If since 1969 an SHS graduate studied history or geography or ran track or cross country, the work of Terry Zuercher would be a fond memory.
This 2021 SHS Hall of Distinction inductee was a native of Millersburg and a graduate of West Holmes High School. Mr. Zuercher earned a bachelor’s degree at Ashland University and a master’s at Bowling Green State University.
He arrived in Shelby in 1969 at the Junior High where he taught Ohio history and geography and coached the track team for seven years.
He then became the distance coach at SHS for the next 27 years. His teams excelled. The Shelby track team won state titles in 2003 and 2004. In the early 1980s he began teaching American History and Advanced Placement History at SHS. Mr. Zuercher guided three-time All-Ohio Jason Mueller to an indoor national championship in the 3200 meters and several outdoor 1600 and 3200 state titles. In 23 cross country seasons his teams won 8 district titles, 2 regionals, placed 2nd at the state finals in 1985, and represented SHS at State 15 times. His teams placed 1st or 2nd in 59 invitational meets, and his dual meet record was 182-41. Jim Loveless ’88 became an All-American at Kent State.
Mr. Zuercher was inducted into the Ohio Association of Track & Cross Country Hall of Fame. Says one SHS alumnus, “Mr. Zuercher has touched many lives in a positive way during his years of teaching and 63 seasons of coaching.”
He passed away at 73 on September 4, 2020 from cancer in Columbus. His widow Linda will be standing in for him at the Hall of Distinction ceremony on Saturday, October 9 at 3 p.m. at SHS.