Jack Messner
Talented, teachable, and tenacious are the word used by Coach Wesley Boals to describe Jack Messner and his accomplishments while earning 15 Varsity Letter (in four sports) during his four years at Jeromesville High School in the 50’s.
Jack was quarterback in football and one of the reasons Jeromesville had back-to-back, undefeated seasons in 1954 and 1955. He was selected to play in the six-man All-Star Football Game in 1955 and won the Most Valuable Player Award. He set national records in yards per carry, tackles, and passing in his senior year.
In basketball, Jack earned all county honors and was co-captain his senior year. He finished his career as the third best scorer and the team won runner-up honors in their county tournament.
Jack’s career in track started one a one-lane dirt path in the middle of the field, and he went on to become a premier high and low hurdler competing in the state championship at Columbus. He also competed in the dashes and relay events. In his senior year (1956), Jack attained the third best district time in Ohio in the 120 high hurdles.
In baseball, Jack’s pitching prowess and athletic ability in baseball, along with his teammate Jim McKinley, is a county legend to baseball fans during his high school and Legion ball in Ashland. Jack also pitched for Coach George Donges at Ashland College (now A.U.) in the early 60’s.
After graduating from A.U. in 1962 with a degree in business administration, Jack was employed as personnel manager, then as senior production control manager at Eagle Rubber Company. In 1974 he was appointed the Ashland City Park and Recreation Director where he served for 16 years. Presently Jack is Administrator of the Income Tax for the City of Ashland. Great strides were made in the advancement of sports with the City and County under his administration. These include more mens’ and womens’ softball tournaments, and the addition of nine holes to Brookside Golf Course.
Jack is married to the former Diane Straits of Jeromesville and they have two Children, Rev Jeffrey D. Messner (wife Cynthia) and Mrs. Jacqueline D. McCauley (husband Brian) and three grandchildren, Jessica (7), Jordan (4), and Jillian (2).
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