Who is central Ohio's best high school athlete ever? Vote now
We've made our picks for the 12 most impactful central Ohio high school athletes ever. Vote in our poll, and let us know if we missed anyone.
How long have high school sports been important in central Ohio? Well, in compiling this list of the best high school athletes in the history of the community, The Dispatch selected one who was born in the late 1800s. This story is part of All-America 250 for 250 – USA TODAY Sports’ celebration of the 250 greatest American sports figures of all time.
The Dispatch previously wrote about 10 high school football players and 12 high school basketball players who left lasting legacies in central Ohio, beyond championships and statistics. Here are our selections for high school athletes who did the same. Hank Gowdy, North Born in 1889 and a member of North’s class of 1908, Gowdy’s statistics are lost but his impact is not .
A lifelong resident of Columbus, Gowdy made his MLB debut in 1910 and batted . 545 in the 1914 World Series to earn a parade in his hometown. Three years later, he became the first MLB player to enlist in World War I.
He also served as a captain and major in World War II. Blake Haxton, Upper Arlington A standout rower at UA, Haxton went world-class – literally – in the sport even after having most of his right leg and all of his left amputated in 2009 because of necrotizing fasciitis. Also a graduate of Ohio State’s law school, Haxton is a three-time Paralympian, two-time medalist and nine-team U.
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