OUTSTANDING COACH

Induction Year: 1997

Born in Findlay, Ohio in 1921, the oldest of four children of Floyd and Eula Wenger.

Graduated from Bluffton High School. While playing sports, he earned varsity letters in football, basketball and track. During his sophomore year, his role as a reserve on the basketball team was important as that team played in the state tournament. As his athletic skills developed over the next few years, Dick would be recognized as an All League Honorable Mention in football his senior year.

After a year at Case Institute of Technology, Bluffton College seemed more appealing. Earning three letters in football and two in basketball, he would be physically fit to enter the Army. While in the 3rd Calvary, Dick would serve as part of General George Patton's Third Army. Discharged in 1946 with a rank of S/Sgt. he would return to finish work on his degree and play one more year of football at Bluffton College.

Marrying his wonderful wife, Angela Meyer in 1947, they would raise four children, all to graduated from Tecumseh High School; sons - Lowell '67 and Terry '69 and daughters - Sharon '71 and Cynthia '75.

Entering the academic work force, Dick would spend five years at Wauseon High School as an assistant coach in football, basketball and track. Another two years would be with Mt. Sterling High School as football and basketball coach.

1954, Tecumseh High School would see Dick as a football coach, track coach and assistant basketball coach. During his three years as a football coach a record of 14-12 would be compiled, with a Co-Championship of the then Clark County Athletic League with a record of 7-2. Appointed to Athletic Director in 1957, a position he would hold until 1963. A change was in order and Dick was appointed to assistant principal in 1972. His love for the classroom would have him return to it in 1976. After thirty four years with the last twenty seven at Tecumseh High School, he would retire from education in 1985.

Keeping his love for sports, Dick can often be seen in the stands supporting the Arrows of many of his former students and their grandchildren.