2024 Taylor Athletic Hall of Fame Class
Bruce (Randy) Huffman, Track and Field, Class of 1969
Huffman broke records in all track and field running events, set new records several times, improved Taylor's team score and standing at meets via individual points scored, and at least one instance of 20 straight wins. He has received All County Honors, was a state finalist, and won the 440 district championship. Due to his success, his interest in track grew "from traveling in 2 cars with room to spare" to 30 sophomores through seniors; his success was recognized regularly by local newspapers, he received a grant-in-aid from Miami University, and he continued running track in college.
Kristen (Gerwin) Wanstrath, Soccer, Class of 2004
She was a dominant force on the field, securing a Four Year Varsity Letter Winner title. Her exceptional performance led to three consecutive years of being named to the all-CHL team, with her Junior Year earning her a spot on the first team and her senior year earning her the prestigious title of CHL player of the year. Additionally, she earned a spot on the all-district team for two years and made history by tying the state record for five goals in one game. Not limited to soccer, she earned a 2-year letter-winner title in Basketball. Her successful soccer career continued at the University of Cincinnati for two years, followed by two years as a starter for Cincinnati State. Post-college, she excelled as a 2-time GGCL Coach of the Year at McAuley High School in 2014 and 2017.
Charles Dunn, Football and Wrestling, Class of 1995
Charles earned three varsity letters in football. In his senior year, he was named to the first team CHL, and received an honorable mention for All City. In wrestling, he earned two varsity letters and had an impressive junior year record of 24-9 with 18 pins. He was also the CHL champion, placed in the sectionals, and qualified for the district competition. In his senior year, he achieved a record of 33-3 with 20 pins. He was the CHL, sectional, and district champion, and he finished as the 1995 OHSAA Wrestling DIV 2 State Runner-Up, 275 lb weight class.
Jerry Truitt, Baseball, Basketball, Football, and Track + Field, Class of 1948
Jerry made history as captain of the first 11-man football team to play under the lights in 1947. He was also the proud recipient of 13 letters while at Taylor High School. After high school, he continued his Athletics career by coaching the 1970 Midland baseball team, which won the National Amateur Baseball Championship in Buffalo, New York. He also coached little league baseball for 20 years, leading the American Legion Budde Post team to three District Championships and one state runner-up title.
2014 Varsity Football Team
The team had a 9-2 record throughout the season, with their only league and playoff loss being to Wyoming. This was Taylor's first playoff team to be ranked in the Harbin points rankings, with the last ranked team in the 1980s. Led by the CHL and Southwest Ohio District coach of the year, Dave Huffman, along with a strong team of assistant coaches, Tim Urmston, Mike Sauer, Bruce Kraus, Ken Neyer, Dan Lee, Andy Stafford, Justin Jones, Mike Bitterman, Zack Mink, Kevin Murphy, and Brian Sauer.
"We are looking forward to honoring these former student-athletes for their exceptional achievements both on the field and beyond," Athletic Director Zach Stakely said. "Honoring our former athletes and coaches also helps to educate our current athletes, showing them how leadership, teamwork, and responsibility during their high school years can positively impact their lives. We are proud to recognize this year's inductees' notable achievements as Taylor student-athletes."
The honorees will be acknowledged during an induction ceremony at halftime of the football game against Finneytown on Friday, October 4th, 2024, with a post-game social to follow.
The Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Induction Ceremony is open to the public. While tickets are necessary for the football game, there is no ticket requirement for the post-game social.
