Avon Lake Sports Hall of Fame 2025

The Avon Lake Sports Hall of Fame Inductees for 2025 include Matt Dechant, Annette Ilg, Zac Janicek, Connie Meier, Tim Schumacher and the 1985 ALHS Shoremen Baseball Team.

During his tenure at ALHS, Matt Dechant excelled in the shotput & discus. He was first team All-SWC & was recognized as one of the top fifty throwers in the United States. Collegiate highlights include two-time All-American honors for The Ohio State University and an invitation for tryouts for the US Olympic Team.

Annette was a dynamic, three sport athlete for ALHS. Her outstanding play was recognized by her selection as All SWC in track (3-time), soccer and basketball (All SWC plus All Ohio SM). College bound to the University of California San Diego, Annette’s basketball skills rewarded her as a 4-year letterman, team captain & 1st Team All-Conference. She was also a member of UCSD’s national finalist soccer team. Her dedication & perseverance was recognized as she was named University of California at San Diego’s Female Athlete of the Year.

If there ever was a “poster child” for baseball, it would be Zac Janicek. While achieving numerous individual records, Zac was a three-time All-SWC & All-Lorain County selection plus a national honor society member. Zac was 1st team all Ohio in his junior year and honorable mention all Ohio senior year. Zac continued his baseball career at The Ohio State University and was a member of their Big Ten championship team.

Avon Lake’s “Miss Versatility”, Connie Meier earned recognition as a two-time All-SWC athlete in both volleyball & track while also competing in gymnastics. Perhaps her most significant award was Outstanding Female Athletic Scholar. Following high school, Connie competed in body building. She won the Miss California Body Building Championship, California Gold Cup and was an AAU National qualifier.

Tim Schumacher exemplified excellence by his efforts on the gridiron. While earning three letters in football, Tim earned many honors including two-time All-SWC, All-County, All-District and All-Ohio. He was SWC-MVP & Lorain County’s Golden Helmet winner (awarded to the best senior football player in the county). He continued his career playing for the US Air Force Academy.

The ALHS Shoremen Baseball Team had quite a year in 1985. Their over-all record was 19-5. At the time, this was the most wins in school history. The team also captured the SWC championship with an outstanding record of 13-1. Several of the athletes went on to continue their careers at the collegiate level. Team members include Coach Cliff Zunis, Herb Nussle, Mark Konya, Tim Dillon, Chip Dobosh, Craig Goodwin, Chris Allen, Jim Christ, Todd Thogmartin, Joe Zinsmister, Shawn Tyler, Paul Schillinger, Chris Kloc and Doug Wichman.

These inductees will be honored at a formal dinner Saturday, September 20th at the Lorain Brewing Companies’ Event Center, Lorain, Ohio. Family and friends are encouraged to attend. Reservation forms can be found on our website (avonlakesportshalloffame.org). A reservation form is required for all attendees.