Lee Owens Inducted Into the Tiger Football Hall of…

Lee Owens Inducted Into the Tiger Football Hall of Fame

 On Thursday, July 18, 2024, Lee Owens, along with Troy Ellis, Rollie Layfield, Eric Wright and Alex Wood, was inducted into the Tiger Football Hall of Fame.  He received a plaque during the event commemorating the honor and a duplicate plaque will be mounted in the high school sports hall in the space reserved for past Hall of Fame inductees.  In addition, he will be recognized on the field during the first home football game.

The Tiger Football Hall of Fame, a vision of Mr. David Weaver, opened in 2015.  The Hall has been recognizing those individuals that have made contributions to the Tiger football experience, whether it be a player, coach, band director, booster club member or just a person who has influenced the program in a positive way.  Inductees are selected by a group of 25 Massillon football supporters.  With the current induction class, the Hall currently has 121 members

Lee Owens was the head coach of the Massillon Tigers for four years, 1988-91, when he compiled a record of 35 wins and 14 losses.  That, coming after the program had fallen on hard times, with substandard records, a 4-game losing streak to McKinley and a 3-year ban from the playoffs.  Owens, however, was an immediate success and Tiger fan favorite.  He went on to win three of four games against the Bulldogs and had a 6-3 record in the playoffs, including two regional championships.  In 1991, his team advanced to the Division 1 state semifinal game, but fell in the final minute to Cleveland St. Ignatius, 14-13.  Many fans thought that team was good enough to have captured the state title, boasting the running-back duo of Travis McGuire and Falando Ashcraft, along with a stingy defense.

While at Massillon, he also spearheaded an effort to install at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium the first ever artificial playing surface, along with making many other improvements.

Following Massillon, he was an assistant coach at Ohio State for three years, parlaying that experience into a head coaching position at the University of Akron, a post he held for nine years.  In 2000 the Zips finished first in the MAC East and in 2003 they were second.  But his greatest achievement there might surely have been making an immediate impact on player graduation rate, improving it from a paltry 18% to a remarkable 83%.

His next eighteen seasons were spent leading the Ashland University Eagles of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.  His overall record there was a very fine 123-44, with his teams capturing four league championships and six NCAA Division II playoff qualifications.  Four times he was named Conference Coach of the Year.

And this year he was inducted into the Ohio High School Coaches Hall of Fame.

But he never forgot about his time at Massillon.  And even while at Akron he found time to resurrect the Massillon Wall of Champions program into the format that exists today.  And, he made many good friends there.

Alex Wood Inducted Into the Tiger Football Hall of…

Alex Wood Inducted Into the Tiger Football Hall of Fame

On Thursday, July 18, 2024, Alex Wood along with Troy Ellis, Rollie Layfield, Eric Wright and Lee Owens, was inducted into the Tiger Football Hall of Fame.  He received a plaque during the event commemorating the honor and a duplicate plaque will be mounted in the high school sports hall in the space reserved for past Hall of Fame inductees.  In addition, he will be recognized on the field during the first home football game.

The Tiger Football Hall of Fame, a vision of Mr. David Weaver, opened in 2015.  The Hall has been recognizing those individuals that have made contributions to the Tiger football experience, whether it be a player, coach, band director, booster club member or just a person who has influenced the program in a positive way.  Inductees are selected by a group of 25 Massillon football supporters.  With the current induction class, the Hall currently has 121 members

Alex Wood, from the WHS Class of 1973, spent his entire career either playing or coaching football and Massillon is extremely grateful that he received his start here.  He was a fullback, playing in 1970 to 72.  His undefeated 1970 team captured Massillon’s 24^th state title.  And his 1972 team finished the regular season undefeated and participated in Ohio’s first ever state playoffs at Ohio State University.  After graduation, he played running back for the University of Iowa under Head Coach Bob Commings.

For the next forty years this inductee coached football at all levels: high school, college and professional.  In 1989 and 91 he was an assistant coach for the University of Miami when the school captured a pair of national championships.  He was head coach of James Madison, Buffalo and Florida A&M.  And he was an assistant coach for the Minnesota Vikings, Cincinnati Bengals, Arizona Cardinals and Pittsburgh Maulers.  And in 2006 he was honored as a Washington High School Distinguished Citizen.

Wood is the current offensive coordinator for the Tigers.

Eric Wright Inducted Into the Tiger Football Hall of…

Eric Wright Inducted Into the Tiger Football Hall of Fame

 On Thursday, July 18, 2024, Eric Wright, along with Troy Ellis, Rollie Layfield, Alex Wood and Lee Owens, was inducted into the Tiger Football Hall of Fame.  He received a plaque during the event commemorating the honor and a duplicate plaque will be mounted in the high school sports hall in the space reserved for past Hall of Fame inductees.  In addition, he will be recognized on the field during the first home football game.

The Tiger Football Hall of Fame, a vision of Mr. David Weaver, opened in 2015.  The Hall has been recognizing those individuals that have made contributions to the Tiger football experience, whether it be a player, coach, band director, booster club member or just a person who has influenced the program in a positive way.  Inductees are selected by a group of 25 Massillon football supporters.  With the current induction class, the Hall currently has 121 members

Eric Wright, from the WHS Class of 1992, recorded a multiple of achievements.  He was a 3-year starter from 1989 to 91 under Head Coach Lee Owens and was named a team captain for his senior season.  As a middle linebacker he led the team during his junior year with 109 total tackles and again during his senior year with 102.  He also played some running back and scored the first touchdown against Canton McKinley in a 42-7 victory.

Following the season, he was honored as 1^st Team All-County, 1^st Team All-District and 1^st Team All-Ohio.  He also received the Touchdown Club’s Hardnose Award, twice.  Following Massillon, he started at linebacker for the University of Kentucky.

Rollie Layfield Inducted Into the Tiger Football Hall of…

Rollie Layfield Inducted Into the Tiger Football Hall of Fame

On Thursday, July 18, 2024, Rollie Layfield, along with Troy Ellis, Eric Wright, Alex Wood and Lee Owens, was inducted into the Tiger Football Hall of Fame.  He received a plaque during the event commemorating the honor and a duplicate plaque will be mounted in the high school sports hall in the space reserved for past Hall of Fame inductees.  In addition, he will be recognized on the field during the first home football game.

The Tiger Football Hall of Fame, a vision of Mr. David Weaver, opened in 2015.  The Hall has been recognizing those individuals that have made contributions to the Tiger football experience, whether it be a player, coach, band director, booster club member or just a person who has influenced the program in a positive way.  Inductees are selected by a group of 25 Massillon football supporters.  With the current induction class, the Hall currently has 121 members.

Rollie Layfield, from the Massillon Perry Class of 1960, is a person that anyone would want to have on their team.  With a life of dedication to the Massillon Tiger Football Booster Club, he worked his way up the ranks to become a vice president in 1990 and 91, and then president in 1993.  The list of his many achievements is long, but impressive.  They include:

• A Sideliner member, acting as a big brother to a chosen player.
• An Orangemen member, assisting with purchase of special player medical equipment.
• Establishment of this Reverse Raffle program, which is a major fund raiser for the Sideliners organization.
• Booster Club Endowment Fund.
• New press box.
• Locker room renovation.
• Weight room equipment through solicitation of funding from Aultman Hospital.
• New scoreboard with message center.
• Inflatable Tiger tunnel.
• Wooden Tiger statue that sits in the WHS cafeteria.
• And distribution of monogrammed footballs to newborns for over 30 years

Troy Ellis Inducted Into the Tiger Football Hall of…

Troy Ellis Inducted Into the Tiger Football Hall of Fame

On Thursday, July 18, 2024, Troy Ellis, along with Rollie Layfield, Eric Wright, Alex Wood and Lee Owens, was inducted into the Tiger Football Hall of Fame.  His family will receive a plaque commemorating the honor and a duplicate plaque will be mounted in the high school sports hall in the space reserved for past Hall of Fame inductees.  In addition, he will be recognized during the first home football game.

The Tiger Football Hall of Fame, a vision of Mr. David Weaver, opened in 2015.  The Hall has been recognizing those individuals that have made contributions to the Tiger football experience, whether it be a player, coach, band director, booster club member or just a person who has influenced the program in a positive way.  Inductees are selected by a group of 25 Massillon football supporters.  With the current induction class, the Hall currently has 121 members

Troy Ellis, from the WHS Class of 2006, played football for Massillon from 2003 to 05 as a cornerback and wide receiver under Head Coach Tom Stacy.  During his senior year he had ten pass interceptions, which is ranked second in the Tiger record book.  Included in that ten were five against Cincinnati Elder at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.  Later that season he would suit up against Cincinnati St. Xavier in the Division 1 state finals.

Following the season, he was named 1^st Team All-County, 1^st Team All-District and 1^st Team All-Ohio.  He was also the recipient of the Touchdown Club’s Hardnose Award.  He concluded his high school football career by participating in the Ohio North-South All-Star Game and the Ohio-Pennsylvania Big 33 Game.

Massillon Halls of Fame Welcome Six New Members

Massillon Halls of Fame Welcome Six New Members

The Sideliners Reverse Raffle event, which was held last Wednesday, served as the host for the 2024 Induction Ceremony for the Tiger Football Hall of Fame and the Massillon Wall of Champions. During the event, six outstanding new members were formerly inducted.

The Tiger Football Hall of Fame, which is a vision of Mr. David Weaver, recognizes those individuals that have made contributions to the Tiger football experience, whether it be a player, coach, band director, booster club member or just a person who has influenced the program in a positive way.  Inductees are selected by a group of 25 Massillon football supporters.  The Class of 2024 includes the following:

• Troy Ellis – Player, 2003-05, cornerback and wide receiver
• Rollie Layfield – Past president, Massillon Football Booster Club
• Eric Wright – Player, 1989-91, running back and linebacker
• Alex Wood – Player, 1970-72, running back
• Lee Owens – Head Coach, 1988-91

The Wall of Champions recognizes those individuals that have participated in any Massillon High School varsity 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.  The 2024 honoree is George Whitfield, Jr., who played quarterback in 1993-95 and currently owns and operates Whitfield Athletix, a professional quarterback training facility.

Each inductee received a distinctive plaque at the event commemorating his achievements.  Duplicate plaques will be mounted in the high school sports hall in the space reserved for past Hall of Fame inductees.  In addition, they will be recognized on the field during the first home football game, which this year occurs on Week 3.

Watch this website over the next 2-3 weeks for individual profiles of the Hall of Fame inductees.  George Whitfield Jr.’s pending induction was announced previously.

(l-r) Alex Wood, Eric Wright, Lee Owens, Rollie Layfield, George Whitefield Jr.

“Massillon Against the World”: An Interview with Scott Ryan…

“Massillon Against the World”: An Interview with Scott Ryan and Becca Moore

Most of you have read the book, “Massillon Against the World,” which chronicles the Tigers’ run to the 2024 Ohio Division II State championship.  While not necessarily a game-by-game blow of the season and subsequent playoffs, it deals a lot with the challenges and controversial roadblocks that needed to be overcome in order for the team to achieve its ultimate goal: a state championship.  The book does a great job of this.  But there is just a bit more to the story.  You will find that below in the interview of Scott Ryan and Becca Moore that was conducted exclusively for this website, for which this author thanks them immensely.

The book is a collection of feature stories that surround the season, some related to particular games, some not.  Conversely, it is not a blow-by-blow breakdown of what transpired within each game; i.e., who scored the most points, what were the biggest plays, etc.  Was the idea of using feature stories your intent when you originally planned the book?

• Becca: That’s a great question. To be honest we had a list of questions we agreed upon. We then decided we would do a few interviews and see where that led.
• Scott: I wanted to get into more controversial issues, but the coaches didn’t want to take my bait about Public V. Private schools, so we ended up changing a lot of it. It is probably because, as a fan, I learned how hard the coaches actually work and how much they care about our kids.

Each chapter of the book contains numerous quotes from various team coaches that supplement the topic.  What inspired you to include these quotes and did they have the intended impact on the book content that you anticipated?

• Scott: We both really wanted to do an oral history and that is when you use direct quotes from the people that you interview.
• Becca: I definitely feel like the quotes really inspired the book, and made it easier to read. I believe it had the intended impact – that was to give an inside glimpse of what Massillon Football and coaching to win is really about. You begin to understand the process of what it really takes to be a Massillon football player or coach.

How did you decide who wrote which chapters?

• Scott: Becca tells me what to do and I do it or else.
• Becca: We duked it out. Ha! Actually Scott and I decided chapters and then divided it up, but the Massillon vs. McKinley we couldn’t decide so we both authored it.

What was the most surprising thing you learned during the research and writing processes?

• Becca:  That Scott had quite an experience being a Massillon Tiger fan growing up in Perry.
• Scott: For me, it was learning how private schools really don’t have that different of rules in recruiting. Or at least that is what Nate kept telling me. I’m still not sure I believe him, but Nate approved what I wrote about that. Also, the amount of work those coaches do is insane. I don’t think fans have any idea how hard they work. I know I didn’t.

Is there a section in the book that you love the most?

• Scott: I love the chapter on the OHSAA and I love what Becca wrote about moving to Massillon. Also, I love every quote from Travis McGuire.
• Becca: I love the beginning and the ending and how it all ties together. I really feel like you get perspectives you haven’t gotten in other books about Massillon. Also the ending is just like a movie, in my opinion.

What was the most challenging part of writing the book and what chapter in the book was the most difficult to write?

• Scott: The Massillon Against the World chapter was the last thing finished and that was on me. Every day Becca would text me and say, “Did you finish it yet?” Then when I did, she was like, “Why is it so long?” But it was important to me that I explained why that mantra mattered to this team and this town.
• Becca: I would say Chapter 2, Massillon From the Inside. Because I was being very honest and I wasn’t sure how people would take it. I believe you need to be raw and honest when telling this story and give a glimpse of what it is really like in this job. Most people see the glories and the accolades, they forget what goes into getting there and how it may affect the family.

At times the book contains negative views of various groups and opponents, specifically the allegations of recruiting by parochial schools, instigators of the fights near the end of a couple games and the suspension of Da’One Owens regarding residency.  Did you anticipate any controversy and/or negative feedback from outside parties when you wrote it?

• Becca: I honestly didn’t care. Most people can’t handle the truth and facts and that’s what we wrote.
• Scott: Honestly, we haven’t got a peep of negative feedback. I don’t know if anyone from The Repository read it, but I haven’t heard from them. There isn’t a lie in that book, we researched, fact-checked and did more than our due diligence.

For Becca: You wrote in your first chapter of the difficulty in assimilating into a new community, but in later chapters about now fully embracing it.  How did you make that successful transition?

• Becca: Staying true to myself and what Nate and my goals were when we moved here. Learning to embrace and trust the process and remember at the end of the day you can’t control what other people think and say.

What do you want readers to take away from the book?

• Becca: How much love and support we get from our administration. How much these coaches put into the players on and off the field. How much this town is filled with love and pride and tradition and there is no place like Massillon. As Coach Dan Hackenbracht would say, “We are a small town, with a football problem.”
• Scott: That this town loves this team and that love is pure. I think many people want to add a negative to it. I think there are some negatives to sports, but the love affair of this town and this team is not one of them. Also, I think it’s a great story of the importance of letting a town have its own identity and not trying to make all of America the exact same. Differences are good. Here is what Coach Dave Weber said: “We’re a weirdo town. Not to me, not to the people that live here. But if you’re from outside of here, we are the weirdest town on the frickin’ planet.”

Feel free to add any closing comments.

• Becca: It was such a great experience writing this book with Section 14 guy, aka Scott Ryan. Really, the love and support we got from the Massillon Museum book signing was so overwhelming and I couldn’t be more honored to write on this historic moment that is now captured for future Tigers to read or listen to.
• Scott: We love all the great feedback we have received and the reception has been incredible. We have an audio book out that I edited some fun audio clips in from the last game (https://amzn.to/3zQZ3ob) and we are really proud of that. Also, you can order the book at our website. (https://www.tuckerdspress.com/product-page/massillon-against-the-world). We also want everyone to know Becca and I will be asking questions to Nate Moore on Tiger Talk on YouTube.(https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjpV6YMCMTjJJZc1n9Mi3aw). We don’t promise Nate will be ANSWERING any of those questions.

“Perfect” Tigers Celebrate One Final Time with Ring Ceremony

“Perfect” Tigers Celebrate One Final Time with Ring Ceremony

The 2023 Massillon football team was perfect.  They finished the season undefeated, with a record of 16-0.  They captured the Ohio Division II State Championship with a thrilling victory in the playoff finals.  They finished in the Top 25 of several national rankings.  And along the way they won the hearts of the many thousands that define the Tiger Nation.  But on this warm Thursday evening, the players and staff gathered one final time to celebrate their achievements and receive their coveted championship rings.

Superintendent Paul Salvino was beside himself as he addressed the thousand in attendance and specifically the players during the event.  “I can’t tell you how proud everybody is of you guys,” he said.  “Perfection.  That’s your 2023 Tigers.  You all have represented our school at the highest level.  To our coaches, I can’t thank you enough for your dedication to the best high school football program in America.  To the parents, thank you for trusting the process.  Thank you all.  Go Tigers!

Then it was Head Coach Nate Moore’s turn.  First, he thanked whom he referred to as his most important assistant coach, his wife, Becca, who simply sparkled, to the delight of the crowd.  “The senior class, what an unbelievable job you did,” said Moore.  “You saw how hard they played.  They brought the standard back to where it belongs.”  He said that the state championship just didn’t seem real to him, in spite of the big victory, in spite of the trophy presentation, in spite of the town celebration and regardless of any subsequent events.  But tonight was different.  “After you put this beautiful ring on your finger, it will put the final stamp on the 2023 season.”

Massillon Tiger Football Booster Club Annual Golf Outing

Former Massillon Coach Lee Owens Receives State-wide Honor

 Former Massillon Coach Lee Owens Receives State-wide Honor

by Gary Vogt; Rollie Layfield contributed to this story

On Friday, June 14, 2024, Lee Owens, along with five other outstanding Ohio high school football coaches, was inducted into the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame.  Joining Lee in the Hall were Ron Berdis (Youngstown Chaney), John Livengood (Norwalk St. Paul), Andy Olds (Kings), Dan McSorley (Clinton Massie) and Bob Jacoby (Columbus DeSales).

Owens was the head coach at Massillon from 1988 to 1991 and had rescued the football program following a few years of lackluster seasons.  Four years in a row the Tigers had committed the unpardonable sin of losing to Canton McKinley.  Something had to change.  And that change was Lee Owens.

During his four years at the helm his teams compiled a record of 35-14 and won three out of four games against Canton McKinley.  His teams also qualified for the playoffs three times and posted a 6-3 record, including two regional championships.

During his first year Owens’ team played its final game in Tiger Stadium on grass, or rather mud, defeating the Bulldogs 10-7 in overtime.  Recognizing the impact the playing conditions had on such an important game, the following year he launched a fundraising effort to install an artificial surface, which would be the first in the county and one of the first in the state for high school football.  The product selected was Omni Sand Turf, which was innovative at the time.  Thus, the new surface was ready for the 1989 season, but first christened in conjunction with the Ohio High School State All-Star Game.

In 1990 he led a project to construct the 3-level East Press box, which convinced the powers to be at the Ohio High School Athletic Association to bring football playoff state championship games to Massillon.  Tigertown is forever grateful to Lee Owens for what he did for the community.

Following Massillon, he was an assistant coach at Ohio State for three years and parlayed that experience into a head coaching position at the University of Akron, a post he held for nine years.  In 2000 the Zips finished first in the MAC East and in 2003 they were second.  But his greatest achievement there might surely have been making an immediate impact on player graduation rate, improving it from 18% to 83%.

His next eighteen seasons were spent leading the Ashland University Eagles of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.  His overall record there was a very fine 123-44, with his teams capturing four league championships and six NCAA Division II playoff qualifications.  Four times he was named Conference Coach of the Year.

During the recent event, each inductee was introduced by a significant colleague and friend in their life and provided an opportunity to deliver an acceptance speech.  Each, of course, thanked family and supporters, while also speaking of winning; not football games, but winning in life.  The message was consistent within the group, with the formula for success being (1) belief in God and the USA, (2) support from family, (3) caring about people, especially young people, (4) remaining consistent in your beliefs, and (5) genuine love for all people you come in contact with.

The Banquet Committee, which included Massillon Junior High Principal Tony Carr, must have known something, as they saved the best for last.  And he did not disappoint.  The presenter for Lee Owens was past Booster Club president and long-time Tiger supporter Rollie Layfield.  Rollie, sporting his orange Tiger blazer introduced Coach Owens by pointing out his importance to family, as coaches spend countless hours away from their loved ones.  Rollie chronicled the list of Massillonians who contacted Lee to persuade him to take the Tiger job.  Lee, who highly cherishes loyalty, had taken the Lancaster job just one year earlier and felt an extreme gratitude to them.  So, convincing him to leave Lancaster was not going to be easy.  First to call was Cincinnati Bengals General Manager Paul Brown, but Lee declined the offer.  Then Ohio State Coach Earle Bruce called and again Lee declined.  Next, Tiger coach Ducky Schroeder, but with no success.  Former Massillon and Kansas Head Coach Chuck Mather tried, with the same result.  But then, there was Massillon School Superintendent Al Paris.  Al (who was in attendance at the banquet) must have had the correct approach, as Lee accepted the Massillon job.  Needless to say, football community was thrilled at Lee’s decision to become Massillon’s Head Football Coach.

Owens’ acceptance speech was outstanding.  He first thanked his family: his wife Dianne, son Ben a West Point grad and decorated Army vet, son Andy who is a coach at Richwood North Union High School, daughter Leanne, who is married to Jake White, who owns RES Auction Services, and daughter Molly, who is married to Rob Mahaney, the head coach at Shelby High School.  He also thanked a long list of friends, coaches and supporters who were significant in growing his career.

In typical Lee Owens fashion, he then spoke passionately about the state of football in our country.  He is concerned that the transfer portal and NIL has damaged college football.  Players used to come to college to (1) get an education and (2) play football.  Now they come to be millionaires.  But he credited football with helping so many.  “We need football today more than at any time in our history,” he said.

He concluded his acceptance speech with the following thought: “God bless you and God bless football!

Lee is the fourteenth Massillonian to be inducted into the Coaches Hall of Fame.

The following appeared in the induction program.