Bucky Kopf

Herman H.R. “Bucky” Kopf, a 1956 graduate of Avon Lake High School and lifetime Avon Lake resident was a three sport athlete. A starter and varsity letter winner in basketball, where he played guard, and baseball, where he played third base. He excelled in football where he played halfback, defensive back and was co-captain. He went on to West Liberty College where he earned three varsity letters in football and baseball. After a few interruptions of his college education he graduated in 1965 with a degree in business administration.

He continued to play amateur athletics while becoming a successful businessman. He played sandlot softball until into his forties. Bucky has always been very interested in local athletics and has been active as a coach in the junior pro football, a program that he helped start, and the youth basketball league.

As a sponsor and benefactor he has probably touched the lives of everyone in the community in one way or another. His generosity begins with the annual sponsorship of teams in many sports at many levels. He has sponsored teams in bowling, football, basketball, baseball, golf and softball. In baseball he will sponsor teams in the Thurmon Munson and Mickey Mantle leagues for the youth of the community, but recently began to sponsor a AAA team for the young adults who are interested in continuing their competitive baseball career.

The Avon Lake Schools have also benefited greatly from his generosity. Through the years there have been numerous donations such as the concession stands at the fields, team busses to championship tournaments and financial sponsorships of the athletic programs. One of the biggest additions to the Avon Lake High School campus is the beautiful baseball complex, donated by Bucky a few years ago.






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