Gordon Splete, a coach at Avon Lake from 1943 to 1954 in basketball and baseball, had an exceptional career. As a college athlete at Baldwin-Wallace College he was awarded every major honor the school offered and eventually was inducted into their Hall of Fame. In 1936 he began his coaching career at York, and had a perfect 12-0 season. He then moved to South Amherst and after four fine seasons including a 23-1 year, moved to Wellington. In 1943 he began coaching at Avon Lake. His team won three conference and four sectional titles in twelve years. His 1948-49 team was the Shoremen’s first District Championship team, and his 1949-50 squad was the school’s only regular season undefeated at 14-0. His baseball teams were equally successful over the years, with five county championships. Several of his players went on to play for major league clubs, including two former Hall of Famers - Dick Tomanek and Jim Stroh.