Heidelberg Athletics Hall of Fame
To describe Jerry McDonald as “a man who wore many hats” during his unparalleled career at Heidelberg is a literal and figurative fact. From a football helmet to a ballcap, from a tennis visor to a mortarboard, McDonald wore them all -- and wore them proudly -- during his nearly 50 years as a member of the Heidelberg community.
After graduating from Springfield Shawnee High School in 1972, McDonald matriculated to Heidelberg where he lettered in three sports -- football, basketball and baseball. During his first semester on campus, McDonald was a member of the greatest team in ’Berg history -- the 1972 football team which won the Ohio Athletic Conference and the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl.
After eight years of teaching and coaching high school sports, McDonald returned to his Sweet Alma Home in 1984. He first served as head baseball coach and assistant football coach under Hall of Fame inductee Dick West. During his brief tenure on the diamond, he helped lay the groundwork for the program’s relocation to Peaceful Valley. He also worked as an assistant basketball coach under legendary John Hill from 1986-88.
Serving as offensive coordinator for West’s teams of the late ’80s and ’90s, McDonald had the keen ability to cater his style to fit the team’s personnel. Whether attacking through the air with gun-slinging quarterbacks like Shane Fulton and Steve Maple throwing to stand out receivers like Chuck Ritzler and Greg Lehrer, or pounding the rock with dependable ball-carriers like Bryce Tuohy and Jeff Brock, his offenses were a major part of Heidelberg’s success and set numerous program and conference records.
In 1987, McDonald took the reins of the men’s tennis team, which he held until 2016. In the 2000s, he officially took over the women’s team as well. In the process, McDonald helped mentor Hall of Fame inductees Aaron Koch and Teresa Darrah and dozens of all-conference players. As part of his duties, he served as chair of the OAC Tennis Committee for 15 years.
McDonald’s administrative and academic career was as diverse as his coaching career. Notably, he served as Athletic Director from 2002-2007. During that crucial span, he oversaw upgrades to Seiberling Gymnasium and the lobby and redesigned the staffing model within the department. He developed the graduate assistant program which is still in place today.
With the help of then-H Association President Ron Linhart, McDonald created Back the Berg Golf Outing which still serves as Heidelberg’s largest annual fundraiser for Athletics.
Through his 22-year stint as chair of the Health and Physical Education program, McDonald accomplished a great deal. He updated the teacher preparation program, initiated the development of the Athletic Training program and designed and implemented the Sport Management and Exercise Science majors. He also had the pleasure of serving as faculty marshal at Opening Convocation and Commencement ceremonies -- a role held until his retirement in 2020.
Today, McDonald is happily retired and resides in Tiffin with his partner, Pat. They enjoy traveling and spending time at their lake house.
This profile appeared in the 2023 Hall of Fame Induction Banquet program.
