Heidelberg Athletics Hall of Fame
Born on July 12, 1896 in a farm home in New Springfield, Willis H. Gebhardt was one of the early pioneers of Heidelberg College football.
He attended high school for part of a year at North Lima and parts of two other years at Petersburg. These were two-year schools and attendance was not required. Willis wanted a four-year high school diploma so he could go to college and enrolled at Canfield High School in September of 1913.
In September of 1916 he had his wish, a high school diploma and a trip to college, enrolling at Heidelberg College and quickly he was a member of the Heidelberg football team.
That first year he did not letter, but would later say, "I profited from this experience immensely. "
It was in 1917 he earned his first varsity letter in football at Heidelberg and he was quickly accepted as one of the stars on the team with a label of being a hard worker who did the extra to become better at his position.
He was singled out in The Kilikilik of December 10, 1917 when it was written, "Geb never lost a minute during the entire season. He was a "speed merchant" in getting down under punts and a "sure death" tackle when anywhere within striking distance of the runner.
"Geb dabbled around at the halfback job last season, but really came into his sphere this season. With two years more he should develop into one of the greatest ends in the history of the University."
He would live up to those predictions and then some as he continued to be one of the very best in the sport. But before graduating in 1921 he would serve in the service before returning to receive his degree.
His talents extended far beyond the playing field as an educator and family man as he taught Math at Greenville High School during the 1921-22 school year.
When his father died he returned home to help his mother operate the Gebhardt farm from 1922 to 1925 before accepting a job at Goodyear from 1925 to 1926.
During 1926 he continued to study at Ohio State University and learned of an opening at Vermilion High School. He applied for the position and was hired in September of 1926 and taught Math for 35 years. From 1945-1961 he served as the principal.
Retiring from teaching Gebhardt continues to be a man of purpose in his life, involved in a number of activities, travel, substitute teaching, working with the church and the Salvation Army along with being an active member of his community as a World War I veteran and a member of the American Legion.
Gebhardt and his deceased wife, Elizabeth, have a daughter, Mary Ann, a 1951 Heidelberg graduate.
(This profile appeared in the 1994 Hall of Fame Banquet program. Â Mr. Gebhardt passed away in 2000.)
