1972 Clearview Football Team

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Top Row — Shelton Witherspoon, Jim Stanchak, Mike Buckosh, Rick Murrell, Don Dohanyos, Steve Mihalcik, Larry Crooks, John Szalay, Todd Bemis, Kevin Saegert, Mark Naro
Middle Row— Coach Mel Jones, Tim Baclawski, Rich Duran, Larry Fortner, Duane Todd, Otis Jenkins, Larry Harris, Al Rutledge, Bill Nahm, Gus Necera, Coach Dave Konowal, Coach Bruce Fanning, Head Coach Wayne Ross
Bottom Row — Coach Dudley Lytle, Coach Tom Hoch, Don Hitchens, Dart Knowles, Frank Rosalez, Joe Woskobunik, Chris Yancey, Charlie Clevenger, Keith Newbraugh, Perry Carlton, Ray Guitian, Manager Jeff Ross

 

1972 Clearview High School Football Team

Of all the football teams that came out of the modern era (OHSAA playoffs starting in 1972) from Lorain, Clearview’s 1972 team is probably the most deserving. The Clearview team ended up second in the state of Ohio in their division; no other Lorain team ever finished that high. Those fans that remember the game know that Clearview dominated Marion Pleasant and the game was decided on two long fumble recoveries for touchdowns, one on the last play of the game.

Besides ended the year as runners-up in Division A, this 1972 team also had a great regular season as proof by winning the Lakeland Conference. The Lakeland consisted of area schools, all of which were much larger than Clearview. The Lakeland had multiple schools that were AAA while Clearview was only a single A.

An old sports adage goes: Quality players make for Quality teams, and Great teams produce Great players. The ’72 team had its share of great players. Numerous players and a coach have been inducted into the Lorain Sports Hall of Fame. The team was led by coach Wayne Ross, inducted in 2022. They were guided by quarterback Larry Fortner, inducted in 1991. Larry went on to play at Miami of Ohio and then played in the NFL. Producing the offensive punch was their best running back, voted Division A Back of the Year, and inducted in 2021, Otis Jenkins. Also playing major roles that year were tight end Larry Harris, inducted in 1993, and fullback and defensive specialist Don Hitchens, inducted in 2013. Another great player not yet inducted was Gus Mecera, who made 1st team All-State and was selected for the Golden Helmet Award. Also making major contributions for the whole season was Ron Skinner voted 1st team All-Lakeland Conference. Besides these players, the team was made up of numerous other players who all made significant contributions. Every player on the roster deserves the recognition to be honored by induction into the Lorain Sports Hall of Fame.