CAMBRIDGE, Ohio (AVC News) — A pair of standout athletes, a legendary football coach, and one of the most successful teams in school history will be honored as members of the 2026 Cambridge High School Athletic Hall of Fame class.
The newest class includes former multi-sport stars Tyler Hardesty and JayLynn McClarren, longtime football coach Rick Goodrich, and the historic 2006 Cambridge Bobcats football team. The induction dinner is scheduled for Sept. 3, 2026.
Established in 2017, the Cambridge Athletic Hall of Fame recognizes athletes, coaches, teams and contributors who have made significant impacts on Cambridge High School athletics. The 2026 class marks the ninth group to be inducted.
Hardesty, a 2010 Cambridge graduate, left a lasting mark on both the football field and baseball diamond.
A three-year starting running back, Hardesty rushed for 3,938 yards and 51 touchdowns during his career while also contributing 143 tackles as a linebacker. He earned first-team honors in the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference, East Central Ohio League and Eastern District for three consecutive seasons and was named second-team All-Ohio as a senior.
Former coach Rick Goodrich described Hardesty as a player who consistently put the team first.
“Tyler was the ultimate teammate and did whatever was asked of him,” Goodrich said. “He always had the best interest of the team at the top of his agenda.”
Hardesty also excelled in baseball, setting several school records, including a single-season batting average of .574 and career marks for batting average, RBIs and triples. He was named OVAC Class AAAA Player of the Year following his senior season.
McClarren, a member of the Class of 2020, built an impressive resume in both track and field and volleyball before the COVID-19 pandemic canceled her senior athletic season.
A hurdling specialist, McClarren captured multiple OVAC and ECOL championships in both the 100-meter and 300-meter hurdles and qualified for the state track meet as a junior. She placed third in Ohio in the 300-meter hurdles and seventh in the long jump while also helping the 4×200-meter relay team earn district and regional titles.
Track coach Tamara Gibson said McClarren’s work ethic and dedication set her apart.
“JayLynn spent countless hours in the weight room building strength, focused on proper nutrition, prioritized sleep and recovery, stretched consistently, and approached every workout with dedication and discipline,” Gibson said.
McClarren was equally successful in volleyball, earning first-team all-conference and all-district honors three times while setting eight school records, including career assists and service aces.
The 2006 Cambridge football team will also take its place in the Hall of Fame after becoming the first team in school history to complete an undefeated regular season.
The Bobcats finished 10-0 during the regular season, captured the school’s only outright ECOL championship and advanced to the state playoffs, where they earned the program’s first postseason victory. Cambridge finished the season 11-1 and was ranked third in the Associated Press state poll.
One of the team’s most memorable moments came in a dramatic 41-35 victory over rival Dover. The game featured a late touchdown by quarterback Sean Mahley and a school-record 412 rushing yards from Hall of Famer Stephen Ford.
“Obviously, it is very difficult to go undefeated and with the demanding schedule we played these guys should be very proud to say they were the first and only team to accomplish this in CHS history,” Goodrich said.
Goodrich himself rounds out the 2026 class.
Known throughout the Ohio Valley for his run-heavy offensive philosophy nicknamed “Goody-Ball,” Goodrich coached Cambridge from 1999 through 2012 and compiled a 78-55 record. He guided the Bobcats to their first playoff appearances in school history and led the team to five consecutive winning seasons from 2003 through 2007.
His accolades include ECOL Coach of the Year honors in 2005 and 2006, Eastern District Coach of the Year in 2006 and Ohio Division III Coach of the Year in 2006.
Nominator Sheryl Weber credited Goodrich for building a culture of accountability and discipline.
“Goody instilled a work ethic in his players,” Weber said. “There were expectations and commitment to the program. He taught these young men commitment, discipline, and respect.”
The Hall of Fame induction dinner will take place at 6 p.m. Sept. 3 in the Cambridge High School cafeteria. Inductees will also be recognized before the Bobcats’ football game Sept. 4 at McFarland Stadium.
Tickets for the induction dinner are $25 and must be purchased or reserved by Aug. 24 through the Cambridge High School Athletic Department.
Last Updated on June 8, 2026 by AVC News
