Coming off a Runner-Up finish in the 1970 OHSAA State Cross Country Championships in 1970, the boy’s cross country team would end up one place higher in 1971 when they scored 94 to outdistance Coshocton by 9. The finish would be the first team state title for Chagrin Falls. Although John Hurst never took a coaching course, when he arrived at CFHS in 1963, he was “appointed” cross country coach. It didn’t take long for the program to take off. The program was only in its 9th year in 1971, but had a 58-8 record in dual meets and in the previous 7 years in the CVC, Chagrin won 5 league championships and never finished below second. In 1971, the team finished 7-0 in dual meets. Not only did they have a perfect 7-0 dual meet record, they recorded the lowest score a team can accomplish twice, which is 15. That meant the top 5 runners finished 1st – 5th place. In the other meets, they never totaled over 20. They would win 4 large regular season meets that season – Warrensville, Gilmour, Chagrin, & CVC. The JV squad also had a tremendous season going 7 – 0 in dual meets and won three large meets – Gilmour, Chagrin, & CVC. Coach John Hurst ‘52 would later be a Chagrin Falls Schools Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 1995 inductee. Those that earned a varsity letter that season included Glenn Bomback ‘72, Mark Freemantle ‘72, David Hart ‘72, Mark Lodwick ‘72, Dan Miller ‘72 , Dwight Woodward ‘72, John Brandon ‘73, John Jackson ‘73, Todd Gardenier ‘73, Sam Narten ‘73, James Nelan ‘73, Rick Pamer ‘73, and Alan Streater ‘74.

Glenn was an integral part of some of Chagrin’s most successful cross country and track teams. In track he established a new school record (4:27.1) in the mile. He placed 2nd in the mile at the State Meet in 1972. Glenn was the league champ in the mile when his 1971 track team won the Chagrin Valley Conference Championship. He helped spark the cross country team to a state title in 1971 and a state runner-up finish in 1970. He placed 4th in the State Cross Country Meet in 1971. Glenn continued his winning ways at Lakeland Community College. His 1972 team finished 14-0 in dual meets and placed in the top 10 at the National Junior College Championships.

Joe is the first soccer standout to be named to the Chagrin Falls Schools’ Athletic Hall of Fame. When soccer was in its infancy at CFHS, he was his school’s most outstanding performer. As a senior, he was an All-Ohio selection. Twice an All-League pick, he was co-captain and MVP of his own team. He doubled as a kicker for the Tiger football team. Joe carried his soccer prowess on to Kent State University where he was a Collegiate All-Ohio player and twice named to the All Mid-American Conference team. In 1977, he was drafted by the Cleveland Cobras professional soccer team, but he opted to continue his educational career.

Tom was the optimal blend of intelligence and athleticism. His capacity to set the course of a ballgame was brilliantly illustrated in the 1975 District Basketball Championship. Stealing the ball at mid-court on several straight possessions in the opening minutes, he set the tone for the game, propelling the Tigers to a District title in convincing fashion. Tom was All-Conference in basketball, baseball, and football. In baseball, he lettered four years as an infielder and catcher. In basketball, he was named a Plain Dealer All-Scholastic. He earned All-State honors in football. At the University of Virginia, Tom lettered three years as a flanker on the football team.

Bob’s tenacious play and athletic accomplishments earned him numerous awards in three sports at CFHS. During his senior year, he was Captain of the football, baseball, and basketball teams. He was the league’s Most Valuable Player in both football and baseball. Bob was named to All-State teams in both football and baseball. During his senior year, the Tigers were League Champs in football and basketball. He was the Cleveland Touchdown Club’s Player of the Year in the Chagrin Valley Conference. The Cleveland Press and Plain Dealer named him All-Scholastic in football. Bob earned two varsity letters in football at Bowling Green State University.