Upon graduation, graduation, Upon Steve accepted a scholarship at attend Wabash College. An his football injury ended playing career but he play and letter in continued to for the Little Giants. He was a Dean’s List student for 5 semesters at Wabash and 1969. graduated in coach at RHS, Steve coached years.he for seven In 1972, As a head baseball led the Zebras to an NLC the 1979, and in championship Zebras captured the Sectional championship. yearsCoplen has 39 as a head coach or assistant coach. He Coach In football, has been instrumental in excellent offensive out turning running teams and outstanding backs. As the offensive state the 1987 coordinator for Steve was creditedchampions, with calling one of the best offensive games in IHSAA history. football playoff Danny (class of ’94) and Mike and two (class of ’99) Steve has two sons, Steve will grandchildren. end teachingretire from at the year but school of the 2009 to coach football will continue offensive our and work with and defensive backs.

Steve Coplen, Class of 1965 As a teacher, a coach,

and a student-athlete, Steve Coplen has dedicated the life to majorityhis of Rochester High School. and the Manyof his students athletes that played for him Steve was will tell you that simplybest that RHS had the this to offer. Upon retirement year,have coached and he will at RHS for 40 taught Biology years. Rochester, Steve earned 14 varsity letters in football, As an athlete at , track, and baseball. He was a conference and team MVP in football and still holds the record for most completed passes in one game was also at 27. Steve selected as the Most Valuable Player on the basketball and baseball year.his senior teams during

team All NLCteam and led the in field goal percentage, team assists, and free throw shooting. between split her time and track. She was the tennis Susie In the spring, Susie In 1977 MVP in 1976. that had a ran track on a team won the 15-0 record and Northern Lakes Conference championship. prestigious awards that Susie school was the earned in high One of the most Christian Fellowship of Athletes National Outstanding graduation, High School Athlete Female of the Year in 1977. Upon Susie attended Indiana State University she earned where MS her her BS degree in 1981, her doctorate in and in 1985, As a player 1991. for the Sycamores, Susie earned awards for Most and Mental 1978 in Improved Attitude Award winner in 1980. of Richard Bair and Jeannette in currentlylives Gooch. She Susie is the daughter the New York and is Amherst, Vice President of Buffalo State College.

Susie Bair, Class of 1977 Susie Bair attended

RHS at a time when the IHSAA was just starting to recognize girls’ athletics. Rochester had an excellent group of young ladies and they represented RHS very well. different part of four As a volleyball programs. Susie was an integral player, a first team she was All NLC player as well the Mental Attitude Award winner. In the first year the of the volleyball girls tourney, won the Sectional and the participated in the finals of Regional. Susie was instrumental in leading the girls to a three year As a basketball player, wins and 4 losses. record of 53 The Zebras had two undefeated regular seasons to the IHSAA and two trips Semi-State. Susie was first

At Southwestern, Jerry’s father, Gerald, Jerry with a graduated Jerryhis wife, and to continue his career as a Butler Bulldog representing University. After his freshmen year, Jerry transferred to Southwestern University in Texas. Jerry was named as a Small his College All American senior year.He averaged 20+ rebounds and 10+ points and captain was named a team year.during his senior was a longtime Zebra fan and a fixture at all of the home games basketball football and as a ticket taker. The rebound by has been sponsored trophy the Knauff family in memory of Gerald. BBA from Southwestern a and with 1964 University in South Texas law degree from Jerry College of Law in 1966. play basketball continued to and earned a Gold Medal in the State of Texas Senior Olympics. Mitzie, live in Cypress, Texas. Theyhave five children, Jerry Knauff, Jr., Cary Overbey, CathyLindsey Buerger, Ahart, and Lisa Cayton.

Jerry Knauff, Class of 1959 Jerrywill tell Knauff As a young child, Jerry had many

memories his fondest you that are growing up in Rochester and representing RHS on the the basketball court under watchful eyeof Hall Fame Coach Paul Rockwell. He Jerry with polio. grew up did this obstacle but overcame the varsitynot make until his junior basketball team yearyear.his senior During Jerry earned the of 1958-59, Most Valuable Player Award for the Zebras. He was selectedAll to the first team Central Indiana Conference basketball team and earned the He was also trophy. rebound 100 as one of the top named players in the state of Indiana year.his senior but decided scholarship offers,

John Hill and his John Hill

captain and leading the way in the dashes, 1954 track a team With John as wasteam reportedone of to be the best ever. The Zebras won the Rochester Relayswere and in the very prestigious champs In 1954. Goshen Relays in his teammates track John and set records in the 100 Dash, Relay, the 880 the 200 Dash, Relay.and the Mile He was a and CIC champion three time state qualifier in a four time earned Bronze Track. John yard dash medals in the 100 yard dash in 1954. and the 220 was After graduation, John yard the 100 timed at 9.8 in dash at the State AAU championships. attended Purdue University He earned 1954-1956. from John Upon graduation, the three degrees from Ball State University before being awarded his doctorate in Educational Administration Ball State in 1983. from wife, Carole Ann live in Muncie. Their daughter is Mrs. Christina Pippen. John and Carole Anne have two grandchildren. Dr.

John Hill, Class of 1954 After 55 years,After 55 you

hallway up in the can still look at RHS and see John Hill’s as the 200 Meter record name track. Back boy’s holder for not did probably John in 1954, even know what a meter was…he did however travel 200 yards 22.0 in seconds flat one of the fastest him to make Zebras in history! athlete at Rochesterhis during high school career. He played John was a three sport Coach Bob basketball under Matthias and was a two year varsity John letter-winner. was a member of the 1950 that was the firstfootball team since the depression years and Central he was a senior on the Indiana Conference champs Coach Bob (8-0-1) under finishedMatthias. That team the season with an 8-0-1 record.

As good as he was As good as he at Steve was recruited to Steve went on to play All Stater led his team to a All Stater led his team He conference championship. holds the RHS school record gym the Peru points and of 50 record with 52 points in a game. basketball and football, Steve’s greatest love was the baseball field. He was a four year letter-winner and led the Zebras to four Sectional baseball titles. He was all conference three years and led the Zebras with a .511 batting average in 1989. Indiana State to play basketball and baseball. After yearone of basketball, Steve He diamond. focused on the was named as a Freshmen All was all in l991 and American Missouri Valley Conference in He holds the and 1994. 1993 Sycamore record for the percentage at highest fielding third base. baseballfive yearssemi-pro of and was named to the Frontier Year AnniversaryLeague’s 10 He nows lives in team. Evansville where he works as a retail manager. He and his wife, Laura, have four children: Haley, Blake, Tyler, and Matt.

Steve Ruckman, Class of 1989 Many Zebra fans that Many Zebra fans As a football player, As a basketball player,

watched Steve play Ruckman or football, basketball, baseball would argue that he was the best-ever all around athlete to attend Rochester His stats could High School. easily support that argument. Steve was a remarkable receiver, defensive back, return man, and kicker/punter. yearHe was a four letter- winner and scored the winning TD in the state championship He was all in 1987. game conference, an MVP, an all state receiver, and in the top 5 state with 154 the in scoring points as a senior. Steve was the South Bend Tribune Area Playerthe of with a 30.1 year1989 in scoring average. This MVP and first team Small School

Brad and his Brad completed his from Upon graduation Brad is the son of Bill and was chosen as the Defensive Player of the Year in 1989. classmates also excelled in the sport of baseball at RHS. Brad earned four varsity letters over his career that saw the Zebras earn 4 Sectional baseball titles and 2 TRC conference championships. He was a team captain and an all conference baseball player. high school playing career, representing Rochester High School, as a member of the Brad North All Star team. started as defensive back in and helped the All Star game to an easyhis team victory squad. over the South RHS, Brad attended Butler University he graduated where BA with a in 1993 with honors in Spanish and International Studies. He later earned his San Diego State MBA from 2000. University in and Pat McMillen has two sisters, Colleen (class of ‘87) He and Sheila (class of ‘95). currently works as a sales professional in Studio City, California.

Brad McMillen, Class of 1989 Brad McMillen is As a quarterback, As a basketball player,

remembered by as the most quarterback that led the 1987 Zebras to a 2A state title. However, he was an outstanding three sport athlete as well one of the top scholars in the class of 1989. Brad finished his career with yards 3,692 passing and 34 He won 27 touchdowns. in three games years at quarterback and earned many the Jim included honors that Ballenger Award, First Team Captain, and All TRC, Team Academic All State. As a senior, he led the Zebras to first undefeated and untied regular season in Zebra history. Brad earned two varsity letters captainand served as the team

Ranger Ranger th At Jeff’s memorial Jeff was also an Jeff was After college, Jeff Team All Loganland, and a and Team All Loganland, st Battalion until 1990. He the Panama into parachuted Operation Zone during Canal of As a member Cause. Just he National Guard, the Indiana Desert in Operation served and in Operation Shield/Storm in Bosnia. Joint Endeavor of 2006, the summer During Jeff was killed by sniper fire Enduring Operation during in Afghanistan. Freedom Mitch Governor service, that, “If Indiana stated Daniels it to an eagle, ever gave birth He gave McLochlin. Jeff was and his entire life to service of others.” the protection member of the Region 4 All of the Region member Star team. student-athlete outstanding a as and was recognized He received Scholar. Hoosier to Wabash a scholarship in he majored where College played and Psychology football. In 1982, Jeff led the Little Giants to an undefeated season. He was named Outstanding Defensive Back, set a school record with 142 All earned and tackles, American honors. U.S. Army and joined the with the 2/75 served as a linebacker on the AP as a linebacker 2A All State team, UPI Class linebacker, Mention Honorable 1

Jeff McLochlin, Class of 1979 Jeff McLochlin wore a four sport Jeff was

many hats. He was a police of the US officer, a member a Guard, Army and National in hero to many father, and a of Rochester. the community at his career athlete during baseball, RHS. He played and basketball football, and the As a member of ran track. team, he earned basketball the Most Improved Award As a year. senior his during of the Zebra track member his teammates Jeff and squad, Mile in the record set a school Jeff’s However, Relay. favorite sport was football. Jeff was a two time NLC a and at linebacker selection of the two time winner Ron Shearer prestigious Award for defensive at As a senior excellence. co- a as honored RHS, he was the team MVP. and as captain was honored Statewide, Jeff

th in the th in the 400 Meter in the 400 Meter rd Currently, Kelly and Currently, Kelly qualified for the Dash. Kelly still holds the 100 Meter records for the ), the 200 Meter (12.2 Dash and the 400 (25.1), Dash RHS. Meter Dash (57.3) for live in Jack her husband, Florida. Kelly Punta Gorde, E. Jack children; six has Taylor Welch, Morgan Welch, Puterbaugh, Chad Welch, and Puterbaugh, Joshua Kelly is Stephanie Patterson. at Manager Room the Dining Country Club in Twin Isle Punta Gorde. 200 Meter Dash and as a and Dash 200 Meter 5 she finished junior in 1979, in the 400 Meter Dash at the at the Dash in the 400 Meter state meet. Kelly’s best finish in in the state track meet was she where year her senior finished 3 on the girl’s team for four team for four on the girl’s She won six RHS. years at six and championships NLC in Sectional championships events and three individual in her career at two relays year, her senior RHS. During in the Regional won the she the high was Dash, 400 Meter of “Queen” point scorer and and Relays, the Rochester the Loganland named was Star of Stars at the Fred Kinder Invitational Track Meet. consecutive state meet four as a freshman years. In 1977 to at the state meet, she failed in place. As a sophomore 5 1978, Kelly finished the Kelly was simply

Kelly (Harshman) Welch, Class of 1980

in the sprinter best track High history of Rochester Lee Arik School. Classmate “even in practice remembers on the track none of the guys to run against team wanted by Kelly for fear of getting beat a a girl!” Although Kelly was as a athlete three-sport of the volleyball and member under squads girls basketball on Betty Clark, it was Coach really she the track where as an athlete. dominated track team. of an undefeated put teammates She and her member Kelly was a 15-0 together a perfect the Northern won season, Lakes Conference and the 1977 championship, IHSAA Sectional Championship. most points the Kelly scored As a track individual,

As good as John When basketball After graduation from team selection. For his st basketball team finished a with record of 17-6 and won their Holiday Tournament and were Loganland Area Champs. As individual, John was an recognized as a first team All Loganland selection. of sports in the Shirley was football and basketball, his best probably baseball. sport was Coach Steve Coplen remembers John as being the best baseball player to ever play at RHS and Jim Powers remembered John as a gentleman, a great competitor, and a phenomenal baseball talent. In his senior season, he led the Zebras to an excellent baseball season and was selected by his teammates as the MVP and tabbed by conference coaches as an All NLC 1 baseball excellence, John was drafted by the Atlanta Braves baseball organization. season came to an end and before baseball got geared up in the summer, John participated as a member of the Zebra track squad. He recognized was mainly as a pole vaulter and he routinely broke the 12’ barrier considered outstanding that was for high school vaulters in the 1960’s. RHS, John attended Marian College he continued where to participate in basketball and baseball and studied Physical Education. st

John Shirley, Class of 1970 John played basketball John Shirley graduated As a quarterback, John team All NLC honors and was an honorable mention All State defensive back. for the Zebras under three different head coaches, but it during hiswas senior year under Coach thatJim Powers Shirley and his teammates really thrived. named John was as the basketball MVP on a team that had the best record at RHS for nearly 25 years. The in 1970 from Rochester High School and was recognized by his coaches as the best overall athlete to come out of RHS in a very long time. a John was standout in baseball, football, basketball, and track. led the Zebras to best football record in RHS history up to that point in time. Coach Bob Pedigo’s 1969 9-1 Zebras were on the gridiron and were as NLC Champs. crowned John named aswas a co-MVP on the football squad fellow along with RHS Hall of Famer, Dave Foellinger. He also garnered 1

In 1956, Rocky came came In 1956, Rocky He continued to excel as an to excel as an He continued and a athlete, a student, on He was a captain leader. basketball team. the Panther’s of the He was the President winner of Senior class, the senior outstanding athlete a with and graduated award, Hanover B.S. Degree from in 1931. College to Fulton County as the at Richland coach basketball In 1932, Rocky returned 9 years at spent He Center. took he before Center Richland basketball and football the positionsNoblesville.At at Noblesville, Coach Rockwell had seasons in undefeated two football. Paul returned to in 1956 where Richland Center basketball 182–37 a posted he record over1950, In ten years. Coach Rockwell’s squad In advanced to the Semi-State. 1953, Richland Centerwon championship Sectional another under Rocky’s tutelage. High School to Rochester 89 more he posted where coached and wins basketball for the football and tennis 1963. Zebras until Clara Belle Paul and H. retired to Lake Rockwell he became Manitou where one of the best as well known bluegill fisherman on the lake away in 1987. until he passed

Paul Rockwell, Class of 1927 Paul Rockwell, a.k.a. Paul Rockwell,

from RHS in graduated Rocky the top athlete was 1927 and the Paul was in his class. on the Zebra center starting team from 1924 basketball The Zebras 1927. through under 1924-25 in were 24-3 Ivey and they Charles Coach In tourney. District won the Rocky led RHS in 1925-26, The points. with 221 scoring won the and 16-10 team was Sectional tourney. of 26 young was one Rocky men that played on the In the fall of 1926, Zebra’s first football team; they a record of 1-4 with finished with the first victory over also a Paul was Logansport. of the Zebra four year member team. Rocky track and field events numerous in competed his During for the Zebras. he won the year, senior put in the shot Relays Kokomo hurdles. and the low his RHS, Paul Rockwell took College. talents to Hanover from graduation Upon

Tim was all state,Tim was all Upon graduation from team All Northern Lakes st Conference team. In his senior year, Tim and his classmates finished a 12-2 season by claiming the state championship game with a 23-20 comeback win over Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter. After that incredible win, further Tim and his parents were called uponhonored as he was to accept the Phil N. Eskew for class Mental Attitude Award 2A football. conference, and all area as a senior. He chosen to was represent Rochester in the 1988 North/South All Star team. Tim and Zebra teammate, Danny Boyd, closed the chapter on high school athletics as they and their teammates from the North defeated the South in a come-from-behind fourth quarter victory. RHS, Tim took his academic and athletic talents to Butler University he majored in where Biology and played football for the Bulldogs. After graduation from Butler, he received his Master’s from IUPUI and then on to graduate in 1998 went from the Indiana University Medical School. Tim and his wife, Heather have four children; Whitney (15), Amy (8), Brock (7), and Ellie (3). Dr. Tim Walker practices as an Orthopedic Surgeon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. the 1

Tim Walker, Class of 1988

Tim Walker was the was Tim a wrestler, As Tim’s class marked the

best all around student-athlete from the class of 1988 at Rochester High School. Tim earned a total of 10 varsity and football, wrestling, in letters track at RHS. a conference champion and an IHSAA Sectional champ. As a a track athlete, Tim was sprinter, a high jumper, and hurdler. He qualified for the regional meet as a senior in the honored 300 hurdles. Tim was as a team captain in all three sports his senior year. end of a big rebuilding process for the Rochester football program. Tim became a starter in his freshmen year at tailback and as a sophomore, Tim led the Z’s to their first Football The Sectional Championship. Zebras lost a 9-3 game to the eventual state champs from Ft. Wayne Bishop Luers. As a junior, Tim started at linebacker and tailback named was to

Upon graduation from graduation Upon from Since graduation wife, Claire, his Todd and All State team. The teams on chalked that Todd played up three Sectional two Regional Championships, and two Championships, Conference Lakes Northern As an Championships. named was individual, Todd first team All NLC for all four school. In years in high year, he was senior Todd’s All High School a named as American. a accepted RHS, Todd to play at Auburn. scholarship He was named to the All SEC in 1982 squad 1st team In 1985, Todd and 1985. with a Auburn from graduated Relations degree in Industrial Management. and Business has continued Auburn, Todd careerwith his in golf. He currently is the course at Rock Hollow professional Golf Course in Peru, Indiana. the named as been He has Player of the Indiana PGA times. In 2002, he Year nine the Indiana as named was of the PGA Golf Professional in has played Year, and he five PGA Championship Events. have two live in Peru and and Erin (18) Brad children, (16).

Todd Smith, Class of 1981 As a high school golfer As a high school

the first Todd Smith became athlete School High Rochester state to win an individual he was when championship (144) the IHSAA low medallist at the state golf championship in 1980. In that same year, teammates Todd led his Smith, cousin (brother Terry John Sawyer, cousin Rob to Mike Shafer) Sawyer, and the IHSAA Team State in Golf. Championship Roberts, John Coach under up numerous Todd racked from 1978 to 1981. honors and the individual Besides in 1980, team championship very prestigious Todd won the IHSAA Mental Attitude Award In for golf in 1981. the state high Todd’s during tournament he was an career, school individual sectional champion a one-time three times, was and champion, regional to the 1st Team twice named

Upon graduating from graduating Upon Damon Currently, In track and field, Damon Damon In track and field, our MVP as named was four times. He won the Sectional the TRC and four years in the Discus Jump. He and the High state in the qualified at the in and two years discus year. He the shot put one still holds the RHS record As a result in the discus. career of his phenomenal in three sports at RHS, he the 1994 as named was South Bend Tribune’s Male Athlete of the Year. two times and third once as a as third once two times and heavyweight. 215 pound Rochester High School, High Rochester at on in football walked Damon Ball State University where a he earned season, after one full Division I scholarship. In he Cardinals, playing for the games 45 consecutive started was at defensive tackle, a first team All Mid- named as American Conference and was player, defensive in team captain a as selected the graduation, 1998. Upon CFL of the Argonauts Toronto in 1999. Damon signed Technology Industrial teaches He at Speedway High School. sports three is still active in Sparkplug’s as the serving in coordinator defensive coach, wrestling football, head track coach. and assistant

Damon Hummel, Class of 1994 Damon was a state level a was Damon a was Damon In wrestling,

at RHS. sports athlete in three Damon On the gridiron, was four years. He started for a an All State Punter as an All was sophomore, All Area and Conference a junior, and as linebacker as an all selected was a as back running conference He was a team MVP senior. player at RHS to and the only to the prestigious be named IFCA Top Fifty team. He was and represent to play selected the North/South in Rochester All Star football game. qualifier. He four time state season a regular never lost years of varsity match in four only lost six and competition Damon career. in his matches in championships 20 won over career. wrestling his four year to the state In his four trips second finished finals, Damon

At RHS, David was was At RHS, David a David earned captain on the first Northern first Northern on the captain Lakes Conference football team. championship He was first also Zebra to the All Star play in the North/South game. As a result of his high school phenomenal his #40 jersey football career, High Rochester retired by was permanently School and in the Indiana enshrined Football Hall of Fame in 1977. Council the RHS Student of a member was President, Society, Honor the National of Christian and the Fellowship by selected was Athletes. He Most the staff as 1969/70 and Valuable Athlete Senior Boy. Outstanding year a four David was also Field and in Track letterwinner captain as a and was named and an MVP. Princeton at scholarship he University where four years of in participated a with football and graduated in 1974. degree in Psychology for nominated was His thesis Prize in the Departmental he was and Psychology of Journal in the published the Journal Child Psychology, Child of Experimental and the Nassau Psychology, David Magazine. Literary currently lives in Hawaii where a Naturalist and he is a Marine Boat Captain.

David Foellinger, Class of 1970 David Foellinger lists lists David Foellinger

school as a high his top honor of a “member being player as He always a great team!” line gave credit to his offensive Burns Becht) coach (and line hard-nosed as well his David Grube. fullback, Wayne by the football described was as a “hard staff at Princeton great team player.” and worker of it was reality the However, a was that David Foellinger student-athlete tremendous football and a remarkable of the best some player on history of teams in the As a School. High Rochester Bob Pedigo’s Coach on senior as selected was David squad, back an All American running Athlete and by Coach In that season, he Magazine. in a points (218 set scoring records rushing and season) for the state of yards) (2465 set a record also Indiana. He in a single for the most yards 453 rushed for game when he was a He 29 carries. yards on

in her class, in her class, rd After graduating from After graduating earned an Academic Honors Honors an Academic earned the a member of was Diploma, and Society, Honor National Student Body elected was Vice President. at the athletic scholarship Dame University of Notre an Sheila received she went on to have an where for Coach career outstanding Fighting Muffett McGraw’s ND the first Irish. She became in four player to participate tournaments NCAA straight the team went to and the 1997 Final Four. At ND, Sheila was team captain, a as selected MVP, set a named the team most 3 point record for the made in a season field goals out and closed and in a game, with 1,439 points. her career Dame, she tookNotre a assistant as an position years for two coach basketball Michigan at Western at for one year University and Northwestern University. Sheila Currently, is employed by the NCAA as a staff for championship assistant is an assistant events and at coach basketball Cathedral. Indianapolis participated in her softball her in participated years senior and freshmen All Conference and earned third sport. in her honors Academically, Sheila 3 graduated

From the time that she From the time

Sheila (McMillen) Keller, Class of 1995

a very young girl, Sheila was of for the sport had a passion By the time she basketball. RHS, Sheila from graduated the leading had become history of in the scorer at RHS. She was basketball All All Star, a Nike an Indiana a All American, Star, a Parade 3 time AAU All American, a of an AAU two-time member team, Championship National All State and a first team season, player. In her senior leading second the Sheila was Coach state and in the scorer won the squad Malchow’s being Sectional before Valparaiso. defeated by 4 time All TRC a Sheila was was twice and selection South Bend named by the of the area Player as Tribune the Year. team All TRC Volleyball player Zebras to four the and helped a first also Sheila was Sectional consecutive She also championships.

After graduation from After graduation one Dick coached RHS, Dick attended the attended RHS, Dick New University of Western basketball Mexico on a a Dick had scholarship. career four year tremendous inducted was and at Western New Mexico into the Western Athletic Hall of Fame. He a with Western from graduated coaching degree, teaching and a Masters endorsement, in Administration. to prior Mexico in New year In Arizona. moving to Tucson, Tucson, Dick coached 80% won over and basketball He was of his games. of the the Coach as selected four area Year for the Tucson team 1965 his times and in State won the Arizona Championship. the Athletic Dick served as School High at Rincon Director the last 15 years in Tucson for For education. in of his career and his years of dedication was in Tucson, he excellence Pima County named to the Athletic Hall of and Tucson Fame. years to his for 55 married wife, Mary King. Dick and been Dick King has one Mary have three children; Shutz, and Tricia daughter, Scott and Steve two sons, King.

Dick King, Class of 1943 Dick was an an was Dick

player basketball outstanding and Regional on a #1 ranked team for the championship Rochester Zebras in the the Dick was season. 1942/43 team on a 21-3 scorer leading by many considered that was all time to be one of the best The Zebras Zebra squads. #1 in the state were ranked the first half of through season. Their first loss came to a team from South Bend by coached Central that was by and led Wooden Johnny coach, basketball future Zebra Jim Powers. Dick played for ran track and basketball at Clyde Lyle coach legendary player, RHS. As a basketball to First Team selected he was in the honors All Conference Conference Central Indiana to the Indiana and was named State team. Basketball All In to the was named 1968, Dick Fame Silver Hall of Indiana with Anniversary team along Jim Powers from South Bend Central. John Nelson, Class of 1947 Rochelle (Shelly) Newell, Class of 1976

the Northern Indiana Chorus, in 1976. For her efforts in high HiY, and the Annual Staff. school basketball, she was After graduation, John named to the Silver attended Valparaiso University Anniversary team in 2002 and on a four year athletic inducted to the Indiana scholarship where he was Basketball Hall of Fame in reunited with another former 2004. RHS great and former Shelly was a four time teammate, Bill Schroer. While MVP in track at RHS. She at Valpo, John continued his qualified for the state track and athletic career in basketball field meet for four years. She and baseball. In his junior and placed 6th in the shot put as a senior year, John was the freshman, 4th as a sophomore,

and 2nd in her junior and senior leading hitter on the Shelly Newell was one Crusader’s baseball team. seasons. She still holds the John Nelson was a of Rochester High School’s John graduated from record for the shot put at tremendous student-athlete first great female athletes. Valparaiso in 1951 with a B.S. Rochester High School with an who graduated from RHS in She participated at a time in History and Physical incredible 42’ 2 1/2”. 1947 with letters in varsity when women’s athletics in Education. Shelly was also selected softball, baseball, golf, tennis, Indiana were just starting to In 1951 John began a as the MVP in volleyball for and basketball. As a Zebra move from the age of G.A.A. very successful 41 year three years and was a pitcher basketball player, John was an competition to full fledge teaching and coaching career on a state championship ASA outstanding center and leading IHSAA seasons and at Dover, Aubbeenaubbee softball team in 1975. She scorer on a Zebra basketball tournaments. As a basketball Township, and Culver was a member of the National team that posted a 19-5 record player, Shelly was a four time Community High School. In Honor Society and accepted a in his senior season. He was Rochester MVP who averaged 1975, John Nelson was scholarship to compete at named to the All CIC First 24.5 points per game over her named as Culver High Indiana State University in Team and was the third career. Without the benefit of School’s first Director of basketball. While at Indiana leading scorer in the the three-point line, Shelly Athletics and served in that State University, Shelly was a conference. He was an scored 1250 points in 52 capacity until his retirement in four year starter, led the team excellent softball pitcher and games. She also averaged an 1992. Upon retirement, John in scoring for three of those played on a team that was amazing 16 rebounds per continued to be active in years, and scored 1435 points. undefeated for three years in a game during her career. Fulton County as one of the She still is at the top of many row. John earned three Longtime Athletic Director Bill early members of FEDCO and of the statistical categories for varsity letters in baseball, was Schroer stated that “Shelly was instrumental in the the Lady Sycamore basketball a city and conference could take over a high school formation of the Fulton County team and was chosen as a champion in tennis, and a basketball game like no player Community Foundation. His member of the All Century member of the golf team. that he had ever seen.” She commitment to education team at Indiana State. Along with his athletic career led the Zebras to an never wavered as he served at RHS, John was active in undefeated regular season in Shelly currently as the Scholarship Director of Tri-Ep, a member of the Boys’ 1976 and to a four year record teaches and is the head the Northern Indiana Chorus, the Men’s Glee Club, of 47-5. She was selected to basketball and volleyball Community Foundation for the first Indiana All Star team coach at Argos High School. nine years. In 1932, Coach Lyle In 1932, Coach After Rochester High

came to RHS as its football, as its football, RHS came to track and baseball, basketball, In the midst of coach. football died great depression, out due to lack of equipment Coach Lyle but and funds, three coach to continued sports at RHS. He each year an as known was also and social health excellent wanted who teacher studies the chancewith all to interact In his 15 year RHS students. at RHS, career basketball to the Zebras Lyle led Coach seven Sectional one and championships Conference Central Indiana Three Zebra championship. Lyle, claimed led by squads, and Championships, Regional RHS made it to the in 1937/38 final four of the IHSAA State was Lyle Coach Tournament. to the Indiana inducted Basketball Hall of Fame in 1969. Lyle accepted School, Clyde of Director of the position and Physical Education Hammond Athletics for the City School Corporation. wife, his Lyle and Coach Esther, left Hammond to return in 1966 to to West Lafayette work in the Boilermakers’ Lyle Coach baseball program. in resides currently Village in West Westminster Lafayette.

Head Basketball Coach 1932-1949 Clyde Lyle is simply Clyde Lyle is from Clyde graduated

Clyde Lyle,

basketball the most successful history of in the coach School. High Rochester the Zebras Lyle guided Coach only 130 against to 230 wins at 15 year career in his losses of at a reunion RHS. In1983 former players one stated, a what night shows “This one influence tremendous on so many had man has lives. As far as we’re he is a legend.” concerned, School near High Lawrence 1925. He took in Indianapolis and baseball his basketball talents to Purdue University. Lyle Coach While at Purdue, for performer a three year was in both the Boilermakers Clyde helped In 1928, sports. to a Big Ten lead the Boilers In championship. basketball awarded the was 1929, he for Ten medal Big prestigious athletics. and scholarship

in . The Sentinel The Sentinel

I.U., Hugh played varsity I.U., Hugh played basketball, football, varsity of the as member served Board, and was elected Union as the senior class president. the First World army during to returned Hugh War, After a stint in the the editor and as Rochester of publisher father’s Upon his Rochester. the he became death in 1934, head of the Rochester Company at a time Telephone served the company when Hugh 1,400 customers. and telephone in the worked until business the newspaper Jack Overmyer 1956, when editor and the took over as of publisher Hugh married Martha no had couple The Anspach. 1928, 25, On June much but they spent children, of their time, energy, and for the betterment enthusiasm and of the city Rochester who the young people attended Rochester In 1972, Schools. Community donated and Martha Hugh money to RHS for the of the new construction was athletic field, which Field by the named Barnhart and Hugh Board of Education. generosity continued Martha’s allowed over the years has needed RHS to make improvements and renovations to the athletic facilities.

Hugh Barnhart, Class of 1911 Over his lifetime, Over his

Hugh Barnhart did as much for did as much Barnhart Hugh as any Athletics Rochester history of Zebra person in the sports. Hugh was not only outstanding one of the earliest but throughout Zebra athletes, to continued his lifetime he Athletics help put Rochester on the map. team of the varsity basketball at RHS for five seasons. He member a was Hugh of the as one recognized was on a team that best forwards Indiana Northern won the Although he Championship. was 1911, Hugh in graduated of member” also a “weekend basketball the Zebras varsity commuted from team as he year at Notre his freshmen Dame. transferred Hugh Dame, Notre he where to Indiana University After his initial year at and majored in economics at 1915. While in graduated Steve attended Butler is a Steve currently on the Indiana All Star Team on the Indiana the Kentucky all stars. against to named In 1991, Steve was of Hall the Indiana Basketball Silver Anniversary Fame’s team for his outstanding at RHS. accomplishments in Steve also participated and baseball, country, cross track at Rochester. At 5’8” tall, high Steve set an incredible jump record of 6’7”. University, where he of with his Bachelor graduated in 1970. degree Science While at Butler, Steve in both compete to continued track for the and basketball selected Steve was Bulldogs. Valuable Most as the Bulldogs’ and the 1968/69 Player during seasons. basketball 1969/70 season, senior his During to receive selected Steve was U. Hilton the prestigious for basketball. Brown Award the as selected also He was Male Athlete at Outstanding in 1970. In Butler University into inducted 2001, Steve was Hall of the Butler University and basketball Fame for his track accomplishments. teacher and mathematics at track coach assistant of School outside Carmel High wife, He and his Indianapolis. Shari, have four children; Ali. and Brian, Angie, Heather,

Steve Norris, Class of 1966 When Richland Center Center Richland When year senior his During

closed their doors and the doors their closed were sent to the new students School, High Rochester to pleased very was Rochester Norris, who Steve welcome top basketball one of the was area. Rochester players in the from Steve graduated in School High Rochester one year in his 1966 and at Rochester, athletic career of Rochester’s one he became all time. top athletes of Steve played for at Rochester, and Ken Pennington Coach the Most as named was In the Valuable Player. Steve scored season, 1965/66 a his team to led 520 points, first place finish in the Conference, Lakes Northern was named to the NLC First as was selected Team, and Rochester our first and only player to play boys basketball

Laura is an in the Kentucky/Indiana series. series. in the Kentucky/Indiana in track, year senior her During of a member a Laura was won 15-0 and team that went and Northern the Sectional meet. As Conference Lakes Laura advanced an individual, to the state in high jump and the team’s Most awarded was Award. Valuable Athlete for Rochester cheerleader High School she was one of As a varsity the of recipients 10 nationwide Senior Outstanding Awards Cheerleader by the USCA. presented Laura year, senior her During the Gladys also received with RHS (along Kelce Award the as Susie Bair) classmate, of Christian Fellowship in Athlete’s top female athlete the nation. Purdue attended RHS, Laura University. She graduated from graduation Upon with Distinction from Purdue for the three years and lettered Laura became Boilermakers. the first two time MVP in the Purdue women’s basketball program. in teacher elementary to Brownsburg and is married High Brownsburg current Bill Director, School Athletic Titus. Bill and Laura have Ryan (age 18), three children, and Jayne (age 15), Mark (age 11).

, . In his book, Z-Roots In his book, Laura (Newcomb) Titus, Class of 1977 on two teams Laura played in the that were undefeated at RHS, In basketball and advanced season regular to the final 8 teams in state. Her three year record in 53 wins was basketball losses. During just 4 against the she led season, her senior and team in scoring as a selected was rebounding, to was named team captain, first team All NLC, was the team MVP, as selected to represent selected and was the All Star Team Indiana on Bill Schroer described Laura “Miss as Newcomb Everything”. While at Laura School, High Rochester varsity letters in nine earned and track, basketball, a volleyball. She also was varsity cheerleader three year two state ASA on and played as a softball champions of the Baxter member Beauty’s

perfect in Conference and and in Conference perfect At competition. the Sectional the he was Sectional level, medallist each individual low four won year and the team consecutive titles. During his the Zebras year, sophomore for the state went on to qualify on went Chris and tournament individual to win the state of with a two day score crown the team 149. As a junior, at to the state finals advanced they where Old Oakland, finished In his final fourth. year of golf at RHS, the RHS for qualified again once squad the state tournament and school his high finished Chris low second as the career He topped off his medallist. by being career outstanding A. the Fred as selected Attitude Mental Keesling by the IHSAA Award winner of his in the footsteps following Todd and older brothers, Terry. level at golf on the collegiate Ohio State University. In to play chose Chris a first team All was 1991, he American at Ohio State. Chris on also a five-time winner was for in preparation the Nike tour a professional as his career PGA tour. golfer on the near the Rock Peru, Indiana, and golf course. Chris Hollow lives in currently Chris his wife, Beth have two and Cameron. Abigail children,

Chris Smith, Class of 1987

of hundreds had School has over school athletes great high High While Rochester Smith stands Chris the years, of his ability to out because ranks move to the professional Last sport. in his chosen June, Chris won for the first golf time on the professional tour at the Westchester in the Buick Club Country ranked In 2002, Chris Classic. the 58th overall on He holds tour. professional drive the record for longest with a 427 yard in tour history Classic. Honda blast in the ’99 a as career had a remarkable of the golf team under member Chris While at RHS, CoachJohn Roberts. During Chris career, year his four Lakes All Northern earned honors each golf Conference won the and season three of those tournament four years, Chris years. In his golf team were and the Zebra

Valparaiso University in 1951. While at Valpo, Bill lettered five Bill graduated from two years in years in basketball, year in baseball. track, and one free national He was the 1949 most the 1950 champion, throw and the 1951 valuable player, During the ‘49/50 team captain. to the season, Bill was named All-American Colliers Magazine Team. In his career at Valparaiso, Bill set the career record for free throws and was Valpo scorer in high the second history. Bill was inducted to the Fame Hall of Indiana Basketball of the Silver as a member Team. Anniversary before Rochester at Talma and first athletic becoming the Bill coached basketball High at Rochester director As an A.D., Bill School in 1961. the treasurer was and organized Lakes for the Northern a co- He was also Conference. sponsor for the Rochester Athletes of Christian Fellowship to 1975. from 1966 October 2001, was married to at worked who Charlene, Bill, who passed away two Hospital. Their Woodlawn Habig are; Deborah daughters of Cindy Cerami and of Carmel area. Angeles Los the greater three They also have grandchildren; Kelsay, William and Joseph (Gus), Joseph Ayrton.

Bill Schroer, Class of 1945 Bill Schroer was Mr.

High Athletics at Rochester life. adult much of his School for Rochester years at He spent 38 and as a teacher High School with the last 26 of those coach first Rochester’s years being Athletic Director. in High at Rochester president at R.H.S., he 1945. While class Bill was the senior softball, basketball, in competed of a member He was and track. championship two sectional As a and 1945. teams in 1944 to the All Bill was named senior, All and Sectional, All Regional, Conference Central Indiana Bill set a school teams. In 1945, free throw record, was the leading scorer in the C.I.C., and the Most as named was Valuable Player.

yearbooks did not recognize not recognize yearbooks did an “official” Cross Country it was generally team, conditioner considered a good basketball school for the high players the loved and Garry distance. distance running that down Garryto turn prompted It was that love for a full scholarship at Notre Dame in order to accept a partial scholarship to attend Indiana University. I.U.’s coach was the legendary coach, Earl “Billy” Hayes. As a Hoosier, Garry ran with Fred Wilt, Olympians Kane, and Don Campbell and Lash. Their cross country track teams were Big Ten Cross in 1940 and the champs Country team finished as NCAA NationalChampions. After two years of competing at I.U., Garry chose to enlist in the service during Second as a World War and he served in the Army flight instructor the war. Air Corp throughout He is August of 2000. survived by his wife, Zanna Garry passed away in Davisson Daniels who still by lives on Lake Manitou and three children, Debra Dyer, Dr. Dan Denise Johnston, and Daniels (who was also a Hall of Fame nominee).

Garry Daniels, Class of 1938 Garry Daniels was one

of the first great distance for runners to compete Rochester High School. After year at his sophomore Daniels family the Plymouth, to Rochester and he moved began his Zebra career under Clyde Lyle. legendary coach athlete, Garry participated in relay,the 1 mile ½ mile the As a Zebra track relay, theyard 440 run, and time, At one yard run. the 880 Garry and his teammates held records for all of those events. as a junior, Garry In 1937, represented RHS at the state track and won the 880 meet He went on to yard run. meet 1938 state qualify for the during his senior season, but was unable to compete due illness. Garry’syard 880 fellow record was broken by inductee, Jerry Freyberg. high school the Although Jim is currently the currently Jim is Dave Foellinger in 1969. In in 1969. Dave Foellinger Jim at RHS, season his senior a for scoring led the state in with season straight second Jim was honored 182 points. as a first team All Northern running Lakes Conference and junior his back during He also seasons. senior received All State honors by both the AP and UPI during seasons. senior and his junior at year senior Prior to his honored was Jim Rochester, All an as by Parade Magazine For back. American running of and all all of Jim’s statistics were bestowed that the honors his high upon him during at Rochester, career school statistic the most phenomenal the carried that Jim was and fumbled football 791 yards only ONE time. at to play football scholarship Jim did not University. Purdue a Jim signed He returned finish at Purdue. married and to his hometown the former Barb Arnett. who three sons, and Jim have on the Swank have all carried of the members name as program. Zebra football engineer head maintenance in football coach and assistant School the Rochester Jim was Corporation. member of the a as inducted Hall of Fame Indiana Football in July, 2001.

Jim Swank, Class of 1973

in born was Jim Swank 27, Lafayette on October family moved to 1954. His 1960. Jim’s in Rochester father, Dean, is deceased but his mother, Barbara, still lives still a and is in Rochester of Zebra Football. supporter football the Rochester 1969/70 through from program of a member Jim was year. In school the 1972/73 won Rochester his four years, Conference Lakes a Northern an and had Championship of 33 wins overall record losses. just 7 against Jim scored a state career, while record 506 points football his During state another rushing for yards. In the record 5,273 Jim scored a season, 1971 the in 242 points state leading Those ten game season. 218 on record the totals broke set by been points that had

st in the field of 233 the field of in th out of over 200 runners in the in runners over 200 out of National Junior College As a meet. championship Jerry earned All sophomore, honors as he American finished 20 runners. Jerry finished his runners. Jerry finished his collegiate career at Central Washington University. live in Dothan, his family Alabama where he works as Currently, Jerry and the Executive Director of Alabama-Florida Council for the Boy Scouts of America. He and his wife, Tammy, have two sons Brad and Mark. As a track athlete, Jerry was valuablethe most runner for three seasons. He held records the mile run, yard in the 880 run. In mile the two run, and year,his senior Jerry qualified for the state meet in two of out mile run but finished after being the “money” number on lap knocked down from knee a bloody four. With attended up finished the spill, Jerry got the race and his career at RHS. Jerry Southwestern Michigan cross country College on a scholar; one of the best in distance running programs years his two For the nation. at SMC, Jerry was one of the top runners in everyAs meet. a freshmen, he finished 31

Jerry Freyberg, Class of 1976 During his career at

RHS, a local Sentinel sportswriter noted that Jerry Freyberg had logged more of running. miles than 5,000 That work ethic, and will to determination, the best led to his become into and induction nomination the RHS Hall of Fame. Dennis Spurgeon and one Dwiggins, Jerrybecame Under coaches Tom runners in of the best distance Zebra history leading his to 1972 the teams throughout 1976 seasons. He earned 8 varsity letters as a runner at yearRHS. His senior in Cross finished his Country, Jerry regular season cross country schedule undefeated and he set a new NLC record at the Club Country Plymouth course. He later became the for first RHS athlete to qualify the state cross country meet weekend, he and the next placed sixth at the state meet.

Alisha attended Bethel from Upon graduation Alisha led her team to a pair of Alisha led her team Sectional T.R.C. and IHSAA and was championships captain, recognized as a team defensive the outstanding player, and the leading a track athlete, rebounder. As two Alisha trips to the made state finals, was named as the Athlete at Female Outstanding the Oak Hill Relays, was a two in the high time TRC champ and is still the recorder jump, holder at RHS in that event. College in Mishawaka where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management. While at Bethel, she was an NAIA All-American in the and an all MCC high jump performer in track. In Bethel, she volleyball at helped lead her teammates to three MCC championships. in kills, Alisha led the squad in aces per game blocks and in and was named All MCC in her efforts. volleyball for Bethel, Alisha served as an assistant coach at Trevecca Nazarene University for three years. Currently, she is employed as the Director of Volleyball at the Operations University of Notre Dame. Olivia She and her daughter, Grace, live in Mishawaka.

Alisha Ewing, Class of 2000 While the state

her high school athletic career everyin a position that Alisha Ewing ended student-athlete dreams about – podium step of the on the top at the State Championships. When Alisha went over the bar at 5’8”, she high jump became the first girl in to win a track history of RHS state title. was the crown championship on her career at RHS, it must Alisha was a be noted that athlete that had a phenomenal remarkable career as a Zebra. She earned 3 varsity awards in volleyball under Coach Katie Felke, 4 varsity awards in basketball under Coach Scott varsityMills, and 4 awards in track under Coaches Clint Brad Smith. Shoultz and Alisha was an all conference athlete in volleyball and led to Sectional her team 1999, in 1998, Championships basketball, In and 2000.

Galen came to After the 1979/80 Galen still lives in

Coach Galen Smith Rochester in the 1972/73 yearschool and remained as the head coach of Zebras year. 1979/80 school until the At Rochester, Galen’s teams games that included won 106 3 tournaments, 2 Holiday Northern Lake Conference and 2 IHSAA championships, Sectional titles. In 1973-74, put together a Galen’s team perfect 20-0 season that tourney included a Holiday His and NLC championship. squad was upset in the the best Sectional to complete overall record in RHS history team at 21-1. Galen’s 1974/75 were both team and 1978/79 and crowned NLC champions win Sectional went on two titles for the Zebras. season, Galenas stepped down the head coach of Zebras. However, he continued to teach at RHS, officiate basketball, start track and cross country meets, coach at every help with the level, and FCA. He is a true servant to community. our students and Rochester with his wife, have two sons, Joyce. They Kerry and a and Greg Smith daughter, Susan Halterman. With over 230 career Galen’s coaching

wins, Galen will go Smith of the most down as one successful basketball coaches in Rochester High School played history. Galen Smith three sports under the Hall of Fame guidance of Coach Bob Macy at Chili HS. He continued his education and playing career at Western New Mexico University. career started at Clayton High Chili, along School, then to stints at year with two 4 Darlington and Oak Hill. In those first 4 coaching stops, Galen managed to win 130 or and 8 tourney games At conference championships. Oak Hill, Galen led the Golden Eagles to a Sectional title and was and Regional of Grant County Coach named the Year in 1970-71.

While at Rochester from Upon graduation wife, Aaron and his (1982), all time career scoring all time (1982), record, all time career field field goal percentage, the most goals in a career, the team’s (1981, leading rebounder to the and selections 1982), All Northern Lakes Conference team, the All- team, the All Loganland Area and Area team, South Bend the All Holiday team. Tourney Aaron High School, participated year round as an athlete. Besides his favorite sport of basketball, in the fall, he played singles on the tennis and helpedteam Coach Charlie Rathburn’s squad to Sectional tennis back to titles. Aaron spent his springs at diamond the baseball out on RHS as a pitcher and first baseman under Coach Rick Greene. RHS, Aaron attended Modesto in California Junior College where he earned Most Valuable Player and All the Conference honors on He finished basketball team. his collegiate career as a Butler Bulldog. Marla, live in McCordsville, have three Indiana. They children, Gavin, Reese, and Elizabeth.

Aaron Hoover, Class of 1982 As a basketball player The 1981-82 . Roots at Rochester under the tutelage at Rochester under the tutelage of Hall Fame coach, Galen and Rick Greene, the Smith, a 6’5” forward put together threeremarkable years. During his career, he led the Zebras to two winning seasons of and was the model consistency.His career achievements include Captain Valuable Player Most (1982), Rochester High School basketball campaign saw Aaron senior standout, in the himself Hoover, vault annals of Zebra Sports history, as he became boysthe all-time career scoring leader with three season in of 1132 points varsity action. Zebra Hall of Athletic Director, BillFame Aaron as “Mr. Schroer dubbed Z- the book, Soft Touch” in

th

Adley, Parke provided Adley,provided Parke financial support for the Baxter’s Beauties girl’s helped They softball team. and equipment, with uniforms, the trips to state and team. for the national tourneys Ken accompanied Coach the first group and Pennington Baxter’s the In 1965, of to Fellowship of RHS boys Christian Athlete’s camp. Over the years, Fran and Parke have attended many FCA camps and weekend retreats as well as providing financial Fran was the first support. girls FCA sponsor for the was instrumental huddle and and Susie in Laura Newcomb FCA 1977 Bair winning National Girls Athlete of the Year Award. Baxter’s have helped in many ways. Most recently an 8 Over the years, the lane was added to the track at Barnhart Field and an was added to irrigation system the soccer fields at Blacketor thanks to the Sports complex and of Parke generous support Fran. However, the most is the contribution important to have given they support that RHS athletes as thousands of seasonlifetime ticket holders and loyal Zebra fans in the stands! Parke & Fran Baxter grade Girls th Parke and Fran Baxter and 7 and th Basketball at Rochester Parke and Middle School, Fran have always been around to help kids in Rochester. In help of the late with the 1969, Clarence Martens and Lloyd were nominated as a couple of their who have spent much lives in support of Rochester student-athletes High School and the athletic department. Purdue Parke graduated from the University from pharmaceutical school in graduated from Fran 1950. Manchester College in 1949 with a degree in secondary education. In Rochester, Parke owned and operated years, Baxter Drugs for many coached while Fran taught and school. at the middle as the coach for involvement the 6 Besides Fran’s