Laforce, Wade

Wade Laforce – (2001)

 

Dedication, Determination, and Heart, is how you describe Wade
LaForce and his career. It began in 1971 as an Irving Jr. High captain as the
Vikings won their first Lorain City Football Championship in 30 years. His
father Jack, was on the last one. At Lorain H.S. he participated in 4 sports
but it was his domination on the gridiron where he made his mark.

He was Lorain Journal Player of the Week 6 times his Sr. year blocking
for All State running back Virgil Williams. LaForce was the only player
selected All Buckeye Conference both ways.

He was All County, District, Region, and Honorable Mention All State
and played in the Ohio Classic North / South All Star game. At seasons end
Woody Hayes presented him The Vince Lombardi Award as Lorain Counties
Finest Lineman.

LaForce continued his career at Wittenberg University under College
Football Hall of Fame coach Dave Mauer. He started all 4 years while
winning 3 – O.A.C. Championships, 6 playoff games and played for The
National Championship in The Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl in 1978 and 1979.
Wade was All Conference and College All American his Sr. year.

In 1982 Wade returned home and led Adams Cafe to 5 consecutive
Lorain Touch Football City Championships and State Tournament
appearances. He also played softball for P.A.C.C, Slovak Home, and Krakas where he batted 625 for two years.

In 1989 he built, owned, and operated Champions, a national premier sports restaurant, and hosted The N.F.L.
Quarterback meetings, The Bernie Kosar Golf Classic, along with all Browns, Indians and Cavs live
broadcasts with Nev Chandler and Casey Coleman. Celebrities the likes of Muhammid Ali, Hank
Aaron, Jerry West, Bob Feller, Lou Groza, Tommy Lasorda and Carmen Basillio, all frequented the
Sports Museum.

Today, Wade coaches in the Vermilion Recreation leagues where his wife, former Miss Ohio,
Lesa, and children Allie 12, Jack 11, and Aubree 6, are all very active.

Wade cites two key components to his success; the love and support of his parents Jack and
Nancy, uncles Tom LaForce & H.O.F. member Don Fritz, brother Mark and twin sister Wendy, along
with the privilege to have played for many of the outstanding coaches and teachers of our time.