Author: Don Engelhardt

Nevada, Cleveland Browns, Horace Gillom History

Part 6 – Ends and Wide Receivers in the…

Part 6 – Ends and Wide Receivers in the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame

The Football Hall of Fame recognizes those individuals that have made outstanding contributions to the Tiger football program, whether it be a player, coach, band director or just an individual who has been influential in a positive way.  Inductees are honored in the WHS Sports Hall with plaques that display the inductees’ contributions.  As of 2022, a total of 105 members have been inducted.  Five more will be inducted this year.

Complete List of Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame Inductees

This entry is Part 6 of a series that presents past inductees by playing position.  This edition features the ends and wide receivers.  Five players have gained Hall of Fame distinction as ends or wide receivers, including Horace Gillon, Jim Letcavits, Bob Vogel, Curt Strawder and Devin Jordan.

Horace Gillom (1938-40)

Paul Brown said there “has never been a better punter than Horace.”  Gillom specialized in distance and hang time and averaged over 40 yards per kick.  But he was also a tremendous end and linebacker and helped Massillon to three consecutive state championships.

Nevada, Cleveland Browns, Horace GillomAs a sophomore playing on varsity, he caught four touchdowns passes, including two against Mansfield of 35 and 55 yards.  The Tigers finished with a 10-0 record and were named state champions.

In his junior year Massillon repeated as state champs and was also given the same accolade nationally.  Gillom, now a starter, had an immediate impact and at the end of the season was named 1st Team All-Ohio.  He scored four receiving touchdowns, accumulating 42 points.  Against New Castle, PA, he caught a 34-yard TD pass and returned a blocked punt 18 yards for another score.  Then, against Canton Lehman, he grabbed a 40-yard pass for a TD and on defense returned an interception 80 yards for a second TD.

His senior year was more of the same: outstanding at his playing positions; 10-0 team record; state champs; national champs.  But he also became a very good ball carrier.  Now as team captain, he led the team in scoring with 102 points, including eight touchdowns rushing and nine receiving.  His punting skills were also the best around.  Against Steubenville he scored four TDs and had another three against Cleveland Cathedral Latin.  At the end of the season he was named both 1st Team All-Ohio and A.P. Most Outstanding Player.  He also found some time to play basketball.

Paul Brown left the following season and took the graduated Gillom with him to Ohio State.  But war duties were calling following his freshman season and he spent the next three years in the U.S. Army, returning home with three bronze stars.

That led to a year at Nevada (1946), where he was No. 1 in the nation in punting.  But once again, Paul Brown was calling.  This time it was for the Cleveland Browns, where he played from 1947-56.  Gillom served as the punter and utility end on both offense and defense.

Horace is credited for aligning himself further back from the line of scrimmage (15 yards) when punting in order to have more time to get off his 3-step kick.  This he started doing in high school and the 15 yards is replicated today at the college and professional level.  His longest punt with the Browns went 80 yards, which is a team record that stands today.  In 2007 he was named a “Browns Legend.”  And in 2009 he was inducted into the Stark County Football Hall of Fame.

Jim Letcavits (1951-53)

Letcavits played end under Head Coach Chuck Mather and was the beneficiary of three state and two national titles.  His first exposure to varsity ball came during his junior year when he recorded one rushing touchdown.  But, as a senior, he played well enough to be named 1st Team All-Ohio.  Unfortunately, few individual statistics are available from that time period, although it’s noted that he did score four receiving touchdowns, including a 44-yarder against Canton McKinley in a 48-7 victory.  The following summer he participated in the Ohio North-South All-Star Football Game and was named the Most Valuable Player.

Jim Letcavits and Chris Spielman

Following high school, he received a scholarship to play for the University of Kansas (1958-62), again under Coach Chuck Mather.  As a tight end, during his junior year he caught 14 passes for 246 yards and during his senior year caught 10 passes for 176 yards and two TDs.  In both seasons he was named All Big-8.

Then it was off to professional football, for a 6-year stint in the Canadian Football League, as tight end and punter.  The first stop was Edmonton, where he caught 142 passes for 2,429 yards and scored 13 touchdowns in five seasons.  Then, he wrapped up his career in Montreal.

After returning home, he coached at Jackson for five years, before being lured away by Massillon’s Bob Commings.  There he enjoyed a 27-year career as an assistant coach.  During that span, he was part of the 1970 state championship team and had two trips to the Division 1 state championship game.  His teams also won seven All-American Conference championships (1980 and 1982).  He retired from coaching in 1995.

Later, Letcavits was inducted into the Stark County High School Football Hall of Fame and in 1998 the Massillon Wall of Champions.  He was also President of Stark County Football Presidents Association for two years.

Bob Vogel (1957-58)

The Marine Corps has a motto: If you are going to do something, do it the best you can.  No one epitomized that motto better than Bob Vogel, who played for the Tigers in 1958 and went on to star for Ohio State and the Baltimore Colts.

Vogel was large at the time for a high school player (6’-5”, 225 lbs.) and up to this point he used that size to dominate his foes.  But size alone wasn’t going to be enough to challenge the opposing players he would face in Massillon.  But Head Coach Leo Strang and a bevy of assistants quickly went to work teaching him the proper fundamental techniques.  Bob simply took off from there.

As an end he was a dominant blocker, while catching six touchdown passes (5 of the 9 tossed by quarterback Joe Sparma), including a long of 37 yards against Akron Garfield.  He also played defense and kicked off.  Helping his team to an 8-1-1 record and 4th place finish in the A.P. Poll, he was awarded 1st Team All-Ohio honors.  The following summer he was for the All-America team that would face the Pennsylvania All-Stars in the Big 33 game.

In college he played offensive tackle at Ohio State under Head Coach Woody Hayes.  During his three years as a varsity player (1960-62), OSU compiled a record of 21-5-1, including an 8-0-1 mark in 1961 during the National Championship year.   In Vogel’s senior year he was named a team captain and post-season a 1st team All-American by the American College Football Association.

His final football stop was the Baltimore Colts, who selected him No. 5 in the NFL draft, the highest position ever for a Stark County player.  His career in Baltimore spanned ten years (1963 through 1972) and he started every game except one.  He was also part of the Colts’ 1970 Super Bowl victory. In 1969 he was named 1st Team All-Pro and he participated in five Pro Bowl games (1964, 1965, 1967, 1968 and 1971).

In 1964, he was inducted in the Massillon Wall of Champions.

Curt Strawder (1976-78)

Strawder was perhaps the first Massillon player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame on the basis of being a true wide receiver and having a significant number of pass receptions.  He was a natural, while playing under Head Coach Mike Currence with his “run-n-shoot” offense.  As such, Strawder became the go-to possession receiver.  When a third down pass was necessary, it was Strawder that often ran a 10-yard dig, setting up a pass completion for quarterback Brent Offenbecher.  But he was also equally effective in other pass patterns.

Strawder was “the fleet wide receiver with gazelle-like grace and more moves than a belly dancer.” – Rollie Dreussi, Independent Sports Editor.

Curt became a starter during his junior year and caught 26 passes for 518 yards, scoring five touchdowns.  The team finished with a record of 8-2.  Strawder’s most heroic effort came against Gahanna Lincoln, when he dove to catch a 4th down and 41-yard pass with 1:11 left in the game to advance the ball to the Lincoln 29.  That set up the winning touchdown in a 28-22 victory.  In that game, he caught six passes for 169 yards, and also scored a touchdown on a 62-yard reception in the first quarter.

During his senior year, he continued on with 42 receptions for 53 yards and four touchdowns, helping his team to a 9-0-1 record.  He was also named team captain.  In the game against Canton McKinley, the Tigers were behind 10-0 with half of the fourth quarter remaining.  But then the offense finally began to click, with Strawder catching multiple passes from Offenbecher, including a pair of touchdown receptions for a 13-10 victory.

His best performances were as follows:

  • East Liverpool – 6 receptions for 71 yards and 1 touchdown.
  • Cleveland Benedictine – 5 receptions for 79 yards.
  • Massillon Jackson – 8 receptions for 133 yards and 1 touchdown.
  • Canton McKinley – 8 receptions for 91 and 2 touchdowns.

Devin Jordan (2000-02)

Devin Jordan may have been the best wide receiver the Tigers have ever had.  He holds Massillon single-season records for both Massillon and Stark County, including most receptions (98), most yards (1,492), average receptions per game (7.0) and touchdowns (18).  And, for his career, he holds first or second place in each of these four categories.  He parlayed that success into a roster spot for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Jordan saw limited action as a sophomore and caught nine passes for 188 yards, scoring one touchdown, under Head Coach Rick Shepas.

In his junior year he became a starter and was magnificent on the field, catching passes from future Buckeye quarterback Justin Zwick.  During the season, he caught 98 passes for 1,492 yards (15.2/rec.) and scored 18 touchdowns in helping his team to a 12-2 record and a spot in the state semifinal game.  His 110 points scored was a team high.  His best performances were as follows:

  • Akron Garfield – 9 receptions for 156 yards and 2 touchdowns.
  • Mount Lebanon, PA – 3 touchdowns.
  • Austintown Fitch – 9 receptions for 149 yards and 4 touchdowns (2nd all-time).
  • Mansfield – 11 receptions (4th all-time) for 106 yards.
  • Dayton Chaminade – 9 receptions for 206 yards (4th all-time) and 2 touchdowns.
  • Canton McKinley – 10 receptions for 154 yards and 1 touchdown.
  • Cleveland St. Ignatius – 11 receptions (4th all-time) for 109 yards.

As a senior, the Tigers finished 11-3 and again advanced in the playoffs to the state semifinal level.  Jordan recorded 45 receptions for 893 yards and 12 touchdowns, while scoring 72 points, second on the team.  His numbers weren’t as impressive as the previous year, since opponents were now aware of his impact and double-teamed him throughout the games.  So, the Tigers, under quarterback Matt Martin, resorted to a more balanced passing attack.  But somehow, during the playoffs, he was left free to roam and had these performances:

  • North Canton – 6 receptions for 95 yards and 1 touchdown.
  • Perry – 7 receptions for 170 yards and 2 touchdowns.
  • Pickerington – 7 receptions for 108 yards and 2 touchdowns.

For his career, he finished with 152 receptions for 2,503 yards and 31 touchdowns.

Jordan was on the Ohio State team from 2003-05.  But a leg injury during his first year severely hampered his ability to play.  So, in his senior year, he became a student assistant coach.  That led to many paid coaching opportunities after college.  Stops included Wittenberg, Otterbein, Walsh, Malone, Youngstown State and Akron, before he returned to Ohio state as an offensive assistant, a position he has held for the last two years.

News

Gary Vogt Will Enter the Massillon Tiger Football Hall…

Gary Vogt Will Enter the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame

For nearly fifty years Gary Vogt has been a mainstay in the Massillon Tiger Football Booster Club, never shy in lending a helping hand, regardless of the endeavor.  This summer he will be deservedly honored as an inductee into the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame.

Vogt graduated from WHS in 1966 and was a member of the varsity basketball team.  In 1976, after receiving his college degree from Kent State University and serving four years in the U.S. Air Force, he returned to Massillon and joined the Football Booster Club, an organization that has been around since the time of Paul Brown.  Now, some 47 years later, he can look back at a career during which he held several major club positions and was involved in many significant activities.

In 1986 Vogt was appointed Chairman of the Tiger Sideliners, which is a group of Massillon supporters that act as “Big Brothers” for the varsity football players.  In that role, the members become accessible to the players throughout the season for help in resolving any personal problems that they might have.  In many cases, these associations evolved into long-term relationships.  Under Vogt, fellow Sideliner Rollie Layfield was instrumental in founding the Reverse Raffle, a major fund-raising event for the Booster Club.

Two years later Gary was selected as a Booster Club Vice President and then the following year he was elected President.  In that position, he was instrumental in leading several major stadium projects, including installation of:

  • Omni Sand turf, replacing the grass playing surface
  • A sports cluster lighting system
  • A new state of the art sound system
  • A rubberized running track

The Sand Turf project was the most intriguing of all.  After the grass surface became nearly unplayable toward the end of previous season, Head Coach Lee Owens, in conjunction with the Booster Club, presented to the school board the idea of replacing the grass with an artificial surface with the goals of (1) having a dedicated practice field, with consideration that the new high school was overtaking the existing field, (2) providing a consistently safe playing surface for the team, and (3) securing the state finals playoff games.  The proposal was accepted, provided that no school funds were involved.  Fortunately, the Massillon community, led by the Booster Club, provided generous contributions amounting to over $400,000.

Various designs were explored and the “Turf Committee,” led by Vogt, settled on Omni Sand Turf, which was considered state-of-the-art at the time.  “The driving force was to select a player friendly surface,” said Vogt.  “At the time the prominent artificial surface was Astro Turf which was not a very forgiving surface to play on.  Lee Owens checked with our team Orthopedic Doctor, Bob Erichson, as to the safety of the Sand Turf product.  Dr. Erichson gave his okay, so Coach Owens selected the Sand Turf surface.”

Installation involved laying a 1-inch thick rubber shock pad, followed by the ½”-high grass-like turf.  Then a 1-inch layer of sand was infused between the grass fibers to produce a generally beach-like surface with strands of artificial grass protruding through the sand to provide traction for the players.

But before all that, the existing grass needed to be removed.  Never one to lose a fundraising opportunity, the committee offered strips of grass to the general public for a modest fee.  So, several hundred feet of turf found its way to memorable spots in the lawns and gardens of various Tiger fans.  Some even went to a cemetery in Chicago.  But the most interesting purchase was a hundred feet going to former Massillon head coach Augie Morningstar.  After leading Massillon in 1945, he left to become the head coach of the Mansfield Tygers.  In 1949 he brought his team to Massillon and upset the Tigers 16-12.  So, he took a sizeable amount of turf, extracted from the end zone where the winning Tyger touchdown was scored, back to Mansfield and distributed it among the players involved in that game.

Now it was time to get down to work.  First, a new drainage system was installed, compatible with sand turf, which drained any rain through the porous turf as opposed to flowing to the sidelines.  Then the field was graded relatively flat.  Finally, the turf was installed, with the local fire department hosing in the sand.  In the end, it was one of the first artificial surfaces to be installed in any Ohio school stadium.  And just in time to host the state All-Star game.  And it met the goals of having a practice field, improving safety for the players and hosting the 1989 state finals games.

Another committee Vogt chaired was quite unique.  After losing to Cincinnati Moeller in 1989, several members felt that something was needed to get the fans re-energized and more involved in the game.  So, a group was formed to develop several cheers to try out during the next contest.  But the first trial came off so well that the others were not needed.  It was simple, rather elementary, in fact.  But highly effective.  And it is still in use today.  The fans on the stadium’s east side yelled “TIG.”  Then the fans on the west side responded with “ERS.”  And back and forth it went, louder and louder.  Surely, a form of intimidation directed at the opponent.  Interestingly, at the time when the cheer was first introduced, the Tigers were behind Austintown Fitch at the end of the first quarter, 6-3.  After that, Massillon outscored the Falcons 20-7 and won going away.  Credit the cheer?  Who knows.  But it makes for a great story.

In 1994 Gary spent a year as the Touchdown Club Chairman.  This group meets weekly for lunch to rub elbows with other fans and hear the coach review the past game.

Currently, Vogt is the Booster Club Historian, an officer position he has held for the past fourteen years.  In that role, he is primarily responsible for maintaining the long history of Massillon football by continuing the collection of related documents originally assembled by Junie Studer.  Currently, the collection resides at the Massillon Museum.  Gary regularly searches the media for stories involving Massillon football or past players and chronicles them in indexed binders for quick reference, focusing on both current and historical information.  Of course, Gary still remains active in many fundraising activities.

Congratulations to Gary Vogt on his induction into the Massillon Football Hall of Fame.

 

History

Part 5 – Running Backs in the Massillon Tiger…

Part 5 – Running Backs in the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame – The Later Years

The Tiger Football Hall of Fame recognizes those individuals that have made outstanding contributions to the Tiger football program, whether it be a player, coach, band director or just an individual who has been influential in a positive way.  Inductees are honored in the WHS Sports Hall with plaques that display the inductees’ contributions.  As of 2022, a total of 105 members have been inducted.  Five more will be inducted this year.

Complete List of Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame Inductees

This entry is Part 5 of a series that presents past inductees by playing position.  This edition features running backs that competed from the 1970s to the present.  Seven running backs have gained distinction during this period, including Mike Mauger, Willie Spencer Sr., Tom Hannon, Jerome Myricks, Travis McGuire, Falando Ashcraft and Brian Gamble.  There are a few other running backs in the Hall that are not presented in this story, as these players were inducted either through another playing position or as a coach.

Mike Mauger (1968-70)

Mike Mauger joined the varsity team in 1969 as a starter at the defensive end position, playing under Head Coach Bob Commings.  But he also saw some time as a substitute running back for the 7-2-1 Tigers, rushing 27 times for 209 yards and scoring 35 points.  But what jumped off the page was his average of 7.7 yards per carry.  He was also extremely adept at seeing the field and following his blockers.

It was a natural then that he move into the starting tailback spot during his senior year, playing at 5’-11”, 196 lbs.  And what year it was.  Massillon finished 10-0 and was voted the state champion, the Tigers’ last state title.  Mauger spearheaded the offense, carrying the ball 159 times for 1,200 yards at an average of 7.5 yards per attempt.  He also scored 23 touchdowns (5th all-time) and 152 points (4th all-time).  For his play he was named 1st Team All-Ohio and Class AAA Back of the Year.

Mauger’s most memorable games were as follows:

  • Trotwood Madison – 3 touchdowns, including an 80-yard punt return.
  • Cleveland Benedictine (9-1) – 4 touchdowns, including a 70-yard punt return; 11 carries for 220 yards, at an average of 20.0 yards per carry (1st all-time); 32-7 victory.
  • Alliance – 4 touchdowns; 22 carries for 138 yards.
  • Niles (7-2-1) – A pivotal game vs. the unbeaten Red Dragons; played injured; rushed 14 times for 138 yards; 22-3 victory.
  • Akron St. Vincent – 4 touchdowns.
  • Canton McKinley (8-1-1) – The Bulldogs were No. 3 in the state and unbeaten with a tie vs. Niles; scored 2 touchdowns of 4 and 3 yards; 27 carries for 137 yards; 28-0 victory.

Mike also punted 17 times for a 37.3 average.  And he returned ten punts, averaging 28.4 yards per return.  His two punt returns for touchdown ranks 3rd all-time.

Following high school, Mauger first played for Wisconsin and then finished his eligibility at Kent State University.  Post-college he had a tryout with the Dallas Cowboys.

Willie Spencer, Sr. (1969-71)

Willie Spencer was next in line as one of the great Massillon running backs.  Ironically, he only played the position one year.  But he was good enough to jump right from high school into the professional ranks.  He was an imposing figure at that time for a high school running back, playing at 6’-2”, 215 lbs., and with his size and strength could simply run over defenders.

During his 1970 junior year he lined up at tight end for the 10-0 state champions.  There, he was used primarily as a blocker, but he did catch five passes for 75 yards, including a 9-yard touchdown reception against Alliance.  He also had a 42-yard pass interception return against Canton McKinley, which advanced the ball to four and set up Massillon’s final touchdown in a 28-0 victory.

In his senior year Spencer became the starting tailback.  He finished the year with 19 rushing touchdowns and 116 points, helping his team to an 8-2 record.  Those two losses were by one point each, to Niles and eventual state champion Warren Harding.  Following the season, he was named 2nd Team All-Ohio.

Spencer scored at least two touchdowns in eight different games, with a high of four against Cincinnati Taft.  In the Steubenville game he rushed 20 times for 193 yards.  And against the Bulldogs, he rushed 33 times for 145 yards and scored twice, on runs of nine yards each, in a 29-6 victory.  The Barberton game was a match against two unbeaten teams and the Tigers came out firing, winning 46-0.  Spencer led the attack with 124 yards on 12 carries and scored two touchdowns.  A third was nullified on a controversial fumble call at the goal line.

Willie also played on the basketball team.

Following high school he jumped immediately into professional football.  Starting out he saw limited time with the Ottawa Rough Riders of the CFL, Indianapolis of the Midwest Football League and the Hartford Knights.  But then he was picked up by the WFL startup Memphis Southmen.  During his 2-year career with them he rushed for 1,369 yards, eclipsing the efforts of ex-NFL backs Larry Csonka and Jim Klick.  He even scored five touchdowns in a single game.  After the league folded, he spent a year with the Minnesota Vikings and two with the New York Giants (coached former Massillon player John McVay).

Tom Hannon (1970-72)

Tommy Hannon began his varsity career as a sophomore in 1971, focusing initially on special teams and defense, while backing up Willie Spencer Sr. at tailback.  In his junior year he averaged 23.4 yards per kickoff return and rushed 30 times for 190 yards (6.3/att.).  He also intercepted five passes from his defensive back position, while helping his team to an 8-2 record.  Although not a large player (6’-0”, 186 lbs.), speed was the game for Hannon and he made full use of his talent.

In his senior year, now as team captain, Coach Bob Commings placed him into the starting running back role and he was an immediate success.  For the season, he rushed 253 times (4th all-time) for 1,395 yards (8th time), for an average of 5.5 yards per attempt.  He also led the team in scoring with 102 points, including 14 touchdowns.  For his performance he earned 1st Team All-Ohio honors.

The team finished the regular season 10-0 and qualified for Ohio’s first-ever state playoffs, having won their respective region.  Unfortunately, they dropped a 17-14 decision to Cincinnati Princeton.  Eight times Hannon rushed over 100 yards, with a monster effort coming against Upper Arlington in a 14-0 victory.  After UA captured consecutive state championships (1967-69) and the Tigers taking the crown in 1970, it was time to claim bragging rights once and for all with a game in Columbus.  In front of an over-capacity crowd of 11,500 avid fans, Hannon rushed 24 times for 212 yards (8.8 yards/att.).  Later, against Canton McKinley, Tommy rushed 22 times for 159 yards in a 12-3 win.  Ironically, he didn’t score in either contest.

He also participated in basketball and track.

After high school, Hannon accepted a scholarship to play for Michigan State (1973-76), where he lined up at safety for four years.  Twice he was named All-American and twice All-Big Ten.  That culminated in a 9-year career with the Minnesota Vikings, where he started in 103 games and recorded fifteen pass interceptions.

In 1994, Hannon was inducted into the Massillon Wall of Champions.

Jerome Myricks (1985-87)

Jerome Myricks’ talent was recognized immediately and he suited up for the varsity as a sophomore.  There, he returned kickoffs and received limited time at running back.  In his junior year he became a regular player on both sides of the ball.  As a running back, he rushed 53 times for 390 yards (7.1/att.) and scored 54 points.  He was also a favored receiver, catching 13 for 262 yards (20.0/rec.) and scoring two touchdowns.  Along with 17 tackle points, he continued his roles on special teams by returning six kickoffs (24.7/att.) and eight punts (9.0/att.).

But the best was yet to come, when he was named 1st team All-Ohio during his senior year.  For the season, the 5’-11, 181 lb. Myricks was the featured rusher, carrying the ball 175 times for 1,170 yards at 6.5 yards per attempt.  He also caught 12 passes for 255 yards (21.3/rec.).  Fifteen touchdowns came on the ground, three in the air and one via a fumble return.  On defense he recorded 91 tackle points and still found some time to return a few kickoffs and punts.

His most memorable games were as follows:

  • Altoona, PA – 2 touchdown receptions of 50 and 60 yards.
  • Canton GlenOak – Rushed 21 times for 161 yards and 2 touchdowns.
  • Barberton – Rushed 10 times for 190 yards; scored on runs of 34, 43 and 54 yards.
  • Austintown Fitch – Rushed 25 times for 119 yards and scored 3 touchdowns.
  • Akron St. Vincent – Scored 3 touchdowns: 2 rushing and 1 receiving.
  • Canton McKinley – Rushed 20 times for 145 yards; scored twice, including one of 50 yards in an 18-15 loss.

Travis McGuire (1990-91)

Long-time Tiger fans will remember Travis McGuire as the running back that in 1991 gained 302 yards (2nd all-time) and scored five touchdowns (5th all-time) against Canton McKinley in a 42-13 blowout victory.  But he was more than that.  A man among boys, he was the main focus every week.  And he was good enough to earn 1st Team All-Ohio and Division 1 Back of the Year honors during his senior season.  Good enough to set rushing marks that weren’t broken for fifty years.  And good enough to receive a full scholarship to play for Ohio State.

McGuire entered varsity play during his junior year and had a respectable season, playing under Head Coach Lee Owens.  He rushed 96 times for 535 yards at 5.3 yard per carry and scored five touchdowns.  He also caught twelve passes.

But his senior year was simply memorable.  Now as team captain, he paired up with running mate Falando Ashcraft to propel the Tigers to the state semifinal playoff game against eventual state champion Cleveland St. Ignatius, losing the match by just a single point.  For the season he carried the ball 251 times (5th all-time) for 1,976 yards (2nd all-time) and scored 26 touchdowns (3rd all-time).  He also averaged a current Massillon-best 152 yards per game.  In addition, he caught 19 passes for 170 yards (8.9/rec.) and two touchdowns.

The following are his highlight games for that year:

  • Akron Garfield – Rushed 11 times for 132 yards (12.0/att.) and scored 2 touchdowns.
  • Toledo St. Francis – Rushed 23 times for 187 yards and scored one touchdown.
  • Youngstown East – Rushed 9 times for 157 yards and scored 3 touchdowns. The 17.4 yards per carry is 2nd all-time.
  • Canton McKinley – Rushed 36 times for 302 yards (8.4/att.) and scored 5 touchdowns.
  • Akron Ellet – Rushed 19 times for 198 yards (10.4/att.) and scored twice.
  • Toledo St. John’s (8-3) – Rushed 29 times for 229 yards (7.9/att.) and scored 3 touchdowns.
  • Cleveland St. Ignatius (12-2) – Rushed 24 times for 118 yards.

For his career, McGuire rushed 346 times for 2,511 yards (5th all-time) and scored 30 touchdowns, averaging 7.3 yards per carry.

Following high school, he accepted a scholarship to play for Ohio State.  But injuries there curtailed his career.  Currently, Travis is the running backs coach for the Massillon Tigers.

Falando Ashcraft (1989-91)

Falando Ashcraft teamed with Travis McGuire to create one of  the more potent dual running back combinations that Massillon has ever had.  While McGuire surely dominated during the 1991 season, it was Ashcraft who carried the load the previous year.  Not that Falando himself didn’t have an equally good, if not better, senior year.

As a sophomore, Ashcraft saw limited time at running back and also return kickoffs.  He rushed 51 times for 259 yards (5.0/att.) and scored three touchdowns.  During his junior year he moved into the starting running back position, where he rushed 202 times for 1,182 yards (5.9/att.) and scored 14 rushing touchdowns, totaling a team-high 86 points.  His feature games were as follows:

  • Covington Catholic, KY – 28 carries for 190 yards and one touchdown in the Buddy LaRosa Classic held in Cincinnati.  Named Most Valuable Player.
  • Nordonia – Scored 3 touchdowns in only 4 carries.
  • Youngstown East – 11 carries for 142 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Ashcraft’s senior year was his best, when he rushed 208 times for 1,353 yards (6.4/att.) and scored 21 rushing touchdowns and one TD receiving, totaling 140 points.  In eight of the 13 games he eclipsed the 100-yard rushing mark.  The team that year qualified for the playoffs and advanced to the state semifinal game where they lost in the last minute to Cleveland St. Ignatius, 14-13.  His best games were:

  • Austintown Fitch – 25 carries for 214 yards and 2 touchdowns.
  • Toledo St. Francis – 27 carries for 160 yards and 2 touchdowns.
  • Youngstown East – 15 carries for 128 yards and 4 touchdowns; also caught a touchdown pass.
  • Toledo St. John’s – 18 carries for 165 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Following the season Ashcraft was awarded Honorable Mention All-Ohio.  But he should have been higher, while presumably playing in the shadow of Travis McGuire.

For his career, Falando is all-time 4th place in the record book in three different categories: attempts (461), yards (2,794) and touchdowns rushing (22).  He is also 5th in career touchdowns (38).

Brian Gamble (2005-06)

Brian Gamble was one of the few players that could literally take over a game.  And he was a game-changer, as evidenced by his heroics at the end of the 2005 Division 1 state finals contest against Lakewood St. Edward.  In that one, in the last five minutes of the game, he scored two touchdowns and converted a 3rd down and 30 to pull out a 21-17 victory.

As a junior, Gamble helped his team to a 13-2 record and a spot in the state finals.  He was also a team captain.  For the season, he rushed 248 times (6th all-time) for 1,512 yards (5th all-time) and scored 17 touchdowns.  He was also a prolific receiver, catching 32 passes for 631 yards and four touchdowns.  But Brian also lined up on the other side of the ball as a defensive back.  During the season he recorded 75 tackle points (2nd on the team), including eight tackles-for-loss and intercepted three passes.  After the season he was named 1st Team All-Ohio.

He most memorable games were as follows:

  • Dover – Carried the ball 14 times for 164 yards (11.7/att.).
  • Cincinnati Elder – 15 carries for 173 yards and 2 touchdowns, including one from 50 yards out in a 35-31 victory.
  • Cleveland St. Ignatius – Carried the ball 31 times for 133 yards and one touchdown; caught 4 passes for 67 yards and one touchdown; won 29-26.
  • North Canton – 14 attempts for 146 yards (10.4/att.) and a touchdown run of 80 yards; 3 pass receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown reception of 54 yards.
  • Lakewood St. Edward (12-1) – Scored the last two touchdowns of the game to erase a 17-7 deficit and win 21-17; touchdown reception of 18 yards and touchdown reception of 5 yards (with 1:56 remaining in the game).

As a senior, the Tigers were not nearly as talented, but they still managed to make the playoffs, with Gamble again having a productive year.  He rushed 215 times for 975 yards and scored nine touchdowns.  On defense he recorded 38 tackle points and had three pass interceptions.  His biggest game came against Hamilton Chandler, when he rushed 35 times for 167 yards and one TD and caught four passes for 44 yards and two scores.  Chandler went on to finish 9-1 and capture the Arizona state championship.

For his career, Gamble rushed 463 times (3rd all-time) for 2,487 yards (7th all-time) and scored 36 touchdowns (7th all-time).

Following high school, he played a year for the University of Illinois at wide receiver.  The Illini finished second in the Big 10 that year behind Ohio State, but did knock off the Buckeyes 28-21, with Gamble catching a touchdown pass that gave his team the lead for good.   Later, he transferred to Ashland University where he finished his career as a defensive back under former Tiger Mentor Lee Owens.

Obie Logo (Large) News

Pre-Season Kickoff Event Has Tiger Faithful Excited for the…

Pre-Season Kickoff Event Has Tiger Faithful Excited for the Season

Tiger football is alive and well!  Last season Massillon, a team comprised of mostly underclass players, fashioned a 12-2 record and advanced to the playoff regional finals where they lost to Akron Hoban.  Now, a year later, these underclassmen have matured and are ready to produce what is believed to be one of the Tigers’ better teams in several years.

The recent Summer Kickoff Event gave a good crowd of Massillon supporters an early look at the talent many have been talking about throughout the winter months.  “We’ve had a really nice offseason,” said Head Coach Nate Moore.  Beginning in January the players have been working hard in the weight room developing mass and strength and have now added speed drills to their routines.  As 7-on-7 and Big Man competitions enhance the effort the team is beginning to round into a solid football group.  “We are preparing guys to play a football game,” said Moore.

Last Saturday the skill players traveled to West Virginia for a 7-on-7 competition.  In round robin play they won five matches and tied a sixth.  Following that was tournament play where the Tigers won their first two, but then lost to U.S. Top 25 team Good Counsel out of Maryland.  Moore thought his players and coaches took a lot away from that contest.

The linemen also had their moment a couple of days later, at the University of Pittsburgh.  After being seeded 8th from among a group of thirty other teams it was time for the final event, the tug-of-war.  Having won the sledgehammer trophy the last two years, their reputation was on the line.  But first, they needed to knock off the No. 1 seed, Gonzaga, D.C., which they did easily.  Then, following another victory, it was off to the finals.  The opponent?  Surprise!  Canton McKinley.  It was a struggle for the first few seconds, but then the Tigers “pulled them right off the carpet,” according to Moore.  Massillon now has one more Pittsburgh hammer in its possession.

Booster Club President Rob Maylor opened the event with remarks regarding the upcoming season.

The assistant coaches briefly described their individual player groups.  Nearly all of these coaches have been with the Tigers for several years, which creates great synergy within the program.  With eight starters returning on each side of the ball, the Tigers are expected to round into shape much earlier than last year.  They will be bigger and faster and stronger, and ready to face a formidable schedule.  Here are a few of the takeaways:

  • The inside linebacker position is a senior-laden group, led by Dorian Pringle (All-Ohio), Cody Fair and Shon Robinson. Coach Spencer Leno, who is also the defensive coordinator, is looking for this group to read keys, be tough and stop the run first.  They need to “win on first down, win on third down and provide relentless effort on every play.”
  • The defensive line under J.P. Simon returns five players, including returning starters Chase Bond, Michael Wright Jr. and Malachi Card. Expect this group to be bigger and stronger this year.
  • Dave Weber’s outside linebacker corps is a little thin, with just three proven players returning to man the two positions, including Maverick Clark, Brandon Carman and Vito McConnell. So, it will be important for them to learn both short-side and wide-side techniques.
  • Safeties are coached once again by Dan Hackenbracht. Several will be available to choose from, including returning starter Ryan Page and first-game starter Tyler Hackenbracht.  This group has added weight and speed.  Given the strength of the front-7, opponents may struggle to move the ball on the ground.  So, it will be imperative that the safeties minimize the big plays.
  • There are several prospective corners for Coach Bo Grunder, led by returnee Zach Liebler. Grunder describes his group as having “a lot of athleticism.”
  • Jarrett Troxler will handle the quarterbacks and is also offensive coordinator. Two QBs will man the position, including returning starter Jalen Slaughter and newcomer Daone Owens.  Slaughter is maturing at the position, while Owens is really physical and big.  Backups include Eli Moore and Jacques Carter, both of whom are developing nicely.  With no tall receivers and several underclass running backs, Troxler said that the offense will be “very personnel driven.”  But it will still be important to be great in the run game.
  • The offensive line is blessed to have John Mazur and Chip Robinson as coaches. Mazur said their group will have great mentality across the board.  Up to twelve players could receive playing time when the game is on the line.  But they would like to limit the rotation to eight, noting that making that list will not be easy.  There is a lot of experience returning, including Evan Sirgo (All-Ohio), Sam Snodgrass, Michael Looney, Brady Jones and Seth Voshel.  Nolan Davenport is also expected to move to tackle, a position for which he is being recruited by various colleges.
  • Look for several sophomores and juniors to vie for the running back position under Coach Travis McGuire, with no starters returning at this position.  But all are extremely talented and ready to pick up the torch.  It will be “running back by committee”, rather than featuring a single player.
  • Jason Jarvis handles the tight ends and fullbacks. He has several players available in these spots that are physical, fast and nasty, and can cause havoc.
  • A host of talented players will man the wide receiver spots under Coach Cale Miller. Many are highly experienced and possess tremendous speed.  In fact, Miller said that they are two deep at every position.  Returning starters include Kyler Wiggins and Braylyn Toles, with Ja-Meir Gamble and Liebler also seeing some action.  It will be important for them to put pressure on the defensive backs on every play.

Following the reports from the assistant coaches, Nate Moore reviewed the schedule, offering these comments:

  • It’s a really exciting schedule with eight home games.
  • Valdosta, GA – One of the all-time great matchups. No. 1 in all-time wins vs. No. 4 in all-time wins.  To be aired by ESPN+ and Spectrum.  Part of a 4-game classic, also including Lakewood St. Edward, Akron Hoban and Cleveland Glenville.
  • Lakewood St. Edward – U.S. Top 25 team. Defending Division I state champion.  Was a great win last year by Massillon.
  • Middletown, DE – Had an unbelievable experience last year. Called us to come back.
  • John’s College, D.C. – U.S. Top 25 team. Loaded.
  • Austintown Fitch – Will be a tough game; a good test on the road.
  • Canton McKinley – America’s greatest rivalry in high school football.  Road game.

“We’re looking forward to a tough schedule,” said Moore.  “This is Massillon.  That’s what we want.  We couldn’t be more excited about our schedule.”

Upcoming events:

  • Tuesday, July 11, 12:30 pm – 7 on-7 at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium
  • Thursday, July 20, 6:00 pm – Sideliners’ Reverse Raffle / Hall of Fame and Wall of Champions Induction at Eagles 190
  • Wednesday, August 2, 6:00 pm – Media Day at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium
  • Saturday, August 5, 11:30 am – Scrimmage vs. Avon, away
  • Sunday, August 6, 12:00 n – Sideliners Picnic at Washington High School
  • Thursday, August 12, 2:00 pm – Scrimmage vs. Cincinnati Moeller, away
  • Wednesday, August 16, 6:00 – Downtown Kickoff Rally at Duncan Plaza
  • Thursday, August 17, time TBD – Pre-game rally event
  • Friday, August 18, 7:00 pm – Opening game vs. Valdosta at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium

Go Tigers!

Massillon Tigers, Ohio State Buckeyes, New York Jets News

Devin Smith to Join the 2023 Massillon Hall of…

Devin Smith to Join the 2023 Massillon Hall of Fame Induction Class

In this age of specialization most high school students focus on a single sport and concentrate on it for the entire year in order to position themselves to excel once the season gets underway.  A few try a second sport and even less a third.  But it is the rare one that chooses three sports and excels exceptionally in each one.

For Massillon, one of those rare athletes was Devin Smith, who participated in varsity athletics for the Tigers in 2009 through 2011.  He selected football, basketball and track, but he was so gifted that he most likely could have excelled in most any other endeavor.  He was all-state in football, all-county in basketball and captured first place medals three times in state track meets.  To top it off, he parlayed that success into an outstanding football and track career at Ohio State and eventually into the NFL.  Now he is being inducted into the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame.

High School

Smith burst onto the Massillon football scene as a junior wide receiver in 2009, playing under Head Coach Jason Hall.  There, he helped his team to a 10-4 mark and a spot in the Division 1 state semifinals, where his team was ousted by Cleveland Glenville, which was quarterbacked by future Buckeye starter Cardale Jones.  Smith led the team that year with 50 receptions for 989 yards, an average of 19.8 yards per catch.  Fifteen of those grabs went for touchdowns.  He also returned punts and kickoffs.  Four times he had multiple touchdowns in a single game.  Against Cleveland St. Ignatius he caught six balls for 135 yards, including an 82-yard TD, which stands in the Massillon record book in the No. 4 position.  Twice (vs. Warren Harding and Mentor) he scored three times, which is tied for 5th in the record list.  For his performance Smith was named 1st Team All-Ohio.

Massillon Tigers, Ohio State Buckeyes, New York JetsHis personal stats only got better the following year, now as a 6’-1”, 185 lb. team captain, when he caught 60 passes for 1,130 yards and 9 touchdowns, at 18.8 yards per catch.  His 60 receptions ranks as 4th best all-time and his 5.5 receptions per game also ranks 4th.  In eight of eleven games he accumulated at least 100 receiving yards, with a high of 144 against Akron Buchtel and 135 against Canton McKinley (seven receptions).  Against Canton GlenOak he scored the winning touchdown in a 28-27 victory on a pass reception of 45 yards from quarterback Brody Tonn.  Again, he was the primary returner on punts (14.4 ave.) and kickoffs (24.8 ave.).  Unfortunately, Massillon lost to Toledo Whitmer in the first round of the playoffs and they finished season 7-4.  But Smith did repeat as 1st Team All-Ohio.

For his career he is ranked in the Massillon records Top 4 in receptions (110), yards (2,119), receptions per game (4.4) and receiving touchdowns (24).

During his senior year of basketball he averaged 13.6 points and 6.1 rebounds per game.  He also had 28 blocked shots and 30 steals.  At the end of the season he was honored as All-County.

Devin expressed his feelings about the induction in a recent Instagram post: “I’ve always wanted to wear that orange and black with the leaping tiger on the side and run out under that tunnel and the announcer says ‘heerrreees the tigers.’  I wore that uniform with pride and always understood that I was representing something bigger than myself.  The legendary players and coaches who came before me, the tradition of the town, history of the team!  To all my teammates, coaches in all 3 sports I participated in, to all my teachers I had and crossed paths with I thank you so much for the love and support and welcoming me with open arms!”

Track also favored Smith.  During his junior year he captured the state championship with a 22’-10” distance in the long jump.  Then he defended his crown the following year extending that mark to 24’-7”.  He also became the fastest runner in the state with a 10.74 seconds in the 100 meter dash.  In both years he placed in the high jump with leaps of 6’-6”.  His personal bests came in the regional meet with a 100 meters time of 10.56 seconds and a high jump of seven feet.

Rounding all that out was twice being named All-Stark County in basketball.  Then it was off to Ohio State.

College

Smith immediately broke into the ranks of on-field players as a freshmen based on his speed and uncanny ability to track down a 60-yard bomb and make the difficult catch.  If a deep ball was needed, then Smith was the man.  For the season he caught 14 passes for 294 yards and four touchdowns.  Interestingly, the 14 receptions was the best on the team, which finished 6-7 that year.  Twice in a game Smith caught the winning touchdown pass.  The first was against Wisconsin on a 40-yard grab with 20 second remaining.  The second came vs. California on a 72-yarder with 3:26 left.

Ohio state rebounded in 2013 with a 12-0 record, but was ineligible for a bowl game due to events that occurred during the previous season.  Smith caught 30 passes for 618 yards and scored six times.  The following year the Buckeyes finished 12-3 with Smith improving his stats to 44 catches for 660 yards and 8 TDs.  Included was the spectacular nation-grabbing one-handed catch of 23 yards for a touchdown against Miami of Ohio.

Finally in 2015, as a senior, Smith got to experience the thrill of a national championship by first defeating Alabama in the playoff semifinals and then ousting Oregon 42-20 in the finals.  Against the Crimson Tide he caught a 47-yard touchdown pass to give his team a lead that they did not relinquish.  For the season, Smith caught 33 passes for 931 yards and 12 touchdowns, including three scores against Wisconsin, while playing with his former high school foe, Cardale Jones.  His 28.2 yards per catch is a single-season record at Ohio State that still stands today.

Thus, for his career he caught 121 passes (15th all-time) for 2,503 yards (6th all-time) and 30 touchdowns.  He also returned 13 kickoffs and scored 180 points.

Not settling with just football, Smith also ran track during his first three years.  In 2014 he cleared 7’-0.25” in the high jump, placing second in the Big-10 outdoor championships.

Professional

The New York Jets secured Smith in the second round of the 2016 draft (37th overall).  But he would be plagued by knee problems throughout his pro career, which hindered his playing time.  His various stops included the rosters of New York (2015-2018) and Dallas (2019-2020) and the practice squads of four other teams.  For his career he caught 15 passes for 248 yards and two touchdowns.

Congratulations to Devin Smith.

Rick Spielman News

Rick Spielman – Wall of Champions

Massillon Wall of Champions Selects Rick Spielman As Its Next Inductee

Rick Spielman, the former Massillon Tiger and Minnesota Vikings General Manager, will be officially inducted into the Massillon High School Wall of Champions during the Booster Club’s Reverse Raffle / Dinner event, which will be held on July 20, 2023.  Spielman will be just the 43rd member of the Wall, which encompasses athletes selected from a 133-year span of Massillon High School sports.

The Wall of Champions recognizes those individuals that have excelled on the field as varsity participants in any Massillon High School sport, and beyond at the college and/or professional level as either a player or a coach or in another capacity, such as a sports or civic-related endeavor.  Inductees are selected by a designated committee within the Massillon Tiger Football Booster Club.

Spielman was born in Canton, Ohio, on September 2, 1962, and played his early high school years there for the Timken Trojans.  In 1980 he and his younger brother, Chris, transferred to Massillon when his father Sonny left his position as head football coach of Timken High School and accepted an assistant coaching position.  Later he would become an assistant junior high principal and then Athletic Director within the Massillon City Schools.

High School

During the regular season of his 1980 junior year, Rick was the backup quarterback to All-Ohioan Dave Eberhart.  In limited action he completed 9 of 20 passes for 286 yards and two touchdowns.  But he would become an impact player in the playoffs, not at quarterback, but at linebacker.  Massillon was unbeaten with a tie against Warren Harding entering the game against Canton McKinley.  But the Bulldogs beat the Tigers 16-7 in a dominating performance.  This being the first year that two teams were selected from each region for the playoffs, Massillon was fortunate enough to secure second place, setting up a rematch against McKinley the following week.

Minnesota Vikings, Miami Dolphins, Massillon Wall of ChampionsA rapid turnaround from the initial performance was required, but the Tigers were hampered by the loss of middle linebacker John Mayles.  In steps Rick Spielman, who filled in quite admirably.  Although being outgained in yardage again, the Tigers came up with the big plays when needed and held off the Bulldogs for a 14-6 victory.  It was also Massillon’s first-ever playoff win.

Here’s how the newspaper (The Independent) described the play of Spielman: “One of the unlikely defensive heroes was junior Rick Spielman.  He was a starting linebacker last year for the Timken, Trojans, but this year he was the team’s backup quarterback.  When John Mayles broke his hand in last week’s game, Spielman started practicing at linebacker again.  ‘I was real excited about getting to play,’ said Spielman, whose father, Sonny, is the Tigers’ quarterback and wide receiver coach.  ‘I played linebacker last year and after a couple of plays it all came back to me,’ he explained.  Spielman was in on the tackle both times that the Tigers stopped the Bulldogs on fourth down and short yardage.  He also sacked McKinley quarterback Worstell to end the Pups’ final chance with less than a minute to play.  ‘Ah, great,’ Spielman said when asked how he felt after that sack.”

Massillon would win the following week against Willoughby South and then face Cincinnati Moeller in the Tigers’ first-ever state finals appearance.  In that one, Spielman showed his grit by finishing the game while playing with two broken thumbs.

In his senior year Spielman became the starting quarterback and was also a team captain.  The numbers for season were 68 completions in 147 attempts, with 11 touchdowns.  His most productive game came against Mansfield when he completed 15 of 24 passes for 316 yards and three touchdowns in a 40-9 victory.

The following week Massillon lost 9-6 to eventual state champion McKinley, with Spielman scoring the only touchdown on a 21-yard run.  He also passed for 81 yards.  The Tigers outgained the Bulldogs in that one 265-163 in yards and 15-5 in first downs, but just couldn’t punch in the winning score.  Except for an 81-yard touchdown pass, during which two Tiger defenders hit the McKinley receiver at the same time and bounced each other off, McKinley was held to a mere 82 yards in total offense and no first downs rushing until the end of the third quarter.  Massillon finished the season 7-3.

College

Linebacker became Spielman’s position of choice in college and he played in that spot for Southern Illinois University from 1983 through 1986.  During his freshmen year SIU captured the NCAA Division 1-AA National Championship.  And following his junior year, Spielman was named 1st Team All-Gateway Conference.

Professional

After college, Spielman was invited to San Diego in 1987 for a tryout, but failed to make the team.  The following year he tried out for Detroit, but again fell short.

Finally, in 1990, he landed a permanent position as player scout for the Detroit Lions and stayed in that role through 1996 when he became Director of Pro Personnel for the Chicago Bears.  By now, Spielman was on a fast track and left after three years to become Vice President of Player Personnel for the Miami Dolphins.  Two years later he was Senior Vice President of Football Operations and then General Manager in 2004.

But the GM job lasted just one year.  Following a stint with ESPN, he was lured away by the Minnesota Vikings in 2006 to become their Vice President of Player Personnel.  He stayed in that position for six years before being promoted to General Manager, a post he held for ten years, until 2021.  During his tenure his team produced one NFL Most Valuable Player and 19 Pro Bowl players.

Aside from football, Rick and his wife Michele are the proud parents of six adopted children through the foster care system.  In 2016, they were presented with the National Angels in Adoption award by United States Senator Amy Klobuchar.

Congratulations to Rick Spielman on his induction into the Massillon Wall of Champions.

 

 

History

Part 4 – Running Backs in the Massillon Tiger…

Part 4 – Running Backs in the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame – The Middle Years

The Football Hall of Fame recognizes those individuals that have made contributions to the Tiger football program, whether it be a player, coach, band director or just an individual who has been influential in a positive way.  Inductees are honored in the WHS Sports Hall with plaques that display the inductees’ contributions.  As of 2022, a total of 105 members have been inducted.

Complete List of Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame Inductees

This entry is Part 4 of a series that presents the inductees by playing position and features running backs that competed in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.

Six running backs have gained Hall of Fame distinction during this period, including Irvine Crable, Homer Floyd, Charlie Brown, Mike Hershberger, Ivory Benjamin and Art Hastings.  There are a few other running backs in the Hall that are not presented in this story, as these players were inducted either through another playing position or as a coach.

Irvine “Ace” Crable (1947-49)

Irvine Crable saw the varsity field for the first time in 1948 as a junior backup running back.  But it didn’t take long for Head Coach Chuck Mather to see his potential and increase his playing time.  By season’s end he was the leading scorer on the team with 78 points, including twelve rushing touchdowns and one TD receiving.  Four times he scored twice in a game.  But the big one was against Canton McKinley, when he rushed 17 times for 102 yards (6.0) and scored all three of Massillon’s touchdowns in a 21-12 victory.  He also had a pass interception.  It’s always special when the Tigers beat the Bulldogs, but in that year McKinley came into the game unbeaten and had bested Alliance, the team that defeated Massillon earlier in the season.  The win was enough to springboard the orange and black to the state title.

The following year Crable was “the man.”  Leading his team to a 9-1 record and a state championship, he again led the team in scoring, this time with 114 points, including 18 rushing touchdowns and a 60-yard pass interception return against Toledo Waite.  He also passed for a TD.  Three times he scored three touchdowns in a single game, against Canton Lincoln (60-0), Alliance (48-14) and Waite (59-19).  For the season, he carried the ball 100 times for 1,129 yards, setting a record for single season average yards per rush at 11.3, a benchmark that stands today.

The signature win that year came against McKinley in a 6-0 victory, during which he scored the only touchdown of the game, from 35 yards out.  He also tackled a Bulldog ball carrier at the Massillon four yard line, causing a fumble and turnover, to preserve the win.  For game, Crable rushed 16 times for 136 yards and averaged 8.5 yards per carry.  “I couldn’t have done it without the help of the other 10 guys,” Crable remarked following the game. – Massillon Independent

“The play was 33 cross.  Don James handed the ball to me, and all I could see was daylight—and I fumbled.  Later, in the fourth quarter, the coach sent in the play.  I said, ‘Don, no.  Let’s run 33 cross.’  And he changed the play.  The way the hole opened the first time—it happened the same way the second time.  And that was that.  The line blocking was beautiful—nobody had a chance.  Nobody laid a hand on me.  My instincts told me it was going to be there again.  I waited and waited.  Then I thought, now’s the time.  It was right there again.  I ran right into the end zone.” – Crable (Massillon Memories, Scott Shook)

The Tigers’ only loss that year was 16-12 to Mansfield.  But Tygers lost to unranked Akron South, dropping them to second in the state, thereby pushing Massillon to the top.  Third went to 9-1 Canton McKinley.

At the end of the season Crable was named 1st Team All-Ohio.

Homer Floyd (1952-54)

Homer Floyd was the recipient of two state championships while playing at running back and defensive back.  The first was under Head Coach Chuck Mather and the second while playing for Tom Harp.

Homer Floyd – 1954

Speed kills in high school and Floyd had plenty of it, perhaps scoring more long-distance touchdowns than any other back in Massillon history.  “Homer Floyd looked like a thoroughbred.  He just bounced when he walked—it was like twinkletoes or something.  Nice looking, streamlined kid.  Didn’t weigh much, 155 pounds.  Could run like the wind, cut on a dime.” – Massillon Coach Tom Harp (Massillon Memories, Scott Shook)

In his junior year Floyd shared time at fullback, but still managed to rush 112 times for 998 yards (8.9 ave.).  His season included 13 rushing touchdowns and a 90-yard punt return for a TD against Canton Lincoln.  Three touchdowns each came against Mansfield (runs of 20, 62 and 54 yards) and Toledo Waite (runs of 67, 30 and 40 yards), while his final TD as a Tiger was an 80-yarder against Canton McKinley in a 48-7 victory.  It all culminated in a 10-0 season and a national championship.

Floyd, now as team captain, continued to pile it on during his senior year, rushing 155 times for 1,372 yards (8.9 ave.).  For the season, he scored 16 rushing touchdowns, caught two passes for scores, returned a punt for 64 yards and a TD and returned a pass interception 100 yards for another TD, setting an unsurpassable record in this category.  He scored three times against three different teams, with five of the scores spanning at least 30 yards.

Two touchdowns came against McKinley in a 26-6 victory.  His rushing numbers for that game were 28 carries for 263 yards (9.4 ave.), the yardage being the third highest all-time vs. the Bulldogs.  “They played like a team that wanted to be state champion,” Canton Coach Wade Watts, deeply disappointed, said after the game. “Homer Floyd was the difference,” he stated as he complimented the Tiger halfback for his great exhibition. – The Independent

After the season Floyd was named 1st Team All-Ohio and Stark County Player of the Year.  Later he was inducted into the Stark County High School Football Hall of Fame.  In 2012 he was inducted into the Massillon Wall of Champions.

His next stop was the University of Kansas, where he lettered for three years.  Then came a year in Canada with the Edmonton Eskomos (now the Elks).

Mike Hershberger (1954-56)

Mike Hershberger is best known for playing professional baseball.  But he was also a stalwart for Massillon on the football field.

After sitting out for his junior year due to an injury, he joined the varsity the following season, playing at 5’-9”, 155 lbs. and being selected as a co-captain.  His primary position was right halfback, where he became the second leading scorer with 54 points, behind Ivory Benjamin, who had 90.  That included seven rushing touchdowns, six PATs and a 79-yard kickoff return for a score against Canton Lincoln.  Two of his rushing touchdowns came against Cincinnati Elder in a 27-12 victory, while he ripped off an 83-yarder against Mansfield.  He was also a punter and part-time kicker.

The team finished 8-2 that year, under the mentorship of new Massillon head coach Lee Tressel, with losses to Mansfield and undefeated Canton McKinley.  Against the Bulldogs, Hershberger rushed 13 times for 68 yards, in spite of playing with a bad knee.

Following the season Hershberger was named 1st Team All-Ohio.  Then it was time for baseball, where suited up at both pitcher and outfielder, playing for Head Coach Carl “Ducky” Schroeder.  During his sophomore season the team reached the state finals, losing to Cincinnati Elder, 3-0.

After high school he played a year of football for the University of Cincinnati and then signed with the Chicago White Sox to further his career in baseball.  Later, he played for Kansas City, Oakland and Milwaukee.

In 1994 he was inducted into the Massillon Wall of Champions.

Ivory Benjamin (1955-57)

Ivory Benjamin made his mark with Massillon varsity football for three years and was awarded at the end of it by being named 1st Team All-Ohio.

Benjamin was limited to a single carry and a couple of punt returns as a sophomore, but at least he got his feet wet, while the team went 8-1-1 and finished second in the state.  But the following year he became a full-time starter at running back and led the Tigers in both scoring (72 points) and rushing.  Included in that was 12 rushing touchdowns (3 vs. Barberton), one receiving TD and two long punt returns for scores (50 yards vs. Cleveland Benedictine and 65 yards vs. Warren Harding.)  The Team finished 8-2 and again finished second in the state.

In his senior year as team captain, playing under Head Coach Lee Tressel, Benjamin continued his success, this time with 16 rushing touchdowns and one receiving TD, for 102 points.  Against Akron North he rushed 15 times for 153 yards (10.3 ave.) and scored three touchdowns.  Then, against Akron Garfield he scored three times, including a 58-yard pass reception.  He also scored twice in each of four other games.  At the end of the year he was deservedly honored 1st Team All-Ohio.

Art Hastings (1958-60)

Art Hastings was one more in a long line of great running backs that came through Massillon in the 1950s and 60s and helped the Tigers to several state and national championships, under Head Coach Leo Strang.

Hastings saw limited varsity action during his sophomore year, although he did score a touchdown in Week 8 in a win over Barberton.  But in his junior season he took over for the graduating senior Dave Dean and became the primary ball carrier on a 10-0 team that captured both the state and national championships.  For the season he carried the ball 117 times for 1,245 yards (10.6) average and scored 12 rushing touchdowns.  He also returned punts and kickoffs.  At the end of the season Hastings was named 3rd Team All-Ohio (should have been 1st Team with those numbers; such is the life of an underclassman).  Record-wise, he holds third place for the best single season rushing yards per attempt and third best for career consecutive 100+ yard games with seven.

In his senior year Hastings did much of the same, rushing 159 times for 1,274 yards (8.0 ave.) and scoring 20 rushing touchdowns.  Five times he had multiple TDs in a single game:

  • Cleveland Benedictine (8-1-1); 3 TDs; 8-117-22.1; won 36-6
  • Mansfield (4-4-2); 2 TDs; 21-127-6.0; won 56-14
  • Toledo Waite (1-8); 3 TDs; 19-150-7.9; won 56-14
  • Springfield South (6-3); 4 TDs; 15-189-12.6; won 62-32
  • Canton McKinley (5-5); 4 TDs on runs of 5, 15, 29 and 51 yards; 14-213-15.2; won 42-0

The team finished 10-1 and was named state champions.  The Tigers also finished 7th in the nation. Following the season, he was deservedly named 1st Team All-Ohio.

“He was like trying to catch a dog in the middle of an open field.  Art Hastings looked like his hips went out of joint.  I had great runners, but I don’t know that I ever had any better than Art Hastings.  Hastings was just outstanding.” – Massillon Coach Leo Strang (Massillon Memories, Scott Shook)

Charlie Brown (1960-61)

Charlie Brown went all the way, from Massillon to Syracuse to the pros.  After not playing during his sophomore year due to injury, he had limited playing time as a junior. Helping his team to a 10-1 record and a state championship.

But he was ready to go as a senior and eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark as running back, leading his team to a UPI state championship and a national championship with an 11-0 record.  He rushed 175 times for 1,094 yards (6.3 ave.) and scored eleven rushing touchdowns.  Three came against Warren Harding in a 36-0 victory and two each came against Steubenville (7-3) and Toledo Libbey.

After the season the team captain was named All-Stark County, 2nd Team All-Ohio and high school All-American for his defensive play.  In 1994 he was inducted into the Massillon Wall of Champions.

Syracuse was his college of choice, and he parlayed that experience to the rosters of the Chicago Bears and the Buffalo Bills.

 

 

News

2023 Lift-a-thon Results

2023 Lift-a-thon Results

May 7, 2023 — A good crowd was on hand in the WHS gym for the annual Steve Studer Memorial Lift-a-thon.  The participants gave it their all and they energetically supported each other in their quests for personal bests.  Once again, Strength Coach Dan Studer did a fantastic job of organizing and conducting the event.

Three lifts were performed by each participant: clean lift, bench press and squat. Each lifter selected his preferred weight for each lift and then attempted as many lifts as he could until his arms or legs gave out. A composite score was then used to determine the winner of each of eleven weight classes based on the total weight lifted and the number of reps. Achievement medals were then awarded to the top three lifters in each category. Here are the winners:

  • 140 lb. weight class – Lucas Fisk (Jr.)
  • 150 lb. weight class – Gage Gordon (Sr.)
  • 160 lb. weight class – Ransom Els (Jr.)
  • 170 lb. weight class – Emy “Chris” Louis (Jr.)
  • 180 lb. weight class – Trenton Campbell (Sr.)
  • 190 lb. weight class – Stephen Hogan (Sr.)
  • 200 lb. weight class – Daone Owens (Sr.)
  • 215 lb. weight class – Dorian Pringle (Sr.)
  • 230 lb. weight class – Cody Fair (Sr.)
  • Heavy weight class – Seth Voshel (Sr.)
  • Super heavyweight class – Michael Looney (Jr.)

140 lb. weight class – (l-r) (2) Josh Henderson, (1) Lucas Fisk

150 lb. weight class -(l-r) (2) Braylyn Toles, (1) Gage Gordon, (3) Daylan Pringle

160 lb. weight class – (l-r) (2) Jacques Carter, (1) Ransom Els, (3) RJ Harris

170 lb. weight class – (l-r) (2) Shon Robinson, (1) Emy “Chris” Louis, (3) Joseph Musleve

180 lb. weight class – (l-r) (2) Frank Salvino, (1) Trenton Campbell, (3) Camden Lynch

190 lb. weight class – (l-r) (2) Jaydn Williams, (1) Stephen Hogan, (3) Vinny McConnell

200 lb. weight class – (l-r) (2) Marcus Frazier, (1) Daone Owens, (3) Mylen Lenix

215 lb. weight class – (l-r) (2) Chris Fair, (1) Dorian Pringle, (3) Maverick Clark

230 lb. weight class – (l-r) (2) Andrew Brumfield, (1) Cody Fair, (3) Malachi Card

Heavyweight class – (l-r) (2) Chase Bond, (1) Seth Voshel, (3) Nolan Davenport

Super heavyweight class – (l-r) (2) Sam Snodgrass, (1) Michael Looney, (3) Isaiah McElroy

News

Arvine Ulrich To Enter the Football Hall of Fame

Arvine Ulrich To Enter the Football Hall of Fame

Arvine “Tink” Alrich will be inducted into the Massillon Tiger Football Hall of Fame this summer in conjunction with the Booster Club’s Reverse Raffle event, which will be held on July 20, 2023.  He will also be recognized prior to the opening game against Valdosta, which is slated for August 18.

Arvine Tink Ulrich, Wittenberg, Dave Stewart, Massillon Tiger Football Hall of FameUlrich played football for Massillon from 1920-22 under Head Coach Elmer Snyder during his sophomore year and then the legendary Dave Stewart thereafter.  He was also a 2-year starter and team captain during those two years.  In his junior year the Tigers finished 5-4, with Ulrich scoring five rushing touchdowns, including three against Akron North, while out of action during part of the season with a knee injury.

The following year the team finished 10-0 and was named state champion by popular acclaim, sharing the title with Toledo Scott.  The players were so dominant that they outscored their opponents, 379-28, registering six shutouts.  Only one team was able to stay with them, Cleveland Shaw, which the Tigers defeated with a late score, 7-6.

During the season Ulrich, the quarterback, scored five rushing touchdowns and three others via punt and kickoff returns of 90, 81 and 40 yards.  Three scores came against Akron North in a 94-0 victory and two were against Dayton Steele in a 31-7 win, avenging a 68-0 loss from the previous year.  The team also defeated Canton McKinley 24-0, with Ulrich scoring from 28 yards out.  With 49 total points scored, he was second on the team in that category, behind Edwin “Dutch” Hill.

Football wasn’t his only sport, as he also played guard on the basketball team and ran track.

After high school, Ulrich played three years of football at quarterback for Wittenberg College and also found some extra time to be president of the Wittenberg senior class.

The Massillon Football Booster Club, which was founded in 1934, is proud to say that he was their first president.  Active civically, he was:

  • President of Massillon Chamber of Commerce
  • President of Massillon Rotary Club
  • Commissioner of Buckeye Council Boy Scouts of America
  • Trustee of Molly Stark Hospital
  • A member of several boards of director, including the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Congratulations to Tink Ulrich and his family.