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Seven New Inductees Due For Woodsfield-Monroe Central Football Hall of Fame

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The Woodsfield-Monroe Central Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony for the Class of 2026 is scheduled for Saturday, Sep 12, 6 p.m. at the Brown Community Center. It is open to the public and tickets are $10 at the door. Inductees were selected from a larger pool of candidates by vote. The voters consist of the members of the Woodsfield-Monroe Central Football Alumni Committee, the current head football coach, all past head coaches, all assistant coaches past and present who have a minimum of 10 aggregate years on the coaching staff, the current Seminole Sideliner officers, and inducted members of the Hall of Fame. The Woodsfield-Monroe Central Football Hall of Fame covers the history of both the Monroe Central football program and its predecessor, the old Woodsfield Redskin football program.

The HOF Officers are; President John Kaiser, Vice President John Knowlton, Treasurer Jason Piatt, Secretary Cole Haralson.

Below is a capsule look at this year’s inductees.

#74 LARRY TAYLOR

T/DT (1966-1969)

Larry Taylor was Woodsfield's prototype linemen of the late 1960s and a foundational player during that era of Woodsfield High School football. A three-year letterman and three-year starter, Taylor earned a reputation as a hard-nosed, physical competitor whose presence was felt on both sides of the line of scrimmage.

Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing in at 200 pounds as a senior, Taylor possessed the size, strength, and toughness that made him a dominant force in an era when linemen rarely received the recognition afforded to skill-position players. Taylor is still regarded as one of the most dominant and impactful lineman in program history.

As an offensive tackle, Taylor helped pave the way for some of Woodsfield’s most accomplished offensive performers, including standout quarterback Mike Harvey, running back Tom Sulsberger and Hall of Fame running back Bill Nixon, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons. Defensively, Taylor was known for his physical style of play and ability to control the line of scrimmage.

His leadership helped Woodsfield capture a share of it's first-ever Pioneer Valley League championship in 1968 and an outright league title in 1969 while establishing the foundation for future success within the program. Notably, he was also Woodsfield's first and only three-time All-OVAC first teamer.

Career Highlights

-Two-time Pioneer Valley League Champion (1968, 69)

-Three-time All-OVAC First Team Selection

-Two-time First Team All-PVL Selection

-Two-time All-Ohio Valley Small School Selection

-Three-year Letterman

#76 BRAD HABIG

OT/DT (1975-1978)

A member of Woodsfield's Habig Family Football Dynasty, Brad Habig was one of the premier two-way linemen of the late 1970s and a key contributor to one of the greatest teams in Woodsfield football history. A three-year starter at offensive and defensive tackle, Habig combined toughness, consistency, and physical play to help lead the Redskins through one of the most successful eras in program history.

Habig played a vital role on the legendary 1976 undefeated AP State Championship team, helping pave the way for an offense that rushed for 2,372 yards while anchoring a defense that allowed just 5.4 points per game. His ability to dominate at the line of scrimmage made him an invaluable part of a team that remains one of the program's benchmark squads.

Defensively, Habig developed into one of the most productive linemen in school history, finishing his career with 335 tackles and 27 tackles for loss. His senior season was among the best ever recorded by a Woodsfield defender, as he amassed 158 total tackles while earning recognition as one of the Ohio Valley’s top defensive players.

Career Highlights

-1976 Undefeated/AP State Championship Team

-Two-time All-OVAC Selection

-Two-time All-PVL Selection

-Second Team All-Ohio (1978)

-First Team All-Ohio Valley Small School Selection

#70 CHRIS “LUMPY” DALRYMPLE

OT/DT/K (1990-1993)

Few players in Woodsfield football history impacted the game in as many ways as Chris “Lumpy” Dalrymple. A four-year letterman and three-year starter, Dalrymple developed into one of the most versatile and accomplished players of his era, excelling on the offensive line, defensive line and as the team’s placekicker.

Beginning as a sophomore in 1991, Dalrymple became a cornerstone of some of the most successful teams in program history. During his four-year career, Woodsfield won 37 games, captured three OVAC and three PVC championships, and qualified for the OHSAA playoffs twice. His teams lost only three regular-season games during that span and featured two of the greatest defenses ever fielded by the program.

As an offensive lineman, Dalrymple protected standout quarterbacks Matt Ludwig and Rick Russell while opening holes for Hall of Fame running backs Jon Knowlton, Mike Leinhauser, Luke Schumacher, and Dustin Robison. Defensively, he recorded 237 career tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, and four fumble recoveries.

What truly separated Dalrymple from his peers, however, was his value as a kicker. He finished his career as the program’s all-time leader in extra points and ranks among the school’s all-time leaders in field goals and field-goal percentage. His leg often proved the difference in close games. He also holds the distinction of scoring the final three points in the history of Woodsfield High School Football, a memorable 32-yard field goal in the Regional Championship game against Newark Catholic...a game where a Dalrymple-led defense held the Green Wave to just 38 net yards in a heartbreaking loss.

A rare combination of toughness, athleticism, and versatility, Dalrymple earned recognition as both an All-Ohio lineman and an All-Ohio kicker.

Career Highlights

-Three-time OVAC Champion

-Three-time PVC Champion

-Two-time OHSAA Playoff Qualifier

-First Team All-Ohio Kicker (1993)

-All-Ohio Honorable Mention (1991)

-Two-time First Team All-OVAC Selection

-Two-time First Team All-Valley Small School Selection

-1994 OVAC All-Star Game

-Woodsfield's Career Leader in Extra Points (72)

#70 RANDALL SEFERT

OT/DT (1998-2001)

Randall Sefert was a stalwart presence in the trenches and a key figure in Monroe Central’s prominence during the late 1990s and early 2000s. A four-year letterman, Sefert combined strength, toughness, and leadership to help shape one of the most successful stretches in program history.

On offense, Sefert anchored the line for several of the school’s most productive rushing and passing attacks. His blocking helped create opportunities for standout quarterbacks Derek Griffith and Michael Jorris while paving the way for record-setting backs Jesse Nippert and All-Ohio running back Chris Wilson.

Defensively, Sefert was equally impactful. A relentless interior lineman with a knack for finding the football, he finished his career with 202 tackles, 11 sacks, seven forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. As a senior, he notched 110.5 tackles and 7.5 sacks as he anchored a defense that helped guide Monroe Central to the 2001 Division V Regional Championship.

One of only three seniors on the 2001 squad, Sefert provided leadership during one of the greatest turnarounds in school history. One year after a 2-8 season, Monroe Central improved by nine wins to finish 11-1 and capture the school’s first regional championship.

Career Highlights

-Division V Regional Champion (2001)

-Three-time PVC Champion

-OVAC Champion

-Two-time All-PVC Selection

-Two-time All-Eastern District Selection

-First Team All-OVAC

-2002 OVAC All-Star Game

-202 Career Tackles and 11 Career Sacks

#11 JOSH ISCHY

WR/QB/DB (2000-2003)

Few players in Monroe Central football history impacted the game in as many ways as Josh Ischy. A 2004 graduate, Ischy established himself as one of the most versatile and dynamic athletes of his era, excelling at quarterback, wide receiver, defensive back, and special teams while helping lead the Seminoles through one of the most successful periods in program history.

A true playmaker, Ischy was a key contributor to three consecutive playoff teams and played a major role in two landmark seasons. He helped lead Monroe Central to the 2001 Division V Regional Championship, the deepest postseason run in program history, and was a standout performer on the undefeated 2002 team that captured both PVC and OVAC championships while finishing the regular season 10-0.

Whether returning kicks, making plays in the secondary, catching passes, or stepping in at quarterback, Ischy consistently found ways to impact games. His athleticism and competitive drive helped fuel some of the most productive offensive and defensive units in school history while contributing to a culture of winning that defined Monroe Central football during the early 2000s.

Following his playing career, Ischy returned to serve the Monroe Central community as an educator, mentor, and Head Football Coach from 2018-2022. He currently serves as Principal at Woodsfield Elementary.

Career Highlights

-Division V Regional Champion (2001)

-Undefeated Regular Season/OVAC Champion (2002)

-All-Ohio Second Team (2003)

-Two-time PVC Champion

-Two-time All-OVAC First Team

-Two-time All-PVC

COACH CHUCK BRIGGS

Assistant Coach (1967-2005)

Few individuals devoted more of their lives to Woodsfield and Monroe Central football than Coach Chuck Briggs. Over nearly four decades as an assistant coach, Briggs became a fixture on the sidelines and played a significant role in shaping generations of players and the culture of the program.

A 1960 graduate of Woodsfield High School and former football player, after returning home from serving in the U.S. Navy, Briggs began his coaching career in 1967 under Head Coach Bob Butts before joining the staff of legendary Head Coach Jay Circosta. Together, they helped build one of the most successful football traditions in the Ohio Valley.

Throughout his coaching career, Briggs was known for his consistency, work ethic, and commitment to the fundamentals of the game. While head coaches often receive public recognition, Briggs represented the type of dedicated assistant whose influence was felt every day on the practice field, in the locker room, and on Friday nights. His steady presence helped guide countless student-athletes, many of whom would later become community leaders, coaches, and Hall of Fame players themselves.

In recognition of his decades of service and impact on the program, the football stadium press box was named in his honor. Today, the Chuck Briggs Press Box stands as a lasting tribute to a coach whose dedication helped shape the identity and tradition of Woodsfield and Monroe Central football.

Career Highlights

-39 Seasons as Assistant Football Coach

-Served under Head Coaches Bob Butts and Jay Circosta

-Longest-serving assistant coach in program history

-Football stadium press box named in his honor

WALTER “BUNKY” KEMP

Contributor

Walter “Bunky” Kemp dedicated much of his life to supporting Woodsfield and Monroe Central football, becoming one of the most trusted and dependable contributors in program history. For more than four decades, he served the athletes, coaches, and supporters of the program through countless hours of volunteer work and leadership within the Sideliners organization.

A lifelong Woodsfield resident and proprietor of the successful Kemp's True Value hardware store, Kemp believed that strong athletic programs were built not only by players and coaches, but also by community members willing to work behind the scenes. He became a fixture at football games, serving on the chain gang for more than 40 years while contributing to numerous fundraising, facility, and improvement projects that benefited generations of student-athletes.

Among his many contributions, Kemp played a pivotal role in the construction of the Jay Circosta Football Field House. Drawing upon his professional knowledge and experience in the building trades, he served as a key leader in the project and worked alongside fellow Sideliners to bring the facility from concept to reality, while leveraging his business to provide materials at-cost. His expertise, craftsmanship, and commitment helped create a lasting asset for the football program that continues to serve Monroe Central athletes today.

While his name never appeared in a box score, Kemp’s impact on Woodsfield and Monroe Central football was felt for decades. His dedication helped strengthen the foundation of the program and left a legacy that continues to benefit student-athletes and the community alike.

Career Highlights

-More than 40 years of service to Woodsfield and Monroe Central football

-Served on the chain gang for four decades

-Major contributor to facility improvements and program development

-Exemplified community service

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