Born and raised in a nickel mining town in northern Ontario, where you could play hockey outdoors form October until mid-April, Bob Whidden followed his heart and talents to the Toronto Maple Leafs organization in 1967 at age 21 after two years in the Ontario Junior League. After six minor league seasons, he signed with the Cleveland Crusaders of the World Hockey Association in 1972 as the backup to Hall of Fame ‘keeper Gerry Cheevers, and in 1973, the two shared the league’s lowest goals against average. In four seasons with the Crusaders, he averaged nearly 26 games per year, limiting opponents to less than 3.5 goals per game. Shortly after undergoing a second back surgery in the spring of 1976, he saw the Crusaders fold, and after a brief stint in the Indianapolis Pacers organization in 1977, he elected to retire and return to Cleveland, where he became a major figure in the city’s hockey circles. He played a key role in bringing the Lumberjacks franchise to the city, has run innumerable hockey clinics for youngsters, and coached at several amateur levels. He is best known for his success at St. Edward High School, where he became head coach in 1984 and has since taken the Eagles to the Final Four of the Ohio High School AAA Championships 15 times and won nine state titles. He and his wife Irma make their home in North Olmsted.
Served as Fenn College’s first and only athletic director from the inception of intercollegiate athletics at the school in 1929 until it became Cleveland State University in 1965, then stayed on CSU’s first athletic director for an additional year, a total of 37 years of service to the school in all. Coached basketball, baseball, track, golf and tennis at some time during his tenure at Fenn and was responsible for launching every intercollegiate sports program for men now in existence at Cleveland State save cross country.
Pioneer organizer of the 14-inch slow pitch softball leagues, he also started the first Cleveland 12-inch leagues after World War II. Was an outstanding player himself. Served on the board of the Cleveland Baseball Federation and as chairman of the first two World Slow Pitch tournaments staged in Cleveland.
Member of U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. Played for Cleveland Blues from 1919 to 1924 and was considered the fastest skater of his time and one of the most colorful. Called the “Father of Hockey in Cleveland” by some. Unquestionably one of the finest hockey players in the country at that time.
Elected to American Bowling Congress Hall of Fame, 1959. Named to ABC All-American team in 1940, 1941, 1942 and 1946. Was credited with 317 series of 700 or better and bowled 12 sanctioned 300 games. Won 53 individual championships, including the Ohio State all-events and singles championships twice each. Had a 195 average over 37 years in ABC Tournament play.
Won National AAU championship at 145 pounds in 1914, representing The Cleveland Athletic Club. One of four Cleveland boxers to win titles that year. Their showing launched a highly successful era of amateur boxing in Cleveland.
One of great bantamweight fighters of World War 1 era. Faced four bantamweight champions in overweight matches, meeting Johnny Ertle in 1917, Joe Lynch in 1918, Pete Herman in 1919 and Kid Williams in 1921. Fought over 100 bouts.
Member of U.S. Olympic Team in 1964 and finalist in 1968 U.S. Olympic Trials. Member of U.S. Pan-American Games team in 1963 and 1967. Also represented United States in 1962 World Gymnastics Championship in Prague and in 1965 Wembley Games in London.
Ranked as one of the world’s finest all-around women athletes during a competitive career that spanned more than 30 years. Participated in the 1932 and 1936 Olympic Games, won five U.S. Pentathlon championships from 1950 through 1954. Won a record 41 national AAU championships and held over 65 world and national American, Canadian, Polish, Japanese, and European records.
Qualified for the 1948 United States Olympic Team in three events: the 80-meter hurdles, long jump and 400-meter relay team. Set world indoor record in the 50-yard hurdles in a race held at Cleveland Armory in 1947, clocking 7.2 seconds. Began her career at age 14, running for the Polish Olympic Club of Cleveland.