Charles Calhoun Inducted into Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame
Charles Calhoun was a 3-year varsity member of the Tigers, in 1980-82, while playing under Head Coach Mike Currence. In 1981, he was a backup defensive lineman, standing 6’-1”, 240 lbs. The team finished with a 7-3 record that year, while significantly outplaying and nearly upsetting eventual state champion Canton McKinley in the season finale, losing 9-6.
In his senior year Calhoun was moved to offensive guard, measuring in at 6’-2”, 240 lbs. He was also named co-captain. Most of the starters were in their final year of varsity football and they made the most of it, reaching their peak with a 12-1 record. After going undefeated during the regular season, they advanced in the playoffs to the state finals, where they dropped a 35-14 heartbreaker to Cincinnati Moeller.
Along the way they ran a gauntlet of good teams in their final seven outings, posting these results:
- Defeated 9-1 Sharon, PA, 28-7
- Defeated 8-2 Canton GlenOak, 42-14
- Defeated 7-3 Mansfield, 37-14
- Defeated 8-2 Canton McKinley, 7-0
- Defeated 10-1 Sandusky in the regional finals, 29-7
- Defeated 11-1 Berea in the state semifinals, 31-0
- Lost to 13-0 Moeller, 35-14
As an award for exceptional play, Calhoun was named both 1st Team All-Ohio and National High School All-American. The following summer he was invited to play in the Ohio North-South All-Star game. He was also honored as the team captain.
But Calhoun didn’t leave Massillon without first winning the shotput in the Class AAA division of the 1983 state track meet, with a toss of 56’-10 ¼”. His points helped the Tigers to a third-place overall finish.
The next stop was Illinois State University, where played on the offensive line from 1983-87. In 1986 he was named Outstanding Offensive Player. He was also honored as Honorable Mention All-Missouri Valley Football Conference. The following year he was named 2nd Team.
Congratulations to Charles Calhoun.
