2025 CS Athletic Hall of Fame
We are thrilled to announce the exceptional individuals and teams being inducted into the Canton South Athletic Hall of Fame this year. Join us in celebrating their incredible achievements and contributions to Wildcat history! Mark your calendars for Friday, February 7, 2025 when we will honor the Class of 2025 with a reception and halftime recognition during the Canton South vs. Orrville varsity basketball game at Canton South High School.
Individuals:
Warren Bell (‘80)
Rob Johnson (‘90)
Ryan Brickwood (‘99)
Marissa Hollinger (‘04)
Julie Frase (‘04)
Antwon Ervin (‘06)
Chase Denny (‘08)
Don Nehlen (Head Football Coach ‘59-’62)
Teams:
1944 Football Team
1947–1948 Boys Basketball Team
2025 CS Athletic Hall of Fame
- 1944 Football Team
- 1947–1948 Boys Basketball Team
- Warren Bell
- Ryan Brickwood
- Julie (Frase) Brown
- Marissa (Hollinger) Connelly
- Chase Denny
- Antwon Ervin
- Rob Johnson
- Coach Don Nehlen
1944 Football Team
1944 Football Team
The early years of the Canton South football program brought meager success, with only one winning season in its first seven years. The future of the program was at a crossroads when the school district decided to cancel the 1943 season due to a "lack of interest." However, two Canton Local icons—29-year-old head coach Charles "Red" Ash and future Stark County Football Hall of Famer Benny Battista—not only saved Wildcat football in 1944 but also led the school to its most memorable season of the 20th century. The team posted an undefeated 8-0 record, dominating opponents by an average score of 39 to 4.
While Coach Ash would eventually become one of the most legendary high school basketball coaches in Ohio history, he began his tenure at what was then known as Canton Township High School in 1941, also serving as the head football and baseball coach. After going 5-10-1 in his first two seasons, expectations were low coming into 1944. Nonetheless, the Wildcats put Stark County on notice with a 14-6 upset win over Greentown to open their campaign. The victory was especially sweet for Canton Township, as the Wildcats had shared the 1940 Stark County Class B championship with the Greyhounds.
After two blowout wins over East Sparta and Malvern, a Week 4 showdown with crosstown rival Canton St. John’s (the predecessor of Canton Central Catholic) was set. With the help of two Battista touchdowns and additional scores by Bill Strasser and Bill Hayden, the Wildcats dominated that muddy Thursday afternoon en route to the school’s first-ever victory over the Crusaders.
The Wildcats weren’t challenged for the rest of the season, outscoring their next four opponents by a combined score of 188-13. Strasser scored three touchdowns and threw for another in the Week 5 dismantling of Dennison St. Mary’s. Battista set a school record with five touchdowns the following week against Canal Fulton. A rematch with neighboring East Sparta saw the Wildcats post their third shutout of the season in Week 7. The season finale against Millersburg was the final act for the Wildcats and the All-Ohioan Battista, who scored three touchdowns (one on the ground, one by interception return, and one by punt return) and five extra points. Strasser scored twice, while Art Lanzer and Wayne Marbott also found the end zone. Coach Ash emptied the bench, allowing all 25 Wildcat players to see action, putting the finishing touches on the perfect season.
The win capped the Wildcats’ first undefeated regular season—an accomplishment that would stand alone in the school’s football program for the next 79 years. Canton Township also held the distinction of being the only undefeated team in Stark County in 1944. Benny Battista rewrote the school’s record books, leading Stark County in scoring (150 points) by a 40-point margin. Bill Strasser contributed 12 touchdowns, which at the time was the second-highest single-season mark in school history behind Battista’s 22.
Along with Battista (QB) and Strasser (FB), the starting 11 also included Canton South Hall of Famers Bill Hayden (HB) and Ed Palmer (end). DeWayne Ray (LT), Jay Huff (LG), Howard Snyder (C), Richard Yohe (RG), Ray Baker (RT), Art Lanzer (end), and Wayne Marbott (HB) were key players in the starting lineup. Additional lettermen included Gene Brown, Don Weaver, John Baker, Joe Cast, Jack Jolliff, Bob Larke, Dick McGrew, Bruce Lawhun, Ralph Dazey, and Glen Roberts.
The undefeated 1944 season jump-started the first great era in Canton South football history. Coach Ash would lead the Wildcats to a 47-18-3 record from 1944 through 1951, a period in which he never had a losing season. To this day, Coach Ash holds the highest winning percentage in school history for football—an incredible feat considering the four-decade run of dominance he orchestrated on the basketball court.
Season Results:
-
Sept. 15 – Canton Township 14, Greentown 6
-
Sept. 22 – Canton Township 56, East Sparta 6
-
Sept. 29 – Canton Township 32, Malvern 0
-
Oct. 5 – Canton Township 25, Canton St. John’s 6
-
Oct. 13 – Canton Township 58, Dennison St. Mary’s 6
-
Oct. 20 – Canton Township 47, Canal Fulton 0
-
Nov. 3 – Canton Township 35, East Sparta 0
-
Nov. 10 – Canton Township 48, Millersburg 7
1947–1948 Boys Basketball Team
1948 Boys Basketball Final Four Team L-R Front: Phil Reisling, Bob Garrett, Dick Westover, Bob Lanning, Art Graham and Ray Staub. Back: Head Coach Ash, Harold Jolliff, Bob Baker, Bud Harbold, Mervin Hill and Bill Filliez.
The 1948 Canton South Wildcats: A Historic Run to the State Tournament
In the winter of 1948, the Canton South High School basketball team embarked on a journey that would etch their names into local sports history. The Wildcats, led by head coach Charles “Red” Ash, were a close-knit, well-coached squad that defied expectations with their skill, determination, and teamwork. Though their season ended in heartbreak at the state semifinals, their story remains a cherished chapter in Canton South athletics.
A Season to Remember
The Wildcats dominated their regular-season schedule, finishing with a 17-1 record. Their only loss came to Central Catholic, a 43-38 setback in the season's seventh game. However, South avenged that defeat by beating Central Catholic 47-37 later in the year. Their success was not by chance—this was a team built on precision shooting, relentless defense, and strong fundamentals.
South’s backcourt featured two standout guards, Dick Westover and Bob Garrett. Westover, a senior, was a defensive specialist who favored the traditional two-hand set shot, while Garrett, a junior, was an offensive threat utilizing the relatively new jump shot. At center stood 6-foot-2 Rodger Baker, an all-state selection known for his quickness and reliable hook shot. Mervin Hill, a strong rebounder, and Bill Filliez, a smaller playmaker, held the forward positions. Off the bench, Francis “Bud” Harbold provided additional size and scoring ability inside.
Under Coach Ash’s leadership, the Wildcats entered the postseason on a mission. They won six consecutive tournament games, including a decisive 45-26 victory over McKinley in the regional finals, securing their place in the state tournament at the Columbus Fairgrounds Coliseum—known to players as “The Cow Palace.”
The State Semifinal Heartbreak
On April 1, 1948, Canton South faced Findlay in the state semifinals. The game began disastrously for the Wildcats, who fell behind 24-8 at halftime. In an uncharacteristic moment, Coach Ash was so frustrated that he didn’t enter the locker room until the final moments before the second half, where he punched a locker in anger before sending his players back onto the court.
The Wildcats responded with an incredible third quarter, outscoring Findlay 14-1 and eventually pulling even. However, three costly turnovers in the final minutes allowed Findlay to regain control, and South ultimately fell 41-35. Findlay went on to win the state championship.
Despite the loss, the Wildcats’ run remains one of the most memorable in school history. Their ability to battle back against adversity and compete at the state’s highest level spoke to their talent and resilience.
*Details taken from the Canton Repository, March 23, 1990, article written by Andy Call.
Warren Bell
Warren Bell, a 1980 graduate, was a standout two-way football player for the Wildcats from 1977 to 1979. A rare three-year starter for that era, Warren anchored the defense at middle linebacker and defensive tackle while providing a powerful presence at fullback on offense.
A two-time First Team All-Federal League selection (1978 & 1979), Warren was also a two-time Special Mention All-County honoree. In Canton South’s 25 seasons in the Federal League, he remains one of only four Wildcat football players to earn First Team All-Federal League honors twice.
During his senior season in 1979, Warren recorded 119 total tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 interceptions, earning him the CS Top Defensive Lineman Award.
Ryan Brickwood
Ryan Brickwood, a 1999 graduate, was a versatile three-sport athlete known for his competitive drive and determination. A four-year starter in baseball, he earned 1st Team All-NBC honors three times and 2nd Team All-NBC once. Ryan led the Wildcats to an NBC title his senior year and finished his career holding school records for most runs scored in a season and most runs scored in a career.
In basketball, Ryan was a three-year letterman and a key contributor to the 1997 Sweet 16 team. As captain of the 1999 NBC title-winning team, he was named 2nd Team All-NBC and received Honorable Mention NE-Inland District & District IV honors.
Ryan also excelled in soccer, earning 2nd Team All-NBC recognition as a senior and receiving the Coach’s Award for his effort and dedication.
Continuing his athletic career, Ryan played two years of baseball at Kentucky Wesleyan, where he was named an Academic All-American. He then transferred to the University of Akron for his final two years, earning the Zips’ Defensive Player of the Year award both seasons and leading the Mid-American Conference in on-base percentage as a junior.
Julie (Frase) Brown
Julie (Frase) Brown, a 2004 graduate, was a three-year starter in tennis under CS Hall of Fame coach Art Fach. She was named 1st Team All-NET in each of her three years as a starter and was the NET doubles champion three times. Her effort and dedication to her craft were exemplified by winning the 2001 CS Most Improved Award and ultimately securing 66 career victories.
Julie formed one of the most dominant doubles teams in school history alongside fellow 2025 CS Hall of Fame inductee Marissa (Hollinger) Connelly. The pair did not lose a single regular season match during their junior and senior seasons, going a combined 41-0 and qualifying for districts both years. The Hall of Fame duo earned the #2 seed in the sectional tournament in 2002 and the #1 seed in 2003.
Marissa (Hollinger) Connelly
Marissa (Hollinger) Connelly, a 2004 graduate, was a three-year starter in Coach Fach's highly successful Canton South girls' tennis program. She led the team in wins each season, amassing a total of 69 career victories. Marissa was named 1st Team All-NET in both her junior and senior years and won the NET doubles championship both seasons.
She dominated the local tennis circuit alongside fellow 2025 CS Hall of Fame inductee Julie (Frase) Brown in 2002 and 2003. The doubles pair never lost a regular season match during that stretch, solidifying their legacy as one of the school's most successful duos.
Chase Denny
Chase Denny, a 2008 graduate, cemented his legacy as one of the best boys' tennis players in school history during his four-year varsity career under Coach Jim Eckinger. He dominated NET and NBC league competition in first singles, earning Player of the Year honors in both leagues during his junior and senior seasons.
His senior year was a historic one, setting the school record for wins in a season with 23 and qualifying for the district tournament—just one round shy of the state tournament. Chase ended his career as the school's all-time leader in career wins with 81, helping Canton South secure two league championships during a highly successful period for Wildcats boys' tennis.
In addition to his tennis accomplishments, Chase also lettered in basketball under Coach Henry Cobb. His induction into the Canton South Athletic Hall of Fame joins that of his sister, Charity Denny (Class of 2004).
Antwon Ervin
Antwon Ervin, a 2006 graduate, made a lasting impact on Canton South’s storied basketball program during his three-year varsity career under CS Hall of Fame coach Henry Cobb. As a junior, he earned 1st Team All-NBC, 1st Team All-District IV, 2nd Team All-County, and Honorable Mention All-Ohio honors.
The smooth, versatile lefty delivered an impressive senior season in 2005-06, averaging 17 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. He played a key role in leading the Wildcats to a district runner-up finish against Triway, a team that went on to the state title game with a 25-1 record. That season, Antwon was named NBC Player of the Year, 1st Team All-NBC, 1st Team All-County, 1st Team All-NE Inland District, and 3rd Team All-Ohio.
Antwon is currently the 10th all-time leading scorer in school history with 844 career points. However, he was never just a scorer—his well-rounded game earned him a spot on the Repository’s “Best of the 2000s All-Versatility Team.”
In addition to basketball, Antwon also lettered in football and was named Honorable Mention All-NBC as a receiver during his senior year.
Rob Johnson
Rob Johnson, a 1990 graduate, was the driving force behind the Wildcats’ unforgettable 1989-90 basketball season, leading the team to its first-ever NBC league title, a district championship, a regional title, and just the second state Final Four appearance in school history.
One of the most prolific scorers in Canton South history, Johnson set a school record by averaging 26.2 points per game during his senior season—the highest single-season mark ever recorded at Canton South. That year, he earned a long list of accolades, including NBC Player of the Year, Stark County Player of the Year, and Northeast Ohio Inland District Player of the Year. He also became one of only two Wildcats to ever receive First Team All-Ohio honors.
Johnson’s senior season also saw him named First Team All-NBC, First Team All-County, First Team All-Akron Beacon Journal, First Team All-District IV, and First Team All-NEO Inland District. He finished his high school career as Canton South’s second all-time leading scorer and currently ranks seventh in school history.
Coach Don Nehlen
Don Nehlen began his head coaching career at Canton South High School in 1959 at just 23 years old, inheriting a struggling program during a 14-game losing streak. In his first game, he led the Wildcats to a stunning 14-6 upset over Jackson, setting the tone for a transformative four-season tenure. Under his leadership, Canton South became a competitive force and secured its first outright league title in 1962 with a remarkable 9-1 record—one of the best teams in school history.
Before coaching, Nehlen was a standout quarterback at Bowling Green, where he guided the team to a Mid-American Conference championship. His coaching journey took him from Mansfield High School to Canton McKinley and later to assistant roles at Cincinnati, Bowling Green, and Michigan. He eventually rose to national prominence as the head coach at West Virginia, where he became the winningest coach in program history.
With a career defined by resilience, leadership, and an ability to build winning teams, Nehlen’s impact on Canton South and beyond remains a lasting part of football history!
Canton South High School (1959–1962)
- Hired as head football coach at age 23.
- Took over a program in the midst of a 14-game losing streak and upset Jackson 14-6 in his first game.
- Compiled a 22-14-2 record over four seasons.
- Oversaw South’s inclusion into the newly formed Stark County Class AA League in 1960, the predecessor to the Federal League.
- Led South to a shared Stark County Class AA league title in 1961—its first league title since 1940.
- Guided South to its first outright league title in 1962 with a 9-1 record, one of the best teams in school history.
1962 Team Highlights
- Frank Dugan – Stark County Player of the Year, First-Team All-Ohio.
- Dick Himes – First-Team All-Ohio.
- Bernie Hull, Jerry McConnell, Ron Young, Gary Cairns, Ira Turpin – First-Team All-League, future Canton South Hall of Famers.
Coaching Career
- Played quarterback at Bowling Green, leading the team to a Mid-American Conference championship.
- Began coaching at Mansfield High School (OH) in 1958.
- Also coached at Canton McKinley High School and served as an assistant at Cincinnati, Bowling Green, and Michigan.
- Later became head coach at West Virginia, where he became the winningest coach in program history.