Induction Graduation Sport(s)

2022 1975 Football | Track & Field

Kim growing up in North Canton in the 1960’s and 1970’s was truly a blessing.

From the classroom to the athletic fields, teachers and coaches all who were committed to making you a better student or athlete.

Living on Wise Ave., in the shadow of Memorial Stadium, Kim would ride his bike to the stadium to see what sport was going on that day.  Whether it was a track meet, baseball game or football practice, he always wanted to be close to that sport.  As he would chase after foul baseballs, raking the long jump pit or holding the finish line, he would always look up to the athletes wearing the orange and black NC on their uniform.

Kim’s first team sport was in Midget Football (now Youth Football).  There were so many men volunteering their time and energy to the boys playing the game.  Men like Ernie Fry, Joe Wells and Gordon Ebie.

When Kim was in high school at Hoover High, little did he know at the time he would be playing for the finest coaches, top to bottom, in the county; Hertler, Viscount, Knisley, Gross, Tolarcyk, Nutt, Long, Berrodin to name a few.

Kim was a 3 year letterman in Football.  His Junior year, he started at linebacker and back up running back, leading the team in tackles.  This earned him all League honors by the Canton Repository and Akron Beacon Journal.  His Senior year, he was named team co-captain, starting both on offense and defense, leading the team in rushing and tackles. Kim ended his career with238 tackles, finishing with a 27-3 record in wins at Hoover, once again earning league and Beacon Journal all district honors.

The Defense in 1974, under Coach Viscount,. was one of the best in Hoover High School history, by giving up only 37 points for the season.

In track, Kim was a 3 year letterman.  His main events were long jump, hurdles and relay team member.  He was named co-captain his Junior and Senior years.  His Senior year he led the team in points, resulting in him receiving the MVP Award.

After graduation, Kim attended West Liberty to play football, but unfortunately received a neck injury that ended his football career.  He transferred to Kent State Stark while working part-time for the City of North Canton Parks and Recreation Department.  He later became the Director of Parks and Recreation in 1985 and retired from the city in 2007.  He then joined the staff of the North Canton City Schools for 12 years in security.  He enjoyed working with the students and staff, finding it a very rewarding time.

Kim never forgot all the people that helped him in his youth. Once his son, Aaron, got into sports, he gave back by coaching football, soccer, basketball and baseball.  He would always support organizations like The Sideliners, Greentown Athletic Club and the North Canton Jaycees.

One of Kim’s proudest accomplishments was when he founded the Youth Flag Football League for 8 and 9 year olds.  He served as it’s first commissioner.

Over the years, Kim has received numerous awards in the North Canton Community, the NC YMCA, NC Chamber of Commerce and the Youth Football League.

Kim is honored to be in the Stark County Amateur Hall of Fame, Stark County Fumbleball Hall of Fame, and the Stark County Slow Pitch Hall of Fame.  In 2012, Kim was very honored to be inducted into the Hoover High School Hall of Distinction.

Now retired, Kim enjoys golfing and fishing, as well as traveling with his wife, Pam of 45 years.  He also enjoys spending time with his son, Aaron and his wife, Jessica and his 2 beautiful granddaughters, Harper and Hadley.