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Massillon Perry Returns to Division 2 for the 2018…

Perry’s foray into the ranks of Division 1 for the post-season playoffs turned out to be a brief one year.  Next season the Panthers will return to Division 2, most likely aligned with the Massillon Tigers in Region 7.  Starting with last year’s introduction of competitive balance by the Ohio High School Athletic Association, team assignments are now made annually rather than every other year.  The reassignment must be welcome news for the Perry camp, which qualified for the playoffs last year with a fine 9-1 record only to lose 24-7 to Cleveland St. Ignatius in the first round.  In each of the two previous years the Panthers advanced to the Division 2 state finals, losing both times to Cincinnati LaSalle.

Several schools have vacated Division 2 due to changes in effective enrollment, but they are being replaced by Perry and the following:

  • Cuyahoga Falls (dropping from Division 1)
  • Maple Heights (moving up from Division 3)
  • Toledo Central Catholic (moving up from Division 4 due to a high number of transfers; note that the OHSAA has rescinded the one-division restriction)
  • Dover (moving up from Division 3)
  • Tri-Valley (returning to Division 2 from Division 3)

Given these changes, and if the OHSAA continues with the current assignment scheme, Region 5 will have 28 members, Region 6 will have 26 members, Region 7 will have 30 members and Region 8 will have 23 members.  To balance out the regions, expect the OHSAA to reassign some of the teams in Region 7 to Region 8.

Notes:

  • Perry has the highest effective enrollment in Division 2 with 617 (adder of 6)
  • Massillon is ranked 18th out of 107 schools with an effective enrollment of 550 (adder of 50, which is the highest adder of all D2 public schools)
  • Tri-Valley and Dover were both moved up to D2 on account of the adder.
  • 23 schools have zero adder.
  • The average adder among public schools that have a adders is 10.
  • Parochial school adders are as follows: Toledo Central (200), Cleveland Benedictine (169), Cincinnati LaSalle (137), Akron Hoban (136), Toledo St. Francis (134), Walsh Jesuit (114), Columbus St. Charles (99) and Toledo St. John’s (97).
  • Toledo Central’s adder of 200 increased their base enrollment by 85%, which is by far the highest percentage increase of all schools in the state.
  • Regions 5, 6 and 8 each have at least one significant parochial school member.,
History

Victory Bell Gets a New Paint Job

The “Victory Bell” has been repainted to reflect the final score of Massillon’s recent encounter with Canton McKinley. The Bell is awarded annually to the winner of the Massillon-McKinley regular season game, of which the Tigers have won five of the last seven.  The recent win was also the inaugural game against the Bulldogs in the new Tom Benson Stadium.

Victory Bell 2017

The Bell was originally a component of Locomotive Engine No. 922, which was owned by the Wheeling and Lake Erie District of the Nickel Plate Railroad.  In 1957, after 2,000,000 miles of service, the engine was retired and the bell was then donated to Massillon and McKinley as a trophy going to the winner of the annual rivalry game.

Massillon won that first contest 25-7 and kept the Bell for nine consecutive years before the Bulldogs finally had a chance to see it in 1966.  Overall, the Tigers have claimed ownership 37 times compared to McKinley’s 24.  However, after those first nine games, the series record has been fairly even with neither team keeping it for more than four years.  This is the mark of a healthy rivalry.

 

 

 

 

Tiger Celebrate by Retaining the Victory Bell
Obie Logo (Large) History

Tigers Cap Off Successful Season with Award Banquet

By Gary Vogt

Our Tigers were honored at the Team Football Banquet held Wednesday evening at the St. George Cultural Center.  Coach Moore called on his players to present the awards to their teammates.  The one exception was the Coaches Award, which Coach presented himself.  It was a great evening to honor our Tigers on a very successful season; especially the Seniors.

Game action vs. New Albany 2017

Each position coach had the honor of presenting the individual player awards.  Each Assistant Coach gave a short synopsis of each player’s contribution to the Tiger’s successful season.  Every player on the team was recognized.

The most decorated individual award winner was Austin Kutscher who received three awards.  He received the Team MVP award, the Lifter of the Year award and a Captains award.

The Paul and Carol David Foundation Scholarship award was presented to Logan Anania, the John Pizzino Sr. Academic award went to Anthony Ballard, while the Carl Ducky Schroeder Outstanding Offensive Lineman award went to Lucas McGuire.  The Bob Smith / Bill Snyder award went to Drake Stenger, the Lee Tressel Sideliners Citizenship Athletic award went to Hunter Anthony and the Coaches Award was presented to Neil Huth.  The Special Teams Player of the Year award was given to Klay Moll.

The ESPN 990 Offensive Player of the Year went to Jamir Thomas who previously received the Bob Commings Hardnose award at the final Touchdown Club meeting in November.  The ESPN 990 Defensive Player of the Year went to Dean Clark.

The Challenge Team Players of the Year award goes those individuals who may not be on the field Friday evening, but do the best job of giving the starters the best practice team look in preparing for the upcoming game.  This award is given to the offensive and defensive players who give the best look.  This year’s Offensive Challenge Team award goes to both Luke Murphy and Jerron Hodges while the Defensive award went to Cory Campbell.

2017 Region 7 Championship Trophy

This year’s team did not have permanent Team Captains but the team voted the honor to deserving individuals each week.  As a result, thirteen individuals received the Captains award.  They were Logan Anania, Anthony Ballard, Tyree Broyles, Dean Clark, Jared Foss, Neil Huth, Ty Keirns, Austin Kutscher, Lucas McGuire, Cameron Offenberger, Kameron Simpson, Jamir Thomas and Deon Williams.  Cameron Offenberger is a Franklin Elementary School student who acted as the team mascot for the season.  Great job Cameron.

It was a night to celebrate a great season and to recognize those young men that made it happen.  This year’s Seniors did an outstanding job of setting the bar at a high point and now it is up the underclassmen to take the ball and run with it.  Thanks to all for the memories!

News

Art Hastings Inducted into Stark County Football HOF

Art Hastings, Massillon’s stellar running back from some 60 years ago, has been inducted into the Stark County High School Football Hall of Fame.  He joins the 2018 Class that also includes Alliance quarterback Charles Babb, Canton McKinley receiver Reggie Corner, Central Catholic running back Vince Gliatta, North Canton running back / defensive back Charlie Grandjean, Canton Lincoln coach Don Nehlen and Canton McKinley end Erie Sheeler.

Art Hastings

The list of Hastings’ accomplishments for the Tigers is impressive.  After rushing for 571 yards during his 1958 sophomore season, he lit it up the next year by rushing for 1,245 yards with an average of 10.6 yards per carry (3rd all-time).  Art also rolled up 1,485 all-purpose yards.   For his effort he was named 3rd Team All-Ohio.

Hastings topped it off during his senior year by rushing 159 times for 1,274 yards, scoring 20 touchdowns and tallying 134 points.  He also returned 12 kickoffs at an average of 21.5 yards per return.  Arguably Hastings’ best performance was a 220-yard rushing effort against Canton McKinley in a 42-0 victory, where he rambled for touchdowns of 15, 29, 51 and 5 yards .  He also set the record for the longest touchdown run from scrimmage, 93 yards vs. Springfield South.  At the conclusion of the season Art was named 1st Team All-Ohio.

During his 3-year career for the Tigers, Hastings racked up 3,090 yards (first among all Massillon running backs), while scoring 34 touchdowns.  He also contributed to three wins against Canton McKinley.  His teams, coached by Leo Strang, compiled a record of 28-2-1, capturing two state / national championships (1959 and 1960).

Congratulations to Art Hastings.

 

 

 

Obie Logo (Large) Booster Club

Football Banquet Set for January 3

The 2017 Massillon Tigers Football Banquet will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 2018, at the St. George Cultural Center, located at 363 1st St. SE in Massillon.

Tickets are $25.00 per person and can be purchased at the WHS Ticket Office or at Keller’s Office Furniture downtown.

Engraved beverage glasses will be on sale for $10 each.

Doors will open at 5:30 pm and dinner will be served at 6:00 pm.

Join us as we celebrate the accomplishments of the 2017 Tigers!

Walk of Pride 2017 Booster Club

Secure Your Football Fan Legacy at the Walk of…

The 2017 football season was a banner year for the Tigers as they advanced to the state semi-finals. A fitting tribute to an individual Tiger player or loyal Tiger fan would be to purchase a brick in the Walk of Pride. Be part of one of the most distinctive features of Paul Brown Tiger Stadium. The entrance to the stadium consists of personalized bricks, which form a walkway for our fans.  Named the Tiger “Walk of Pride,” the walkway captures our tradition of excellence.  Tiger Football has produced outstanding athletes and the best fans in the nation.

The Tiger “Walk of Pride” provides a unique opportunity to leave an enduring symbol of your support for Washington High School athletics.The bricks are available in 4″x 8″ for $100.00 or 8″x 12 ” for $250.00.

Your order will be processed quickly and you will have your choice of placement. Contact John Liebermann  @ 330-445-9250 or v1968vet@yahoo.com if interested.

ORDER FORM

 

Chris Spielman Ohio State History

Massillon’s Chris Spielman to be Featured by Fox Sports

Content provided by Gary Vogt.

This Sunday, December 10 at 1:00 PM the Cleveland Browns will host the Green Bay Packers.  The game will be broadcast on the Fox NFL Network with Chris Spielman as the color analyst for the game.

As part of the broadcast the Fox NFL Network will air a presentation covering Chris Spielman’s career including his playing time with our Massillon Tigers.  Alex Olsen, Associate Director for Fox NFL Network contacted Coach Moore asking if we could provide photos, articles and any other appropriate information that applies to Chris’s days playing for our Tigers.  Thanks to Assistant Athletic Director Brian Pachis, Ron Prunty and Don Engelhardt of our Massillon Tiger Football Museum group we were able to provide Mr. Olsen with a good deal of information for his presentation.  Again, we have an excellent opportunity to give Chris, our town, our school system and our Tiger Program national exposure.  Go Tigers!

Obie Logo (Large) Booster Club

Booster Club Meeting Report – Playoff Week 4

Report by Rick Dalsky, Booster Club Secretary

The Massillon Tiger Football Booster Club held its last General meeting of 2017 in the WHS media center on Monday 11/27/17 at 7:00pm.  Booster Club President Steve Berecek welcomed everyone and thanked the players and coaches on a great season.  He then announced that the Canton Repository has 5 former Massillon Tiger players up for election to the Stark County HOF.  Please consider voting for them.

President Berecek then introduced Tiger Head Coach Nate Moore who was greeted with a standing ovation.  14 Tiger football players came to the meeting and they individually gave their thoughts on the season.  Quarterbacks Coach Jarrett Troxler also was at the meeting.

Coach Moore talked about the season and mentioned how proud he was of his players. The Winton Woods game file was shown and Coach Troxler commented on the offense and Coach Moore on the defense. They also answered many questions from the audience.

Next year’s schedule is as follows:

  1. Akron St. Vincent/St. Mary
  2. at Glenoak
  3. Warren Harding
  4. at Youngstown Ursuline
  5. Akron Firestone
  6. OPEN
  7. OPEN
  8. Austintown Fitch
  9. at Louisville
  10. Canton McKinley

John Liebermann thanked all who helped us win the coupon bonanza for the fifth consecutive season.  The Booster Club receives $2,000 for this accomplishment.

Door prizes were awarded.

Thank you to the team, coaching staff and fans for a great season.

Go Tigers!! BEAT St. Vincent  !!

Obie Logo (Large) News

Jamir Thomas Named 1st Team All-Ohio

Jamir Thomas, Massillon’s ironman running back, was named 2017 Division II 1st Team All-Ohio by the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association.  He was the lone Tiger to be represented in this group.  The 6′-1″, 212 lb. junior finished the year with 1,506 yards on 349 attempts.  Thomas also tallied 21 touchdowns in helping his team win the regional championship.  Last year Jamir was named Special Team All-Ohio linebacker.

Other players of note making the list are as follows:

  • Ashland quarterback Keagan Armitage – 1st Team
  • Bedford running back Kenny Wilkins – 1st Team
  • Cincinnati Winton Woods linebacker Chris Oats – Defensive Player of the Year
  • Cincinnati Winton Woods quarterback Kenny Mayberry – 2nd Team
  • New Albany defensive lineman Will King – 2nd Team
  • Ashland offensive lineman John Valentine – 3rd Team
  • Bedford defensive back Kevin Brewer – 3rd Team
News

2017 Hardnose Award Goes To Jamir Thomas

The Touchdown Club annually presents the Bob Commings Hardnose Award to a deserving Massillon Tiger football player, emulating one that plays hard, hits hard and well represents his team.  Bob Commings was a very successful coach for the Tigers from 1969 to 1973, compiling a record of 43-6-2, including Massillon’s last state championship (1970).  HIs 1972 team qualified for Ohio’s first ever state playoff game.  Commings departed following the 1973 season to become head coach of the University of Iowa and later coached at GlenOak High School, for which their field was later named.

Jamir Thomas Accepts the 2017 Hardnose Award

The selection of the deserving player is based on a weekly accumulation of votes cast by the members of the Touchdown Club at their Tuesday meetings.  This year’s award winner is Jamir Thomas.  Just a junior, he joins a stellar list of past recipients, including John Mulbach (Ohio State), David Whitfield (Ohio State), Charles Danzy (NFL coach), Chris Spielman (Ohio State), Shawn Crable (Michigan) and Brian Gamble (Illinois/Ashland)

Thomas was slated to play this season on defense almost exclusively at linebacker.  But due to an early unforeseen depletion of running backs, he was thrust into the primary offensive position.  According to Massillon Head Coach Nate Moore, Jamir readily accepted the change and was prepared to do anything he could to help the Tigers be successful.  His performance was more than was expected, eventually being named First-Team All-District at the position, and helped his team capture the regional title in the playoffs.

Thomas finished the year with 1,506 yards, 3rd among all Massillon players.  The yards came on 349 carries, blowing away the previous mark of 253.  He also scored 21 touchdowns, which ranks 5th.  The 42 carries against Canton McKinley in a 16-15 victory ranks 2nd and the 37 carries against Ashland ranks 5th.  The five TDs against Canisius, NY, set a new single-game record and the four touchdowns against Ashland and three against Austintown Fitch are both in the Top 10 of the category.  But Jamir also played some defense, recording 22 solo tackles and 10 assists in a part-time effort.

Congratulations to Jamir Thomas.