Ross Local School District

Anyone is welcome to nominate a RLSD alumni or community member for the contributions to the schools or community at the link below.

RLSD Hall Of Fame Nomination Form

To details about our annual Hall of Fame Banquet, please visit the Athletics Box Office to find tickets starting in the late fall of each year.

Box Office

The Ross Local School District is set to induct eight new members into the Class of 2026 for their contributions to the schools and community.  

Softball State Championship Team (2009) - Led by seniors Brittany Berry, Rachael Connaughton, Hannah Ellinghausen, Heather Freeman, Kaitlyn Strunk, and Nell Wilson the 2009 softball team finished the regular season 18-7 winning the program's 23rd consecutive league championship. Behind junior pitcher Brittany Fernandez the Rams won 6 of the first 7 tournament games by shutouts (including three 1-0). They won the state final game 4-2 becoming the first Ramball team (and second Ross High School team) to win a State Championship. The Rams were coached by Paul Fernandez, Bob Walton, Gary Weitzel, and Jim Kernohan as the team finished with an overall record of 26-7.  

Richie Herrmann (Class of 1989) – Herrmann was a standout in both football and track and field in his years at Ross. In his senior year in football he was named 1st team All-League, 1st team All-District, 1st team All-County and Player of the Year. Herrmann was also named Special Mention All-Ohio.  In track and field Herrmann still holds the school record in the 110m High Hurdles and the 300m Hurdles.  Herrmann went on to Ashland University where he competed in both football and track and field. In 1993 he was named an All American in track and field. He was also team captain in track and field his sophomore, junior and senior year.

Brandon Jones (Class of 1994) – Jones was a member of Concert Band/Jazz Band/Marching Band during his time at Ross. He has since gone on to have a tremendous career as a music educator, author and performer that has spanned over 25 years. He began his career as a band director for Princeton City Schools. He earned his Doctorate at the University of Cincinnati - College Conservatory of Music. Jones was Professor of Music and Coordinator of Instrumental Music at Wittenberg University, where he conducted the Symphonic Band, Chamber Orchestra, and Jazz Ensemble.  He also served as chairperson of the Music Department 2019-2024. He is a contributing author to the best-selling Teaching Music Through Performance in Band series. In his free time, Jones is a performing guitarist  in venues around Cincinnati.

Dana and Martha Mehl - In 2022 Martha and Dana Mehl started the Ross Community Foundation because of their deep love for their community. Since its inception, the Ross Community Foundation has returned over $90,000 in total to local organizations serving the Ross community. These grants have been able to support a wide variety of needs in the community. Additionally, the Foundation has been able to serve local nonprofits with continuing education opportunities and other essential needs. The Ross Community Foundation stands as a testament to what’s possible when a community comes together with a shared vision and a generous spirit. It’s more than a fund—it’s a living, breathing embodiment of hope, connection, and possibility.

Al Gross - For many years as an educator at Ross Middle School, Gross inspired students to reach their highest academic potential. His lessons challenged students to think critically, work diligently, and believe in their own abilities. Gross started the Ross Middle School Garden Club where students planted and tended flowers, built and maintained a greenhouse, and took pride in beautifying the school grounds. Gross also started an “auction” program for students where students could earn “Ram Bucks” for meeting expectations and being role models. Oftentimes, he would even spend his own money to ensure every student felt the excitement and reward of their efforts. He also played a vital role in mentoring future educators. Gross’s influence continues to ripple through the district, carried on by the many teachers and students he inspired.

Larry Hutson (Class of 1991) - Hutson was a three sport student athlete at Ross, playing baseball, basketball and football and earning 8 varsity letters. In football, Hutson holds the record for most passing yards in a game and passing touchdowns in a game. He is second with passing yards in a season and passing touchdowns in a season. In 1990 he was named 1st Team All-League, 1st Team All-County, Special Mention All-District. In basketball, Hutson helped lead the Rams to two FAVC league titles while scoring over 500 points and earning FAVC league awards.

After high school, Hutson went on to Thomas More University, where he was a two sport athlete. He was the starting quarterback in football for three years and a four-year starter at shortstop and pitcher in baseball.  After his collegiate days,Hutson spent one year in Germany playing professional football for the Bremen Bravehearts.

Danny Gray (Class of 1975) – Gray was one of Ross High School’s all time best basketball players. He graduated as the school’s all time leading scorer and led the team in scoring, once scoring 42 points in one game. In his career, Gray was named First Team All-District, All-State MVP, First Team Player Of The Year, Second Team Golden Triangle, American Legion Buckeye Boys State and was also named an All-American in 1975 for national distinction as one of the finest high school basketball players.   

Bob Ward - Ward was the long-time coach for the girls basketball program, leading the team for 19 seasons. His 1986-87 team went 19-2 while winning the league title.  Ward’s 217 victories represent the highest total in Ross basketball history for the girls or boys. Before becoming the girls varsity head coach Bob was the varsity assistant for the boys basketball program. During his time in that role the teams had four very successful seasons winning three league championships, two district championships, one regional runner-up, one regional championship, and the state championship in 1980. He coached eight Ross Hall of Famers during his tenure.

The Ross Local Schools Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held on April 18th. Tickets for the event can be purchased by visiting our Box Office.

RLSD Box Office