GIRARD HALL OF FAME | Class of 2004

Bill "Willie" Michaels (Class of '45) -- A standout in football, basketball and track, was captain of the football and basketball teams of 1943 and 1944. His senior year performance earned him a unanimous selection to the all-county team in football, and he qualified for the state track and field meet in the discus. He played football at Notre Dame, where he was a member of the national championship teams in 1946 and 1947. He returned to Girard as a teacher and coach in 1957; he later coached at Massillon and Canton McKinley.
Alex Delbene (Class of '46) -- A standout in baseball, football, basketball and track, he competed and coached for more than 50 years. After earning degrees from Youngstown State and Westminster, he taught for 24 years at Girard and Bloomfield schools. In 1984, at the age of 55, he first participated in the Senior Olympics in Youngstown. He has earned over 100 medals in track and field. In 1996, he was inducted into the Youngstown Baseball Old Timers Association hall of fame and received a special recognition from The Ohio State Senate.
Norman Mushrush (Class of '41) -- As a fullback, he earned first team all-county honors in 1939 and 1940, and played basketball, helping Girard to a district championship in 1939. He was called to service after graduating and played football with the Eighth Air Force Shuttle Raiders. He returned home and dedicated himself as a youth coach for many years.
John "Ditch" Richards (Class of '42) -- Considered one of the finest linemen in the county his junior and senior seasons, at 160 pounds he was certainly the lightest. He lettered in football four times at guard and at defensive tackle. His outstanding defensive effort in the 1940 season helped the Indians secure five victories and one tie. Each victory was by shutout. After graduation he enlisted in the armed forces.
Gary Paronish (Class of '79) -- His tragic and untimely death impacted the students and faculty who knew him. His dedication, leadership and desire made him an outstanding football player and wrestler. He received many all-conference and all-county awards and was named the team's outstanding defensive player as a junior and senior. He also earned three letters as a heavyweight wrestler. The highlight of his wrestling career came in 1978, when as a junior, he pinned eventual state champion Dave Preston of Warren Harding. The Girard football program honors him by retiring his jersey No. 40 and his legacy is carried on with "The Gary Paronish Award" presented annually to a senior football player who best exemplifies his outstanding desire, dedication, hustle and class as a Girard High player.
Michael Kerrigan (Class of '92) -- His outstanding punting and line play helped Girard to its first ever appearance in the state football playoffs. He was a a three-time all-conference selection and was twice honored as all-county. He was also all-state second team as a senior. He later attended Ball State, where he was a four-year starter at offensive guard and a member of two conference championship teams.
Kris Kelly (Class of '93) -- A three-year letterman in football as quarterback and safety, he was all league three times and all-county twice. As a senior he was selected for the Ohio all-star game and led the football team to the playoffs for the first time. In basketball, he was a three-year letterman and captain, leading the conference in rebounding for three consecutive seasons. He was all-conference and all-county twice and helped Girard to the state championship in 1993. He attended Rhode Island on athletic scholarship and graduated in 1997. He was a four year letterman at a tight end.
Tony Penza (Community Service Award) -- He helped organize, manage and commission Little League baseball in Girard for more than 30 years. He offered help in the same capacity for local Pony and Colt leagues. He was instrumental in having the first female Little League manager. He was a lifetime resident of Girard, a graduate of Girard High and a World War II veteran. He was married for 50 years to Loretta Toth, a father of five and a grandfather of six.
Girard Hall of Fame committee