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.
JOHN THOMAS
John won multiple letters in Football, Basketball and Track during his career at Chagrin. In 1956 he was named to the All-Cuyahoga Conference Team as both a running back and linebacker and was named the starting Fullback for the Cuyahoga County All Star Team. John also was a strong contributor on the storied 1956 Basketball team that advanced to the Class B Final Four under the leadership of Coach Dale Bruce. John continued his athletic career in college, ending up at Ohio Wesleyan, again under the influence of Coach Bruce. He played cornerback on defense and halfback on offense and was named to All-Ohio Conference Teams both years. John was President of the Senior Class at CFHS and was inducted into the CFHS Achievement Hall of Fame in 2002.
ARTHUR JOHN DAVIDSON
Art moved to Chagrin in the spring of his sophomore year and immediately made his presence known on the track. While he also lettered in football and basketball, it was in track where he made his mark. During his junior year, he was third in the 100 and sixth in the 220. During his senior year, Art was undefeated in the 100 yard dash winning the state title. Art captained that season’s team that went through the 1959 season undefeated and took a 3rd place at the state meet. He went on to compete in track at Ohio Wesleyan University and captained the 1963 team.
PETER STEELE VAN NORT
During his career at Chagrin Falls, Peter earned three letters in football, quarterbacking the team his junior and senior year. He was second in scoring his senior year and first during his junior year on the basketball team amassing 548 points in just those two seasons, while receiving 1st Team All County honors in his junior season. However, it was in track that he really shone, earning letters all four years, placing at the state meet a total five times. As a junior, Peter finished 5th in the State in the 120 High Hurdles, and as a senior he was 4th in the 120-Yard High Hurdles and 2nd in the State in the 180 Low Hurdles. He also ran on the 880 yard relay team that was 4th in his junior year and 2nd his senior year. His efforts helped Chagrin earn a 5th place at the state track meet in 1955. Peter continued his outstanding athletic career at the Naval Academy where he earned a total of 9 athletic letters, more than any other in his class.
KENNETH R. WILEY
Ken was an outstanding all-around athlete at Chagrin Falls High School. He earned nine varsity letters. In football he was a 3-year letterman and co-captain of his team as a senior. During his junior and senior years he was his team’s leading scorer in basketball. Ken was selected as Most Valuable Player of the District Basketball Tournament in 1951. He was also a top performer in track and field, placing in the discus at the District Meet in 1951. He was a successful coach during his long career in education. He coached football, basketball, track and tennis.
DENNIS H. BRADLEY
A fine all-around athlete at Chagrin Falls High School, Dennis Bradley would reach professional status in golf, not then a school sport at CFHS. In 1954, he was the Cleveland District Jaycee Champion. In 1955 and 1956, he was the Cleveland District Junior Champion. As a professional in the PGA and Senior PGA, he won numerous golf tournaments, including three National championships. In 1986 Dennis was named Golf Professional of the Year in Western New York. In 1988, he was elected to the Western New York PGA Hall of Fame. While at CFHS, he lettered in football, basketball and track.
DONALD K. EVANS
Don was a 4-year letterman in football and track at CFHS. He also earned two letters in basketball. As a senior, he was an All-State Honorable Mention selection in football and won a full scholarship to the University of Michigan. He played varsity football at three universities and for the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. In track and field, he was a member of the 880-yard relay team which qualified for the state meet during his senior year. Don also excelled in the sport of boxing, before it was banned at Chagrin Falls High School in 1952, the year after he graduated.
LARRY N. WILEY
Larry was a splendid all-around athlete at CFHS. A varsity starter for three years in basketball, he earned State Honorable Mention honors his senior year. His team advanced to the District Tournament during his junior and senior years. He also lettered three years in football earning Press Star honors. A hurdler and sprinter in track, he was twice a member of an 880 yard relay team which placed second (1955) and fourth (1954) in the State Track Meet. He captained a lacrosse team to a Brigade Championship at West Point.
JON FITZPATRICK
A superior sprinter in track, Jon’s speed also served him well in football. As a halfback during his senior year, he was one of the leading scorers in Greater Cleveland. He earned three letters in football at CFHS and was a Plain Dealer Dream Team selection. In track, he was among the best in the state. In 1954, he reached the state finals in the 100 and 200 yard dashes and anchored the 880 yard relay team. He also qualified for the state finals in the 220 during his junior year, breaking a school record which had stood for more than 20 years.
DAVID A. BANNING
One of Chagrin ‘s finest all-around athletes, Dave earned state honors in three sports. Co-captain and quarterback of the 1956 Tiger football team, he was an All Ohio selection. During his junior year, he was a member of the basketball team that reached the state finals. In basketball during his senior year, he was an All Ohio selection and Co-captain of a team that won East County and Sectional championships. In track, he was a three-time state qualifier, placing third in the 100 yard dash during his junior year. After graduating from CFHS, Dave lettered in football and track at Ohio Wesleyan University. He was the Ohio Conference broad jump champion in 1959 and a member of the 880 relay team which set an Ohio Wesleyan and Ohio Conference record in 1959.
JOHN S. STANTON
Few persons have coached as many Chagrin athletes as this long-time CFHS teacher and coach. A 1956 graduate of Hiram. College, where he lettered in football and track, Jack became CFHS’s first Jennings Scholar in 1962. He became an assistant football coach at the high school in 1960, a position he was to hold for the next 29 years. He also served a long tenure as head track coach, 1966-1989. As varsity track coach, his teams won Chagrin Valley Conference championships in 1971 and 1977. Jack was named CVC Coach of the Year both years. His track teams were District Runner-up in 1982, Regional Runner-up in 1983, and District Champion in 1984. His track athletes qualified for the state meet in 18 consecutive seasons. Three were state champions.
JOHN B. HURST
John began coaching boys cross country at CFHS in 1963. His first three teams went undefeated in dual meet competition. By 1970, the Tiger runners were among the best in Ohio, finishing second in the state meet. The following year, John’s team won the state crown, the first ever in any sport by a Chagrin team. During his 25 years as head coach, the Tigers compiled a 124-68 dual meet record. Along the way to the state title, his teams won five Chagrin Valley Conference championships. John was named CVC Coach of the Year in each of those years. In 1971, he was selected Northeast Ohio Coach of the Year.
RALPH QUESINBERRY
The accolades were many for “Quiz” during his career as a teacher, coach, and athletic director at CFHS. In 1972, he was named National Athletic Director of the year. He is a member of the Ohio High School Athletic Directors Hall of Fame, the Ohio High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame, and the Ohio High School Track and Cross Country Coaches Hall of Fame. His 1947 and 1961 football teams were undefeated. He also coached basketball, track, golf, baseball, and swimming. During his 35 years in Chagrin Falls Schools, Ralph impacted the lives of just about anyone with whom he came in contact. His gym classes became legendary – the unforgettable voice ordering the seemingly impossible tasks. For many a Chagrin youth, Coach’s “basic training” became a lasting memory. Following his retirement in 1980, Ralph L. Quesinberry Gymnasium was named in his honor.
STEVEN VAN NORT
Football, Basketball, Track
Regarded by his coaches and peers as one of the best to ever wear a Tiger football uniform, Steve was a superb all-around athlete at CFHS. Captain of his football and basketball teams during his senior year, he was also the leading scorer on both teams. In track and field, he was a state qualifier in hurdles. Steve was an All-Ohio pick at halfback while at CFHS. At Amherst College, he was named to the All-New England football team in 1961. He also excelled in rugby, playing at Stanford University and in Australia.
KENNETH ROBERT LAUTERER
Basketball, Football, Baseball
Ken was graduated as CFHS’s most prolific record holder in basketball. During his three years of varsity play he established records for most points in a high school career (867), most points in a single season (618), most points in a single game (36 twice), and best scoring average per game (23.0). He was an All Conference, All-County, and All-Ohio selection his senior year. Co-Captain and MVP of the Tigers’ 1955-1956 state semi-finalist team (21-6), Ken’s leadership qualities were further illustrated by his winning the Rotary Club Gold Book Award for scholarship and sportsmanship. He also played baseball and was selected as an All-County end in football. Ken was a two year letterman in basketball at Ohio Wesleyan College.