Cinniger, Ed

 

Ed Cinniger – (1979)

 

ED CINNIGER

Inducted April 25, 1979

His name is synonymous with sports in Lorain, and he has achieved extraordinary success as an athlete, coach, official and athletic director.

As a lean but tenacious 165-pound end on Lorain High’s fabled 1930 football team, he helped lead Coach Earl McCaskey’s Steelmen to an undefeated season. Two of his teammates on that unbeaten squad were Hall-of-Famers Stan Pincura and Sam Busich.

After graduating from Miami (Ohio) University in 1937, he became head basketball coach at Hamilton Hanover where his teams reached the State Tournament in 1940 and 1941. Following a 3-year coaching stint at Lima Central, he “came home” in 1944 to coach basketball, baseball and football at Lorain High.

Active in the Northern Ohio Officials’ Association for more than 30 years, he officiated in many of the state’s most important high school and college games, both football and basketball.

In 1962 he was promoted to Athletic Director for the Lorain City Schools, a post he still occupies today. Only the second fulltime Athletic Director in Lorain history, he replaced the immortal George Daniel who held the position for 50 years. In his role as sports chief of the public schools, he has directed numerous OHSAA tournaments and is widely praised for his renowned efficiency.

Mr. Cinniger has served his community well in various capacities, including City Councilman, Recreation Board member, Lorain Kiwanis Club President, and most recently as a member of the Board of Trustees at Lorain County Community College.