Racine, Ohio – Southern Local dedicated its gymnasium and gym floor on Monday, December 8, 2025, honoring two iconic leaders who shaped generations of students: Principal Jim R. Adams and Coach Carl Wolfe.
DEDICATION — DECEMBER 8, 2025
Principal Jim R. Adams and Coach Carl Wolfe
Southern High School was built in Racine, Ohio, in 1961. For 52 years, the building served the communities of Racine, Syracuse, Portland, and Letart. With the completion of the new high school addition in the fall of 2013, the district entered a new chapter—one grounded in a rich history of achievement and community pride.
It is the district’s hope and responsibility to preserve the memories, accomplishments, and traditions that took place within that original building. Countless teachers, students, and citizens left their mark there, making Southern High School a lasting symbol of excellence.
In researching the school’s history—through Board minutes, record books, and conversations with community members—two names repeatedly emerged as central to the school’s success. Both were graduates of Southern Local who returned to lead, inspire, and elevate the district.
The first began his career in 1967 as a math teacher and Varsity Basketball coach, becoming principal in 1970—a position he held for 23 years. Known as the “Dean of the SVAC,” he established a legacy of academic rigor and leadership that continues today. His service ended only due to a terminal illness.
The second began his service to Southern in 1974 as Varsity Basketball Coach, Athletic Director, and P.E./Health Teacher. Under his guidance, Southern Local made statewide headlines with two State tournament appearances just two years apart. His record—marked by league, sectional, district, and regional championships—earned him induction into the Ohio High School Coaches Hall of Fame.
These two distinguished men, childhood friends and lifelong colleagues, helped define Southern High School throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Their influence remains evident, and the district is forever grateful for their dedication to the purple and gold.
RESOLUTION PASSED MARCH 24, 2025
WHEREAS, James R. Adams was a 1959 graduate of Racine High School and served as Principal of Southern High School from 1970–1993 (23 years); and
WHEREAS, Carl Wolfe was a 1958 graduate of Racine High School and served as a Varsity Basketball coach for 48 years, including 12 seasons at Southern High School; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Adams led Southern High School in attaining and maintaining North-Central Accreditation; and
WHEREAS, Coach Wolfe earned 11 league championships, 14 sectional championships, 3 district championships, 2 regional championships, a 1980 State appearance, and a 1982 State runner-up finish, compiling a 214–51 record at Southern; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Adams was the longest-tenured principal in the Southern Valley Athletic Conference (SVAC), known as the “Dean of the SVAC,” and was an inaugural member of the Southern Local Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, Coach Wolfe was inducted into the Marietta College Hall of Fame, the Naismith Hall of Fame, and was also an inaugural member of the Southern Local Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, both men demonstrated exemplary leadership, dedication to Southern Local, and meaningful influence on generations of students;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Southern Local Board of Education hereby names the gymnasium the “James R. Adams Gymnasium” and the court the “Carl Wolfe Court.”
A plaque at the entrance of the gymnasium reads:
“Southern Local Schools proudly dedicate this gymnasium and court in honor of Principal Jim Adams and Coach Carl Wolfe for the many hours of leadership and devotion to the youth of Southern Local and for the great pride they have brought to the Southern Local Community.”
Honored Guests
Please join us as we dedicate the James R. Adams Gymnasium and Carl Wolfe Court.
Family of Mr. Jim Adams:
Wife: Carol Jean
Son: Todd Adams, with children Travis James and Julia
Kim and Gregg Harris, with children Nicholas James and Carlie
Family of Coach Carl Wolfe:
Wife: Della
Daughter Wendy and Tony Bisutti, with Bryson Creed and Arissa
Daughter Tricia and Terry McNickle, with Taylor, Cassie, Trey, and Phoenix McNickle
Daughter Megan and Chris Payne, with Morgan Baer and Nick, Weston Baer, and Asa Cleland
Son Carl Michael Wolfe
Daughter Catie and Ben Farrell, with Carly, Calie, and Ben
Southern Local extends its heartfelt congratulations to both honorees and their families for their extraordinary impact—past and present—on the district. The district also expresses gratitude to those who assisted in preparing and performing the dedication: The Southern Local Board of Education, Mr. Tony Deem, Mr. Daniel Otto, Mrs. Tricia McNickle, Miss Beth Bay, Mr. Chad Dodson, Mr. Jordan Pickens, Mr. Zane Beegle, Mrs. Jen Hill, Miss Marlo Norris, Mr. Ryan Chapman, the custodial staff, and many others.