Claymont school officials have announced the inaugural class of the newly created Claymont Athletic Hall of Fame, and it’s packed with state champions and legendary coaches.
The coaches include Rhonda Funkhouser, who led the 1981 girls’ basketball team to the only girl’s basketball state championship in Tuscarawas County history. That team is also among the inductees. Wrestling Coach Eric Toukonen and his 1992 wrestling state championship team are two other no-brainer Hall of Fame inductees. Claymont Athletic Director Justin Jones says those two coaches stay involved with the programs and represent the best of the Claymont community.
Individual state champion athletes in the inaugural class include a pair of two-time discus state champions – Andy Pentecost and Troy Sproul, and cross country and track state champion Rich Ronald. Two basketball inductees are 1972 Ohio Player of the Year Dave Smith and 1988 Ohio AA Player of the Year Gary Watkins.
Jones wants today’s Mustangs to see what they can achieve at Claymont High School.
The Claymont Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place at the high school gym on January 9th between the JV and varsity boys basketball games against Strasburg.
Nominate future inductees by contacting Claymont Superintendent Brian Rentsch or AD Justin Jones.
Claymont Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026
• 1981 Girls’ Basketball State Champion Team
• 1992 Wrestling State Champion Team
• Jeff Arthurs – Head Track and Cross Country Coach with several state champions and state placers
• Rhonda Funkhouser – Head Coach of the 1981 State Girls’ Basketball Champions
• Andy Pentecost – 1984 & 1985 Discus State Champion
• Rich Ronald – 1989 State Champion Cross Country, 1990 1600m State Champion
• Troy Sproul – 1993 & 1994 Discus State Champion
• Dave Smith -1971-72 Ohio Basketball Player of the Year
• Eric Toukonen – Head Coach of the 1992 Wrestling State Champions
• Gary Watkins – 1988 Ohio AA Player of the Year
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