A 1961 NCAA Qualifier from Bowling Green State University would come to Chagrin Falls later that year to teach and coach at Chagrin Falls and establish the Tigers as a dominant wrestling program. While at Chagrin, Mr. Hoppel was also on the coaching staff of the football program. Under Hoppel’s guidance the wrestling team won 4 CVC titles in 5 years (’65 – ’67 & ’69). Four individuals made it to the state tournament (Reed Carpenter, Ray Slaybaugh, Warren Wise & Bob Camarato) during an era when there was only one division in wrestling. Over a dozen of his grapplers would go on to compete at Division I colleges. Also under his leadership, the team had a 25 match unbeaten streak which included 22 straight wins and two 10 – 0 seasons(65 – 66 & 66 – 67). During this streak, the Tigers dual events were so popular that not only would there be sellout crowds against our rivals Solon, Kenston and Twinsburg, several of the matches were also televised. After 1969, Coach Hoppel would go on to coach at his alma mater, BGSU, and other schools before helping to revive the nationally recognized St. Edward’s program. Jim has been inducted into the East Liverpool School and BGSU Athletic Halls of Fame and his family, which includes four brothers, has been recognized by the OHSAA for having the largest influence on wrestling during the 1950s.

Karis was not only a dominant tennis player in the conference but at the state level as well. She successfully qualified to the state tournament during all four years and earned the state runner-up title in singles tennis her senior year. Karis earned many honors including being selected the MVP of the CVC three times and to the Plain Dealer All- Greater Cleveland Dream Team. Her achievements continued on in college. While at Miami University of Ohio, she was a Conference Champion in both singles and doubles. She placed at the MAC Conference Tournament in 1994 – 1996.

Brye had an illustrious soccer career at both CFHS and the United States Naval Academy. Playing for veteran coach and father Dr. Mario Gerhardt, Brye earned accolades at all levels. During his junior year he was selected 2nd Team All-Ohio, while his senior season he was tabbed for 1st Team. In his final two seasons, Brye was named Regional All-American. Also during the fall of 1996, he was recognized as the Greater Cleveland Division II Player of the Year and was the first Chagrin boys soccer player to earn All American honors. Gerhardt took a strong academic resume with his soccer skills to the Naval Academy where he played all 4 years. While there Brye was the leading scorer for 3 seasons. He finished his career 9th in points in Navy history (58) and 6th in assists (14). He was also selected to 1st team Patriot League during his senior season and 2nd team the previous year.

Steve was a three-sport athlete competing for four years in football, wrestling and baseball. He received CVC honors for all three sports during his career. His main passion was baseball where he earned CVC honors for three years and his senior team was CVC champs in 1967. He went on to have a very successful four-year wrestling career at Ashland College where the team won 29 straight matches, which was not new to Steve for he was part of the Tiger squads that went unbeaten in 23 straight matches. In addition Steve has been involved in giving back to the school through his leadership in numerous projects including the varsity baseball grass infield and the Piai locker room and track storage project.