Rybarczyk, Richard
| Richard Rybarczyk – (2004) |
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Dick Rybarczyk’s interest in sports had an early beginning in the gym at St. Stanislaus School. Participating in football and basketball, coaching youth sports teams; and, being a fan for many years culminates with Dick’s enshrinement into his “hometown” Sports Hall of Fame.
From St. Stan’s to Hawthorne Junior High, Dick’s participation included earning letters in football and basketball. The 1946 Hawthorne football team won the Lorain city crown.
At Lorain High School, he elected to concentrate his efforts on basketball, earning two varsity letters. Dick joined his brother John on the 1948-49 team.
The 1949-50 Steelmen recorded the school’s best record since the 1931 season, placing second in the tough Lake Erie League. Dick was the second- leading scorer, and, his hustling, aggressive play earned him the honor of co-MVP. His stellar performances resulted in Findlay College offering Dick a scholarship to play basketball.
Rybarczyk’s athletic career at Findlay was remarkable. Returning to the gridiron, Dick was awarded four varsity letters. From his end/flanker position, he shared the team leadership in scoring both his junior and senior years. The 1950 and 1951 squads were crowned champions of the Mid-Ohio League. Dick lettered three seasons in basketball, and, continued with his reputed tough defense and strong rebounding. It was recognized by coaches teammates and opponents, alike, that Dick’s hustling, tenacious style of play was responsible for numerous victories for the Oilers. During Dick’s three-year tenure on the hardwood, the team won three consecutive Mid-Ohio League titles. The 1952 and 1953 teams were rewarded with trips to Kansas City, Mo., for the NAIA Tournaments, reaching the Final 8 in 1951. To this day, the team members remain close, meeting yearly, to reminisce about their college days.
Dick’s outstanding sports career and academic achievements earned him a place in the Findlay College Sports Hall of Fame. Additional honors were bestowed upon the 1952 and 1953 basketball teams, as they were enshrined into The Hancock County Sports Hall of Fame.
Upon his return to Lorain, Dick accepted a position in the purchasing department of Nelson Stud Welding Co. There, he remained for thirty-seven years, retiring in 1991 as Director of Manufacturing from the current company, TRW-Nelson Stud Co.
Back in his hometown, Dick was a talented basketball performer in the Lorain City, and Elyria YMCA Leagues, and, participated in numerous invitational tournaments. He, also, found time to coach basketball and football teams in local CYO leagues.
Dick and Alice, his wife of forty-one years, reside in New Russia Township. They have four children, Lauren, Cindy, Dawn, and Keith. They have proudly followed the volleyball exploits of daughters, Cindy and Dawn at Oberlin High School.
Their son, Keith, quarterbacked Elyria Catholic High School to two consecutive state football championships in 1983 and 1984. He continued on the gridiron at Mount Union College and is currently the head coach at North Ridgeville High School.
Dick and Alice are the grandparents of Austin and Lauren Shrimplin.
