Ed Boyce – 2015
Ed Boyce starred on the first basketball teams at Perry High School. He was the ultimate “Big Man” Ed dominated the paint and was fast running the floor, leaving the centers for our opponents standing still. He led the young Panthers to their first Stark County Suburban League Championship. This league would soon become the federal League. Ed Averaged 21.3 points per game in his junior year and 19.6 points per game his senior year. He was also the team’s leading rebounder averaging 15+ rebounds per game his junior and senior years. Ed Boyce scored 30+ points three times during the 1959 season, setting the school record of 36 vs Jackson in the Championship game.
Lauren Cline (Mulbach} – 2015
Lauren was a talented, hard working, and dedicated athlete during her time at Perry. She played softball and even spent time as a basketball mascot her junior and senior years, but she really excelled on the tennis court and in the pool.Lauren and her doubles partner Shelly Hinkle (were state qualified in 1990 and 1991). Lauren was captain of the Lady Panther Tennis Team and won 71 singles matches during her career.Even though tennis was her sport, Lauren was talked into swimming her senior year. The 200 free relay team of Lauren, Darcy Wakefield, Molly Lockhart and Melissa Keummerle set school and national records.Lauren continued her tennis career at West Virginia University. She earned three letters at WVU and was selected West Virginia’s Outstanding Female Athlete for the 1993-1994 season.
Bob Diantonio – 2015
Bob Diantonio taught and coached at Perry for thirty years. He was a favorite among his players, parents and colleagues. Coach “D” began his career coaching Jr High basketball for Larry Wilson. He was also our Head Girl’s Basketball Coach for two years. Bob’s real strength came in coaching softball. The Perry administration chose “Bobby D” to start a fledgling program and he did not let them down. He developed many great softball players some of them are in the Hall of Fame already. The team won numerous Federal League Titles, Three District Titles and qualified to the State Tournament in 1988.
John Foster – 2015
John Foster was a star on the Football Field where he earned two letters playing on the defensive line. Combined with Travis Kovach the tandem was almost impossible to keep out of the opponent’s backfield. John used his strength and quickness to disrupt opposing offenses. John’s greatest achievements came on the wrestling mats. John qualified to the State Wrestling Tournament 3 Times as a Panther. In a program stocked with great wrestlers, Coach Riggs said John was one of the very best because he wrestled in the toughest weight class during his time. John qualified to State his freshman year at Dalton before transferring to Perry. John works in our strength and conditioning program and provides fitness expertise to the Perry Community.
Ray Harris – 2015
Ray Harris was a star for the Panther football on both the offensive and defensive lines during the 1990s as he led his team to the second undefeated season in Perry history, He was a crushing blocker opening huge holes in the defense and a fierce defensive lineman, disrupting all opponent’s offenses. Ray was the captain of the 1992 that was Perry’s first State Playoff team. Ray was a member of the track and field team where he threw the shot and discus. After his Senior year, Ray continued his football career as an Ohio State Buckeye. Coach Wakefield described Ray as one of the best football players he ever coached and marveled at the way he could move for a big man.
Jason Johnstone – 2015
Jason Johnstone battled his way for four years on the Perry wrestling mat and merged as one of the team’s most decorated wrestlers. Jason was a two time Ohio High School State Champion in 2003 and 2004 at 125lbs and 135 lbs. Jason’s overall record at Perry was 152-12 including a 41-2 mark his senior year. Jason helped Perry to second place finishes 3 times in the State High School Tournament during his career. Johnstone finished first at the prestigious Beast of the East Tournament and was second at the Iron Man. He posted a second place at the 2003 Junior National Greco-Roman Championships and placed first in 2002. Jason was a two time Academic All Ohio athlete. Jason continued his wrestling at The Ohio State University. He was a 2008 NCAA qualifier, and finished fourth in the Beg Tem that same year.
Linda Pollock (Garfield) – 2015
Linda Garfield was one of the most gifted athletes in Perry Track and field History. She was a runner, but her real strength came in the field events, especially the Shot Put and Discus. Her speed, power and agility enabled her throw with the best even with her lack of size. She was encouraged by her Father Frank to work on technique and competitiveness. She broke and held many records in the shot and disc holding both the Federal League and Stark County records in the Shot. Linda also was a three year letter winner in Tennis and was a fantastic doubles player. Coach Green wished we would have had the Decathlon for women she would have been amazing.
Scott Pukys – 2015
Scott was the first four year letter winner in Perry Tennis History. He started at singles every match from day one of his freshman year. Twice he was undefeated in the Federal League and only lost four Federal League matches his entire career. No one can touch the 68 singles victories he had during four regular seasons. He also had numerous victories in various tournaments he played in. He and his brother Tom made it to the final eight in doubles at the Ohio State meet. He also made it to the final eight as a senior in singles. Scott was always looking for that “ Golden Set” when his opponent doesn’t win a single point. He was close many times but never quite reached that goal. Scott played tennis at Coastal Carolina. He is a tennis teaching professional and plays on the Florida professional circuit.
Jim Starrett – 2015
Jim Starrett was the head boy’s swimming coach for 17 years compiling a record of 165-87-2. For 15 years he was the girl’s swimm coach and his record was 153-70-3.Jim’s career record scanning 23 years was 398-205-5. Coach Starrett had at least one state qualifier every year he coached. His girl’s teams won the district in 1990 and finished runner-up 3 times. Jim has been a swimming official since 1975 and is nationally respected for his work. Jim has coached and officiated at the local, state, and national levels, winning awards everywhere. Jim was an excellent teacher and he and his wife Barb both retired from the Perry system.
Bill Roland-2015
Bill Roland was a three sport athlete in the early years of Perry High School and their athletic program. In the first year at Perry, Coach George Schuster and his assistants Frank Mulvany and Nick Tsangeos helped the young Panthers gain valuable experience. In the third year of the program, Jerry Wampfler and assistants Bernie McDonald and Don Cable battled to a 5-4 record in the Stark County AA League, later the Federal League. Bill Roland was the Co-Captain and earned All AA League honors at Quarterback.Under the skillful coaching of Don Cable, Bill helped lead the Panthers to their first winning baseball season in 1959. He batted 410 that season good for the second best average behind Dave Lazor. Bill also was a guard on the basketball team the won Perry’s first championship in 1959. Bill spent four years at Miami of Ohio and returned to coach basketball, football, and golf at his alma mater. Mr. Roland began his administrative career at Perry as the assistant principal in1976. In 1981 Bill started his dream job as Principal at Perry, a job he truly loved. Mr. Roland backed all Perry athletes and fought for his coaches when people think of Perry, they often think about Bill Roland Hall of Famer 2015.
Denise Billock (Deitz) – 2015
Denise Deitz is one of the versatile athletes in Perry history. She starred in three sports during one of the most exciting, competitive, and successful runs in Perry history. Denise was a major force driving the Volleyball team to a Regional Championship on their way to the Ohio State Final Four. She was a forward for the Federal League Champion basketball team where she excelled on defense and was a fantastic rebounder. Denise was a member of the state qualifying 440 relay team.
Bob Draime – 2015
Bob Draime’s athletic career spanned the years 0f 1971-1974. Bob excelled at Football and became a three -year starter at center for the Panthers. He also earned three varsity letters in Track and Field. This versatile athlete won letters in wrestling his Sophomore and Junior years. Bob was named the Most Valuable Player for the 1973 football season. He, along with his brothers Ken and Mike, helped Perry continue its success under Head Coach Tom Winkhart. Coach Winkhart described Bob as an excellent football player and an even leader. After finishing his career at Perry, Bob went to Youngstown State on a Football Scholarship. He has coached in the Perry Youth Program and also at East Canton High School.
Shelly Hinkle (Smart) – 2015
Shelly was a four year varsity tennis player known for her focus and competitiveness. Shelly never gave up a on a point and kept the ball in play under all circumstances. She was the first Perry girl to be named 1st team All Federal League 4 years. Shelly was also a 4 time State Qualifier teaming with fellow Hall of Famers Leslie Smith (Roland) and Lauren Cline (Muhlbach). In 1988 she was named Akron Beacon Journal Doubles Player of the Year with Leslie. That year they finished second in the State Tournament in Columbus. In 1988 Shelly led the Lady Panthers to their only Federal League Title in school history. Shelly has 70 singles wins in her career and went 18-0 in her senior season. Shelly was also named Miss Perryite her Senior year.Shelly received four varsity letters at Ohio Wesleyan University where she earned 1st team All North Coast Athletic Conference in singles and doubles. She was named to the NCAC 20th Anniversary Team and finally inducted to the Ohio Wesleyan Hall of Fame in 2009.
Travis Kovach – 2015
Travis Kovach graduated from Perry in 2003. He was a two- sport athlete. He was a two -year starter on the defensive line in football, Coach Wake used to say “he was so quick and strong they couldn’t block him.” Travis truly made his way to the Hallof Fame as a wrestler. He was Perry’s first four-time state qualifier and he ended his career with many honors.
Doug Lantz – 2015
Doug was a three -sport athlete at Perry, earning letters in football, wrestling and tennis. After graduating from Perry, Doug received a full scholarship to play football at Michigan State University. Doug lettered as a sophomore for the Spartans. He blocked a punt vs Notre Dame and recovered fumbles against Ohio State and Michigan. Doug transferred to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and earned two varsity letters playing Center for the Redskins. In 1979 Doug was the 1st team All MAC Center. He also was named to the All American team that same year.Doug was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 1980. He also signed free agent contracts with the Houston Oilers and Cleveland Browns. His next stop was as a varsity graduate assistant at Miami of Ohio. He was the head football coach at Sandy Valley and finished his coaching career at New Miami High School. Doug recently retired from education after serving as superintendent at Franklin City schools, Northmont City Schools and Edgewood City schools.
Jeff Lessig – 2015
Jeff Lessig graduated from Perry in 1969. He was an all around athlete who excelled in basketball and baseball. Jeff played three years of varsity basketball and started his junior and senior years. He led the team in assists and scoring his senior year and was selected All County. Jeff was an outstanding pitcher for the Perry baseball team that won the Federal league title in 1969. Jeff had many baseball honors culminating by being the top pitcher in Stark County his senior year. After high school, Jeff received a scholarship to Bowling Green State University where he played Basketball and Baseball.
Jim Luke – 2015
Jim excelled in both Football and Wrestling during his Perry athletic career. Described as “Tough as Nails” by Hall of Fame coach Joe Demaree, Jim played linebacker and Fullback. Jim played a major role in helping the Panthers complete their first undefeated season in 1969. Jim was also a Tri-Captain on the 1970 team that had only one loss. As a Wrestler Luke earned three varsity letters and finished with a career record of 47-5 in dual meets. Jim won two Sectional Championships in 1970 and 1971. He was Perry’s first District Champion and was the Co- Captain of the 1971-72 wrestling team. That same year Jim became only the second Perry wrestler to qualify to the state meet in Columbus.Jim was a volunteer in the Perry Midget Football Prorgam and Richville Baseball Asoociation. He spent countless hours working with kids in the Perry Youth Wrestling Program. Jim Passed away unexpectedly in 2012 but his Fighting Perry Spirit lives on because of his dedication to Perry athletes.
Steve Luke – 2015
Steve Luke graduated from Perry in 2004. He dedicated himself to wrestling at a young age and became Perry’s all-time most honored wrestler. He was state runner-up his freshman year and then won three state titles during the rest of his career. He was also a top ten student and Mr. Perryite his senior year.In 2004 Steve entered the University of Michigan where he starred for four years. He was the NCAA Champion in 2008. He received the Big Ten Medal of Honor and was Michigan’s Top Male Athlete of the year 2009.
Zach Slates – 2015
Zach anchored the offensive and defensive lines for Perry during some of their most successful seasons. Zach was a Team Captain his Senior year and led the Panthers to the Division I State Semi-Finals. During his Senior year Slates earned All Federal League and All Stark County honors as a Wrestler. Zach earned three letters in track, competing in the Shot and Discus.Zach received a scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh. Zach now is an assistant coach for the offensive and defensive lines and is an Intervention Specialist at Perry High School.
Ron Sense -2015
Ron Sense graduated from Perry in 1959. He is truly one of Perry’s pioneers in our history. He played football, ran track, and he was the original ”Pop Panther” for the Panther’s View. In this position he was the “Ghost Writer” for action that took place around Perry High School. It was a fun job created by our legendary Administrator Pat Mattachione. Perry played mainly a JV schedule, Ron’s first two years, but his senior year Perry played their first Varsity schedule. Ron won many awards and was our first All-County selection and Perry’s first Division I scholarship athlete.In track he threw the shot and discus. This gifted athlete also long jumped and ran sprints. Now, that’s an athlete! Ron went on to play four years of college football at Kent State University. In 1964 he helped the semi-pro Canton Bulldogs win a championship.