HALL OF FAME
TONY MCWHINNEY
BASKETBALL
Tony McWhinney graduated in 2004 and was a four-year letterman in basketball where he was named All State Honorable Mention his senior year. Also, in 2004 he was named to the District 15 All-Star team. In 2003 he was CCC Player of the Year and District 15 Underclassman of the Year. Tony was named to CCC all conference basketball teams all four-years, 3 times 1st Team and once Special Mention. His career totals were 1,218 points, 469 rebounds and 163 assists.
RON NEANEN
FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, BASEBALL
Ron Neanen graduated from National Trail in 1975 and earned nine varsity letters three each in football, basketball, and baseball. In football, he was the starting quarterback for three years. He earned CCC honors in both football and baseball. After graduation he earned a degree at The Defiance College where he played football. He then served there as assistant football coach from 1982 - 1986 and head track coach in 1985 - 1986. He returned to Preble County and became the head football coach at Eaton High School where in 27 years he compiled a record of 194 wins and 87 losses. His teams were crowned SWBL champions and competed in the state playoffs seven times. He earned coach of the year honors 11 times. His 2010 team went undefeated at 10-0 in the regular season and made it to the regional final finishing 12-1 overall. He is a member of the Preble County HOF.
KATE YEAZEL
VOLLEYBALL, TRACK & FIELD, BASKETBALL
Kate Yeazel graduated in 2011 and earned 11 varsity letters – 4 in volleyball, 4 in track & field, and 3 in basketball. In 2011 she was recognized as the Richmond Palladium-Item Athlete of the Year. She was All-CCC in all three sports. In volleyball she still holds career records for good serves, hitting %, and solo blocks. In basketball she averaged a triple-double and is number one in career rebounds and blocks. She holds the National Trail record in the shot put and was all-regional in both the shot put and high jump all while being in the National Honor Society and an FFA Officer. She received a full ride volleyball scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh where she was 2nd team ACC and named to the ACC All-Academic team. After her college graduation she played professional volleyball in Europe retiring in 2020.
MICK DITMER
COACH - BASEBALL
Mick Ditmer coached baseball, basketball, and football multiple years during his career at National Trail. He also served as Athletic Director from 2005 to 2015. In 23 years as baseball coach, he had an overall record of 285 wins against only 169 losses, three District Championships and one Regional Runner-up. His teams won the CCC eight times including a record 46 consecutive wins. He is also a member of the Miami Valley Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame and the Preble County Athletic Hall of Fame.
ANDREA HAMPTON
BASKETBALL, SOFTBALL, VOLLEYBALL, TRACK & FIELD
Andrea Hampton graduated in 1993 and earned 12 varsity letters – 4 in basketball, 4 in softball, 3 in volleyball, and 1 in track. She was All–CCC in all four sports. In basketball she was a District 15 All- Star and 1st Team Palladium-Item selection. She was National Trail’s MVP twice in both basketball and volleyball. At Kalamazoo Valley Junior College she was All-Conference and school MVP twice. She has also been a D-1 basketball official.
KEVIN HAVLIN
BASEBALL, FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL
Kevin Havlin graduated in 1990 and earned 8 varsity letters – 4 in baseball, 3 in football, and 1 in basketball. His career pitching record was a perfect 21 wins and zero losses with an ERA of 0.73. He was 1st team CCC three years and Player of the Year in 1990. His career batting average was .410 with 59 RBIs. In football he was named CCC honorable mention twice. Kevin played college baseball at both Wittenberg and Youngstown State.
JASON WHITE
TRACK & FIELD, CROSS COUNTRY
Jason White graduated in 1994 and earned 8 varsity letters – 4 each in track and cross-country. He was named National Trail Athlete of the Year for the 1991-92 school year. In cross-country he was the #1 runner all years earning MVP each year. He was 2nd team All-State as a senior, a Regional qualifier 3 times and District 1st Team twice. He led Trail cross- country teams to two CCC titles and 1 District Championship. In track he was a Regional qualifier 3 times in 6 events. He was All-CCC in 12 events and All-Preble County in 14 events garnering 11 individual event titles in all. He still holds school records in cross-country and track. Jason ran cross-country at The Ohio State University.
KELLY SAUNDERS CHILDS
VOLLEYBALL, BASKETBALL, TRACK & FIELD
Kelly Saunders graduated in 1996 and earned 10 varsity letters – 4 in volleyball, 3 in basketball, and 3 in track and field. In her volleyball senior season she was named District 15 Player of the Year and 2nd Team All-State. She was All-CCC 4 times and 2nd Team District her junior year. In basketball was a District 15 All-Star and All-CCC and Preble County twice. She holds the Trail record for Field Goal Percentage. She also set the school record for the shot put and was the Preble County Champion in that event. She also won the discus event in the CCC and Preble County. She was named National Trail Female Athlete of the Year as a senior. Kelly won two letters in volleyball and four in track at Southern Illinois University.
1996 VOLLEYBALL TEAM
VOLLEYBALL
The 1996 Girls Volleyball team had an overall record of 24 wins against only 3 losses. They were a perfect 11-0 in the Cross County Conference. They were District Champions and Regional Runner-up losing in the Regional final to Cincinnati Elgin. They were only one set away from the State Final Four. Members of that team were Missy Allen, Km Brown, Laura Brown, Jess Crelin, Coty Dees, Kim Frist, Nichole Robinson, Erin Rusk, Chandra Shepherd, Lori Stegall, Mary Swihart, and Krystal Yount. They were led by Head Coach Joy Yeazel and Assistant Coach Dori Harrison.
JEREMY BALLARD
FOOTBALL, TRACK & FIELD
Jeremy Ballard graduated in 2002 and earned 6 varsity letters – 4 in track & field and 2 in football. In 2002 Jeremy was the state champion in the discus throw and also placed 7th in the shot put. He placed 5th in the state in the discus in 2001 making him a three time All Ohioan. Jeremy still holds the school records in both events with throws of 173’10” in the discus and 54’9 ¾” in the shot put. He was the Cross County Conference and Preble County Champion in both events in 2001 and 2002. He also holds the school indoor record for the shot put. In football Jeremy played offensive tackle and defensive end.
JONA BETTELON
SOFTBALL, BASKETBALL, VOLLEYBALL
Jona Bettelon graduated in 1986 and earned 10 varsity letters – four in softball, 3 in basketball, and 2 in volleyball. In softball she was selected 1st team CCC three times and Honorable Mention once. She was the starting pitcher for the 1986 state runner-up team whose only loss was in the state semi-final game. Jona had a career record of 31 wins with only 4 losses and her ERA was 1.59. She also had a career batting average of .469 with 138 RBIs. In basketball, she received CCC honors 3 times and still ranks in the top ten in several categories. She played volleyball for three years and was honorable mention CCC her senior season.
ALLISON HAMPTON OSBORNE
BASKETBALL, TRACK & FIELD, CROSS COUNTRY, VOLLEYBALL
Allison Hampton graduated in 1997 and earned 11 varsity letters – four in basketball, four in track, two in cross-country, and one in volleyball. In basketball, she was twice selected to the District All-Star Team and in 1996 received honorable mention All State. In her senior season, she was Player of the Year in CCC and won Player of the Year honors for Preble County both as a junior and senior. Three times she was named to the first team for Preble County, the CCC, and the Richmond Area. Statistically, she is National Trail’s second leading scorer of all time. In track, she was all CCC four years with a total of 12 top three finishes including 7 gold medals and twice was a regional qualifier. She helped lead Trail teams to CCC Championships in both basketball and track. She was a nominee for the Rae Burick Woman in Sports Award and played basketball at Hanover College.
NORMAN AND CAROLYN MULL
MERITORIOUS
Norman and Carolyn Mull provided their Running Springs property as the official National Trail Cross Country course from 1979 to 2005. They were involved in forging new trails, mowing grass, removing fallen trees, making water crossings more manageable, and even maintaining restrooms. They were helpful in setting up each year for the Blazer Invitational and in some years the Preble County and Cross County Conference Meets. Their facility was always available for practice for us and for other teams. Above all they always supported our Blazer runners.
TIM HOLLAND
FOOTBALL, BASEBALL, BASKETBALL
Tim Holland graduated in 1976 and earned 11 varsity letters – 4 in football, 3 in basketball, and 4 in baseball. He was all conference in all three sports. In football he had two 1,000+ yards rushing seasons and held the career record for rushing, scoring, and touchdowns for many years. His career totals were 2,723 yards rushing, 182 points, and 27 touchdowns. He was selected as National Trail and Preble County MVP in 1975 – Trail’s first winning season. The 1974-75 basketball team won the SWOC championship and finished with a record of 18-2. After National Trail, he went to Cumberland College where he won all conference and all district honors in baseball, which included a career pitching record of 17-5. In 1984 his ERA of 1.66 was ninth in the nation in NAIA. After college, he came back to Preble County where he has served as a teacher and coach for over 30 years.
PAM DEATON-HAMILTON
TRACK & FIELD, BASKETBALL, VOLLEYBALL, CROSS COUNTRY
Pam Deaton graduated in 1985 and earned 10 varsity letters – 4 in track & field, 3 in basketball, 2 in volleyball, and 1 in cross-country. She set the state high jump record at 5’8” her senior year and that record stood for 18 more years. She was All Ohio twice in the high jump and represented the state of Ohio at the Midwest Meet of Champions. She also held school records in the 100 and 300 meter hurdles. She was All Preble County in basketball and volleyball and was named NT Athlete of the Year twice. She graduated from Miami University in 1989 where she also competed in track her freshmen year. She currently resides in Georgia where she teaches school.
MISTI COLE FOUST-COFIELD
VOLLEYBALL, BASKETBALL, SOFTBALL, TRACK & FIELD
Misti Cole graduated in 1995 and earned 11 varsity letters – 4 each in volleyball and basketball, 2 in softball, and 1 in track and field. In volleyball she was selected to 2nd Team All State and was District MVP her senior year. She was All CCC 4 years (3 x 1st team) and All Area 1st Team 3 years. She still holds NT records for total blocks and block assists even though current matches are longer. In basketball, she earned CCC honors 4 years (3X 1st Team) and All Area 1st Team honors 3 times. Misti was named NT Female Athlete of the Year twice and won the Wendy’s Archie Griffin and National Trail Sportsmanship Awards. She is currently Vice President of Nursing/Chief Nursing Officer at Reid Health.
LORI STEGALL-GRANT
VOLLEYBALL, BASKETBALL, SOFTBALL
Lori Stegall graduated in 1997 and earned ten varsity letters - 4 in volleyball, 4 in softball, and 2 in basketball. In her senior year, she was named first team All-State in both volleyball and softball. As a junior, she also garnered All-State honors being selected to second team in softball and third team in volleyball for a total of 4 All-State selections. In volleyball as a senior, she was named District and CCC Player of the Year. Also she was awarded All-CCC honors seven times – 4 in softball and 3 in volleyball. In addition to her athletic accolades she was class valedictorian, eight-time Academic All-CCC, 3 –time class president, and the school mascot. She still holds career school records for good sets and good saves and numerous top ten rankings in softball statistics including a .450 career batting average.
FRED KERLER
MERITORIOUS
Fred Kerler was an administrator with National Trail Schools for 20 years holding several different positions. He served as High School Vice Principal from 1975 to 1980, High School Principal from 1980 to 1982, Administrative Assistant and Athletic Director from 1982 to 1990, and Elementary Principal from 1990 to 1995. Always a consistent supporter of the NT athletic programs, he could often be seen helping maintain and line the athletic fields. One major project spearheaded by Fred was the development of the softball field. Prior to that the team played at the park in Eldorado. As athletic director, Fred got permission from the school board to put in a field at the school and almost like in The Field of Dreams, he laid out the field and used his farm equipment to construct the field. In 1990, the softball field was dedicated as Fred Kerler Field in his honor.
1986 SOFTBALL TEAM
SOFTBALL
In 1986, the National Trail Girl’s Softball Team compiled a school record 26 wins with only 1 loss. They went through the entire season undefeated until the semi-final game of the state tournament. There they lost to the eventual State Champion Akron Hoban. On their way the girls were crowned undefeated Champions of the Cross County Conference. They also won District and Regional Championships. Team members were Brenna Bailey, Jona Bettelon, Dawn Crowell, Jeannine Doan, Marcia Doner, Michelle Dunn, Kellie Frist, Patti Harrison, Michelle Hoffer, Kathy Kerler, Angie Irelan, Brenda Simpson, Stacie Stokes, Valerie Sutton, and Jennifer Trunk. They were coached by Terry Parks.
ED BELL
COACH
Ed Bell coached multiple sports every year for 35 years. The last 28 (1974 – 2002) were at National Trail where he was the Head Boys Track Coach for 26 years. Head Boys and Girls Cross Country Coach for 15 years and Head Football Coach for 10 years. In 1988, he started the Indoor Track Program, which he headed until his retirement in 2002. Over the years those teams captured 5 CCC championships, 9 CCC runner-ups, 4 county championships, 7 county runner-ups, 1 District championship, and 1 Team State Finalist. A total of 33 NT athletes earned individual state recognition. In football, his teams have the most winning seasons (4) and the most career wins (33).
TRAVIS MILLER
FOOTBALL, BASEBALL, BASKETBALL
Travis Miller graduated in 1991 after earning seven varsity letters in football, basketball, and baseball. He was named All-Cross County Conference in all three sports his senior year including first team in football and second team in basketball. In baseball, he was the CCC player of the year leading the Blazers to the regional finals and also was an all conference selection his junior season. While at National Trail, he threw three no-hitters and had a career record of 15-3 with 195 strikeouts. His career ERA was 1.19. He continued his baseball prowess at Kent State where he pitched for three seasons. He was twice selected to the All-MAC team and named pitcher of the year in 1994. At that point, Travis became a first round draft pick of the Minnesota Twins. He pitched in the major leagues for seven years and appeared in 203 games. Travis is currently the Athletic Director at Eaton High School.
SUSAN NEANEN-ZURWELL
VOLLEYBALL, BASKETBALL, TRACK & FIELD
Susan Neanen was a multi-sport athlete earning eight varsity letters while competing in volleyball, basketball, and track and field. She was a four-time state qualifier in the long jump finishing as National Trail’s first State Champion in 1981. She was state runner-up in 1980 and third place in 1982. Susan was a Cross County Conference Champion in 13 track and field events and was selected National Trail MVP all 4 years. In basketball, she was an All Preble County and All-CCC selection as well as the school’s MVP. She set several school records in both sports. In volleyball she was Trail’s defensive player of the year as a senior. After graduation, Susan continued with track and field at Defiance College where she earned 2 NAIA District Championships.
PARK PITTMAN
CROSS COUNTRY, GOLF, FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, BASEBALL
Park Pittman was an all-around athlete earning seven varsity letters in cross-country, golf, football, basketball, and baseball. He excelled in baseball, basketball, and football achieving all-county and all-conference honors. Park helped lead the Blazers to back-to-back CCC championships in baseball as well as a district title. His career record was 20 wins with only 2 losses. After graduation in 1983, he continued his baseball career at The Ohio State University and was named their top pitcher as a junior. Park left the Buckeyes after that season and was drafted by the Minnesota Twins. He spent six years with that organization from 1986 to 1992.
CHUCK SHINGLEDECKER
MERITORIOUS
Chuck Shingledecker was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his meritorious service to National Trail athletics. He was guidance counselor at National Trail for 30 years from 1972 to 2002. While he served as an assistant basketball coach for many seasons, he will best be remembered for his continuous support of National Trail athletes, coaches, and programs throughout his entire career. A long time runner and race run participant, he could often be found running along side Trail distance runners during their training exercises. Always an enthusiastic supporter of Blazer teams and students, Chuck very seldom missed National Trail games in any sport.
BRENNA BAILEY
VOLLEYBALL, BASKETBALL, SOFTBALL
Brenna Bailey graduated in 1987 and excelled in volleyball, basketball, and softball. She earned All–CCC honors in all three sports. She was the first player in NT history to surpass the 1,000 points mark in basketball, which she reached during her junior year. She held numerous records upon graduation and was selected to play in the All-Ohio Girls Basketball Classic Tournament. She ranks among the leaders in several categories in softball as well. As starting shortstop, she helped guide the softball team to the program’s only appearance in the state semi-finals in her junior year.
HEATHER EUBANKS-TEGTMEIER
CROSS COUNTRY, TRACK
Heather Eubanks was named National Trail’s Outstanding Female Athlete all four years. She earned All-State honors in track and cross-country each year as well. As the top runner on the girls’ cross-country team, she led the team to three CCC Championships, two Preble County Championships and a state meet appearance in 1989. She was the individual champion in the county four times, conference four times, district twice and regional once in addition to 13 invitationals. In track, she won the state title in the 1600 M. Run in 1992 and was state runner-up in 1991. She was also state runner-up in the 3200 M. Run in 1991 & 1992. She still holds the school records in cross-country and the 800, 1600, and 3200 M. runs in track. After graduation in 1993, she went to The Ohio State University where she ran cross-country all four years.
DAVID PORTER
BASEBALL, BASKETBALL, CROSS COUNTRY
David Porter earned nine varsity letters in baseball, basketball, and cross-country. During his senior year, he was a member of league championship teams in all three sports. As a senior, he was an all-state selection in basketball as well as conference and county player of the year. At the time of his graduation in 1975, he was Trail’s all time leading scorer and rebounder. In baseball, he was a multiple all-conference selection and two-time team MVP while leading NT in batting average and RBI’s. He attended Wittenberg University and earned four varsity letters in baseball.
ED MINNICK
CROSS COUNTRY, TRACK, BASKETBALL
Ed Minnick moved with his parents to National Trail for his junior and senior years graduating in 1972. At NT, he was a state qualifier in cross country and track both years setting school records in both sports. In 1972, he placed fifth in the mile run at the state meet setting an NT record that was held for 22 years. He still holds the free throw record in basketball and was named National Trail’s Outstanding Athlete both years as well. He lettered four years in cross-country at Manchester College in Indiana.
DOUG MURRAY
FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, TRACK & FIELD
Doug Murray set multiple records in football, basketball, and track & field. He went to the state meet in the hurdles his senior year and held school records in 120 yd. high hurdles, 300 m. low hurdles, high jump and was a member of the record setting mile and 880 yd. relay teams at the time of his graduation in 1979. In football, he was the leading passer in the county and first team CCC. He was Trail’s leading scorer in basketball. During his track career at Defiance College, he received All-American honors in the Decathlon in 1983 and was the MVP all four years. His college decathlon scores earned him an invitation to attend the 1984 Olympic training camp.
GREG ARNETT
FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, TRACK & FIELD
Greg Arnett graduated in 1974 and was a three-sport athlete. He earned 11 letters in football, basketball, and track & field. He was All Conference in all three sports while holding several school records in football and track. After graduation, he went to the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) on a four-year scholarship. While there he earned four letters in football contributing to two conference championships. He also was a three-year letterman in indoor and outdoor track. After coming back to live in the National Trail district, he coached football and track and field for several years at the high school including head football coach from 1986 to 1990.
CRAIG BEISNER
BASEBALL, BASKETBALL, TRACK & FIELD, CROSS COUNTRY
Craig Beisner was a member of the first graduating class at National Trail in 1969. He was a four-sport athlete excelling in baseball, basketball, track, and cross-country starting at Jefferson High School before it merged into National Trail. In his senior year at Trail, he qualified for the state meet in the hurdles and held the single game scoring record in basketball with 39 points. He ran in the state meet twice in cross-country as a member of Jefferson’s team and was All-League in basketball for three years. He played basketball at Earlham College and later became a high school coach in Florida. He has twice been named MVP in the 50-and-over Division in the USSSA Softball World Championships (2001 & 2004).
KEN STRYKER
MERITORIOUS
Ken Stryker was a longtime teacher and administrator at Monroe and National Trail High Schools. He was the official basketball scorekeeper for Monroe from 1950 until it became part of National Trail in 1968. Then he served as the official basketball scorekeeper at National Trail until 1998.
TOM WEAVER
MERITORIOUS
Tom Weaver became the official timekeeper for Monroe High School during the 1956-57 basketball season and continued when Monroe became part of National Trail High School. He continues in this service just finishing the 2015-2016 season while missing only a handful of games in 60 years.