?? INTRODUCING THE VAN BUREN ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME — CLASS OF 2026! ?? Van Buren Hall of Fame Committee is proud to announce the 2026 Van Buren Athletic Hall of Fame Class! This outstanding group represents some of the greatest individual and team accomplishments in Black Knight athletic history. ?? SIX INDUCTEES. THREE TEAMS. ONE INCREDIBLE LEGACY. ?? From the track to the golf course. From the wrestling mat to the basketball court. From individual champions to unforgettable teams. From a legendary coach to generations of student-athletes— Please join us in celebrating this year’s inductees: ?? BOB HERTEL — Class of 1978 A four-year track letterman and two-year football letterman, Bob Hertel remains Van Buren’s only male individual STATE CHAMPION in track and field. He won the 300-meter low hurdles at the 1978 OHSAA State Track Meet and helped lead Van Buren to a third-place team finish. ?? 1990 BOYS GOLF TEAM The 1990 Black Knight golf team earned its place in Van Buren history through an outstanding season of team success, capped off with a STATE CHAMPIONSHIP. The team featured Matt Beckett, Chris Englund, Scott McLaughlin, Chad Dillon, Josh Webb, Ben Harris, Andy Ebert, and Eric Heitkamp. ?? JEFF WALLER — Class of 1979 One of Van Buren’s premier wrestlers, Jeff Waller captured an OHSAA State Championship in 1978 after finishing as the state runner-up in 1977. His high school career included numerous tournament championships and standout performances at the state level. ?? 1984–85 BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM The 1984–85 Black Knights finished 26–1, won the Blanchard Valley Conference, reached the OHSAA State Final Four, and completed the first undefeated basketball season in Van Buren history. Led by All-Ohioan Chad Keller and Head Coach Lynn Martin, the team finished the season ranked No. 3 in the Ohio AP Poll. ?? 1985–86 BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM The 1985–86 Black Knights captured BVC Runner-Up, Sectional, District, and Regional Championships and advanced to the OHSAA State Tournament. Their legendary triple-overtime game against Columbus Wehrle remains the longest game in OHSAA Final Four history. The team finished No. 5 in the Ohio AP Poll, led by Ohio Player of the Year Chad Keller. ?? COACH LYNN MARTIN Coach Martin built one of the most successful basketball programs in Van Buren history, compiling a 254–86 record from 1975–1990. He won seven BVC championships, six district titles, two regional championships, and made two OHSAA State Final Four appearances. Martin was more than a coach—he was a teacher, mentor, and role model whose influence continues to be felt decades later. ?? Congratulations to the Van Buren Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026! These individuals and teams helped establish a legacy of excellence, character, commitment, and Black Knight pride that continues to inspire generations of Van Buren student-athletes. ?? Class of 2026 Introduction: Friday, August 28, 2026 - 7:00 PM Kick-Off Don Masters Field - Van Buren Halftime of the Varsity Football Game vs. Arlington ??? Induction Ceremony & Banquet: Saturday, August 29, 2026 5:00 PM - Doors Open / Social Hour 6:00 PM - Dinner 7:00 PM - Enshrinement Ceremony The Hancock Hotel 631 South Main Street Findlay, OH 45840 TICKETS: vbblackknights.com/tickets Ticket sales end on Monday, August 24 Congratulations to the Class of 2026! Welcome to the Van Buren Athletic Hall of Fame! ???? #VanBurenBlackKnights #VanBurenAthletics #HallOfFame #ClassOf2026 #BlackKnightPride #OnceAKnightAlwaysAKnight