2024 MALVERN ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME
Dick Ferguson.
Dick earned 12 total letters in football, baseball, and track & field by the time he graduated in 1963. He was the starting fullback and defensive end on the undefeated 10-0 Class A State Championship football team in 1962. The 1961 and 1962 teams were also the Tuscarawas Valley Conference champions. Dick was known as a fierce competitor. According to his coach, he once blocked seven players on one play in a win against Tusky Valley, allowing his teammate to score a touchdown. Some say Dick was the best all-around football player of that era. In baseball, he was the starting catcher who caught professional baseball pitcher and fellow hall-of-famer Ron Ebner for 4 years. In track and field, Dick threw the shot and discus and was a successful hurdler, jumping hurdles that he helped make in shop class. Dick was a founding member of the Malvern Athletic Hall of Fame, served on the selection committee, and led the fundraising back in 2012. He is the father of Richard and Natalie. Dick has six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He retired from Republic Steel and was the former Mayor of Malvern.
Mike Kiehl
A 1984 graduate, Mike earned four varsity letters in baseball and football. In baseball, he earned All-Ohio 1st Team honors. Mike was named Most Valuable Player of the 1984 All-Ohio Baseball Classic in Columbus. He was also an IVC 1st Teamer in baseball during his senior season. Mike still shares a school record for scoring five runs in a game in 1984. He was also a standout player in football, and he was selected for the IVC 1st Team in 1982 and 1983. He was a part of the first winning season in football in 15 years. After graduation, Mike went to Malone University and continued his baseball career. He and his wife, Krista, reside in Delaware, Ohio. They have three grown children, Taylor, Morgan, and Ryan. Mike is an Engineer and Owner of Selectus Consulting LLC, which provides full IT and Management consulting services.
Sara Loomis
The 2016 graduate earned 12 varsity letters in 4 sports. In volleyball, Sara earned All Ohio Honorable Mention, District 5 Player of the Year, and played in the State All-Star Game in 2015. She was a multiple 1st Teamer in the IVC and District 5. Sara holds the school record with the most kills in a season, 390 in 2015. In track and field, she was the regional champion in the long jump in 2016 and was a state qualifier in both the long jump and the 400. Sara was the IVC Champion in the 400 in 2015 and the 200 in 2016. She holds two school records in track and field, the long jump and the 400. In basketball, Sara earned All Ohio 2nd Team, was a 3-time IVC, District 5, and East District 1st Teamer, and was the player of the Year in the IVC and District 5 in 2016. She played in the Ohio North/South All-Star game as well. Sara finished her career with 1,652 points. She holds school records in rebounds in a season and career and free throws in a game. Sara attended Ashland University, where she was a member of the 2017 Division II National Championship Team. Sara was named to the All-America 3rd Team in 2020. She has played professionally overseas from 2021 to 2024, where Sarah’s been a part of championships while earning player of the year honors. Sara hopes to be an Intervention Specialist and coach when her basketball career ends.
Adam Wackerly
Adam earned 12 varsity letters in golf, basketball, and baseball. Very few athletes have accomplished that feat at Malvern. In golf, Adam was a steady golfer for Malvern. He was twice selected to the IVC 2nd Team. In basketball, Adam was named all-Ohio Honorable Mention in 2009 and Special Mention in 2010. He earned IVC and District 5 1st Team in 2010. Adam played in the District 5 East/West All-Star and Ohio North/South All-Star games in 2010. During his 4 year career, Adam helped lead his team to the school’s first IVC title, 1 district title, and 79 wins. He ended his career with just under 1000 pts. Adam was selected by the East District 1st Team in baseball and played in the East District All-Star game in 2010. He also scored five runs in a game to share that record. His 84 career hits are among the best at Malvern. Adam helped lead the Hornets to a 26-5 record and IVC Championship in 2009. He and his wife, Kara, reside at Lake Mohawk with their two children, Addison and Peyton. He works for Accurate Healthcare as a Respiratory Therapist.
Jake Wentz.
Jake earned four varsity letters in both football and baseball. In football, he was selected to the All Ohio 1st team in 1999 and All Ohio Special Mention in 1998. Jake was named to the IVC 1st Team in 1998 and 1999 and East District First Team in 1999. He was the East District Defensive Player of the Year and captain of the 1999 9-1 football team that won the IVC and qualified for the state playoffs and a trip to Amanda Clearcreek. Jake finished his football career by playing in the 2000 Time Reporter East/West All-Star game. He had a stellar career in baseball as the starting catcher and is considered one of the all-time best defensive catchers in school history. He earned IVC 1st team honors in 1999 and 2000. Jake and his wife, Rachel, reside in Fort Myers, Florida, with their two children, Lincoln and Luna. He is the Golf Course Superintendent at The Verandah Club in Fort Myers.
Congratulations, and Go Hornets!