Front Row (left-rignt): Traci Stadnicar, Tim Meyer, Mike Bradley, Jasmine Seyer, Janet Cracas
2nd Row (Curve): Kevin Sclmlotzcr, Jim Tish, Brendan Mackin, Asst. Coach Frank Bolognia, Coach Dick Deasey, Lance Meiners, Matt Susz, Trevor Thornton
Back row: Jeff Sabol, Scott Houdeshell, Jim Burkin

1985-86 Shoregals 3200M & 6400M Relay Teams

Avon Lake was not expected to regain the S.W.C. title in the 86-87 season.

This senior-oriented team had only one returning starter and the remaining players were reserves or J.V. players the previous year. Through teamwork and extraordinary effort, the team was able to become a sound unit.

The Shoremen were led by co-captain Kevin Schmotzer and Mike Bradley and started the season hot with nine straight victories. During the middle of the season the Shoremen ran into a rough period. They suffered losses to North Olmsted and Westlake and won six closely contested games. After defeating Bay and Amherst for the second time in the season, the Shoremen were able to regain control of their destiny and entered the basketball toumament with a five game winning streak. Avon Lake hosted the AA basketball sectionals, and was able to walk away with its first sectional title after defeating Fairview and Avon, only to be defeated by state ranked Oberlin in the districts.

This was a history making basketball season for Avon Lake. It was the first time that the Shoremen were able to defeat Bay twice in one season, ending a period of five years since the last Shoreman victory over Bay. Also, the Shoremen achieved their best record ever at 20-3, were co-champions of the SWC with Amherst, won their first sectional title, and were ranked 8th in the state. The key to their success was a surprisingly strong starting lineup, strong play from the bench. and most of all, teamwork.

At the basketball banquet, Kevin Schmotzer was awarded the MVP award and the Gordon Splete Award. He was also named All-Lorain County 1st team, AllDistrict 1 st team, and All-State Special Mention. Mike Bradley was awarded the Hustle Award and also named All-Lorain County Honorable Mention. Jim Tish was given the Scholar-Athlete Award. Schmotzer and Bradley represented Avon Lake at the Lorain County Cage Classic.