Lance Burick – 2009
Lance Burick was one of the best high school football players in Stark County during his Junior and Senior years. On special teams he was a threat to take a kickoff the distance and had the uncanny ability to make tackles on the kickoff and punt teams. He was a physical and fast linebacker capable of stopping the run and dropping back and stopping the pass. As a running back in the Perry Winged-T offense Lance was one of the very best. He hammered the line of scrimmage, never allowing the opponents to stop him for negative yards. He was also an outstanding receiver out of the backfield.
Denise Callahan – 2009
Denise was one of the most dominant athletes in Perry history. She was an excellent volleyball player and ran a variety of races for the track team. When the set shot was still in vogue for women basketball players, Denise had a flawless jump shot that was almost impossible to guard. She also could drive to the bucket and score or deliver a perfect pass to a teammate. In volleyball she was the rare talent that could dig, spike, set or serve with the best of them. Denise helped our track team gain statewide success in the sprint relays. She was one of the most versatile athletes in Perry history, as well as being a top student.
Gary Define – 2009
Gary was the Perry’s first state wrestling champion. Gary worked extremely hard on his offensive and defensive techniques. He became a masterful technician who was able to counter any attack his opponent threw at him. Gary started the wave of state champions that has led to Perry being one of the elite wrestling programs in Ohio and the United States. His leadership and attitude set the pace for wrestling excellence. He has been working as a coach in our wrestling program since 1994 and continues to teach our student athletes how to achieve success on the mat and in the classroom.
Marci Durieux (Raymondi) – 2009
In a game that was usually controlled by pitcher, had scores of 1-0, and often went into extra innings just to get one run, Marci was an offensive juggernaut. She could hit for power, drill doubles and singles or bunt a runner to gain an extra base. In the field, few balls got through the left side of the Perry infield because Marci gobbled them up. She was also a speedy and smart base runner, opponents had to be aware or Marci would steal or take an extra base. Marci also had success on the basketball and volleyball courts, earning two varsity letters in each sport. She was the first Perry athlete to play in a State Final Four and then coach in the Final Four. Marci now teaches at Pfeiffer middle school and watches her daughter lead the successful Perry Softball team.
Steve Fink – 2009
Steve rushed through Perry High School like a bullet shot out of a Colt 45. He was a standout running back for the football team. He was also a fantastic receiver and defensive back. Steve’s talent really showed in track and field. He was a member of the sprint relays, but this guy could leap tall buildings in a single bound. Steve was the state champion in the long jump and runner –up in the high jump. Steve competed at the college level in the decathlon. What an athlete!!!!
Chip Hare -2009
Chip Hare was one of the first athletes to earn four varsity letters in the history of Perry athletics. He broke many records and won many championships on his way to an historical career. Not only was Chip and great scorer, he was automatic as a rebounder and in the paint defender. Chip was an outstanding citizen and served the community well during his time at Perry. He worked at summer camps and always had time for the grade school students in the Perry district. There are plenty of young adults who have Chip’s signature or a card praising them for some achievement they has as a youngster. Chip was one of Perry’s best, then continued his career at Dayton University where he was the league’s Freshman of the Year.
Tim Laps – 2009
For three decades Tim held records as the best running back in the school’s history. He ran for more yards, scored more touchdowns, and led the Panthers to their first undefeated record in 1969. Tim was a legend in Stark County, he had speed, balance, had superior vision and was nearly impossible to tackle one on one. On the track, he was a speedster who had the ability to chase an opponent down in a relay by attitude alone. Possibly the best football player Perry has ever had, he remains in the district where his children have thrived and followed in the Panther tradition.
Nicole Marcelli – 2009
Nicole grew up playing basketball with her brother Nick, cousins Nick, Bill and all of their friends. She pushed and shoved her way to the basket while keeping them from scoring also. Nicole was a competitor from the very beginning, scoring from the perimeter, driving to the basket, or pulling up for her sweet jump shot. She was also an all-district tennis player, a top student and Miss Perryite 1985. Nicole ended her high school career as one of the best student athletes ever.
Brent McBurney – 2009
Brent came from a wrestling family, his dad was a fine wrestler for the Panthers when he was in school. He loved wrestling right from the start and he put everything into it. He came through coach Rigg’s program and proved that hard work and being coachable were the keys to success. Brent’s efforts ultimately ended up with a state championship and induction unto the Stark County Wrestling Hall of Fame. As the head coach of the Panthers he led his team to high finishes in national tournaments, and the Ohio Tournament.
Thomas Nelson – 2009
Tom was one of the only players in Perry history to be elected All-Stark County in three sports. Tom was also the captain of the Football, Basketball and Track teams his senior year. He was a top rebounder and scorer in basketball. Tom was a fine tight end and defensive end for the football team. He led the county in punting distance with his towering kicks. He was a high jump and long jump specialist. Tom continued his career at Miami of Ohio University. He was a long time football and track coach at his alma ma
Ken Newlon – 2009
Ken Newlon was Perry’s first prolific perimeter player. He was an outstanding shooter/scorer and an excellent passer. Ken was All-County when they didn’t have divisions for all-star selections. Ken held the scoring record for twenty some years. One of his strengths was free throw shooting where he was a career high 90% shooter. Kenny owned the old Perry gym. One time he ended up in the lobby after being fouled by a player from Sandy Valley, he promptly struggled to his feet and hit two big foul shots. Who knows how many points he would have scored if there was a three Point line. Ken was also a fantastic student.
Harvey Sword – 2009
Harvey Sword wasn’t your typical lineman of the sixties, he was big, fast, powerful and very smart. He understood how people ran offenses and defenses, which allowed him to dominate on both sides of the ball. On offense he could handle huge lineman one on one, but he also had the quickness and smarts to handle undersized speedy lineman. On Defense he could overpower small lineman and use leverage to whip lineman much bigger. Harvey was in integral part of the first undefeated football season in 1969. He went on to have a fantastic career at the University of Kentucky and was chosen All-SEC his Senior year.
Nick Venuto – 2009
Nick Venuto was a wonderful two-sport athlete who succeeded in both Baseball and Basketball for the Panthers. Nick had two fine years pitching for the Panthers. As a member of the varsity basketball team Nick was an All-Federal league forward. He was a long range shooter who could hit from any distance on the floor. Nick rebounded with much taller players by creating position and the natural instinct to know where the ball was going. He played aggressive defense and led his team in steals and deflections. At Kent State University Nick blossomed into and competitive pitcher drafted by Oakland.
Keith Wakefield – 2009
Keith has had two stints as Head Football Coach and both have been some of the most successful in Perry History. During the first era of Wakefield’s tenure he won eight Federal League titles, and his teams qualified for the playoffs three times. He won numerous coaching awards at the county, state and national levels. His most success came as he came back to Perry after coaching at Akron St. Vincent and Mount Union College. Keith’s teams fought to the state final game two years in a row while qualifying four of his five years. Coach Wakefield has taken the Perry football program to the top levels in Ohio. Wakefield showed his versatility as he tweaked his offense and developed relationships with his players from two different eras. It shows that Attitude, Effort, and Fight will work for any generation of Football players.
Larry Wilson – 2009
In the early 70’s Perry’s Superintendent Paul Pfeiffer needed a basketball coach to bring excitement to the program because he was building a brand new gymnasium and he wanted it to be filled. Larry Wilson was the man he chose and boy did Coach Wilson bring excitement, controversy and victories to the Panther Program. People will remember the victories, the six consecutive Federal League titles and the fantastic trip to the Final Four in Columbus. Larry will also be remembered for the thousands of birthday cards. get well cards, and the general compassion he felt for every member of the Perry Community. Larry led Perry to local, state and even national recognition during his tenure as basketball coach. Paul Pfeiffer made one heck of a great choice.