Four athletes inducted into new Hall of Fame class

by Dan Holland

Independence High School hosted the 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame inductions on Feb. 8, which honored four standout athletes during a luncheon and presentation held in the high school media center.

The program was started in 1988, according to Tim Skoczen, who has served as president of the IHS Hall of Fame Committee for the past 25 years.

“The school has been really good over the years in allowing us to continue the process,” said Skoczen. “My dad is in the hall of fame, and my son is in the hall of fame. So, it’s a great event and program we host each year to honor the athletes.”

This year’s hall of fame class included Jared McCullough ’17, Tyler Polman ’17, Dana Zaccardelli ’17 and Victoria Sirna ’15. 

McCullough was a standout in soccer and track and field. As captain of the IHS soccer team, he led the team to consecutive Chagrin Valley Conference championships in 2015 and 2016. As a member of the track and field team, he set school records in the 100-meter dash (11.05 seconds) and 200-meter dash (21.97 seconds) and was a district champion in both events.

“I’m very honored and grateful to be recognized,” said McCullough. “I never expected this to happen, surrounded by people who love and support me always. I will never forget this day in my life, and I will always look back fondly at Independence as a shining light.”

Polman was recognized as one of the school’s all-time best distance runners, earning First-Team All-Conference honors all four years. His mark of 15:37 in the 5K ranks third all-time in school history, and he ranks first in total race victories (22). He continued his athletic endeavors at Youngstown State University, where he earned First-Team All-Horizon League honors in cross country and placed among the school’s all-time top 10 in the 8K cross country and 10K track events.

“It’s truly an honor and blessing to be with these great athletes and to be honored in this way,” said Polman. “I’m very thankful for Mr. Skoczen and the school, and the hall of fame committee for continuing this tradition. It’s definitely well-deserved for Jared, Dana and Victoria for their achievements, and I’m very blessed and honored to be inducted alongside them.”

Zaccardelli was also recognized as one the school’s all-time best distance runners. She holds the school’s second fastest time in the 5K at 19:11, and was a state qualifier in 2013, 2015 and 2016. In track and field, she received First-Team All-Conference honors in 2014 and 2016, and she holds a school record in the distance medley relay. 

“It’s such an honor to be recognized, and I want to thank all of my coaches and teammates at Independence High School,” she said. “I have such good memories from running track and cross country. It was a great experience that holds some of my best memories.”

As a three-sport athlete, Sirna was a standout in softball, in which she set school records for most home runs and RBIs. She was also a member of the IHS volleyball team, earning Second-Team All-Conference honors as she helped the team win consecutive CVC conference championships in 2013 and 2014. She was also captain of the school’s basketball team in 2013.

“It’s such an honor to be inducted into the hall of fame,” said Sirna. “Independence means a lot to me; I grew up here along with my older sisters, who I learned from and experienced a lot with at the high school. I actually moved back to Independence, and I can’t wait to see how the athletics program continues to grow and excel as the years go by.”

Jim Riley, who served as master of ceremonies and announces for school athletic events, said people nominate athletes for the recognition and a committee chooses inductees based on their accomplishments. In addition to a luncheon, the athletes have their own plaque hanging on the school’s wall of fame.

“With all of the athletes being inducted, I’ve seen them all play from when my kids were in the school,” said Riley. “So, it’s good to see, and also to see where they’re at in this phase of their lives. I always encourage them to try to give back to the younger athletes, whether it’s by coaching or volunteering.”“Being new to Independence, the one thing I’ve learned is the importance of legacy and the mark that people have made on the district and community,” said Superintendent Kelli Cogan. “I think this event is a great way to honor those alumni who have made such a lasting mark … and recognize all that they’ve accomplished athletically for our district.