THS Football History

For more than a century, it has meant one thing in Troy, Ohio when the steamy, sticky summer air gives way to the autumnal hues of fall. 

Since 1897, fall in Troy has meant Troy High School football. 

Like so many other towns throughout the gridiron-crazed state of Ohio, football in Troy has become much more than just a game. For many, in fact, football in Troy borders on a religious experience, with the monolithic Troy Memorial Stadium serving as a place of worship on Friday nights. 

It is a place where local residents not only go to send a cacophony of cheers into the night air in an attempt to will their beloved Trojans to victory, it has become a social gathering place, a spot to see and be seen in the community, a location where old friendships are renewed at the end of every August and into late October. 

The team itself, meanwhile, has built a statewide reputation as one of Ohio’s most successful programs. It has produced countless college players, future All-Americans  and legendary NFL stars. 

For some players, Troy High School football is a chance for them to live out a dream they’ve been harboring since their parents started taking them to games in elementary school. Inside Troy Memorial Stadium, they may get the opportunity to play in front of crowds of more than 10,000 fans … an attendance number many small colleges can only dream of. For most, just  being on the team at Troy High School is the pinnacle of their athletic careers.

It gives them a chance to play in one of the nation's most historic rivalries. The Troy vs. Piqua rivalry is the most-played rivalry in Ohio and one of the oldest in the United States. Since 1899, the two have battled it out in a series that currently is 67-66-6.

For others, it serves as a chance to not only become local legends and have their names spoken with reverence for many years. Nearly a quarter century after his career ended, people still talk about the historic feats of Ryan Brewer, who set a state rushing record on his way to becoming Mr. Football Ohio in 1998 before his career at the University of South Carolina. 

For others, Troy is one stop along the way in a football journey that takes them to even grander heights. Many have gone on to stellar college careers. Bob Ferguson (Ohio State), Tommy Vaughn (Iowa State), Tommy Myers (Northwestern) and Gordon Bell (Michigan) went on to become college All-Americans. Following his playing career at Indiana University, Kris Dielman went on to become an All-Pro offensive lineman with the San Diego Chargers. 

It’s safe to say that football is more than just a game in Troy, Ohio. It’s a way of life. 

Written By: David Fong, Director of Communications at Troy City Schools District