Runner and Mentor To Be Inducted into Avon Lake Hall of Fame

This year’s inductees to the Avon Lake Sports Hall of Fame will include cross country record holder, Steve Parsons. The Hall of Fame consists of a little over 100 individuals, very few of which are cross country runners. Steve’s inclusion is a tremendous testimony to his success and impact on the Avon Lake Cross Country Team.

Each year the Avon Lake Sports Hall of Fame carefully selects a handful of athletes that have had a significant impact in their respective sports to induct into the hall. To be considered you must have been a resident of Avon Lake, be thirty five or older, have shown high moral values in life, and have shown outstanding athletic ability or provided services to the sports programs of the city of Avon Lake.

During Steve’s career as an athlete, he set several records. Three school records which stood for over 20 years.

Despite Steve’s outstanding accomplishments as a high school athlete, he was initially denied induction into the Hall. The Hall of Fame has historically required inductees to have competed in collegiate athletics. Steve did not run in college, yet he is being granted a spot into the hall for reasons that run deeper than his athletic career alone. His induction reflects decades of service and mentorship to student athletes in Avon Lake.

Running is a sport that requires a unique combination of mental and physical strength. As a mentor to Avon Lake runners, Steve has fostered character, teamwork, and confidence in his mentees. His philosophy is simple yet all too uncommon in high school athletics, “Enjoy the ride.” Don’t overthink it, just go out there and enjoy the sport.

Not only is Steve responsible for bringing success to the Avon Lake Cross Country team during his time on the team, but he has helped multiple later teams achieve their own success. He has served as a mentor, unofficial assistant coach, team photographer, sign maker, carb loading dinner host, press release creator, team swag buyer and distributor, and overall role model for young student athletes.

To the team who makes the tough decision every year on who to induct. Thank you. By inducting Steve, you have not only honored an incredible athlete but also inspired, encouraged and motivated the past, present and future of Avon Lake Cross country.

-Michael and Thomas Parsons