Induction Class of 2024

Class of 1974

Jan Bennett was a dedicated member of the Finneytown community who left a lasting impact through her involvement in both the school system and the broader community. As a student, Jan attended Finneytown from grades 7 through 12, excelling in various activities such as Girls Chorus, Softball, Concert Choir, Volleyball, Basketball, and Senior Leadership. Her dedication to Finneytown continued as she remained a resident for over 25 years, supporting two levy campaigns and volunteering her time generously to programs like After Prom and youth soccer coaching.

Jan’s passion for service extended beyond the school. She was a long-standing and active member of Northminster Presbyterian Church, where she served in leadership roles, including volunteering for the K.N.O.T Club and leading children’s initiatives. Her commitment to helping others was also evident in her work with Girl Scouts, hospice care, and City Gospel Mission, where she offered comfort, support, and assistance to those in need. As a soccer coach for more than 20 years, Jan guided her players with dedication and care, proudly seeing many continue to play at the college level.

Though Jan’s life was tragically cut short, her legacy endures through the countless lives she touched. Her influence on young athletes, church members, and the Finneytown community continues to inspire those who knew her. In her honor, the Jan Bennett Memorial Fund was established to support young soccer players facing financial hardships, ensuring that her passion for helping others remains a vital part of the community she loved.

For the first time in Finneytown’s history, we are breaking the mold and inducting an entire team—along with their coaches—into the Finneytown Hall of Fame. The 1974 state soccer championship team represents a defining moment not only for Finneytown athletics but for Ohio high school soccer as a whole. This incredible group of young athletes, under the leadership of Coach Bob Muro, made history by winning Ohio’s first-ever state soccer championship, finishing an undefeated 18-0 season. Their victory set the stage for future generations of soccer players in our community and across the state, cementing their legacy as pioneers in Ohio soccer.

The Wildcats' 1974 season was a masterclass in teamwork, determination, and excellence. From their defensive strength to their offensive brilliance, the team outscored their opponents 82-6 over the course of the season, culminating in a 2-0 victory over Cleveland West Tech in the state championship game. The victory was the result of years of hard work, with many of the players rising through the ranks of the Soccer Association for Youth (SAY) program, which had deep roots in Finneytown.

The team, made up of Doug Weinstein, Greg Deutsch, Marco Marsan, Hank Bias, Scott Leist, Cliff Weinstein, Andy Beach, Tom Stevens, Phil Henjum, Dave Peacock, Karl Novak, Mike Rolfsen, John Hitzel, J.P. Hutchins, Mike Stevens, Ray Wood, Steve Benjamin, Brian Baty, Ken Fahr, Steve Grotheer, Chris McVey, and Kevin Holder, played with incredible chemistry. Coach Bob Muro’s leadership brought out the best in them, and Rob Kandell served as a dedicated student manager.

Inducting the entire 1974 soccer team and coaching staff into the Finneytown Hall of Fame honors not just a single game or season, but a legacy that has impacted Finneytown for the last 50 years. Their accomplishment paved the way for future athletes and helped build a culture of soccer excellence that continues to thrive today. By honoring this team, we acknowledge the significance of their collective achievement and celebrate the lasting impact they have had on our school and community.