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CADIZ - On behalf of the Harrison Central Sports Foundation, the Harrison County High School Sports Hall of Fame Committee has released the names of the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026. Two former Harrison County sports greats, an iconic Coach, a more than deserving volunteer and one of Harrison County's most successful teams will be honored prior to, and at halftime of the Harrison Central vs. Martins Ferry football game Friday, September 18. The Hall of Fame is sponsored by MPLX and the Harrison News Herald. A pre-game social with light refreshments will be held in honor of the inductees and teams in the John Stephenson gymnasium beginning at 5:30 p.m., and inductions will be held on the football field at half-time. Admission to the social is free of charge.
A capsule look at each inductee follows.
Charles "Chuck" Mather, a 1933 Hopedale High School graduate, was an excellent basketball and football player who in three County tournament games averaged over 20 points per game, with no other player in the tournament scoring over 10. While Mather's athletic talents were exceptional, his coaching legacy stands above all. After graduating from Ohio Northern where he played basketball and football, Mather began his coaching career in Brilliant and would be successful at every stop. In three seasons, Mather took Brilliant from 0-10 to 6-2. Moving on to successes in Leetonia and Hamilton with a combined record of 42-5-2, Mather took over at Massillon Washington. In six seasons, Mather's Tigers would go 57-3, win six consecutive state championships, three mythical national titles, and Mather would be named Ohio Prep Football "Coach of the Year" three times. Mather advanced to the collegiate level to coach in the Big Seven at Kansas and was named Big Seven Coach of the Year in 1957. In 1958 Mather was named running backs coach for the Chicago Bears and would reach the pinnacle of success when the Bears defeated the Giants to win the 1963 NFL Championship. Mather would coach and help scout for the Bears for nine seasons.
Austin "Auggie" Keyser, a 1956 graduate of Franklin High School in New Athens, was an all-around great athlete. Franklin put a six-man team on the football field while Keyser was in school. His junior year he was the leading scorer in the Ohio Valley including those schools who sported 11-man football teams. In a game against Scio High School during his junior year, he scored five touchdowns, four on pass receptions and one following an interception. Keyser also excelled in basketball. During his senior season, Keyser would lead all local cagers with a high scoring game of 28 points and earn the Title of leading scorer in the boys championship series averaging 24.7 points a game. Keyser was named first team all-league and garnered UPI All Ohio Special Mention.
Phil "Febo" Madzia, has been a person of service for going on seven decades. From serving in the military and reaching "Top Secret Security," Febo has sold 50/50 tickets for local schools and OVAC Championship Tournaments for more than half a century. He has spent time volunteering for a multitude of groups and organizations, including coaching Little League baseball, youth softball, was bowling secretary for 23 years, and served as Sergeant of Arms for the American Legion. His mastery of the accordion had him entertaining for festivals, county homes, senior centers and family and friends, which continues after 70 years of playing. He has also served in the public sector, serving as Cadiz Village Councilman, Harrison County Commissioner, and was a member of the Harrison County School Board. As a school board member, Madzia was instrumental in helping pass the levy that consolidated Harrison County Schools.
Lois Ellen Wright is a 1977 Jewett-Scio High School graduate who set school, county and conference distance records in Track and Field and Cross Country. She set the Inter-Valley Conference and sectional mile record in 5:40.6, the Eastern District sectional mile record in 5:36.6, the sectional 880 record in 2:30.6, and had a share of the mile relay record. Wright became the first athlete in school history to place at the state tournament when she finished sixth in the half-mile. At the next level as a freshman running for Ohio State, Wright was a member of the two‑mile relay team that placed at the Big Ten meet. After an on‑track injury shortened her OSU running career, she would stay involved in the two sports by becoming an Official for the Ohio High School Athletic Association, which has lasted 45 years and counting. Wright has officiated at the state meet 20 times and in 2014 was named OHSAA Girl's Cross Country Official of the Year. Wright broke new ground once again when she became the first female clerk of the OHSAA State Track Meet, and was one of the first women to serve as head starter, setting precedent for women in officiating roles.
2005-06 Harrison Central Basketball Team: This special basketball team finished the season with 21 wins while capturing the Sectional and District championships on their way to a first-ever visit to Ohio's "Sweet Sixteen." The Huskies went 18-2 during the regular season and fashioned a 14-game win streak. Harrison Central's defensive pressure was stifling, holding opponents to under 60 points in 21 of 24 games. The Huskies were also vicious to visitors, finishing the season with a perfect record at home. Harrison Central disposed of Indian Creek, East Liverpool and 20-2 Tri-Valley on their tournament road to the regional.
Members of that team include:
Head Coach: Donnie Madzia, Assistant Coaches: Terry Wasem and Drew Greenwood, Mgr. Fletcher Watt, Players: Tyler Smith, Tim Hawthorne, Trevor McCue, Ben Hodkinson, Jacob Graham, Robbie Davia, Dave Barcroft, Dan Milleson, Robert Beall, Willy Walker and JT Cramblett.