Born in Pennsylvania, Ralph Caraffi came to Cleveland in 1925 to play soccer for the American Hungarians and scored three goals in his first appearance to signal what was to be an exceptional career spanning several years. His team reached the Western Finals of the National Challenge Cup two out of three years, won the Ohio State Cup competition in 1926, 1927 and 1929, and was National Runner-Up in 1930. Ralph was elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 1959.
A native greater Clevelander, Glenn Mills began participating in competitive swimming even before he went to school. In high school he set a National Record in the 100 yard breastroke. In 1980 he won the Senior National Championship, establishing a new national record, and won the U.S.A. Olympic Trials that year to qualify for the USA Team. In 1983, representing the University of Alabama, he won the NCAA 200 yard breastroke title.
Born and raised in Greater Cleveland, Kris Kirchner rose through the swimming ranks of local and regional competition. A gold medalist in the Pan American and World Student Games, he won the NCAA Sprint title in 1981 representing the University of Texas. He was a member of the 1980 USA Olympic Team and successfully participated in a number of international competitions. Kris currently is head swimming coach at Indiana University.
Drafted out of Illinois by the Cleveland Browns in 1971, Doug Dieken became a stalwart member of the team, at one point playing 203 consecutive games and starting the last 194; both Browns records. He was the Offensive Captain in 1976, 1977 and 1982 and was voted Offensive Player of the Year by the media in 1975 and 1983. Doug was a Pro Bowler in 1980. He currently does radio and TV sports.
Teaming up with three different skating partners spanning approximately two decades, William Fauver was consistently among the top skaters in the nation and the world. Multiple Olympic participations included a 12th place in the Innsbruck Games. He also competed in the 1984 Games and subsequently turned pro. Bill is currently Director of Pairs Skating at the Broadmoor Rink in Colorado Springs.
Joe Krupa bowled his first 300 game in 1926 at the age of 18. A sparkling career followed, included beating World Champion Hank Marino and prevailing over ABC Champion John Stanley in a marathon 50 game match-up. A number of his 300 games were officially sanctioned by the ABC.
Following a brilliant career at Notre Dame, Austin Carr was the first player taken in the 1971 NBA draft. A nine year career with the Cleveland Cavaliers concluded with records as the all-time leading scorer (10,265 pts) and field goals made (1,719). Austin is the Director of Community Business Development for the Cavs.
As a rookie with the Cleveland Indians, Herb Score struck out 245 batters, which stood as a record for 29 years. As a result, he won the American League Rookie of the Year honor. In 1956 he struck out 263 in 249 innings, posting a 20-9 mark with a 2.53 ERA. He was selected to the American League All-Star Team in 1955 and 1956. Herb served as the radio voice of the Indians for more than 30 years.
A star collegiate football player at John Carroll, Don Shula went on to play professional football with the Browns and Colts. His coaching career spans over a quarter century and is one of the most impressive in the history of the NFL. His Dolphins won two Super Bowls and his record of 200 pro wins in a 20 year span is unrivaled.
Mannie Robbins was a successful fighter who remained in the sport to develop an extensive stable of successful fighters. As a trainer and gym owner, he produced some of the best boxers to come out of Greater Cleveland.