News Summary

On May 25, the community gathered at the SPIRE Institute for the 2025 Hall of Fame induction ceremony, honoring legendary athletes from Ashtabula County, including outstanding cross country and track teams. The event recognized past heroes while motivating current athletes. Scholarships were awarded to promising young talents, showcasing the community’s dedication to cultivating future sports stars. The Hall of Fame Committee, along with supportive sponsors, made this heartfelt celebration a resounding success, symbolizing unity through sports.

Ashtabula County Celebrates Athletic Legends at 2025 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Ashtabula County was all abuzz on Sunday, May 25, as the community gathered to celebrate its sports legends at the 2025 Hall of Fame induction ceremony held at the state-of-the-art SPIRE Institute. This annual event is a heartfelt tribute to the remarkable athletes of the past and present, shining a light on those who have made their mark in track & field and cross country.

Honoring Past Heroes and Current Stars

The ceremony had the double delight of honoring previous state cross-country runners while also giving a nod to the current high school track qualifiers who are ready to make waves this season. There’s something incredibly uplifting about seeing the torch passed from seasoned athletes to the fresh-faced stars of today, creating a fabulous connection between generations.

Mile Relay Team Hits the Hall of Fame

You could almost feel the excitement crackling in the air when the Harbor High School Mile Relay team was inducted into the Hall of Fame. The team—made up of Don Pitts, Ron Pitts, Roger Norman, and William Wiser—delivered impressive performances that year. They were crowned the Ashtabula City Champions, the NEC Conference Champions, and the Ashtabula County Champions. Notably, they clinched third place at the Class AA state meet with a stellar finish time of 3:27.1.

The Triumphant Edgewood High School Cross Country Team

Next up, the 2002 Edgewood High School Cross Country Team took their turn in the limelight. With fantastic runners like Jeremy Dunn, Jason Headman, Phillip Kelly, Jake King, Lenny King, Harrison Markel, and Aaron Nicka, this team finished second at the Division II State Cross Country meet and took first place at regionals. Aaron Nicka led the charge, coming in 10th place at the state meet, while his teammates followed closely behind. Their successes didn’t end there either; a few years later, in 2003, the team won the state championship (sans Nicka) and was previously inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016. The team was under the capable guidance of their coach, Steve Hill.

Recognizing a Dedicated Contributor

No Hall of Fame ceremony would be complete without recognizing those who have contributed significantly to the sports community off the field. This year, Karl Pearson was inducted for his contributions as a sportswriter over an impressive 34-year career, including serving as the Editor at the Star Beacon. A previous inductee in both the Ashtabula County Hall of Fame and the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association Hall of Fame in 2023, Pearson’s legacy lives on in the stories he shared. His niece, Tabitha, humbly accepted the award on his behalf.

Scholarships to Brighten Futures

In a wonderful twist of generosity, the Ashtabula Distance Runners club awarded four scholarships of $1,000 each to deserving young athletes. This year’s recipients included Maddie Crooks from Edgewood, who excels in track; Addison Kennedy from Conneaut, known for cross country; Jamil Daghlas from Geneva, also a track star; and Austin Dean from Pymatuning Valley, who shines in cross country. These scholarships are a true testament to the commitment to nurturing future athletic talent.

Thanks to the Supportive Community

The Hall of Fame Committee, composed of dedicated individuals, played a vital role in making this event a success. Committee members included Ed Best, Ron Chutas, Warren Dillaway, Don Gill, Jim Henson, John Matune, Shari McCaslin, Joanne Mechling, Chris Stasny, Gary Thaxton, and Bob Zimny. Their efforts were bolstered by generous sponsors from the community, including family farms and businesses, showing that Ashtabula County truly rallies behind its athletes.

This year’s Hall of Fame induction was more than just an event; it was a heartfelt celebration of community, legacy, and the power of sports to unite individuals of all ages. With this spirit, we look forward to seeing what the future holds for the athletes of Ashtabula County!

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