Bob Bentz’s first taste of distance running was actually discovered by accident. In order to participate in basketball, cross country running was required for conditioning. Bob soon found out that his true strengths were in running cross country and track. To be the best distance runner at Beaver Local was Bob’s goal as a sophomore. His drive to win soon rewrote all levels of Beaver Local and State track history books. He began to dominate the local track scene. In 1971, as a junior, Bob continued to gain local and Statewide notoriety. He placed first in the state cross country AA 2 mile run and 2nd in the state 2 mile run. Going undefeated, winning the state 2 mile run and setting an all-time state record were part of Bob’s accomplishments as a senior. All his determination and hard work paid off as he became Beaver Local’s first high school All-American by placing 3rd in the nation. Bob continued his track and cross country career at the University of Tennessee where he completed his career as a part of the seven member Cross Country Team who were undefeated in four years and were Southeastern Conference Champions and three years were Southeastern Track and Field Champions.
Carl Hoppel - Graduated 1962
Excelling in football and wrestling, Carl is the youngest of five boys to Everett and Lee Hoppel, a famous wrestling family known throughout the state. Hoppel became the first freshman to win a State Champion in wrestling in 1959. Had it not been for a highly disputed take down in the last few seconds of his semi-final match his sophomore year, where he placed third, Carl could have been a four-time Champion. Back at the State Champions his junior and senior years, Carl once again was champion. This outstanding athlete was never pinned in his four years of high school wrestling and finished his career with an amazing 99-2 record. Hoppel was honored at the 2000 State Wrestling Championship Tournament as one of the top 15 “greatest Ohio High School Wrestlers”.
Carl, a retired businessman, was once owner of Hoppel Enterprise, Hoppel Brick and Block, and co-owner of West Point Electric. He now spends his time driving his own truck and hauling oil.
Dave Myers - Graduated 1963
As a freshman, Dave was a starter for the Beaver Local football team where he was a tenacious quarter and linebacker. He was selected as an All-County player his sophomore year. Dave captained the football team his junior year. His hard work and desire inspired and motivated his teammates. For his outstanding performances, Dave was named to the All-County team and named 3rd team All-State (Dave was the first to accomplish this). Dave played in every game his senior year but was hampered by injuries. His performance was still good enough to make All-County and All-State Honorable Mention. There have been many outstanding football players at Beaver Local but Dave set a standard that inspired future players. Dave graduated from Beaver Local in 1963, where he was the first athlete to earn letters in both football and baseball. Dave’s strong work ethic and winning attitude should be an inspiration to all Beaver Local athletes.
Jake Williams - Graduated 1993
Named the MVP in the last game he played representing Beaver Local High School (The Penn-Ohio All-Star game), Jake Williams ended a high school career filled with accomplishments. Earning letters in three sports, Williams is most remembered for his feats on the football field. Holding the single season record for rushing yards with 1,620, Jake is the second leading rusher in Beaver Local High School history with 2,587 yards and is second in single game rushing with 242 yards. In addition, Jake was named First Team All-Ohio and All-Eastern Ohio “Back of the Year” - Division III. At the end of his senior year, he held no less than six personnel school records in football and went on to thrill fans at Washington and Jefferson, where he became the third leading rusher in school’s history and was selected as a small college All-American.
Julie Williamson-Moore - Graduated 1988
While earning accolades in volleyball and basketball - including, for both sports, selection for county All-Star teams, three varsity letters, and placement on the Salem News All-Area First Teams, Julie’s real forte was track.
Julie was a four-year varsity letter winner and still holds the High School records in both the shot put (40-2 ½) and discus (139-11). She placed in the State meet twice - fourth and second in her junior and senior years, respectively. In addition to setting records in both the East Palestine League and Columbiana County track meets, Julie was not only named female track athlete of the year in 1988 by the Youngstown Area Coaches Association, but also the VFW outstanding High School senior athlete of the year.
Still involved in athletics, Julie is assistant track coach at Salem High School and assistant volleyball coach at Beaver Local.
Ryan Smith - Graduated 1988
The first football player in Beaver Local High School history to be named First Team All-Ohio was Ryan Smith. Ryan was a three year letterman in football and garnered many honors during his high school career. He was named 1st team All-County, All Salem News and All Review. As captain and Most Valuable Player his senior year, Ryan totaled 131 tackles (85 solo, 46 assists) from his defensive position. He also received the Dike Beede Award for best senior athlete. Ryan was recently selected by the Evening Review as one of the top football players ever at Beaver Local High School.
In 1992, Ryan graduated from Bucknell University were he played Division I football for four years, a feat few Beaver Local athletes have accomplished.
Ryan worked as a Trader on Wall Street for five years after graduating from college. He now works as a Trader for Friess Associates in Greenville, Delaware.
L. Nevitt Stockdale
Beaver Local lost one of its best teachers and most devoted sports fan with the death of Nevitt Stockdale. Nevitt was born and raised in East Liverpool. Teaching mostly by example, Stockdale’s love for learning was evident by his performance in the classroom where he taught mathematics, chemistry and physics in the Beaver Local School District for 27 years, last teaching in 1983.
Being a avid sports fan, Nevitt became part of the Athletic program and coached girls and boys basketball, volleyball, cross country, track, football and baseball. He also served as athletic director for several years. He was an East Liverpool High School graduate, received a Bachelor’s degree from Marietta College, a Master’s Degree in mathematics from Miami University, and his Ph.D in curriculum and instruction from Kent University. Nevitt was a Professor Emeritus at Kent State University, and an Assistant Professor at Miami University, and an Associate Professor at West Liberty State College. He last taught at Franciscan University in Steubenville.
