Lakewood High School suffered a tremendous loss on August 23 with the passing of Jerry Gruss. Gruss, who has served as head varsity baseball coach since 2000, has been at the school since 1985. Gruss, who passed at the age of 60, finished his career with a 180-108 record and a .625 winning percentage. In addition to his baseball and teaching duties, he served as an assistant football coach. Before coming to Lakewood High, he had worked at Cleveland Central Catholic and St. Edward High School.

Despite his onfield success, Gruss’ impact stretches far beyond sports. He served as a mentor and father figure to hundreds of students over the years. In fact, some of his former students are now faculty at Lakewood High. His wake was held at Miscencik Funeral Home in Lakewood, and hundreds of these former students and coworkers attended.

"I’m going to miss Jerry a lot," says Bruce Giberson, an assistant football and baseball coach at LHS. Gruss had been suffering with cancer in recent weeks, but kept his spirits high. He even attended the football team’s photo session just a few days before his death. "We were hoping for a miracle," Giberson says.

"He’s had a big impact," says Ranger varsity football coach Jim Slagle. Slagle mentioned that Gruss has served as a father figure for many players over the years. Gruss always made time to reach out to players, and treated them as more than just ballplayers. In fact, many described Gruss’ baseball team as a "family."

In addition to hundreds of athletes and students, Gruss leaves behind a loving family -- his wife, Michelle, and five children; Rob, Erin, Coletta, Kelly and Emily. Michelle has been very active in LHS athletics for many years.

Gruss’ death occurred on the eve of LHS’ football season opener. New public-address announcer Mike Callahan notified the crowd of Gruss’ death, and there was a moment of silence before the game. Flags were hung at half-staff. The Rangers won the game 37-8, and the game ball was presented to Michelle Gruss. In a fitting bit of irony, the star of the game was Robert Trivett, who was a leading player on Gruss’ baseball team last spring.