By Monty Siekerman
Hans Strayer accepted a plaque on behalf of his father, Herb, on Saturday when Herb was inducted posthumously into the Hardin County Sports Hall of Fame. Several family members attended including Herb’s wife, Susan (pictured). The induction took place at a banquet at USV High School.

Other awardees were Dale Dirmeyer, Zach Dysert, Bill Peterson, Mike Risner, Roger Schroer, and the 1984 Hardin Northern volleyball team, which the Ada Icon will report on tomorrow.

Strayer passed away in 2002 at the age of 61. The legendary baseball coach guided the Polar Bears to 28 consecutive winning seasons, winning four OAC titles. He holds the distinction of being the first player or coach at ONU to have his number retired, #20.

Even the road leading from Lincoln Avenue to the baseball field is named Strayer Drive. He coached at ONU for 30 years. While a student at ONU, he played on OAC championship baseball and football teams. His 77 yard punt in 1959 was a school record that stood for 40 years. He was inducted in the ONU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1983.

Zach Dysert, an Ada High School product, has been a member of the Broncos, Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys during his tenure in the NFL. He did not attend Saturday’s banquet.

PHOTO BELOW: Susan Strayer and family