Junie Shaidnagle

World War 2 was starting to have an impact on the scholastic and collegiate athletic programs in Ohio in 1943. Males who turned 18 years old before the start of the school year were eligible for military duty. Gasoline and tire rationing created transportation and scheduling problems. It was necessary for the Tigers to try to schedule teams closer to home to compensate for the rationing and to help in the war effort.

President Shaidnagle challenged the Booster Club members and other fans to rally behind the 1943 Tigers and regains the state title. He initiated spirited booster meetings and organized a McKinley pre-game rally that eclipsed any held in the past. It all started with a parade from the high school to the Lincoln Theater where the team was attending a movie. After cheering and playing for the team at the theater, the band led the parade back to the WHS gym for a spirited rally. The rally ended with a bon fire behind Longfellow Junior High.

The 37 member Tiger team responded by beating Canton McKinley 21-0 to go undefeated (10-0-0) and win Massillon’s eighth state championship in 10 years

The season ended with the annual Booster Club banquet program being held in the Washington High auditorium. 900 people came to honor the 1943 Tiger team. Elmer Layden, former Notre Dame star and NFL president, was the principal speaker.