Remembering a legacy
The Oberlin High School Athletics Hall of Fame marked the 40th anniversary of the 1985‑86 boys basketball team’s state championship with a gathering that blended nostalgia and celebration, drawing together alumni, community members and supporters of the program.
The centerpiece was a screening of the original Class AA final, shown in the Hall Auditorium at Oberlin College after an HVAC problem forced a move from the school gym and raised concerns about crowd size.
Former guard Deon Yarber, now a community leader, took the stage to thank teammates and reflect on the camaraderie that defined the squad, while Ryan Aroney, president of the hall of fame, emphasized the importance of recognizing such achievements.
The event also paid tribute to the late coach Bob Walsh, whose disciplined approach had propelled both Clearview and Oberlin to titles, and who remains Lorain County’s all‑time winningest basketball coach.
Tim Alcorn, the voice of the Cleveland Cavaliers on WOBL in 1986, provided a play‑by‑play recollection that transported the audience back to the final seconds of the game, when Oberlin, formerly known as the Indians, edged undefeated Greenon 74‑70 in Dayton.
Phil Payne, a member of the championship roster and now an assistant coach, spoke about how the experience shaped his life, while a panel featuring former opponents such as Greenon coach Lyle Falknor added diverse perspectives on that memorable season.
The ceremony also honored those who could not be present, including faculty members and player Rodney Cannon, ensuring that the legacy of the team endures beyond the court.