Getting the best results for the effort is something all athletes at every level strive to do. They play to win, whatever the sport. Some also are blessed to achieve higher levels in either a single sport or in multiple sports, and sometimes the successes and excellent levels they reach pay off by being recognized with election to halls of fame.
On January 16, the Berkshire High School Hall of Fame inducted seven men and one woman in a special ceremony at halftime of their battle with neighborhood rival Cardinal.
Any time these two programs get together, dating back to the days when the Berkshire Badgers were known as the Burton Maple Leafs, fans can expect a battle royale no matter how season records may stand. And such was the case as the Badgers used a tighter defense in the second half, combined with huge offensive outbursts from Jarett Smetana and Ryan Johnson in the third period, to break away from the Huskies for a solid 56-37 Chagrin Valley Conference victory.
The sole female honoree into the HOF was unable to attend, but Debbie Duplay-Blank reached a superb level of success in four sports, reaching state title awards in track, as a member of the class of 1989.
Coach Paul Busby was honored posthumously for his efforts coaching many years in many sports; he led various Burton squads to 339 wins over his tenure.
John Rowland, class of 1959, was honored for stellar success in football, basketball and baseball, and still appeared to be in good enough condition this evening to be able to give a good account of himself in a game.
Greg Thomas, class of 1964, was named for his efforts in football and wrestling.
George Nelson, class of 1965, was a top athlete in football, wrestling and track.
Larry Luoma, graduate in 1973, was top dog in football and baseball especially, but excelled in about anything he tried in the mid-’70s. I played softball against him often at the Chardon Eagles Field in that time, and he succeeded often.
Brad Wadsworth, class of 1997, was a top football and track athlete for the Badgers.
The last athlete inducted by Jim Kellogg was Sean Keyes, class of 2003. Wrestling was his forte, as he finished as state runner-up at 103 pounds his junior season, and improved upon that with a state title at 119 pounds as a senior.
Rowland was deeply touched with his induction.
“I just think it’s really nice to be remembered at this point of my life,” he said as he talked with friends and well-wishers after the game. “Back in my day, as a Burton Maple Leaf, all the schools had smaller gyms to play in, the football fields weren’t as nice as they are now, but playing on a team meant something to the community. I was on the school board when they built this gym, and I’m proud of how well it’s been taken care of to this point.”
Luoma also felt great humility with his election.
“I’m really humbled to be honored today,” he said. “Number one, you always hope you are remembered for what you achieved playing sports in your community. Being recognized by your peers is an important aspect in life, and over the years it’s amazing to see what the people of the community have gone through to keep traditions going.”