Max Ross has been recognized for his excellence as a teacher, academic course innovator, athletic team coach, professional athlete, soldier, an elected official of his community, and as an administrator of youth services. While in State High, he was in the top six in the Pennsylvania high school golf championships on two occasions, was a starting guard and place kicker on the undefeated football team, and was invited to join the Pittsburgh Pirates scouting program as a catcher on its “Little Pirates” team.
He entered Penn State on a football scholarship, transferred to West Chester State Teachers College, where he played baseball and football and also was a member of the wrestling team. He later was a member of the Boston Red Sox farm system for three years.
After being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1953, Max served as Athletic Director for his regiment in Japan.
After his army service, Max settled in Prospect, Ohio, where, as a high school biology teacher, he initiated the very first Ohio Science Fair Competition. Then, for the next 12 years, at Marion Catholic High School in Marion, Ohio, he taught biology. He was also Marion’s head football coach for eight years, compiling a 78% winning record. He also initiated and coached the school’s first boys’ track program.
His awards include: North-Central Ohio’s Outstanding Science Teacher award, two Football Coach of the Year awards, and two Walker Awards of Achievement.
Max was elected Marion County Sheriff, managed Whetstone Country Club, was an investigator for the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, and assisted in opening three public swimming pools and one golf course. Max managed the Ohio Civilian Conversation Corps in Zaleski, Ohio, which provided work and life skills for at-risk youth.
In 2005, Marion Catholic High School named its stadium The Max Ross Stadium.
