Sports

Dlugosz Dinner, Shoremen Reunion Tickets Available

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. Ticket deadline is June 20 at noon. 

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 (former assistant coach Larry Laird) on the sidelines next fall but Coach Dlugosz’s commitment and dedication to our Shoremen Football program will not be forgotten.

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.

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.”

Tickets/Celebration information

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,” Urbin 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. Tickets can be purchased at the link or by calling Beth Laraway (440-933-7448), Deb Oxley (440-227-4216) or the Avon Lake Athletic Department. 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Avon-Avon Lake