He’s as famous for his hearty laugh as much as the heart and soul he displayed so impressively on a basketball court for so many years. Randy Emmons always has had a legion of fans who have supported him his Ashland High School and then Ashland College basketball careers. None more so than his family. 

A native Ashlander, Randy’s love for basketball began at an early age and blossomed through the years because of the undying support given by his parents, Jim and Marilyn Emmons. 

The nurturing by his parents helped launch a remarkable love affair Randy has had for the game of basketball and athletics in general that thrives to this day. Randy’s brother Rick also helped mold his older sibling’s character by the competitiveness and support the pair exhibited as they grew up. 

Such nurturing also proved to Randy that commitment and dedication are the cornerstones in the game of life that would help lay a solid foundation from which to raise a family, which he and his lovely wife Susie have done with their three sons, Ryan, Chad, and Greg. 

Randy’s accomplishments on the basketball court are numerous. A 1972 Ashland High School graduate, Randy earned three varsity letters for the Arrows under coach Doug McDonald and in his senior season, was honored as the Cardinal Conference Player of the Year, the Ashland Times-Gazette All-Area Player of the Year, the Arrow’s Most Valuable Player and earned All Regional and All State laurels. 

In his senior season, Randy scored 333 points (15.8 average) and led the Arrows to a 17-4 record, including a Cardinal Conference title, Sectional Championship and district appearance. He closed his high school career with 531 points and general regarded as one of the best all-around Ashland players ever because of his scoring and rebounding abilities, his defensive skills, and his unselfish play that was revered by his teammates. 

Following graduation form Ashland High School, Randy played basketball at Ashland College (now Ashland University) from 1973-76, for head coach Joe Gottfried. Randy still ranks as one of the top all-time leaders in career points where he’s a member of the 1000-point club (1,124) and in rebounds with 502. 

During the 1974-75 season, Randy led the Eagles into the NCAA Division III National Tournament, where Ashland beat Muskingum, 72-68, before bowing out with a 61-49 loss to Wittenberg. 

In the 1974-75 season, Randy led the Eagles with 125 rebounds and 329 points scored, for a 13.7 average, along with trying for team assists at 86 (4.39 average). In 1975-76 season, Randy paced the team in free throw percentage, sinking 51 of 67 for a .761 percentage.   

Presently, Randy can be found courtside in Kates Gymnasium at Ashland University, cheering on his youngster son Greg, who started for the Eagle basketball team as a freshman during the 2003-04 season. 

Randy is a former teammate of current Ashland University basketball coach Roger Lyons at Ashland College and their friendship continues to this day. 

Active in many community organizations, Randy has served as a biddy-basketball coach and presided for many years with good friend Jim Cutright as Co-presidents of the Ashland High School All-Sports Boosters Club. 

An advocate of local athletics and the student athletes who compete, Randy says he’s been blessed during his playing days and after, “I’d like to thank my entire family for their support and really, the Ashland community for supporting me the way they did.” 

Nominator: Bob Simonson