The author(s) of the 1925 Stivers Yearbook wrote; that Kenneth Stiles was one of four seniors who were, “the best three-sport men who ever wore the orange and black”. He was a player on the 1922-24 football teams that were undefeated, won two City Championships and two National Championships. He played on the 1923-25 basketball teams that won two City Championships and one State Championship. In 1924 Ken was on the All-Southwestern Ohio team and was 2nd Team All-State. He was also a member of the 1923 City and State Championship Baseball team. Kenny was an extremely versatile athlete who played halfback and defensive back in football. He played either forward or “running” guard in basketball and was an outfielder in baseball. Some examples of key plays made by him are:
(1) A 75 yard run against state rival, Toledo Scott, in 1924 that set up the tieing touchdown.
(2) Completed a halfback pass to the quarterback for a touchdown that defeated city rival Steele in 1923. This win set the stage for eleven straight victories over Steele.
(3) In the 1924 basketball game against Cincinnati St. Xavier, he came within 2 points of matching their team total of 14.
(4) A sports reporter wrote of the opening game of 1925, “Captain English, center and Kenny Stiles, running guard, played the best game ever displayed at a Stivers opener”.
Kenny received 7 scholarship offers. He declined the offers and began employment with Ohmer Register, advancing to personnel director. In his early working years, he also played football with the Dayton Triangles. Kenny married his classmate, Kathryn Foster. They had two children, daughter Sue and son Douglas. Kenny retired from the Fyr-Fryter Co. as a sales representative. He died in 1978. Survivors today include his daughter Sue, who was a 20 year member of the County Board of Elections, and four grandchildren.
