Heidelberg University Athletics

Athletic achievements are not always found on the field of battle. Donald Vance, a 1939 graduate of Heidelberg College, had his days in the sun while performing for the Student Princes, but his contributions to others is what is best remembered today.

Vance lettered in football and basketball three years at Heidelberg, serving as his team's captain his senior year in basketball, while honored on the All-Ohio team.

During his playing days, Vance was known as "Daz." It was written in the 1939 Aurora that he was always there when needed most. Vance had a fighting spirit that never died.

One major game that will always remain in the minds of Vance and those who followed and Heidelberg football in the late 30s was the one a homecoming day such as today, Oct. 23, 1937, against Denison. The Student Princes failed to convert two drop-kick tries for extra points and it resulted in a 13-12 win for Denison. But Vance got into the scoring act when he took a pass from Ralph Hatter for a score in the final period.

That was the year that coach Tumey shocked fans and foes alike with the new huddle system. When Heidelberg had possession of the football, the Student Princes huddled in two groups, one with eight players, and the other with three. It was also the season the Princes played Detroit Tech, a team that failed to have a player who could speak English.

On the hardcourt his senior year Vance was elected captain and his defensive ability earned him All-Ohio honors. Opposing teams were glad to see him graduate after his defensive tactics had played havoc with each during his career.

Vance was labeled the team's best defensive player. He could stick like glue with the best the opposition had to offer and his teammates regarded him as a leader on and off the court.

His senior year Vance was honored in the Aurora as it read, "For three years Daz gave his all in every game. Rarely off form, he missed few of the tosses made to him. He leaves many affectionate friends behind."

Don's achievements on the hardcourt earned him an additional honor by Dom DiSanto who picked an all-time, all-star Heidelberg basketball squad in his column. One of the first five was Donald Vance.

While his ability on the athletic field was outstanding, it was what he did with his success that many remember most. His contributions to secondary education, as a teacher, role model, and coach.

Vance's love for Heidelberg College has always been apparent since that day he received his degree in 1939. He has recruited several fine students to Heidelberg College, including Walter Livingston, Nolan Carson, John Cipriano, and Matt Rock, all who excelled in athletics for the Student Princes.

Don's career began at Akron North High School where he quickly caught the eye of fans with his athletic talents. He lettered three years in basketball, being named captain his senior year. A member of the North team that won the state championship in Columbus, Vance graduated from the Akron school in January of 1935.

Also serving in the 42nd Division (Rainbow) for three years in the European theatre, Vance began his coaching career in Bucyrus in 1939, and was there until 1941 when he moved to Sycamore High School where he coached basketball, baseball, and track. Vance then found himself at Ravenna High School where he taught and coached football, basketball, track, and golf.

He received his master's degree in 1952 at Kent State University.

After serving in the armed forces, where he was awarded the bronze star, he returned to Ravenna resuming his teaching and basketball duties. His next move was to Maple Heights High School, a suburb of Cleveland, as basketball, golf, and track coach. He retired in 1975.

(This Profile appeared in the 1991 Hall of Fame Banquet program.  Mr. Vance passed away in 2012.)