Heidelberg Athletics Hall of Fame
"Good looking, and innocence personified, but a human pile-driver. He opened many a hole for the four horsemen. All-Ohio calibre."
That is how Hutson was referred to in the 1930 Aurora yearbook. And his 42-year career as a coach and teacher at Crestline High School saw the same dedication, warmth and determination continue uninterrupted.
"Hut" was an all-Ohio selection for three years. Noted as an excellent blocking tackle on offense, he was as tenacious on defense. Heidelberg went 7-0 and earned the OAC championship in 1928. Opponents managed to cross Heidelberg's goal line only four times that season.
A team captain in football in 1931, Hutson played professional football for the Cleveland Indians for a year, later moving to Crestline where he taught and coached football, basketball and track until his retirement.
Inducted into the Football Hall of Fame in Canton by the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association in 1971, the Crestline School System further honored him in 1975 by naming their stadium the Merle Hutson Football Field.
In his years as a coach, his teams won 11 championships in football and basketball. In addition, he coached the Crestliners to seven titles in The League of Six Nations. His team won the Class B championship in 1939.
Hutson currently is enjoying his retirement. He keeps in share with regular walks from his home to downtown Crestline. But his achievements and excellent reputation as a teacher, coach and human being will continue to be his legacy.
(This profile appeared in the 1986 Hall of Fame program. Â Mr. Hutson passed away in 1999.)Â
