Heidelberg Athletics Hall of Fame
Born in Canton, Mark DiBlasi was one of those rare athletes who could excel in two sports that were back-to-back in seasons. A four-year letter winner in football, he also would receive four letters in wrestling before receiving his B.A. in History Education in 1978.
His talents began at Oakwood High School where he graduated with numerous accomplishments including being named All-Federal League in football and team captain in 1973. He was also All-League and All-County in 1973 and 1974 and served as captain both seasons in wrestling. He was also president of the Varsity Athletic Club in high school his junior and senior seasons.
DiBlasi was on the National Honor Society in 1973 and 1974 and was a Boys' State Representative. Before leaving high school he lettered four years in football, three in wrestling and one in track.
Coming to Heidelberg DiBlasi continued his success story by earning a starting spot on the football team his freshman year. When he left he had posted a four-season total of 358 tackles and 44 big plays. One of his most memorable big plays came in his freshman year when he picked off a pass and returned it 63 yards for the score.
When his football career at Heidelberg had ended he was first team All-Ohio Athletic Conference and named Most Valuable Player for Heidelberg in 1975. He was honorable mention All-OAC in 1976 and 1977 and was the team captain and MVP in 1977 and had started every game during his four years.
DiBlasi left the football field each year and continued his athletic success on the wrestling mat as he compiled a four-season record of 42-14-1. He was second at 190 pounds in the 1977 OAC Championships and third in 1976 and 1977 in the 177 division. He also served as the team captain during the 1977-78 season.
His talents were also found in the classroom where he was the president of Tower Men Honor Society in 1978, the recipient of the Prugh Prize in Athletics in 1978, member of Phi Alpha Theta History Honorary in 1977 and 1978, while serving as the treasurer. He was a student representative to Biology Faculty in 1975-76, nominated to Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges in 1977-78, on the Dean's List four semesters and held a 3.20 grade point average through four years.
Upon graduation DiBlasi returned to Heidelberg as an instructor for the Health and Physical Education Department in 1978- 79 school year, serving as the head wrestling coach, assistant football coach and assistant track coach. He was also director of the Tiffin YMCA Summer Day Camp in 1978 and a wrestling referee for the Ohio Federation Southshore Wrestling Referee's Association from 1977 to 1979.
For 14 years he has served in management for Roadway Express, Inc. and was named Terminal Manager of the Year in District 8 in 1989. He was named Executive of the Year by National Secretaries Association Meridian Chapter in 1988 and received the Galen Roush Award of of Excellence in 1991. He is currently the terminal manager in Chicago Heights, IL with over 800 employees.
He and his wife, Patti, have three children.
(This profile appeared in the 1994 Hall of Fame Banquet program.)
