The Villager Newspaper Online Your Community News – Cleveland's Westshore
Avon High School will be honoring several outstanding individuals for their achievements in sports during the annual Athletic Hall of Fame inductions. The new class of members will be recognized Oct. 2 during Hall of Fame Night at the Avon Eagles vs. Lakewood Rangers football game at Joe Firment Chevrolet Stadium in Avon.
An induction ceremony/reception will take place at the high school, 37545 Detroit Road, Oct. 3 at 6 p.m.
Those honored include:
Coach Marty Yonkof – Coached 31 years at Avon. Sports included girls volleyball, girls basketball and boys baseball. Accomplishments include 340 wins in girls basketball, 1st in Lorain County; 394 wins in girls volleyball, 2nd winningest in Lorain County and 20th in Ohio history.
Student Athlete Barbara Fielding (Braatz) Class of 1984 – Basketball: holds 9 Varsity records. League MVP and Inland Conference Scoring Champion. Volleyball: 3-year letterman and Softball, 3-year letterman.
1968-69 Boys Basketball Team – Record 21-2, regular season ended winning streak at 60 games. Conference Co-Champs, Sectional Champs, District Champs, 1st team in school history to make it to state Sweet 16.
Frankie Smitek Award – Recognizes individuals who through their actions, accomplishments, demeanor and positive manner, have supported athletics in Avon. The 2015 Award honors Mickey Haag, Avon Athletic Booster President 1976-1992.
Past Avon High School Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees:
1979 Girls Track Team
William Chapman- Class of 1968
Karin Jedick (Endrai)- Class of 1980
Mark Wagar– Class of 1969
1967-68 Boys Basketball Team
Joyce Cahalan (Oebker)- Class of 1980
Coach Norm Irwin
1966-67 Boys Basketball Team
Rich Dechant- Class of 1967
Elizabeth Schlessman- Class of 1995
Tim Wearsch – Class of 1960
Mike Abfall- Class of 1963
Dan Fischer- Class of 1982
1977-78 Girls Basketball Team
1988 Cross Country team
Mike Higgins- Class of 1985
Steve Schafer- Class of 1979
Steve Vega- Class of 1998
Bill Brandstadt– Class of 1956
John Sikora Jr- Class of 1987
Rosemary Rehner (Schneider)- Class of 1990
1988 Volleyball Team
Donald Hubbard- Class of 1946
Claire DeChant- Class of 1997
Coach J.R. Reynolds
1996 Football Team
Ray DeChant- Class of 1970
