By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

Some of the greatest student-athletes in the history of Streetsboro High School will be inducted into the athletic department’s Hall of Fame on Sept. 13.
The group will be recognized at the Rockets’ Friday home football game against Coventry in Week 4.
The induction class includes six: Ken Kasarda, Jeff Futo, Kasey Schwing, Jim Kuchta, Bob Kirtley and Steve Masowick.

KEN KASARDA

KEN KASARDA

1991-1995
A distinguished wrestler that competed between 103 and 1119 pounds. He achieved numerous accolades, including four-time Portage County League finalist, two-time Portage County League champion, two-time state qualifier and state runner-up. He qualified for the state tournament in 1993 as a sophomore at 103 pounds, then again as a senior in 1995, at 112 pounds. At the state tourney in 1995, Kasarda wrestled Lamont Tucker of Martins Ferry in the state final, losing an 8-6 decision. He won more than 100 matches during his career.

KASEY SCHWING

KASEY SCHWING

2004-2008
He earned seven varsity letters as a football and track and field standout. During his football career, he was a two-year starter at linebacker and was twice named All-League and All-Northeast Inland District. He was named the football program’s Defensive Player of the Year and was a team captain in 2007. In his track and field career, he was a key member of the school’s first- and second-ever league championships in 2006 and 2007. He was named First Team All-League seven different times and was part of several school records at the time as a sprint relay team member. During his senior year, he was the Portage Trail Conference, district and regional champion in the 100 meters. At the state championships, he placed third overall in the 100 meters. He was also the PTC and district champion, qualifying for the state finals, in the 200 meters.

JIM KUCHTA

JIM KUCHTA

1995-1999
Kuchta participated in soccer and wrestling, earning eight varsity letters. As a senior, he placed third overall at 112 pounds, while also winning Portage County League and sectional championships. In his senior year, he finished with a record of 39-8. As a sophomore, he was a member of the Rockets’ 1997 state-championship team. Since graduation, Kuchta has coached and has served as an assistant coach for Streetsboro wrestling program since 2000.

JEFF FUTO

JEFF FUTO

1987-1991
A four-year wrestler for the Rockets, he wrestled at 130 pounds as a freshman and qualified for the district tournament. As a sophomore, he moved up to 135 pounds, where he placed as a runner-up at the Portage County League championships and qualified for the district tournament. As a junior, Futo wrestled at 140 pounds, winning a sectional title and was also named to the All-PCL team. As a senior, he wrestled at both 145 and 152, winning a PCL, sectional and district championship, then finishing as a state runner-up at 145, finishing the season with a 34-4 record.

BOB KIRTLEY

BOB KIRTLEY

1997-2001

Kirtley had a notable wrestling career and was known for his aggressive and technical wrestling style. He excelled in takedowns and had a strong defensive game, which made it difficult for his opponents to score against him. His great ability to maintain control, and leverage his strength effectively, contributed to his success on the mat. Kirtley qualified for the state championship multiple times. In 2001, he was a runner-up in the state final.

STEVE MASOWICK

STEVE MASOWICK

Masowick is a dedicated and valued member of the Streetsboro community, who is known for his unwavering support of the Rockets. He is well regarded for his commitment to raising the American flag at football games and for his involvement with the American Legion. His contributions to the community, such as assisting with the donation of the flag poles at the baseball and softball fields, have made a lasting impact. The baseball and softball fields bear the names American Legion Field and Veterans Field, thanks in part to Masowick and the coordination with the American Legion. He has also helped coordinate the American Legion scholarship.