So, without further ado, here’s 10 more notable Dayton athletes:
Tamika Williams
Williams’ celebrated hoops career started in AAU ball, then continued at Chaminade-Julienne, where she was named Ohio player of the Year in 1997 and 1998, and was named “Ohio’s Miss Basketball” by the AP. Williams then found her way to Storrs, Conn., playing for Geno Auriemma’s mega 1998 recruiting class that included Asjha Jones, Swin Cash and Sue Bird. The Minnesota Lynx later selected her sixth overall in the 2002 WNBA Draft.
Will Allen
Before leaving his mark on NFL receivers, Allen left his mark on the Gem City. He remains the only player to have his number (#4) retired by Wayne High School. Prior to stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Dallas Cowboys and Steelers again, Allen and fellow safety Mike Doss led a fearsome Ohio State defense that took down the heavily-favored Miami Hurricanes in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl.
Norris Cole
Cole’s career accomplishments stretch about as long (or longer) than his signature flattop. At Dunbar High School, Cole helped the Wolverines capture consecutive state titles. He was also named the Horizon League Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in 2011 as a standout guard at Cleveland State. His crowning achievement? Two NBA championships alongside King James and Dwayne Wade in Miami.
Rob Dyrdek
Suffice it to say, Rob Dyrdek can do pretty much anything. His passion for skateboarding is well-documented; one that began while growing up in Kettering. But it's his work on the small screen, in such shows as Rob and Big, Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory and Ridiculousness that have made him a fan favorite. Fun fact: Dyrdek set twenty-one separate Guinness World Records for skateboarding as part of his former show Rob & Big.
Cris Collinsworth
Most millennials know Collinsworth best for his work on as analyst for NBC, Showtime and the NFL Network. But the reason the Dayton-born Collinsworth knows the game of football so well is because he played at the highest level. At the University of Florida, Collinsworth earned All-SEC and All-American honors. He finished his on-field career playing in 107 games for the Cincinnati Bengals, including Super Bowl XVI.
Mike Nugent
Nugent, a Centerville High School grad, always gave his team a leg up on the competition. As a member of the Buckeyes’ 2002 National Championship squad, Nugent became the first kicker in OSU history to earn team MVP honors. He set 22 school records in Columbus, which caught the attention of the New York Jets, who picked Nugent in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft.
Nick Mangold
At Archbishop Alter High School, Nick was a three-year starter on both sides of the football and lettered in football, track & field and wrestling. Then, like many others on these lists, he made an indelible impact at Ohio State, earning All-American honors and a Rimington Trophy in 2001. Nick joined Nugent as a member of the New York Jets in 2006 and was widely regarded as the top center available.
Holley Mangold
Not to be outdone by her older brother, Holley has begun a successful weightlifting career that her earn a spot on the 2012 Olympic Team, competing in the superheavyweight division. But if you think her strength is impressive, check out her seated box jumping abilities.
Kerry Kittles
Kittles would go down as one of the greatest players in school history at Villanova. And though the accomplishments he amassed during his collegiate career eclipsed those of his NBA career, Kittles played eight in the pro ranks, including back-to-back trips to the NBA Finals as part of the talented New Jersey Nets teams of the early 2000s.
Megan Duffy
From Kettering, to South Bend, Minneapolis and beyond, Duffy is one well-traveled hoopster. Her three-year career in the WNBA and international ranks included stops in Italy, Slovakia and Romania. She retired from play in 2009 and now serves as an assistant coach for the University of Michigan.
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