2014 Inductee The 1984 Boys' Cross Country Team

Row 1:  Tom Sarty, Scott Rhoades, Mark Harvey, Marty Goetze, Steve Rock, Stu Behm
Row 2:  Jim Sopa, Mike Black, Brian Hicks, Ken Hundley, Scott Wilson, Chuck Linek


Bellevue High School did not have a Team State Championship since the 1944-45 Boys Basketball “Whiz Kids”.  That all changed in the fall of 1984 when the Boys Cross Country Team captured the Class AA State Cross Country Title. 

Under the direction of Coach Earl Miller, the championship trophy was brought home through the streets of Bellevue.  They were given a hero’s welcome the evening of October 27, 1984 as Bellevue’s Fire Dept., EMS, Police Dept., parents, and community fans met the team at the city limits for a motorcade back to Bellevue High School.  Redmen spirit, pride, and support was out in full force for this outstanding accomplishment.  The Bellevue Gazette ran a 4-page special displaying the effort, support, and enjoyment of this special weekend in Redmen sports history.  The team also received a special community parade and victory rally the following Monday evening. 

It was not an easy ride for the 1984 team.  Winning a state title never is, but this team played the role of the underdog throughout their march to the title.  The team finished the season with a 6-3 dual record, placed 4th at the Tiffin Invitational, 2nd at the Perrysburg Invite, and 1st at the Maumee Invite.  They also finished 2nd at the N.O.L. Meet held at Upper Sandusky.  In route to the state meet in Columbus, they saw nothing but 2nd places at both the District and Regional Meet.  They saved their best for last!  In Columbus they proved to all how to wear the red & white with a decisive victory over a field of the best teams in Ohio.  They defeated runner-up and defending champion Kenston by 17 points.  Senior Marty Goetze led the team with a 3rd place finish, followed very close by junior Stu Behm at 5th place.  Junior Tom Sarty was 29th, freshmen Brian Hicks 38th, senior Steve Rock at 41st, senior Mark Harvey 61st, and junior Scott Rhoades 68th.  They overcame the odds to win it all.  They put in the long hours of practice and grueling workouts to achieve the ultimate team accomplishment, a State Championship.  Because of their hard work, belief, team spirit, determination, and an encouraging leader in Coach Miller, their dream came true: 1984 Class AA Boys Cross Country State Champions!