In 1980, there was a citywide vote to name the greatest Highlands football players. Over 3,000 residents of Fort Thomas voted from a ballot put together by former Highlands football coaches, including Homer Rice. The vote determined the greatest players from 1954 through 1980. A committee determined the greatest players at Highlands prior to 1954. Here are the results of the poll:

 

1954-1980 First Team

 

Quarterback: Roger Walz - 1962

Fullback: John Burt (1962) and Mike McGraw (1962)

Tailback: Hank Pogue (1967) and Jim Burt (1962)

Wingback: Clem Fennell (1969) and Duke Schneider (1971)

Center: Jim McFarland (1969) and Jim Waite (1969)

Guard: Rick Grover (1971) and Jeff Theiss (1977)

Tackle: Paul Finneseith (1959) and Jeff Schlosser (1976)

Receiver: Steve Graves (1969) and Bob Steinhauser (1961)

Defensive Back: Tim Racke (1969), Roger Walz (1962), Denny McAtee (1958), Rick Hoffman (1969) and Bert Bathiany (1972)

Linebacker: Bill Roller (1971), Mike McGraw (1962)

Defensive End: Bob Steinhauser (1961), Dave Hudepohl (1960) and Greg Oetjen (1969)

Down Linemen: Chuck Kyle (1965), Mike Lawson (1964), Brad Wendel (1976) and Craig Lefton (1971)

 

Top Three in Votes Received: Roger Walz, Chuck Kyle, Tim Racke.

 

Dale Mueller made the 2nd Team at offensive guard.

Wow... Thanks for posting this. What an honor for those named. I don't suppose you have the list of the pre-1954 HHS greats, do you?

I just found the special Fort Thomas Living that had all that info. in it. Fun going back and reading about everyone again.

Wow... Thanks for posting this. What an honor for those named. I don't suppose you have the list of the pre-1954 HHS greats, do you?

 

I know of one very questionable selection made to the 54-80 team. He was probably selected due to his good looks and charm. :banana:

1916-1953

 

Backs: Jim Howe (1944), John Hosking (1931), John Kellogg (1926), Duke Schneider (1949), Bruce Ross (1938), Henry Pogue (1938), Ray Mosley (1954(, Richard Kruer (1943), Ted Finneseth (1952), Tom Rohrer (1953), Homer Rice (1945), Bob Luecke (1945).

 

Centers: Jack Cook (1942, Pete Thress (1951)

 

Ends: Bob Stegeman (1931), Bob Curtice (1951), Frank Burdick (1930), Ed Johnson (1948), Jerry Cecil (1941)

 

Guards: J.C. McFarland (1947), Rich Picola (1938), Don Reder (1944), George Mogge (1942), George Grimm (1929)

 

Tackles: Bob Faust (1949), Bob Kuhnhein (1944), Jack Casner (1939), Jim Schweitzer (1942)

These are legends of the program during that era and so are the guys prior to them. How cool would it be if Highlands somehow implemented a "Walk of Fame" into the new construction plans of Phase 4 of the renovation project at Highlands.

BUt then again, maybe thats just not Highlands style as this is what seperates the Birds from other programs. The lack of talking about ourselves........... LOL

I know of one very questionable selection made to the 54-80 team. He was probably selected due to his good looks and charm. :banana:

 

I was told he was selected more because of his knowledge of offensive line technique than because of any athletic ability. :clap:

Second Team - Highlands Greatest Football Players - 1954-1980

 

Quarterback: Tim Racke (1969)

Fullback: Gary Cochran (1958)

Tailback: Rick Hoffman (1969)

Wingback: Jeff McMahon (1976)

Center: Eric Knock (1978)

Guard: Bill Klump (1976) and Dale Mueller (1973)

Tackle: Greg Leftin (1971), Doug Moore (1962) and Gary Oetjen (1973)

End: Dwayne Pickens (1972) and Rick Pendery (1976)

Defensive Backs: Richie Emmons (1959), Clem Fennell (1969), Ron Malone (1976), Don Leisl (1978)

Linebacker: Joe Ross (1961), Tim Geiman (1978)

Defensive Ends: Ken Geiman (1979), Rick Grover (1971)

Down Linemen: Greg Leftin (1971),Gary Oetjen (1973), Doug Moore (1962)

 

Third Team:

 

Quarterback: Billy Straub (1958)

Fullback: Mike Lawson (1964)

Tailback: Jinm Vorhees (1965)

Wingback: Harold White (1965)

Center: Steve Kibler (1959)

Guard: Larry Lee (1959), John Havron (1966)

Tackle: Craig Leftin (1971, Jack Eicher (1967)

End: Bob Wasser (1967), Dan Long (1972)

 

Defense:

 

Defensive Backs: Duke Schneider (1971), Barry Alberhart (1956), Aaron Mosley (1959), Dain Birkley (1964)

Linebacker: Jerry Krentz (1969), Mike Roth (1965), Gary Cochran (1958)

Defensive End: Mike Herrmann (1981), Dan Long (1972)

Down Linemen: Jeff Theiss (1977), Allen Law (1963), Mark Barringer (1969)

These are legends of the program during that era and so are the guys prior to them. How cool would it be if Highlands somehow implemented a "Walk of Fame" into the new construction plans of Phase 4 of the renovation project at Highlands.

BUt then again, maybe thats just not Highlands style as this is what seperates the Birds from other programs. The lack of talking about ourselves........... LOL

 

 

On a serious note, I do agree with you that a Walk of Fame or a Hall of Fame for Highlands football isn't a good idea. It's not about individual players or even individual teams; it's about the program. And a program is built as much by the contributions of the players that never get mentioned on Friday nights or selected for all state teams as it is by the contributions of those that receive accolades. I've often stated that it's much easier to deal with the grueling conditioning sessions and practices when you know you are going to be the "star". The players that bust their tails while knowing they'll live in obscurity on Friday nights if they even get on the field are the ones that have my admiration.

On a serious note, I do agree with you that a Walk of Fame or a Hall of Fame for Highlands football isn't a good idea. It's not about individual players or even individual teams; it's about the program. And a program is built as much by the contributions of the players that never get mentioned on Friday nights or selected for all state teams as it is by the contributions of those that receive accolades. I've often stated that it's much easier to deal with the grueling conditioning sessions and practices when you know you are going to be the "star". The players that bust their tails while knowing they'll live in obscurity on Friday nights if they even get on the field are the ones that have my admiration.

 

So are you are saying that it wasn't a big deal that your kids were selected all-state OL. IMO they were both very good at there position and made the rest of the team solid. So in the future should we all tell the state not to give honors to the birds?

So are you are saying that it wasn't a big deal that your kids were selected all-state OL. IMO they were both very good at there position and made the rest of the team solid. So in the future should we all tell the state not to give honors to the birds?

 

Nope; I didn't say the bolded at all.

Thank you so much Bad Bill for providing this information!!!

I think it would be pretty cool to do a team consisting of players from 1981-20011

I think it would be pretty cool to do a team consisting of players from 1981-20011

 

Shouldn't we wait a while?

Your telling us that 3 Highlands QB's where better than Jared I don't think so!