In the post World War II years, East Tech dominated the Cleveland high school track scene and Baldwin-Wallace was easily the kingpin among the local college thinclads. One of the key contributors to their dominance was Ted Theodore. Running the 440 and 880 and on record-breaking mile and two-mile relay teams for legendary East Tech Coach Ivan Greene, he captained the Scarabs to the 1946 city title and a second place finish in the Ohio state championships. The two relays completely dominated their competition, winning blue ribbons in the Cleveland Indoor Senate meet, the West Tech and Ohio Wesleyan Relays and the district meet en route to their pair of state titles. Theodore added to his high school laurels by winning the 440 at the National Junior Olympic Championships run at Municipal Stadium, and collecting additional gold as a member of the meet’s winning mile relay. Moving on to B-W, he would win All-Ohio championships in the 440, 880 and mile relay four straight years and captain the 1950 team. Entering the Army, he coached and captained the Ft. Knox team to two runner-up finishes in the 2nd Army Championships. After returning to civilian life, he devoted several years to coaching cross country and track teams at Berea, Midpark and Euclid High Schools, winning a multitude of championships. Theodore served in a variety of administrative and service roles subsequently in the Euclid Schools and community and also for Baldwin-Wallace, he nevertheless remained active in the track world as a registered OHSAA track official for high school and college for 45 years and served as the announcer for the Knights of Columbus Track Meet for 20 years. Ostensibly retired, he continues to officiate track and makes his home in Euclid.
Toronski, Daniel
Daniel Toronski
Induction Year : 1984
Sport: Bowling
During a 30-year career in which he has maintained an ABC average of 194, Daniel Toronski has bowled two 300 games and three 800 series. Won the City Singles title in 1963 and All-Events in 1968. Won the City Match Game title in 1964 and 1975 and was elected King of Bowlers each year. Won the Ohio Singles titles in 1857 and All-Events in 1964. Bowled on the ABC championship team in 1973. Elected to the Greater Cleveland Bowling Hall of Fame in 1973.
Kaszubski, Frances
Frances Kaszubski
Induction Year : 1984
Sport: Basketball
A national AAU All-American center in 1943, Frances Kaszubski began her career in 1934 as a member of the Polish Falcons. Went on to play for Blepp-Coombs, No-Kolds and Fisher Foods in the Cleveland Muny Women’s Class A League. Was MVP of the Inter-city Tournament in 1936 and scored seven points in 59 seconds in an international series the next year when a center tipoff followed each goal.
Glenn, Ken
Ken Glenn
Induction Year : 1984
Sport: Basketball
Ken Glenn was one of the top stars of East Tech’s greatest teams, scoring 1,159 points in 76 games from 1957-1959. Named All-American, All-Ohio and MVP of the 1959 Ohio state tournament all-tournament team as East Tech captured the state title. In 1958 he earned all-scholastic, All-Ohio and all-state tournament team honors. Went on to star for Niagara University and continued to play amateur basketball until 1978.
Demko, Dave
Dave Demko
Induction Year : 1984
Sport: Basketball
Enjoyed an exceptional career at St. Ignatius High School, earning all-scholastic honors three straight years and All-Ohio laurels as a senior, when he captained the Cleveland News all-scholastic team. Scored a then-amazing 58 points in one game in 1951. Named All-European Theatre in basketball, baseball and football while serving in the U.S. Army from 1953-55. Went on to play for the University of Dayton and one season for the professional Cleveland Pipers.
Pekarcik, Tillie Valus
Tillie Valus Pekarcik
Induction Year : 1984
Sport: Softball
From the late 1920s through the mid ’30s, her booming home runs earned her the title of the Babe Ruth of women’s fast-pitch softball. Helped lead Fleming Furniture and Blepp-Coombs teams to state championships while starring not only at bat but in the field, playing second base and excelling on double play pivots.
DeSanto, Betty (Sandy)
Betty "Sandy" DeSanto
Induction Year : 1984
Sport: Softball
Played on 13 World Championship teams, nine in fast-pitch and four in slow-pitch, earning All-Ohio honors as an outfielder in 1961, 1962 and 1963. Also earned all star honors in World tournaments in each of those three seasons. Hit over .300 in fast-pitch from 1954 through 1959 to rank among the top ten in the area each season.
White, Joe
Joe White
Induction Year : 1984
Sport: Softball
Began a fast-pitch softball career with Stepka Hats in 1931, which led to his induction into the Lakewood Hall of Fame only eight years later. Played for championship Comella Sports in 1932, then for the next ten seasons with Midland Steel. Wound up his career with the prestigious Weaver Walls team in Cleveland.
Krause, Howard (Howie)
Howard Krause
Induction Year : 1984
Sport: Baseball Softball
Starred for 22 years as a hardhitting catcher for Rosenblum’s, Factory Furniture, Naiman Wrecking, J. Schrader and LaRiche Ford. Elected to the All-World teams in both hardball and softball in 1966. Played in five World Tournaments.
Peckinpaugh, Roger
Roger Peckinpaugh
Induction Year : 1984
Sport: Baseball
A major league shortstop for 17 seasons, Roger Peckinpaugh played for the Cleveland Indians, New York Yankees, Washington Senators and Chicago White Sox between 1910 and 1927. Played in three World Series with the Yankees (1921) and the Senators (1924, 1925). Managed the Indians from 1928 until mid-1933 when he was promoted to general manager. Returned to manage the team for the 1941 season.
Theodore, Ted
Ted Theodore
Induction Year : 2007
Sport: Track & Field
In the post World War II years, East Tech dominated the Cleveland high school track scene and Baldwin-Wallace was easily the kingpin among the local college thinclads. One of the key contributors to their dominance was Ted Theodore. Running the 440 and 880 and on record-breaking mile and two-mile relay teams for legendary East Tech Coach Ivan Greene, he captained the Scarabs to the 1946 city title and a second place finish in the Ohio state championships. The two relays completely dominated their competition, winning blue ribbons in the Cleveland Indoor Senate meet, the West Tech and Ohio Wesleyan Relays and the district meet en route to their pair of state titles. Theodore added to his high school laurels by winning the 440 at the National Junior Olympic Championships run at Municipal Stadium, and collecting additional gold as a member of the meet’s winning mile relay. Moving on to B-W, he would win All-Ohio championships in the 440, 880 and mile relay four straight years and captain the 1950 team. Entering the Army, he coached and captained the Ft. Knox team to two runner-up finishes in the 2nd Army Championships. After returning to civilian life, he devoted several years to coaching cross country and track teams at Berea, Midpark and Euclid High Schools, winning a multitude of championships. Theodore served in a variety of administrative and service roles subsequently in the Euclid Schools and community and also for Baldwin-Wallace, he nevertheless remained active in the track world as a registered OHSAA track official for high school and college for 45 years and served as the announcer for the Knights of Columbus Track Meet for 20 years. Ostensibly retired, he continues to officiate track and makes his home in Euclid.