Top

Chagrin Falls Alumni Association

Keeping Tiger Pride Alive

by

NANCY E. FITZ

Chagrin Falls Alumni Hall of Fame
Class of 1985

Nancy learned how to win early in her athletic career at Chagrin Falls High School. As a freshman, she participated in three state championships in Columbus — cross country, basketball and track. Her basketball teams compiled a four-year varsity record of 94-12, including two state appearances. She is the only Chagrin basketball player to take part in the state’s “sweet sixteen” for all four years. During her senior year, she was selected second team All Ohio and named Most Valuable player in the Chagrin Valley Conference. Nancy’s winning ways didn’t stop with her graduation from CFHS. Captain and four-year letter winner on the basketball team at Dartmouth College, her teams registered a 72-31 record, including four Ivy league championships.

by

ANDREW WIESE

Chagrin Falls Alumni Hall of Fame
Class of 1983

1983 Considered by most to be Chagrin’s premier middle distance runner, Andy became a 4-year letter winner in track at the University of Iowa. In 1984, he placed third in the 800 meters at the Big Ten Championships. While at Chagrin Falls High, he won back-to-back state championships in the 1600 meters. His winning time of 4:13 during his senior year set a new AA state record. For his accomplishments in track, Andy was a 1983 honorable mention All American selection. He was the 1983 Midwest Champion in the 1600 meters and winner of CFHS’s Vern Lockemer Award, 1981-83. Also a fine cross country runner and soccer player, Andy finished his track career at CFHS as its all-time leading scorer.

by

ROBERT H. WILLARD

Chagrin Falls Alumni Hall of Fame
Class of 1970

Bob was the recipient of a full football scholarship to Ohio State University. There, he played for Woody Hayes on the last OSU football team (1973) to win the Rose Bowl. It was also with distinction that he competed in athletics at Chagrin Falls High School. He excelled in both football and wrestling. His dominance as a lineman in football did not go unnoticed by opposing coaches, as he was a unanimous All League selection and the Chagrin Valley Conference’s Most Valuable Player his senior year. The Co-captain of the 1969 Tiger team was also a Northeast Ohio All District football team selection. Bob was a superb wrestler, winning several tournament championships. He was undefeated in dual meet competition during his senior season and ranked as the number one heavyweight in the Greater Cleveland area.

by

DAVID A. BANNING

Chagrin Falls Alumni Hall of Fame
Class of 1957

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.

by

JOHN S. STANTON

Chagrin Falls Alumni Hall of Fame
Class of 1952

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.

by

JOHN B. HURST

Chagrin Falls Alumni Hall of Fame
Class of 1952

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.

by

ROBERT J. ROEDER

Chagrin Falls Alumni Hall of Fame
Class of 1946 (Honorary)

The enormous voluntary contributions from Bob Roeder to the athletic programs in Chagrin Schools defy measurement, unless of course, we look, listen and remember. The press box and scoreboard we see at Harris Stadium, the lights by which we view the athletic events there, and the sound through which the action is communicated, are largely due to the efforts of Bob. With a background in electrical engineering, he set out in the late 1960’s to make sports in Chagrin safer and more accessible. He started by installing new sound and lighting systems at the Rec Center pool. Since 1970, he has periodically upgraded the sound and lighting systems at the football stadium. Bob was instrumental in the design and the construction of the new press box. He supervised the construction of the original “steps to the falls.” In 1964, he received the Distinguished Service Award from the Chagrin Valley Jaycees for his community efforts. If the sound system ever goes bad at Harris Stadium, Bob will probably be the first to know. He has been the familiar “Voice of the Tigers” football announcer for the past 26 years.

by

MARGARET H. CROWEL

Chagrin Falls Alumni Hall of Fame
Class of 1943

Maggie earned from her classmates the nickname “swish” in a time when girls basketball was still more than 30 years from being an official sport in high school. Her athletic skills are well remembered. She was voted “Best girl athlete” from the Class of 1943. In 1945, she enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, for which she starred in athletics. Maggie was a member of the Woman Marine basketball team which in 1960 won the East Coast Championship and was runner-up for the All Marine League Championship. She was also a member of the Quanitco and Paris Island basketball team and a player on the All Marine Tournament basketball team. Her teams in softball and bowling also won the All Marine Tournament championships. Maggie was presented the Highest 3-game Series Award by the Women’s Bowling Association of North Carolina.

Email Us:

If you have an updated address, phone number, or email, then please include that in the message area below.

    Contact Info:

    alumni@chagrinschools.org

    440.247.4387

     


    CFAA Alumni Director:

    Brian McKenna '88

    Office Manager:

    Jana Young ‘82

    Find Us:

    Chagrin Falls Alumni Association

    400 East Washington Street
    Chagrin Falls, OH 44022

    We invite you to join the growing numbers of volunteers who are helping to ensure a bright future for the CFAA and Chagrin Falls Schools. Whether it is through your time or resources, all of us appreciate your generous gifts. To become more involved, contact the Alumni Association. We look forward to your comments, questions, and suggestions. Don’t forget that we appreciate your help in making the CFAA run successfully with the donation of your annual dues of $20 or more.