Words define the actions of T-County HOF all-time greats
The interest in the infant Tuscarawas County Sports Hall of Fame took a giant leap forward this year. The banquet honoring the 2024 inductees saw the attendance rise from 270 in 2022 to 435 this year.
For the athletes who were inducted into the Tuscarawas County Sports Hall of Fame on Saturday, June 22 at Buckeye Career Center, their actions spoke louder than words, whether it was clearing a path for a running back on the gridiron, hammering home a kill on the volleyball court, sprinting to victory in the 100 meters or coaching teams to titles.
However, on this night words defined the achievement of 19 individuals, six teams and one couple.
Perhaps Mike Gunther, TCSHOF trustee, summed up the importance of this newest crop of inductees best during his opening comments, when he talked about the importance of this fairly new organization and the dedication, work ethic and inspiration each of those being inducted meant to the county.
“This induction ceremony speaks for itself,” Gunther said. “All of us in this room recognize that sports, particularly high school sports, is the fiber that unites us. Sports is important to this valley, and our obligation with this hall of fame is to preserve the history and those who have made lasting impressions on our area’s athletic scene including players, coaches, teams and philanthropic organizations.”
Listening to each athlete talk about their sports careers, it wasn’t as much about the wins, titles and glory as it was about the memories and the people who helped them get where they were in life and the lessons they learned along the way that made them the people they are today.
Longtime Garaway girls head basketball coach Geoff Stevanus’ daughter Stephanie said her father’s most beloved part of what he did was building great relationships with players and other coaches, relationships that lasted a lifetime.
Tad Wampfler, son of New Philadelphia football standout Jerry Wampfler, who went on to coach alongside such recognized coaches as Bo Schembechler, Ara Parseghian, Dick Vermeil and Woody Hayes, said of his father, “He was all about building grit. Grit became dad’s mantra.”
OHSAA Hall of Fame basketball referee Mel McAfee reminded everyone of the joy of athletics and presented a humorous look back at what the games meant to him.
Bill Andreas, former Garaway High hoops standout who played at the Ohio State University and was drafted by the Chicago Bulls, talked about how sports taught him about respect, life and the drive to strive to be the best he could be.
His brother Dan Andreas, who also played basketball for OSU and was invited to attend football camp with the Dallas Cowboys, talked about the important role parents play in raising children who work hard to excel in athletics.
He ended his speech by saying, “T-County fans, you’re second to none.”
Ernie Art, longtime track and field coach with Newcomerstown High School, spoke about how sports can humble an athlete because it’s not easy to work toward greatness and failures help build character.
James Black, Dover HS great in football, wrestling and track who would go on to star at Akron University on the gridiron before playing one season for the Cleveland Browns, talked about how coaches serve to inspire and mentor athletes.
“To all of the inductees, I am proud of you. I am honored to be among the inductees and all of the athletes who came before. We help make each other better.”
One by one the inductees or a representative strode to the podium in gratitude while they were inducted for their many accomplishments. Their time speaking never revolved around what they did but rather centered on what they learned in the process.
Finally, this event marked just the second annual TCSHOF induction ceremony but served as a groundbreaking moment. The inaugural event drew a crowd of 270 people to the banquet. This year there were 435 people, marking major growth.
Words like dedication, unity, work ethic, humility, personal growth, family and inspiration told the story about how athletics helped define and mold these all-time greats as they reached incredible heights.