Tallmadge City Schools to Rename Stadium in Honor of Longtime Volunteer

TALLMADGE, OH – (Sept. 16, 2022) – The process is underway to rename the Tallmadge High School stadium in honor of long-time volunteer and coach, Larry Bagnoli. The Tallmadge Board of Education will vote on the resolution at the Sept. 21 board meeting, giving the naming a 20-year term, at which point the future board can vote to renew the name.

“Anyone who knows Mr. Bagnoli knows him to be an ardent supporter of our school, our student-athletes and our community,” said Tallmadge Superintendent Steve Wood. “He’s been a part of our football program for over 40 years as a coach and volunteer and has been a positive mentor to all our coaches and players over the years. Naming the stadium in his honor is just a small token of our gratitude to him and his family. It ensures his influence will remain for decades to come.”

Bagnoli began helping the football team as an offensive line coach under Coach Tony Kijanko in 1980. Bagnoli then served as equipment manager for every coach until Joe Vassalotti in 2014. Bagnoli’s favorite role on Friday nights was to provide the game ball to the referees before the game.

“I know Mr. Bagnoli was much more than an equipment manager,” said current Tallmadge board president, Christine Cipa. “He was a friend, mentor and supporter of the players, coaches and ball boys. While he’s not on our sidelines much these days, he is a strong supporter of our team and is a big help to Coach Hay and his staff. He’s the perfect example of the type of person who should receive such an honor.”

Bagnoli also made an impact while on the Tallmadge City School Board of Education from 2000-2006. His service as a Board Member along with his strong, ongoing advocacy in support of our schools has helped to garner community support for levy campaigns and was instrumental in the transformation of our facilities.  

Bagnoli and his family have operated funeral homes in Tallmadge since 1968. A resident since 1970, Bagnoli has served the Tallmadge community in many ways. He is past-President of both the Tallmadge Lions Club and the Chamber of Commerce. He is an active member of Tallmadge First Congregational Church. Wood said that Bagnoli’s influence on the community is far-reaching and long-lasting. 

“To know Mr. Bagnoli is to know a man who has dedicated his life to his community,” added Wood. “Tallmadge is lucky to have him as a part of our city. And many of us are fortunate enough to have had his world-famous spaghetti sauce.”