Roger Runyan

2018 Inductee

Roger Runyan was already a multi-sport star when he arrived at the newly opened Northeastern High School in the fall of 1952 to begin his senior year. Roger was coming off a tremendous junior year at Plattsburg High School where he led the Pirates in basketball and baseball. During Roger's junior year as a member of the Pirates basketball team, he not only was the team's most valuable player but also was selected First Team All Clark County.

Roger continued his impressive athletic display at Northeastern High School, picking up in his senior year where he'd left off the previous year at Plattsburg High School. He became Northeastern's first, two sport, All County performer as he was selected to the All County teams in both football and basketball. Roger's senior year basketball season was particularly impressive: 294 points scored; 14.7 points averaged per game, 86-120 made free throws, and a career game high of 21 points versus Lockland Wayne. For his efforts, Roger was again selected First Team All Clark County and was chosen as Honorary Captain of the All County squad, earning that honor over Tecumseh standout, 6' 8" Wayne Embry, a 12-year veteran of the NBA.

Besides Roger's athletic prowess in football and basketball, Roger was also a pitcher and infielder for the Jet's baseball squad and a member of the high school track team. For his senior year efforts, Roger earned 4 Varsity letters during the 1952-53 school year.

Roger's impact at Northeastern High School did not end with his graduation; as a matter of fact, it was just the beginning. After graduation, Roger married his high school sweetheart, Suzanne Rockfield, to whom he was married 52 years, and together, they raised their family in South Vienna. And while he made his livelihood working at International Harvester for 40 years, Roger never stopped giving back to his alma mater. If something was going on at Northeastern High School or around the greater Jet Community, Roger Runyan was most likely a part of it as made evident by the following:

  • Little League baseball coach beginning in 1966

  • NEHS JV Girls basketball coach with Jim Murray for 10 years

  • NEHS JV baseball coach with Doug Heskett from 1978-85

  • Varsity Boys Basketball Official Scorer

  • Varsity Football Press Box Assistant

  • NEHS Booster Club President during the late 1970's

  • South Vienna Corn Festival Parade Chairman 1976-2008

  • South Vienna School groundskeeper and school volunteer

  • Golden Wing Award Recipient 1996 in recognition of a lifetime of service to the Northeastern High School community

Roger Runyan's life epitomized Jet Spirit and Jet Pride. His desire to always "pay it forward" to both his school and his community was evident in Roger's devotion to the Jets and his unending desire to serve others. It is both an honor and a privilege to recognize Roger Runyan, posthumously, as a 2018 Northeastern High School Hall of Fame Inductee.