Craig Day – 2012
From 1967-1969 if a player hit a ball to the left side of Perry’s infield you could just chalk it up as an out because Craig Day the Panther shortstop would be all over it and make a perfect throw to first. Craig was possibly the best infielder to play for Perry ever. His defense was legendary, he was a .400 hitter pounded out extra base hits. He also had abilities not that are unusual in baseball. Craig had the power to hit home runs, but he also had the finesse and speed to bunt for a base hit. He was a team leader in stolen bases and pressured opposing defenses with his base running expertise. “Pinkie” also started for the Perry basketball team for two years. He could play perimeter defense and create turnovers and steals.
Bob Edwards – 2012
Coach Larry Wilson went to a seventh grade basketball game in 1983 to watch a young player and he left with a huge smile knowing that in three years Bob Edwards was going to be a member of his basketball team. Bob didn’t let any down he was an excellent player in every aspect of basketball throughout his career. He jumped right into the fray Coach Larry Wilson went to a seventh grade basketball game at Pfeiffer in 1982 and starting at center his sophomore year for a predominantly senior basketball team, Bob was the leading rebounder and one of the team’s top scorers. For three years Bob helped raise the level of the Perry basketball program, leading the Panthers to three straight Federal League titles and three district finals. The amazing thing about Bob was his ability to pass the ball and to play unselfish team basketball. The big guy could run the floor and play defense, he always fought for 32+.
Shane Fichter – 2012
Wrestling like most sports takes a lot of hard work, toughness and a positive mental attitude. Shane Fichter was one of the toughest wrestlers Perry has ever had. Coach Riggs says he had the desire and passion for wrestling that would not let him accept anything but his best effort. Shane won National matches, Invitational tournaments, and finished 3rd and 2nd in the state his junior and senior years. He was an excellent student and Earned a full ride to Edinborogh College on of the best programs in the country. Because of the respect he has for his Perry coaches, he wants to help others develop a passion for wrestling. Shane helps with the youth program in Plain township.
Zakiya Harris – 2012
Any time there was a big meet in the state of Ohio Zakiya Harris was going to be one of the stars of the competition. She attacked the hurdles with the idea of breaking a record in every race. Starting her freshman year, Zakiya ran a personal best 15 times constantly improving until finally breaking the school 100 meter record with a time of 15.3. The long jump was the event Zakiya dominated for four years in Stark County. She won district, regional, and league titles. During the Ohio State track meet her senior year, Zakiya took off down the run way and then exploded and leaped to a school record and state championship distance of 19’3”. She was a great champion and team leader
Gigi Dostal (Hopple) – 2012
If you traveled around Perry township from 1992-1997, you would have seen Gigi Hopple running on the road. Gigi ran everyday and sometimes twice a day and became an All-State cross country and track distance athlete. She was a fighter and competitor who could chase down faster more gifted runners with her attitude and effort. She was a leader who helped build the Perry program into a team always in contention for the Federal League Titles. She tremendous I big meets. She was able to draw younger girls into cross country because she made them feel needed and wanted. Gigi led them in vigorous demanding workout sessions and they loved it. She also played basketball where she was a rebounding machine, and battled for every loose ball. Gigi was born to lead and born to run!!
Chris Roddy -2012
2012 Inductee Chris Roddy dove and swam for Perry from 1988 – 1992. As a Freshman, Chris finished 13th at the District Meet. In his 2nd year diving(soph), he finished 7th place @ Districts and 13th@ States. His efforts garnered All-Federal League and All-Stark County accolades. As a Junior, he broke his first school record for six dives and was 6th @ Districts and 10th @ States. His senior year, Chris finished the dual meet season undefeated, broke the school & pool records for 6 dives, totaling 331.65, a record that still stands 25 years later, was 3rd @ Districts and was runner-up at the States . As a senior, Chris was All-Ohio 1st team, All-Federal League 1st team and All American (nationally top 45) accolades. He is the highest placing Perry High aquatic athlete to date. Attended Eastern Michigan University on a diving scholarship and was a part of three Mid-American Conference Championships.
Eric Heinzer- 2012
The football class of 2001 was one the best and most gifted teams in Perry Football history. This team had many players who could run, block tackle and fight through any adversity. Leading the way was fullback, linebacker Eric Heinzer. As the main ball carrier on the team, Eric took a lot of hits but kept on ticking. He was able to avoid injury and made the Federal League pay by churning out big yards and a record number of touchdowns. On the defensive side, Eric was a hard hitting linebacker who stuffed the line of scrimmage and chase down any ball carrier on the field. He played with the same intensity from start to finish he never slowed down and he wanted to pay every down. The 2000 Stark County Player of the Year led the Panthers into the playoffs multiple Federal League Titles.