The Poland Seminary High School Athletic Department announced the Class of 2025 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees on Monday. This distinguished group embodies the long-standing tradition of athletic excellence, leadership, and commitment to the Poland community. They will be honored on Friday, Sept. 12, in a special ceremony prior to the Canfield-Poland football game, celebrating their enduring impact on Bulldog athletics.
COACH DICK McPHERSON
Dick McPherson, a 1963 graduate of Springfield High School, starred in multiple sports before playing football at Heidelberg College under Coach Joe Malmisur. In 1969, he joined Poland's football staff under Head Coach Dave Pavlansky, beginning a 26-year tenure marked by loyalty, passion, and a mastery of blocking techniques admired by players and coaches alike. Known affectionately as "Coach Mac," he also coached tennis, where one of his players won a state title, and became a licensed cross-country official while supporting his daughter's meets. He was instrumental in coordinating Poland's 8-lane synthetic track and proudly served as a starter at numerous county and invitational events. Coach McPherson's dedication to teaching fundamentals and fostering pride left a lasting impact on generations of Bulldog athletes.
JIM HARNISCH (CLASS OF 1961)
Jim Harnisch was a two-year co-captain, class president, and dominant two-way lineman for Poland, earning unanimous First Team All-Tri-County honors in 1960. A four-year shot put competitor in track, he continued his athletic career at the University of Notre Dame, playing both right guard and nose tackle in an era without free substitutions. After graduation, Jim pursued medicine, earning his M.D. from Ohio State and completing residencies at Emory University and the University of Washington. He went on to a distinguished 51-year career as a Professor of Medicine and Dermatology at the University of Washington, retiring in 2024 as Professor Emeritus.
JOHN MEDINA (CLASS OF 1982)
John Medina was a three-year starter in football and track from 1979-1982, earning MVC First Team All-Conference honors and selection to Ohio Football's "Cream of the Crop" team as a standout defensive player. A highlight of his career was defeating rival Canfield on Baird Mitchell Field his senior year. On the track, he excelled in the 300m hurdles, 400m events, relays, and long jump, helping Poland capture its third consecutive MVC Track Championship in 1980. John was also awarded the Buckeye Boys' State Certificate of Attendance and the Mark Roger's Humanitarian Award by the Poland teachers and administration. A lifelong supporter of Poland sports, he has served as a coach, league director, and trustee for the Poland Touchdown Club, co-directing its annual golf outing and helping lead major fundraising efforts.
GREG DELLUOMO (CLASS OF 1999)
A two-sport standout, Greg Delluomo earned five varsity letters in football and baseball. As a defensive end, he was a 1998 All-State First Team selection, MAC Defensive Player of the Year, and team captain, helping lead Poland to a MAC Championship and state playoff appearance. On the diamond, he excelled as an infielder and pitcher, twice earning First Team All-MAC honors while helping his team achieve a 21-3 season and District Runner-Up finish. A scholar-athlete, Greg was an All-Conference Academic honoree, National Honor Society member, and Student Council representative. He continued his football career at Edinboro University until injury ended his playing days, later graduating with honors in Biology and earning a Doctor of Pharmacy.
DR. ALLISON RICE (DeLUCA) (CLASS OF 2010)
Allison Rice was a four-year letter winner in both track and tennis, capturing the 2010 OHSAA Division II State Championship in the discus and setting school records in throwing events. She was also a regional qualifier in shot put and a district and regional discus champion. Valedictorian of her class, Allison attended Westminster College, lettering in track and placing annually in conference championships while earning Rookie of the Year honors. She graduated summa cum laude with a degree in chemistry and later earned a Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry from the University of South Carolina. Following postdoctoral research in medicinal chemistry, she began a distinguished teaching career, currently serving as a chemistry and physics instructor at Carlow University.
GARRETT GARDNER (CLASS OF 2014)
Garrett Gardner dominated the tennis courts as a four-year starter, compiling a remarkable 90-9 singles record and qualifying for the state tournament three times, finishing fourth in Ohio his senior year. A two-time sectional and district champion, he earned multiple All-Ohio honors, was twice named Vindicator Tennis Athlete of the Year, and received the USTA Diane McNeal Jr. Sportsmanship Award. Ranked as a four-star national recruit, Garrett went on to play Division I tennis at Valparaiso University, where he helped lead the Crusaders to back-to-back Horizon League titles and NCAA Tournament appearances. He ranks sixth in program history in career singles and doubles victories and was honored with the league's Herb Foster Sportsmanship Award. Garrett continues to coach and compete, earning a 2022 USTA Middle States Championship with his team placing fourth nationally.
MICHAEL AUDI (CLASS OF 2014)
Michael Audi was a record-setting wrestler and three-year football letterman for Poland. On the mat, he compiled a school-record 125 career wins, earning EOWL Wrestler of the Year honors, sectional and district titles, and became the first Bulldog to place at the state tournament, finishing seventh. A team captain in football, he was an All-Conference linebacker who helped lead Poland to a 9-1 season and a playoff run, also participating in the Ohio vs. Pennsylvania All-Star Game. Academically, Michael earned All-Ohio honors and later a nursing degree from Youngstown State University while serving as an assistant wrestling coach at PSHS. He went on to work at the Cleveland Clinic and is currently pursuing his Doctor of Medicine at Northeast Ohio Medical University, continuing to exemplify determination and leadership.
BELLA GAJDOS (CLASS OF 2018)
Bella Gajdos was a four-year starter for Poland's girls' basketball team, leading the Bulldogs to conference championships in 2016 and 2018 while becoming the school's all-time leading scorer with 1,303 career points. A two-time conference player of the year, she earned multiple All-Northeast Ohio and All-State honors while holding the single-season scoring record for a sophomore with 404 points. Bella also excelled academically, maintaining a 3.8 GPA and earning the scholar-athlete award. Her love for the game led her to coach high school basketball for six years, including three alongside her mentor, coach Nick Blanch. She earned a Master's in Public Health from Youngstown State University and now serves as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in the Boardman-Poland area.
BRAEDEN O'SHAUGHNESSY (CLASS OF 2019)
Braeden O'Shaughnessy was a four-year starter in basketball and baseball, leading the Bulldogs to multiple conference titles, a district championship, and a regional semifinal appearance. A prolific scorer, he set the sophomore single-season points record with 442 and finished his career with 1,495 points. He earned numerous honors, including AAC Player of the Year, NE8 Player of the Year, and Special Mention All-State, while also participating in the prestigious North-South All-Star Game. Braeden was twice named to WKBN's Starting Five and also excelled on the diamond, helping Poland reach the state semifinals as a freshman and earning WKBN Diamond Kings recognition. He continued his baseball career at Youngstown State University and Campbell University, showcasing the same passion and leadership that defined his high school years.