Sports

Dlugosz Will Be Honored, Shoremen Reunite at June Event

City's most winning football coach will be honored at Ahern's event.

One of Avon Lake’s most celebrated coaches will be honored in June. The event on June 22 will also be a reunion of sorts for former Shoremen who want to thank Dave Dlugosz, the program’s most-winning football coach who retired this year after 21 seasons. 

The event, held at Ahern’s Banquet Center in Avon Lake will honor Dlugosz, who over the years accumulated a host of records and awards, including one state championship for the Avon Lake High School football team.

“Coach Dlugosz is the kind of leader you just don’t replace,” ALHS Athletic Director Tom Barone said. “We will have a new head coach on the sidelines next fall but Coach Dlugosz’s commitment and dedication to our Shoremen Football program will not be forgotten.”

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Long-time assistant coach Larry Laird will take over as coach for the 2013-14 season.

Dlugosz served as the Avon Lake assistant football coach from 1974-1985 before a five-year stint in the same capacity at Lakewood St. Edward High School. He returned to Avon Lake in 1992 as the head football coach and over the next 21 years accumulated a 200-44 record with an 82 percent winning percentage.

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During those year the Shoremen were Southwestern Conference Champions 18 times and qualified for the state playoffs 15 times.

His teams were regional champions twice (2003 and 2004), state finalists in 2004 and in 2003 won the Div. II State Championship with a record of 15-0. He also coached in numerous all-star games and held the position of president of the OHSFCA in 1007-08.

Shoremen football statician Dan Urbin is spearheading the effort for the evening.

“We’re childhood friends and have remained friends throughout the years,” Urbin said. “He’s coached by sons. This goes beyond coaching.”

The evening begins with a 6 p.m. cocktail reception followed by a 7 p.m. dinner. After, celebrity speakers are scheduled to make remarks. Cost for the evening is $50 per person.

Urbin said many fellow Shoremen are arranging reunions for this event and asked that they contact former teammates and classmates to have them join in the celebration. 

“Coach Dlugosz has impacted many lives over his career at Avon Lake,” he said. “Take this once in a lifetime opportunity to say ‘Thank You.’” 

There will be an “after banquet” gathering for all football alumni at Buffalo Wild Wings in Avon Lake.

For more information on attending go to the Shoremen Football page.


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