Vincent A. Contrada

    Vincent Contrada was a member of the inaugural teaching staff at Rogers High School in 1956 and served as Rogers’ first Athletic Director from 1956 until 1965.  Vincent also taught history and was Assistant Principal from 1965 through 1977.

    As Athletic Director for the new Rogers High School, Vince chose and designed the Ram as the school mascot, selected the school colors of red and white and designed the field house that later was named for Jim Vitale.

    Vince was particularly proud of devising the “wrestling area” by pushing the stands forward, which was a true innovation at the time.  He also laid out the original Rogers football field, designed the later-added concrete stands and designed the Rogers baseball diamond which is considered one of the best high school fields in Ohio.

    Vince hired some of the great coaches in the history of Rogers High School, including Jim Vitale, Ray Steely, Dick Wilson, Robert Rittichier, Tom Lyons, Tom Guitteau, Will Collins and Al Mocek.

    From 1957 to 1967, Vince also was the Recreation Director for Adams Township and established baseball, basketball, wrestling and tennis programs for all children.  He designed and laid out the facilities at Winterfeld Park including the baseball diamonds, tennis courts and recreation center.

    In 1977, Vince became principal of Woodward High School and retired three years later.  After his first wife, Ann, passed away, Vince married Marilyn Wicks Contrada in 1980.  Vince and Ann had two sons, Michael and Charlie, both of whom played football for the Rams in the late 1960’s and graduated from Rogers High School.

    Vincent A. Contrada passed away April 5, 2003.  It truly was “An Era of Excellence and Championships!”