FORT LORAMIE — One of the most successful coaches in Fort Loramie High School history will be inducted into the Fort Loramie Wall of Honor on Sunday, Oct. 8.
Jane Poeppelman was the coach of the girls basketball team and led the program to be one of the most successful programs in the state of Ohio. Although numerous people have contributed to that success, Poeppelman, the architect and first coach of that program, deserves much of the credit.
After graduating from Fort Loramie High School in 1967, Poeppelman attended Bowling Green State University, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Education and, later, a Master of Education degree. While an undergrad at BG, she lettered in both basketball and softball. Having graduated from BGSU, Poeppelman returned to Fort Loramie Schools in the fall of 1971 to teach physical education and health.
Poeppelman worked hard to get the proper sports equipment and items needed for the various activities she planned for the many grade levels. Her goal was to make Fort Loramie Schools the best possible place for education and sports. With limited resources, staffing, and equipment, this was not an easy task. However, with hard work and determination, she developed her programs to the maximum.
In 1971, girls interscholastic athletics under the Ohio High School Athletic Association were in their infancy, and Poeppelman was eager to get a serious start. Who could have imagined that in just eight years after her initial season, Poeppelman’s high school girls’ team would be playing in the state basketball tournament in Columbus?
Poeppelman coached girls’ basketball for 22 years. Her teams had a record of 339 wins and 115 losses, for a win percentage of 74.7 percent. During her years, her teams garnered 11 league championships, seven district championships, two regional championships, and two appearances in the Ohio state basketball semi-finals.
In 1998 Poeppelman was inducted into the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, the first woman to be inducted.
Throughout her tenure at Fort Loramie Schools, Poeppelman also coached boys and girls golf, volleyball, and track. In 1997, the girls golf team qualified for the state tournament. Poeppelman’s boys golf teams won six league titles and had several teams and individuals qualify for district tournaments.
While a teacher at Fort Loramie School, Poeppelman coordinated the “Jump Rope for Heart” for the American Heart Association for a number of years. While coaching golf, Jane was a member of the Ohio High School Golf Coaches Association. She is a lifetime member of the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association. She also belonged to the District Nine Basketball Coaches Association. Jane was named to the Ohio Girls Basketball Magazine Hall of Fame. She was a member of the Fort Loramie Education Association during her time at Fort Loramie Schools.
Poeppelman taught at Fort Loramie Schools for 35 years. Since retirement, Jane remains active in her community by chairing local blood drives and being an active member of the Fort Loramie Community Service Club. She is also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Delta Kappa Gamma Teacher Honor Society, and was a member of the G.Y.M. Committee, having served as secretary. Poeppelman is a member of Saint Michael Catholic Church, where she assists with funeral Masses. She has volunteered with the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, was a local member of the Loramie Cancer Crusaders, and has walked in the survivor’s lap at the Shelby County Relay for Life and the BGSU Relay for Life.
Poeppelman’s contributions to Fort Loramie Schools and the community of Fort Loramie have been immeasurable. Throughout all her many involvements, Poeppelman always gave 100 percent. Carla Siegel, former player for Jane, and the current coach of the Fort Loramie High School girls team, has this to say about Jane Poeppelman: “…Jane taught many students and players skills that have lasted a lifetime. For me, it was perseverance and working towards a common goal. She challenged us to always put forth our best effort. Playing basketball for Fort Loramie has always been a proud moment for many young women. That strong tradition was started by Jane.”
A reception for Poeppelman will be held Sunday, Oct. 8, at 2 p.m. at Fort Loramie High School. The event is free and open to the public.
The Wall of Honor is sponsored by the Fort Loramie Education Foundation.
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