Front row: Dan Neff (53), Jim Zachrich (43), Richard Martin (41), Virgil Linebrink (31), Jerry Stevens (45), Jim Kile (25).
Back row: Head coach Lee Himmeger, Terry Stevens (23), Rod Martin (21), Bob Hoellrich (55), Dave Ripke (35), Jim Smith (51), Lynn Davis (33), Charles Koch, Assistant Coach.
Under Coach Lee Himmeger's leadership, Ayersville High School basketball achieved unprecedented excellence during the 1960-61 and 1961-62 seasons, establishing a legacy that remains unmatched in Ohio basketball history. The Pilots' dominance culminated in back-to-back Class A state poll championships and a perfect 30-0 record in 1960-61, capturing the Class A State Championship.
The teams' 57-game winning streak ranks second all-time in Ohio high school basketball history, part of an extraordinary 68-game regular-season winning streak spanning five seasons - the final 6 games of the 1958-59 season, three 20-0 seasons, and the first two games of the 1962-63 season. From 1959-60 through 1962-63, Ayersville compiled an astounding 81-2 record, defeating numerous larger Class AA opponents, including Fairview, Lima Central Catholic, Lima Shawnee, and Delphos St. John.
Dan Neff emerged as the program's cornerstone, earning First Team All-Ohio honors both seasons and capturing the 1961-62 Class A State Player of the Year award. John Bricker complemented Neff's excellence with Third Team All-Ohio recognition in 1961-62. Coach Himmeger's exceptional leadership earned him consecutive Class A Ohio Coach of the Year honors.
The 1961-62 season produced a 27-1 record, with the only loss coming in the state semi-finals against New Lebanon Dixie. These teams from southeast Defiance County represented small-school basketball at its finest, proving that talent, dedication, and coaching could overcome size disadvantages.
Of the eighteen players who comprised these championship teams, eight have passed away, including four in recent months, making this recognition a poignant tribute to their enduring legacy in Ohio basketball history.
Seated, left to right: Dave Ripke (34), John Bricker (52), Jerry Stephens (50), Dan Neff (54), Jim Smith (40); Lynn Davis (30).
Standing, left to right: Coach Lee Himmeger, Ron Leaders (24), Darrell Bowditch (44), Gene Hoellrich (42), Tom Friend (32), Alan Hoffman (22), Rod Martin (20).
