Independence High School honored four outstanding alumni athletes in its 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame class. The recognition began during halftime of the boys varsity basketball game against Cuyahoga Heights on Friday, February 7, with the formal induction ceremony following on Saturday, February 8 at Independence High School.
The 2024 inductees represented some of Independence's finest athletic achievements:
Tyler Polman (Class of 2017) was one of Independence's most decorated runners. In cross country, he earned First Team All-Conference honors all four years and was named CVC Conference Most Valuable Runner each season. Polman dominated postseason competition, winning three OHSAA District Individual Championships and capturing the Regional Individual title in 2016.
Jared McCullough (Class of 2017) excelled in both soccer and track & field. As soccer team captain in 2016, he led the team to consecutive CVC Conference Championships while earning First Team All-Conference honors and First Team All-Greater Cleveland recognition.
Victoria Sirna (Class of 2015) dominated in three sports, particularly softball, where she set school records for home runs and RBIs. A three-time First Team All-Conference selection, she earned First Team All-District honors twice and Honorable Mention All-Ohio recognition twice.
Dana Zaccardelli (Class of 2017) established herself as one of Independence's premier distance runners. In cross country, she earned First Team All-Conference honors and was named CVC Conference Most Valuable Runner in 2015.
The ceremony featured introductions of each inductee, who were escorted by Independence cheerleaders to center court. The formal induction ceremony and luncheon took place Saturday, February 8, at 1 p.m. in the high school media center.
Superintendent Kelli Cogan noted, "The tradition of the Athletic Hall of Fame celebrates not only the achievements of those being honored but the enduring legacy of excellence passed down through the years."