Granville honors past state champions during Hall of Fame induction
Three former star athletes, a coach, athletic physician and state championship team were inducted Saturday into the Granville Athletic Hall of Fame.
Micaela DeGenero, a 2016 graduate, capped an incredible track career with a national championship in the 1,600 after winning the Division I state championship in the same event. She also was a three-time indoor state champion and still holds multiple school records.
In cross country, DeGenero was a two-time Licking County League individual champion. She led the Blue Aces to the Division II state championship in 2014.
That team also was honored. Joining DeGenero were Claire Lamb, Rosie Lamb, Alyssa Atkinson, Cassidy Carey, Tori Flowers, Riley Bruck, Kylee McFarland and Maddie Long along with coach Chrisi Rogerson.
Natalie Price, a 2017 graduate, could not be topped in the 400 on the track. She was a two-time Division I state champion in the event, running the third-fastest time (52.95) in state history, and a multiple time All-American, including a third-place finisher in the Brooks PR.
Christian Price, a 2015 graduate, was a two-time LCL individual champion in wrestling and led the Blue Aces to the team title as a junior. He holds multiple school records for takedowns and wins and twice was a Division II state qualifier, placing eighth as a senior, becoming just the program’s second placer at the time.
Mike Hensley coached the football program to 90 wins during 14 seasons, which included receiving two Mid-State League Coach of the Year honors. He led the Blue Aces to an unbeaten season in 1998 and to the first of three playoff appearances in 2003, their first in program history.
Dr. Pete Dils, who was a partner at Granville Medical Center, served as the football team’s physician for 25 years. He also gave pre-season physicals to countless Blue Aces.
This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Granville honors past state champions during Hall of Fame induction
