The Lee Eric Vinsel Memorial
& Sulsberger Stadium
Memorial Grove On October 26, 2007, a special memorial was dedicated in memory of former ZHS football player Lee Eric Vinsel (Class of 1971), who was killed by a lightning strike very near the memorial site at the main entrance to Sulsberger Stadium. In addition, trees purchased to honor other former Blue Devils and supporters are now being planted in a nearby memorial grove that will augment the main entrance area.
The following text is included on the plaque placed at the Vinsel Memorial site:
Lee Eric Vinsel
April 3, 1953 – September 23, 1970
This special location marks the spot
where a Zanesville High School student-athlete,
Lee Eric Vinsel, was struck by lightning and killed
while leaving football practice
on September 23, 1970. Lee was a leader among his classmates.
He was one of the most intelligent and generous persons
that most of his classmates had ever met.
He had a deep interest in – and a talent for – music.
Lee’s death left a tremendous void in the student and athletic community at ZHS,
and had a lifelong impact on many of his classmates and friends.
His plans for a life never realized included music, travel and family.
His untimely passing taught us all that we need to live each day
as though it is our last.
The memory of Lee’s life and his spirit lives with us
each time we enter John D. Sulsberger Memorial Stadium.
Zanesville High School
Class of 1971
Lee Vinsel's Senior Teammates, 1970
Front row, from left: Rick Wallar, Chuck Morrison, Mark Eppley, Karl Vandegriff,
Ron Todd, Ralph Newman, Dana Burke, Lee Vinsel.
Back row, from left: Tom Perry, Steve Welker, Steve Kreis, Ward Coffman,
Coach Ron Apperson, Bob Cale, Bill Tewell, Waverly Tyson, Ron Burley.
Contributions to the Lee Eric Vinsel Memorial and the Sulsberger Stadium Memorial Grove can be made to The John D. Sulsberger Memorial Stadium Beautification & Enhancement Council via:
ZHS Quarterback Club
P.O. Box 43
Zanesville, Ohio 43702-0043
For more information on how you can purchase a tree for the Memorial Grove
($450 per tree, which includes a plaque), please contact:
Brian Kaufman
Century National Bank
Phone: 740-588-2259
Memorial Committee
Ron Apperson, Gary McGuire, Dr. Dominic Brune
Karl Vandegriff, Blair Magaziner,
Ward Coffman, Dave McGlade
2007 ZHS Quarterback Club Officers
Jim Rudloff, Craig Hudson, John Ormond
John Huey, Brian Kaufman
Special thanks to Timber Run Gardens
and to Mr. Craig Gossman
for their contributions to this memorial.