Player of the Year as a Junior and a Senior, also earning All-Central Buckeye League honors during both seasons. a career 1034-point scorer, Dennison led his team to the Regional Finals as a Senior.
Tim Cowen
Loudonville High School
Class of 1976
Tim Cowen was a standout Football player at Loudonville High School. In 1975, he was a Senior running back and middle linebacker on the first area Football team to be ranked #1 in the OHSAA computer poll. As a co-captain that fall, Tim earned 1st-Team All-Ohio honors from the Associated Press. The 10-0 Redbirds ended with a perfect season – winning the Johnny Appleseed Conference and finishing as the 3rd ranked team in the final statewide poll. At the time – Tim’s 20 touchdowns and 126 points scored were both Ashland area records – leading to him being selected as the 1975 Ashland Times-Gazette Player of the Year. Upon graduation from LHS, Tim earned 3 letters for Lee Tressel as a Football player at Baldwin Wallace, winning a National Championship in 1978 and being named to the All-Conference team in 1979. Tim continued to fuel his competitive fire through adulthood, racing cars and trucks in a number of the world’s top organizations for groups like ARCA and NASCAR. His family’s business – Cowen Truck Line – has served as a sponsor for a number of Loudonville High School athletic programs and events over the years – including the well-known Cowen Invitational Track Meet – each spring in Redbird Stadium.
Tom and Jeannie Stake
As lifelong residents of Loudonville, Tom and Jeannie Stake have taken pride in supporting many school and community programs and organizations. In addition to serving as the long-time sponsors of Meet the Teams events in our district, the Stakes have been key financial contributors to a number of projects in the athletic department and behind. In addition to their service for the schools, Tom and Jeannie have supported local groups like The Cleo Redd Museum, The Ohio Theatre and the Loudonville Public Library. They have always been “hometown proud”!
Trevor Scott
Loudonville High School
Class of 2005
Trevor Scott made a lasting impact on the Golf course, in the Basketball gym, on the Baseball diamond and in the classroom during his time as a Loudonville High School student. An 11-time letter-winner, Trevor was named the top student-athlete in the Mansfield area by the Mansfield News Journal in 2005. As a golfer, Trevor earned All-Conference honors as a member of multiple conference championship teams. Perhaps best known for his success on the hardwood, Trevor helped lead LHS to the OHSAA State Final Four in his Junior and Senior seasons. He earned All-Ohio honors from the Associated Press, was chosen to play in the Ohio North-South All-State Game (scoring 15 points), was named the Player of the Year by the Mid-Buckeye Conference and Mansfield News Journal. Trevor still holds school records for career and single season steals. In the Spring, Trevor had a Baseball career that cemented him as one of the program’s best players of all-time. A 4-year starter and All-District and All-Conference selection, Scott was a multi-tool player who rarely struck out, consistently reaching base and playing sterling defense. After graduating from LHS, Trevor continued his athletic career at Muskingum University, earning 1st-team All-Conference honors on the hardwood, where he crossed the 1000 career point mark.
Tristan Bender
Loudonville High School
Class of 2015
Known as one of the hardest hitters in school history, Tristan Bender earned All-Ohio honors twice as a Football player at LHS. As a Senior, he had 168 tackles, 11 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 1 defensive touchdown, 1 safety and a blocked punt for the 2014 Regional Runner-Ups. He broke Loudonville’s single-season tackle record two years in a row – earning Defensive Player of the Year honors from the Northeast Inland District, Ashland Times-Gazette, Mansfield News Journal and Mid-Buckeye Conference. Tristan was an Ohio North-South State All-Star Game participant, as well. The valedictorian of his graduating class at Loudonville, Tristan also participated in Wrestling and Track, where he was a member of the State Runner-Up 4×100 and 6th Place 4×200 meter relay teams that earned All-Ohio honors and set school records. Bender went on to play linebacker at the collegiate level where he won a national championship.
Tyler Scott
Loudonville High School
Class of 2001
Tyler Scott earned Loudonville’s first State Wrestling championship as a Junior in 2000 – winning the 103 pound division. He had a sterling career record of 144-25 on the mat, also qualifying for state as a Sophomore (finishing 5th) and as a Senior – moving up a weight class after winning the crown the year prior. Scott was also a 4-year letter-winner in Golf at LHS – winning a conference championship as a Senior.
William Porter
Loudonville High School
Class of 1949
Porter was a 4-year letterman at LHS in Football and Basketball, as well as a standout Baseball player during his Junior and Senior seasons. An All-League selection in both Football and Basketball, Porter earned All-Ohio honors on the gridiron as a Senior in 1948. Immediately upon graduating from Loudonville, he traveled to Palm Beach, Florida and tried out with the Philadelphia Athletics, although he was injured during tryouts and did not make the team. He did however, continue his athletic career as a member of the Mansfield Merchants, who at the time were affiliated with the National Baseball Congress.
Zach Davis
Loudonville High School
Class of 1998
Zach Davis is one of the top wrestlers to come from not only Loudonville High School, but all of Ashland County. After a 6th Place finish in 1997, Davis made it to the final match in 1998, finishing as State Runner-Up. Zach was a 3-year State qualifier who finished with a career record of 135 wins and 24 losses. – including a 42-3 mark as a Senior. Davis was presented the prestigious Jack Augenstein Award, as well. After graduation, he compiled a 103-46 record at Ashland University, qualifying for three times and placing sixth during his Senior year – where he was a team captain.