I remember well, at age 13, visiting the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the first time. It was 1979 and we were headed toward Akron for the State Football Championship game.

I remember seeing the great George McAfee’s Hall of Fame bust and remembering all the times I had passed the sign dedicated to him for being from Ironton and being enshrined in the hall.

That very weekend I watched Bob Lutz lead the Ironton Fighting Tigers to their first state football title. Right next to him was Mike Burcham.

That same year Ohio State was led to an undefeated season by All American Kenny Fritz. Pretty exciting watching a hometown hero on the Bob Hope All American Special. Oh, all Coy Bacon did that year was record 15 sacks for the Washington Redskins.

What a year 1979 was.

Skip ahead to 2013 and Ironton High School’s Athletic Department will enshrine Mr. McAfee into it’s inaugural Hall of Fame Class. Joining Mr. McAfee in the first class will be the winningest football coach in the state of Ohio, Bob Lutz, OHSAA hall of famer Mike Burcham, Ohio State All American Kenny Fritz and NFL great Coy Bacon.

This group of Hall of Famers will be introduced Saturday at the Conley Center before Irontons basketball game vs. Akron Buchtel. Immediately following the game at 7:30 p.m. there will be a reception and induction in the Ironton High School cafeteria.

Come out and be a part of a huge day for Ironton sports fans. You can attend the game and the Hall of Fame reception for $10 presale or $15 day of game.

You may purchase tickets at Iron City Hardware or the Ironton High School auto shop.

Go Tigers!

 

Jay D. Zornes is an Ironton resident and member of the city schools’ board of education.