CLASS OF 2023
Class of 2023
Justin Buttermore, Class of 1993– Justin’s journey in the world of education and coaching is a testament to his passion for both fields. Born and raised in West Branch, he graduated from West Branch High School in 1993. During his high school years, Justin made a mark as a versatile athlete, earning two letters in football, two in basketball, and one in track. His leadership skills and commitment to excellence were evident as he served on the Student Council and was a proud member of the National Honor Society.
Post-graduation, Justin pursued higher education at Capital University, where he earned his degree in secondary education in 1997. His dedication to continuous learning led him to the American College of Education, where he obtained his Masters degree in 2015.
In his high school days, Justin’s athletic prowess garnered him all-league honors in both football and basketball. He captained the basketball team during his senior year and was part of two League Championship football teams and one League Championship basketball team, both advancing to the regional finals.
Justin began his coaching career as a graduate assistant football coach at Clarion University in 1997. The following year, he embarked on his teaching and coaching journey at Hilliard Davidson High School, where he spent five impactful years.
In 2004, Justin assumed the position of head coach and teacher at Tri-Valley High School, a role he held for an impressive 14 seasons. Under his guidance, the team achieved remarkable success, winning nine league titles and making 10 playoff appearances. Justin left Tri-Valley with a remarkable record of 124 wins and 38 losses, establishing himself as the winningest coach in school history.
The pinnacle of his coaching career at Tri-Valley was in 2017 when they became regional champions and finished as state runners-up in Division III. In 2018, Justin moved on to Granville High School, where he continued to achieve success with a 20-4 record and two league titles.
Since 2020, Justin has been the Head Coach at Upper Arlington High School, where he has already made a significant impact. Under his leadership, the team has won 30 games and lost 10, securing two league titles. In 2021, Upper Arlington High School won their first regional championship in 20 years, narrowly missing out on the state title against eventual champions St. Edwards.
Throughout his coaching career, Justin has amassed an impressive overall record of 174-51, earning league Coach of the Year honors 12 times. He was recognized as the 2006 Division III OHSAA Coach of the Year and Division I Coach of the Year in 2021.
Justin’s decision to become a teacher and coach was deeply influenced by the mentors and role models he encountered at West Branch High School. Justin married Abby Buttermore (formerly Abby Doak), also a West Branch graduate. Together, they have two sons—Bo, currently serving as an assistant coach at the University of Toledo, and Doak, a sophomore at Ohio University majoring in Business Finance. The family is completed by their daughter, a current senior at Upper Arlington High School.
Melinda Trimmer Taylor, Class of 2015– Melinda Taylor, a distinguished individual and athlete, traces her roots back to West Branch, where she graduated in 2015 with an outstanding academic and athletic record. During her high school years, Melinda showcased her exceptional skills on both the basketball court and soccer field, earning a well-deserved reputation as a four-year letter winner in both sports.
In the sport of basketball, Melinda’s leadership qualities were evident as she was selected as the team captain twice. Her prowess is etched in the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) record book, where she holds an impressive eight entries, including career assists (800), season assists (262), assists in a game (19), games played (107), season free throw percentage (83%), and consecutive free throws made (36). Her senior year achievements were particularly remarkable, earning her the title of Northeast Inland District Player of the Year and Ohio Division II Co-Player of the Year. Melinda also secured a spot on the 1st team all-Ohio and was named Player of the Year twice in her four-time 1st team all-league selections.
On the soccer field, Melinda earned four letters and demonstrated her leadership skills as a two-time captain. Her consistent performance led to four consecutive 1st team all-league selections and three appearances as an All-District member.
Melinda’s athletic prowess did not end with high school. She continued her academic and basketball journey at Youngstown State University, where she graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2019. During her time at YSU, she set records for consecutive free throws made (35), single-season Assist to Turnover Ratio (2.23), and single-season free throw percentage (94.8%).
Following her undergraduate success, Melinda pursued her passion for medicine at the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine. Throughout her medical school journey, she consistently received Academic Honors and became a proud member of esteemed organizations such as the Sigma Sigma Phi Honor Society, American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Medical Women’s Association.
In her personal life, Melinda is happily married to Beau Taylor, and together they have a son named Roman. They have chosen to make their home in North Canton, Ohio, where Melinda’s legacy continues to inspire those around her, both in the medical field and within her community.
Brenden Wells, Class of 2013– Brenden, a proud West Branch High School graduate of the class of 2013, carved his name into the annals of his alma mater’s sports history with an exceptional athletic career that spanned both football and baseball.
In football, Brenden’s prowess was unmatched, earning him the distinction of being a four-year letter winner. His legacy is etched in the record books, with career statistics that still stand as a testament to his skill and determination. Notably, he holds records for Career rushing yards (3,747), Career touchdowns (44), Career points (264), and the most rushing yards in a single game. His on-field achievements have become an inspiration for aspiring athletes at West Branch.
On the baseball diamond, Brenden’s star continued to shine brightly. A two-time 1st team All-Ohio selection in 2011 and 2013, he was named the NBC Player of the Year in 2013. His consistent excellence earned him a spot on the first team of the NBC three times. The record books bear witness to his incredible achievements in baseball, including season and career records for triples, stolen bases, hits, and runs scored. His 29 career triples and 102 stolen bases place him among the all-time greats in the state of Ohio.
Post high school, Brenden’s journey continued at Marshall University, where he earned an athletic scholarship. In 2017, he transferred to Malone University, where he played four remarkable seasons. His impact was felt in every game, leading the team in batting average for three seasons and becoming Malone’s career leader in triples with an impressive 16. In his senior year, he topped the Great Midwest Athletic Conference in hits with 70.
Brenden’s contributions to Malone University earned him two-time All-League Second Team selections and the distinction of being named Player of the Week twice during his collegiate career. His dedication to the game and exemplary performance have left an indelible mark on the university’s baseball program.
Currently residing in Beloit, Brenden has found professional success at Wally Armour Auto Group. His journey from West Branch to collegiate stardom is a testament to his dedication, skill, and passion for the sports that have shaped his life. Brenden continues to be a source of pride for his community and an inspiration for aspiring athletes.
Nancy Penrod,– Nancy Penrod was a 1970 graduate of Salem High School. She also received her Bachelors Degree in Education from Bowling Green State University in 1974. Nancy served as a teacher in the West Branch School District for 33 years where she earned the Golden Apple award and was twice honored at the Top 10% banquet. After her retirement from West Branch she served as a math coach at Lisbon then as an employee of the Salem Public Library.
Nancy gave back to the school and the community in so many different ways. She was a member of the Sebring American Legion Youth Foundation which provides scholarships to Sebring and West Branch students. She also was a member of the West Branch Education Association where she sat on several negotiation committees and served as the Associations secretary for many years. At Knox she was the secretary of the PTO and helped with the Knox Share-a-Christmas.
Where Nancy really stood out was the work she did with the West Branch Booster Club. She served as the booster treasurer for years, sold 50/50 tickets at football games and sat on the Scholarship committee. If you wanted to find Nancy on a Thursday night you would have to go to the Bingo hall. She was there from the beginning of Booster Bingo and helped for 28 years.
CLASS OF 2024
Class of 2024
Mark Eberling, Class of 1998- Mark Eberling, a proud graduate of West Branch High School’s Class of 1998, has been a dedicated Sales Manager at Lavery Chevrolet for over 21 years. Outside of his professional career, Mark is a proud father to three children: Caydence (21), Macey (20), and Landan (16).
A standout athlete in high school, Mark left a lasting legacy in both football and baseball. On the football field, he earned multiple honors, including Second Team All-League in 1996 and First Team All-EBC in 1997, holding records for most touchdowns in a game and season completion percentage (66%).
In baseball, Mark was a four-time All-EBC selection, with his most notable achievement being the record for most wins in a season—a record that stood for 26 years. He remains the career wins leader with 31. Mark also boasted impressive stats, including a 1,000 fielding percentage in 1995 and a .443 batting average in 1998.
Mark’s commitment to excellence in both sports and his professional career continues to inspire those around him.
Frank McDaniel- Frank McDaniel has a legacy of dedication to his community, family, and country. Born and raised in the West Branch area, Frank started his high school career as a Goshen Gopher before finishing as a West Branch Warrior. A natural athlete, Frank lettered all four years in football, breaking records for most touchdowns in a season, points in a season, and numerous other achievements that left an indelible mark on West Branch athletics.
In 1962, Frank left West Branch to serve in the United States Navy, where he continued to excel in football, playing for two more years while stationed. He served on the U.S.S. Bon Homme Richard, an attack aircraft carrier, where he took on the important role of plane captain.
After his service, Frank returned to his roots, working at Ponderosa Park before retiring after 27 years. He later joined Tom Rill Farm Drainage, dedicating more years to hard work before his second retirement. Throughout his life, Frank was known not only for his professional achievements but also for his deep support of West Branch sports and athletes.
Frank shared 40 wonderful years with his beloved wife, Jan McDaniel, until her passing. Together, they raised two children, Jamie (Kisner) McElwain and Casey (McDaniel) Mesler, who carry forward his legacy of love and commitment to family.
Dirk Rozich, Class of 1999- Dirk Rozich is an accomplished artist and entrepreneur whose career has spanned a diverse range of creative fields. A 1999 graduate of West Branch High School, Dirk was honored with multiple awards, including the Mahoning County Annual Art Show’s top honors and the West Branch High School Purchase Award. He also received the Outstanding Fine Arts Award in his senior year. His early talent was recognized with the Columbus College of Art & Design's prestigious Trustees’ Award and scholarship, setting the stage for his successful career.
Dirk graduated cum laude from CCAD in 2003 with a BFA in Illustration, where he was named the top student in his class and was the sole senior chosen to showcase his work in the Society of Illustrators’ student gallery show in New York City. While at CCAD, Dirk also founded Dirk Rozich Illustration, LLC, which he continues to run today.
In addition to his work as a fine artist, Dirk is the founder of D’sign Elixir, an award-winning graphic design company. Since 2011, his creative talents have been commissioned by high-profile clients including the PGA, NFL, Pro Football Hall of Fame, and the LeBron James Foundation, among others. Notable commissions include hand-painted portraits of sports legends such as Peyton Manning, Joe Namath, LeBron James, and Dan Marino, as well as influential political figures like Condoleezza Rice and President George W. Bush.
Dirk's artistic contributions extend beyond portraiture. In 2017, he won the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s "The Eleven" mural contest, and in 2022, he was selected as the winning artist for the City of Canton’s Centennial Plaza mural. He has also earned recognition in the national mural community, being named one of the top wall wrap designers by Big Picture Magazine in 2023.
As a passionate advocate for environmental causes, Dirk serves as the Creative Director for both the Earth's Oceans Foundation (Santa Barbara, CA) and the Eco Warrior Foundation (Laguna Beach, CA). His mural work for Raising Cane’s Restaurants is displayed internationally, further cementing his reputation as a leader in contemporary mural design.
Dirk resides in North Canton, Ohio, with his wife Nicole and their children Landon (11) and Hartley (5). His work continues to inspire both in the studio and across the globe.
Rob Spencer, Class of 1968- Rob Spencer, a 1968 graduate of West Branch, dedicated his career to serving his community both professionally and civically. After starting in the family business, Salem Appliance and Furniture, he went on to work nearly 50 years at Myers Equipment, where he retired as sales manager. An engaged member of the community, Rob served 16 years as a Goshen Township Trustee and was an active member and past president of the Ohio River Valley Llama Association. His civic contributions include active involvement in the Goshen Ruritans, the 4-H Livestock Committee of the Canfield Fair, and longstanding service with the West Branch Alumni Association, where he helped select Hall of Fame inductees. Rob was instrumental in establishing a school resource officer (SRO) program to ensure a police presence in schools daily and contributed to securing the former Goshen Elementary building for a new community complex. He shares his life with his wife, Donna, and their three children, Melanie, Doug, and Brian.
