Lee Sage, AHS Class of 1967 included in group of seven inductees
The Hardin County Sports Hall of Fame has released names in the 2023 Sports Hall of Fame class of inductees. Honorees in chronological order are:
SHARON MOORE
Kenton High School Class of 1958. First Kenton girls varsity tennis coach when tennis became a sanctioned OHSAA sport in 1977. Mrs. Moore led the Lady Wildcats netters to three straight Western Buckeye League Championships from its inception from 1977-1979 and shared a fourth League crown one year later (1980). During her tenure as a coach, she also was Head Boys Tennis Coach for three seasons from 1985-1987. She had numerous individual/doubles champions crowned both in league and OHSAA tournament play. Mrs. Moore retired from Kenton City Schools as an educator/coach in May 1992. Sharon passed away in August 2020.
STEVE STITZEL
McGuffey High School Class of 1965. A three sport athlete in Basketball, Baseball and Track. Two time Hardin County Cross-Country Champion in 1962 and 1963 and runner-up in 1964. Sprinter in Track and Field. Considered by many to be the premier “3 sports star” of Hardin County. Excelled on the hardwood as well as on the grass field as a baseball player; with dynamic hitting, running and his glove defensively.
LEE SAGE
Ada High School Class of 1967. A three sport star playing football, basketball and baseball for the Bulldogs. The diamond is where Lee shined brightest. During his senior season, threw a complete game no hitter versus rival Upper Scioto Valley in a 1-0 victory while striking out 16 batters. During the 1967 season, he surrendered only 4 earned runs in 62 innings pitched. Lee helped guide the Ada Bulldogs baseball team to a conference championship in 1967. Batted .483 while he and his teammates won League, Sectional, District Championships before losing in Regionals 4-3. NWC Player of the Year. Played collegiately at BGSU prior to being drafted in the 34th round by the Detroit Tigers organization. Played four years in the minors finishing with a 4-4 record and a 4.28 ERA with Erie and Batavia. 1000 pt scorer in basketball for Ada.
TIM NICHOLS
Hardin Northern High School Class of 1988. Three sport student/athlete who excelled in Football, Basketball and Track. He was voted as 1st team and BVC Offensive Player of Year in 1986 and 1st team in 1987 on the gridiron. In Basketball, Tim received 1st team accolades in both 1987 and 1988 and was voted BVC Player of Year in 1988. Led team in scoring both Junior and Senior seasons. Scored over 40 points on three occasions with a career high of 51. Remains 2nd all time in points scored at HN with 1,456 points. Track state qualifier in ‘86,‘87 and ‘88 seasons, finishing 7th with teammates in 4x400 relay and 6th individually in 300 meter hurdles. Received and played on scholarship at University of Findlay to play Basketball. Scored over 900 points, team leader in ppg @ 15.3 while receiving Honorable Mention All District 22. Head Football Coach at Liberty-Benton High School with an overall record of 127-34. Six league titles, two regional runner-ups, three final fours and one State Runner-Up. Three Time BVC Football Coach of the Year.
JULI FULKS
Hardin Northern High School Class of 1996. Hardin Northern Basketball’s all time leading scorer with more than 1,600 points scored. Attended Capital University and played basketball for the Lady Crusaders team that won the OAC Championship and reached the NCAA Division III Final “4”. Miss Fulks first coaching stint was at Lewis and Clark University in Oregon. She spent 10 years at the helm posting seven winning seasons, three consecutive NCAA tournament appearances and listed in Top 25 USA Today poll ranking as high as 5th nationally in 2013 while also being named NWC Coach of the Year. Miss Fulks presently is the head coach of Women’s Basketball at Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky. Under her guidance, Transylvania has had 8 consecutive winning seasons with a combined record of 137-31, with six seasons of 20 plus wins. Juli's coaching resume includes a 336-142 overall record in 18 seasons.
RANDY EVANS
Upper Scioto Valley High School Class of 1997. Accomplished student/athlete for the Rams in football and basketball. Randy was a 1st team NWC receiver in 1996 finishing with 53 receptions and 908 yards; both still school records and 10 touchdowns. On the hardwood, finished with 890 points in two seasons averaging 24 ppg and 8 rpg as a senior. Selected 1st team NWC, Limaland Dream Team, 1st Team All District 8/All star and HM all NW Ohio. Went on to Heidelberg University to letter four years, scoring 1153 points, shooting 40% 3 pt FG’s and 86% at FT Line. Team MVP both Junior and Senior Seasons.
1998 KENTON HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL TEAM
Finished the 1998 campaign with an overall record of 19-6. After finishing tied for 5th in Western Buckeye League play with a 4-5 mark in conference standings, the Wildcats strung together a series of wins capturing a Sectional, District and Regional Championship in Division II before bowing out in OHSAA State Final Four.
