Heidelberg Athletics Hall of Fame
It all began in 1936 when a student of Barberton High School graduated and began a college career that would long be remembered at Heidelberg College.
Karl 'Zip' Zalar would continue his outstanding performances in a Heidelberg uniform in football and basketball after having a great high school career in each sport. In addition, he would add baseball to his list of achievements on the athletic field. Before graduating at Heidelberg in 1941, he would earn nine varsity letters in the three sports.
Zalar was All-Ohio Conference in football and basketball in 1941 and served as captain of the Heidelberg basketball team in 1940 and 1941. He also held the single game and single season scoring record in basketball. Lettering three years in baseball 'Zip' would earn All-Ohio Athletic Conference honors as a pitcher. He was also lauded as an excellent student and a very coachable athlete and team leader by coaches and professors.
Following graduation, Zalar served in the United States Armed Forces from 1941 to 1945, serving three years overseas in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater including Guadalcanal, Bouginville, and the Phillipine Islands.
At the end of World War II he began a new career in the teaching profession at Tiffin Calvert High School where he enjoyed a fruitful career for 45 years in coaching football, basketball, baseball and golf while also serving as athletic director. His talents to build athletic programs and gain the respect of his athletes proved a trademark for 'Zip.' His athletic teams during those 45 years won over 65 percent of their contests which included numerous championships.
A highlight in his career came in 1976 when his Senecas captured the Class A State Golf Charnpionship. This is the second Hall of Fame induction for Zalar. He earlier entered the Calvert Athletic Hall of Fame.
He has also received a Certificate of Honor from New Riegel High School, a Certificate of Appreciation from the Ohio High School Athletic Association, has been a member of the Seneca County Soldiers and Sailors Commission the past 45 years and received the Distinguished Service Award from Calvert High School.
In retirement from the teaching profession, Zalar's love for athletics and the youngsters who play continues to keep his day a busy one. He can often be seen at a field preparing it for play. His landscaping talents have often drew praise from athletes and fans alike.
Zalar has been in charge of the care and maintenance of the Calvert High School Baseball Complex which has been one of the finest in northwest Ohio for over 40 years. Because of his dedication, the complex was named in his honor. He also maintains the lawns and softball industrial complex at National Machinery in Tiffin, which is one of the finest in Ohio.
Zalar is a man for all seasons, a man who demands of himself nothing less than excellence.
This profile appeared in the 1993 Hall of Fame Banquet program.
(This profile appeared in the 1993 Hall of Fame Banquet program. Â Mr. Zalar passed away in 1996.)
