History

Since 1924, Whitmer High School has upheld an outstanding and proud tradition of grit, determination, and hard work relating to both education and athletics. Whitmer is home to an estimated 2,000 students annually, which puts us in the position of being known as one of the toughest opponents on the schedule every year.

Whitmer is the winningest Division 1 football program in northwest Ohio!

The high school has been voted by the City Newspaper as the “Best High School in the City of Toledo” on multiple occasions. Whitmer offers a rigorous curriculum for students interested in going to college and has one of the best Career and Technology Centers in the state of Ohio.In 2011, Whitmer Athletics joined the newly formed “Three Rivers Athletic Conference (TRAC)” and they won the first ever league championship with an undefeated regular season record. This feat was repeated again in 2012 with the Panthers repeating as league champions and finishing state runner-up. Prior to joining the TRAC, Whitmer was a member of the Toledo City League from 2004-2010. The football program garnered a record of 38-11 in league play during their City League tenure, winning the last two league titles before their departure to the TRAC. Prior to joining the City League, Whitmer was a member of the Great Lakes League (GLL), which is no longer in existence. The maize and blue won GLL titles in 1984, 1986, 1987, 1988, and 1995.

Over the years, Whitmer Football has been lead by 19 head coaches, and each have left their mark on the program in a unique way. From C.L. Messemore’s 1929 Whitmer Football team to today’s team, the program has been the pride of Washington Township. Coming off of a 2-7-1 season in 1967, Whitmer Football’s resurgence began under Norm Decker. Decker coached until 1974. Then, the Panthers longest tenured head coach, Pat Gucciardo Sr., took over the reigns of the program and coached from 1975-1992. Longtime Whitmer assistant, Jeff Robbins, was named head coach in 1993 and retained that post until 1999. Robbins gave way to Dan Fought, who was the head coach from 2000-2005, and he led the team to its first playoff win in 16 years in 2004. In 2006, Joe Palka was named the head coach of the Whitmer Football program. Coach Palka guided the Panthers to a Regional Finals appearance in his first season at the helm and was named “Coach of the Year” in the City League. Palka would lead the Panthers to two Regional Championships and two Final Four appearances (2010 & 2011) during his time as head coach. In 2012, Whitmer alum and seasoned assistant, Jerry Bell was named the head coach of the Panthers. In his first season, Bell lead Whitmer to a Division 1 State Runner-Up finish and also helped the Panthers claim their best season in school history with a 14-1 overall record. Coach Bell qualified for the playoffs in each of his first three season as head coach.

In 2016, Ken Winters was named the 20th head coach in Whitmer Football's history. After having served on the staff since 2002, Coach Winters has had tremendous success through his first five seasons at the helm. In his first year, Winters's team finished 8-3. 2017 was even better. Whitmer finished the regular season undefeated for the fourth time in school history and the first time since 2012. The Panthers also won the TRAC title for the first time since 2012 and finished the year Regional Runner Up in Division I, Region 2 of the OHSAA Playoffs. In 2021, Whitmer went 10-3 and Winters was named TRAC Coach of the Year for the second time. Throughout his five seasons, Winters is 50-17 overall.

The Greats

Alumni still active in college, professional, or still pursuing professional career:

Whitmer High School has the most current alumni in the NFL of any school in northwest Ohio!

• Chris Wormley
  Pittsburgh Steelers

• Storm Norton
  Los Angeles Chargers

• Phil Hoskins
  Carolina Panthers

• Nate Holley
  Miami Dolphins / Birmingham

• Nick Holley
  L.A. Rams / Calgary

• Matt Eberflus
  Head Football Coach Chicago Bears

• Kevin Koger
  Tight Ends Coach L.A. Chargers

• Jody Webb
  Youngstown State Pursuing Professional Career

Alumni with successful college careers:

• Leroy Smith
  BGSU

• Mike Hack
  BGSU

• Mark Szlachcic
  BGSU

• Pat Gucciardo
  BGSU

• Andy Boyd
  Toledo

• Matt Valliant
  Toledo

• Jack Linch
  Toledo

• Marquise Moore
  Toledo

• Mike Fiedler
  Northwestern

• Malik Moore
  Ohio Dominican

  
  

• Donnie Dottei
  Ashland

• Leroy Alexander
  Nebraska/Youngstown St.

• Tony Gucciardo
  Kent State

• Jeff Bushong
  Michigan/Toledo

• Lonnie Meridieth
  Georgia Tech

• Mark Meyers
  Michigan State

• Richard Wray
  Wisconsin

• Brook Brumbaugh
  Ball St.

• Rob Stickels
  Western Michigan

• Chase Bodeman
  Robert Morris