Joe Berner was an outstanding football player and an all-around athlete at Avon Lake. A two time All-Conference and Most Valuable Player in his senior year, Joe was also placed on the first team All-State his senior year. His teammates selected him as the Most Valuable Defensive Lineman and the team Most Valuable Player. Joe played in the North-South All Star game and was recruited by Woody Hayes to play football at Ohio State.

While at OSU Joe lettered in 1980 and 1981 and was a member of two Big Ten Championship teams. Joe earned eight letters in high school; three in football, 3 in track and 2 in basketball. He had numerous track accomplishments during his tenure and is in the basketball record book for shooting and free throw percentages.

After graduation Joe continued his commitment to athletics by coaching Little League and American Legion Baseball in the Columbus area.