North Ridgeville Review The Community That Cares
The North Ridgeville City Schools Athletic Department is proud to announce the Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony will take place on Thursday, November 20 at 7 PM in the North Ridgeville Academic Center Cafetorium. These inductees will also be announced at the Varsity Girls Basketball Game on Friday, November 21 as the Rangers take on the Brunswick Blue Devils. We are excited to recognize an outstanding group of athletes, coaches, and a historic team whose dedication and achievements have left a lasting impact on the district’s legacy.
The 2025 inductees include:
- Dave Valega (Class of 1982) – A dominant swimmer who won the 1982 State Championship in the 100-yard butterfly and was a five-time District Champion. Valega went on to compete at the collegiate level with a scholarship to Eastern Michigan University.
- John McGraw (Class of 2007) – A powerhouse running back and 2006 Gold Helmet winner. McGraw rushed for 1,678 yards and 22 touchdowns his senior year, earning Conference MVP and Lorain County Offensive Player of the Year honors. He continued his football career at Baldwin Wallace University, earning three varsity letters.
- Sarah Kegg (Class of 2018) – 2017 State Champion on the balance beam, scoring a 9.450 to secure the title. A three-time District Qualifier and two-time State Qualifier, Kegg exemplified excellence in gymnastics and sportsmanship.
- Isabella Geraci (Class of 2018) – A two-sport star, Geraci earned numerous basketball honors, including 2018 Lorain County Miss Basketball and Second Team All-Ohio. In track, she was a three-time state placer in high jump and long jump. She played Division I basketball for four years at Cleveland State University.
- Coach Ed Haller – A legendary wrestling coach with an extraordinary career record of 93-12 over 18 years. Haller also coached football for 12 seasons and has been inducted into the Lorain County and Umpire Halls of Fame.
- Coach Walter Laveen – A cornerstone of North Ridgeville athletics for over 50 years. Laveen has coached football from 1971 to 1983 and from 2004 to the present. He also led the track program for over a decade. A teacher from 1971 to 2013, he is a member of the Lorain County Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
- 1978 Football Team – One of the most dominant teams in school history, this group finished the season undefeated at 10-0, claimed the Lakeland Conference Championship, qualified for the state playoffs, and allowed just 20 points all season with eight shutouts. Craig Best was honored as the Golden Helmet winner.
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate these outstanding athletes, coaches, and teams who have forever shaped the legacy of North Ridgeville Athletics,” said Athletic Director Don Sparks. “This ceremony marks not just a moment of recognition, but the beginning of a lasting tribute, officially welcoming them into the next chapter of our history as members of the North Ridgeville Athletic Hall of Fame.”
We invite you to take part in this exciting ceremony as we honor these athletes. For more information, please contact Athletic Director Don Sparks at donsparks@nrcs.net or Communications Supervisor Brooke Roshong at brookeroshong@nrcs.net.
