Heidelberg University Athletics

The talents of George P. Wertz and his dedication of sharing them with others will never be forgotten at Heidelberg College as well as those whom he touched during his lifetime. 

Success was a key word in his career as an athlete, a teacher, a football coach and an athletic director. His very first year in a Heidelberg football uniform gave indication of his dedication on and off the field. 

Wertz was labeled as an "old reliable" at halfback while wearing the tricolor. He exhibited an unusual amount of drive and fight. His ability to hit the holes clean and hard made him a valuable ground gainer. 

Born in Bascom, Ohio, he was better known during his college days at Heidelberg as "Wertzy," and his athletic ability extended onto the basketball court for the Student Princes. Before graduating, he earned letters in four different sports. 

His dedication continued into the coaching ranks following graduation from Heidelberg College. "Wertzy" would become one of the great coaches in Ohio high school history. He would serve as the football coach from 1925 to 1950 and athletic director until 1968 at Piqua High School and would take on a new nickname, "Buck." 

During the "Wertz Regime" at Piqua, his teams won 165, lost just 63 and tied 21 games which included unbeaten seasons in 1926,1929, and 1947. His mark included a 94-33-11 record in the Miami Valley League which included championships in 1929, 1930, 1932, 1936, 1943, 1945 and 1947. His Piqua teams also tied for the league crown in 1928, 1938 and 1941. 

He touched the lives of so many at Piqua Central High School that his name was a household name in the community. On September 13, 1968 the football stadium was named in his honor, the George P. Wertz Stadium. 

On July 15, 1970 he became a member of the Central Ohio Chapter National Football Hall of Fame in appreciation for his long time contribution to football in the area. He is now recognized in the Bricks for Champions display. 

In addition, his contributions are remembered in Piqua each year during the Reunion Dinner for the Wertzmen. The reunion is open to any player or coach who served for and with "Buck." 

(This profile appeared in the 1993 Hall of Fame banquet program.  Mr. Wertz passed away in 1969.)