Orrville High School celebrated the rich tradition of Red Rider athletics on September 12 as eight outstanding individuals were inducted into the Orrville High School Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026 during the organization’s 18th biennial induction ceremony.
The 2026 Hall of Fame Class includes Dr. Brooke Benner, Anthony T. Durden, CJ Handwerk, Paula Boron Lohnes, Hillary Plybon Nickles, Sam Reusser, Adam Samson, and Maggie Davault Summers.
Each inductee has made a lasting impact on Orrville athletics and carried the tradition of excellence beyond Orrville High School.
Dr. Brooke Benner was a standout distance runner for the Red Riders, earning 12 varsity letters in cross country, swimming, and track. She later competed at the University of Mount Union, earning numerous conference and regional honors, and continued competing in road races and marathons.
Anthony T. Durden, a member of the Class of 1992, played an important role on Orrville's 1992 boys basketball state championship team. A seven-time varsity letter winner, Durden remains among the program's all-time leaders in rebounding and scoring.
CJ Handwerk was a key contributor to state championship teams in both football and track. He was a member of Orrville's 1998 state championship football team and the 1999 state championship track team before continuing his athletic career at Mount Union.
Paula Boron Lohnes, a 1966 OHS graduate, excelled as an athlete before girls' interscholastic sports were widely available. She later competed in basketball at Miami University, became an accomplished softball, tennis, and golf competitor, and officiated tennis at 10 U.S. Open tournaments as well as the 1996 Olympic Games.
Hillary Plybon Nickles earned 12 varsity letters in volleyball, basketball, track, and softball. One of the most accomplished volleyball players in school history, she later competed at Division I Austin Peay State University and returned to Orrville to serve as head volleyball coach.
Sam Reusser, a 2011 OHS graduate, competed in football, wrestling, and track and field, earning 10 varsity letters. He continued his athletic and academic career at Case Western Reserve University, where he competed in football and track and earned numerous athletic and academic honors.
Adam Samson, a 2004 graduate, starred in baseball for the Red Riders before continuing his career at the College of Wooster. Samson became the first pitcher in Wooster history to earn First Team All-American honors and twice earned NCAC Pitcher of the Year recognition.
Maggie Davault Summers, a 2013 graduate, earned 10 varsity letters in volleyball, basketball, and softball and helped lead Orrville teams to the state Final Four in both volleyball and basketball during the same school year. Today, she serves Orrville students as a middle school math teacher and OHS head girls' basketball coach.
The Orrville High School Sports Hall of Fame was established in 1990 to recognize individuals who distinguished themselves through athletic achievement or made significant contributions to Orrville athletics.
The organization also continues to support current Red Riders through its annual Hall of Fame Golf Tournament scholarship program. Sophia Snyder and Charles Lorson were named the 2026 scholarship recipients.
Congratulations to the Orrville High School Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Their accomplishments, leadership, and commitment represent the proud tradition of Orrville athletics and serve as an example for future generations of Red Riders.
OHS Forever!