Ternes, Dan

Dan Ternes – (2001)

 

Already enshrined in the Elyria Sports Hall of Fame for his wrestling career at Elyria High School and collegiate career at Bowling Green State University, Dan Ternes is now being recognized by the Lorain Sports Hall of Fame for his achievements as the wrestling coach for Lorain Southview High School. Ternes is the only wrestling coach in the history of Southview dating back to the schools inception in 1969. Ternes also previously been recognized as one of the best in his profession by being inducted into the Lorain County Wrestling Coaches and Official Association Hall of Fame.

After graduating from Bowling Green State University in 1967 Dan taught for two years in the Elyria school system. In 1969 Southview High School was opened and Dan’s old high school coach, Frank Fiore was the faculty manager for Southview and recommended him as the head varsity wrestling coach. He remains to be the first and only head coach Southview has had. However, Dan is quick to point out that he has not done this alone. He credits his coaching staff for adding stability to the program and attributes a great deal of success to his brother Tom who has helped as a coach since 1971 and former student turned coach, Pepe Ruiz along with many volunteer coaches he has had over the years.

His overall Dual Meet Record covering a 27-year period is 229-62-3. He has been named Coach of the Year for the North Eastern Ohio Conference 5 times, Erie Coast Conference 5 times, Erie Shore Conference 6 times and has garnered the Lorain County Division I coach of the year. He has guided his teams to six undefeated seasons and 16 conference championships and has coached 7 State champions, 14 State Runners-up, 17 other State placers and 23 other State qualifiers.

Of all these accomplishments, there were two instances that have stood out for Dan and representative of an outstanding career. The first was his coaching of his first State Champion in 1977, Russ Wilhelm. The second was when his 1993 team beat a heavily favored St Edward’s team to finish second in the state to Champion Walsh Jesuit.

Dan resides in Elyria with his wife Shirley and has two grown children. Dana, 29, and Brad, 25, who are both teachers.