Photo mosaic in blue and orange
Galion's 1985 state championship football team will be honored with a ceremony on Friday, Sept. 26 and a program on Sept. 27, both at Galion High School. Credit: Submitted

GALION — This weekend, Galion High School, and the Galion community, will honor the 40th anniversary of the 1985 State Championship Football Team, a group of athletes, coaches, and fans whose legacy still inspires Tiger pride today. 

The celebration will begin on Friday, Sept. 26 during halftime of the Galion Tigers’ home football game against the Highland Fighting Scots.

Members of the 1985 Galion High School football squad hold the state championship trophy in the locker room at Ohio Stadium. Submitted photo

Members of the 1985 championship team will be recognized on the field for their historic victory and enduring impact on the Galion community. 

Spirit of a Team was written by Lee Owens and Larry Phillips, and discusses the 1985 Galion title team, with a chapter featuring QB Carl Johnson.

To this day the Tigers are north central Ohio’s lone squad to win a stat title on the field. The 1949 Mansfield Senior team won the INS poll title. Since 1990, Mansfield Senior, Lucas, Loudonville, Buckeye Central, and Hillsdale have all played for the crown, but each fell short and finished as state runners-up.

Festivities continue the following day at the Galion Community Theatre (GCT), where fans and alumni can relive the unforgettable moment.

A full replay of the 1985 championship game will be shown on the big screen beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27. Doors will open at 12:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.

Legendary Coach Lee Owens will deliver opening remarks and be on hand to greet fans and sign copies of his new book, “The Spirit of a Team,” available at Amazon.com. The book, co-authored by Richland Source managing editor Larry Phillips, features a chapter on 1985 Galion quarterback Carl Johnson, today a very successful businessman with Warren Equity Partners.

The 1985 Galion state championship football team is pictured in front of the school. Submitted photo.

Following the replay, all are invited to gather at the Galion Elks Club to cheer on the Ohio State Buckeyes, where Coach Owens was an assistant from 1992-94, as they face the Washington Huskies.

This post-event watch party offers an opportunity for old teammates, fans, and community members to share stories, reconnect, and continue the celebration. 

“This anniversary is about more than football,” said organizers. “It’s about honoring the teamwork, dedication, and community spirit that made 1985 such a special year for Galion.”