(This article, reprinted with permission, featuring Bill Hoyer, class of 1961, as well as other 2007 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees Jon Gurian, Christi & Crystal Smith and K. B. Sharp, appeared in Bexley News on December 21, 2007)  1/14/08

Coaching Lions a thrill for Hall of Famer Hoyer

By Brian Inglis

As prestigious an honor as it is to become a member of the Bexley Athletic Hall of Fame, legendary Bexley coach Bill Hoyer was most pleased about two factors concerning his induction with four other Lions legends in October.

A Class of 1961 Bexley alumnus, Hoyer pointed out he has coached 23 Hall of Famers, including three fellow 2007 inductees. And, as icing on the cake, he was presented at the banquet at the Columbus Country Club by sons Scott and Bill Hoyer, both of whom are former Lions. The latter is also a Hall of Famer.

“One of my big thrills in coaching was being able to coach my two boys when they were younger,” Hoyer said. “I am very humbled to be recognized by the school in which I spent so many memorable years, and it was special to go in with three athletes I coached in K.B. Sharp, and Crystal and Christi Smith.”

During a remarkable career, Hoyer was the head coach for five separate Lions programs, most notably the boys and girls basketball teams who combined for 585 wins and four Division II Central District championships.

Moreover, Hoyer Presided over the boys and girls cross country teams that produced two district titles, and a boys track squad that included a 3,200-meter relay quartet that captured a state crown.

Back to his own prep days, Hoyer was a basketball and baseball player of admittedly average skills as a Lion. Eventually, after college, he and wife Barbara moved back to Bexley and have been fixtures in the community ever since along with their extended family. Even his 92-year-old father Bill was able to attend the event.

In addition to the pride Hoyer has in the contributions of his family, he also stated dealing with fellow Hall of Fame coaches like Russ Owen, Carlton Smith and Gene Millard was nothing but a pleasure.

“It was a joy to work with so many of the coaches that are in the Hall of Fame,” Hoyer said. “I just feel lucky that I was able to come back and raise my children in Bexley and make this city our home.”

As a teacher, Hoyer instructed middle school students in science, health and physical education for nearly four decades.

Other Bexley Athletic Hell of Fame inductees include:

K.B. Sharp

A four-year starter and captain in soccer and basketball, the class of 1999 alum was first team All-Ohio in both endeavors.

A gifted point guard at Bexley, Sharp has program records in career and single-season assist numbers and is third in career points.

Later on, Sharp was All-Conference USA standout at the University of Cincinnati, where she holds program marks in career assists, games and minutes played. She went on to a professional career that has included stops in the WBNA and also in pro leagues in Israel and France.

Christi Smith

Another four-year starter in two sports, the class of 1996 graduate was a basketball and track standout who was a multiple state champion in track and led the Lions to back-to-back district crowns in basketball.
The two-time Ohio long jump champ also was a member of the 400 relay state title team. Smith is the state record-holder in the long jump and also holds Bexley program bests in the 400, 800 and 1,600 relays.

At the University of Akron, Smith was the first Zip to capture an NCAA title in any athletic pursuit when she won the heptathlon as a senior. She has since been an assistant track coach at both Ohio University and Kent State University.

Crystal Smith

Also a 1996 grad, the other Smith twin earned nine varsity letters in basketball, volleyball and track and was a state titlist in the latter in the 400 relay. Smith was a first-team All-Ohio guard.

Additionally, Smith holds Bexley program records in the 400, 800 and 1,600 relays and the 300 hurdles, while also being a volleyball and basketball star for Lions clubs that captured multiple district titles during her career.

A roster member of the University of Dayton basketball team, Smith suited up for four years and made an appearance in the NIT as a junior for the flyers.

Jon Gurian

One of the most accomplished tennis players in Central Ohio history, the class of 1974 Bexley alum was a two-time state titlist and also a runner up in singles.

The four-year starter was also a two-time captain and three-time district champ, and is considered one of the top players in the history of a storied program.

As a top recruit, Gurian went on to take the court for both Texas Christian University and Ohio State University, where he was a first-team All-Big Ten selection as a senior.

He also won over 50 United States tennis titles from 1970-1995.

Back to Features