When facing Girard High School in the early 1960s, every opposing team was well aware that he stood as the primary option for the Indian offense. Whether competing on the field, court, or track, he commanded the attention of his rivals. His time at Girard High saw him excel in three sports, garnering the most recognition as a quarterback for the Indians. His leadership propelled the team forward, earning him the distinction of a 1st team All-County selection during his senior year. In 1988, he was honored with the Lou Berliner Award, recognizing his significant contributions to high school sports in the Central Ohio region. Furthermore, he maintains an annual involvement with the Phil Koppel Scholar Athlete Award at his alma mater, Girard High School.
