OUTSTANDING COACH

Induction Year: 2010

Mr. Hichael "Hike" Nedeff retired from teaching in 1981 after serving 23 years as a Tecumseh High School history teacher and wrestling coach.

Mr. Nedeff was born in Parkersburg, West Virginia. In 1943 he enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserves where he proudly served until 1946 earning numerous medals and citations including the Navy Commendation Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with 3 Stars, the Philippine Liberation Medal with 2 Stars and the Combat Action Ribbon. He married his wife, Martha, in 1952 and they became the parents of 5 daughters and 1 son. Mrs. Nedeff passed away in1993.

Mr. Nedeff received his teaching degree from West Virginia University and taught at Parkersburg Catholic High School and Russia before becoming an "Arrow" in 1958. Coach Nedeff started the Tecumseh wrestling program in 1963 led by upperclassman Don Weidner. Bruce Osbourne became Tecumseh's first state qualifier in 1964-65. He and Rick Donovan helped lead Tecumseh to a 6th place finish in the district tournament. Mr. Nedeff and the Arrows captured the first ever MRVL team championship in 1965-66 with seven champions. Doug Tritle was one win away from a top six finish in the state meet in 1966 and placed in a tie for seventh. Some outstanding, early wrestlers from the past, who benefited from Coach Nedeff's influence, include Dick Moyer, Derry & Don Ray, Jim Burns, Curtis Fett, Marl Schults, Reed Winters, Sam DiGorgio, Mark & Mike Schulte, Mike Sabin, Steve Hunsucker, Doug Riehle, Drew Gross, Steve Glascoe, Dale Ward, John Winters, Dave Lee, Brian Parr, Don & Steve Doggett.

Coach Nedeff laid the foundation for many young men to become successful both on and off of the mat. His dedication, caring, and love of the sport helped influence many young men to become teachers and coaches.

In the year 2000 Hike served aboard the U.S.S. Plankowner, taking part in a very dangerous mission, sailing the old ship back to the United States in order to rededicate it as a museum for future generations.

Mr. Nedeff has earned the Audie Murphy Patriotism Award and the Patriot of the Year Award. He currently serves on the Montgomery County Council for aging as well as being a Volunteer Docent at the Boonshoft Museum. He is a member of the Miami Valley Wrestling Association Hall of Fame and the Southwest Ohio Wrestling Officials Association, where he has been a referee for over 50 years.