Independence High School will honor four exceptional alumni athletes in its 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame class, featuring a collection of record-holders, state champions, and multi-sport standouts.
The recognition will begin 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 represent some of Independence’s finest athletic achievements:
Tyler Polman (Class of 2017)
Polman leaves a legacy as one of Independence’s most decorated runners. In cross country, he earned First Team All-Conference honors all four years (2013-2016) and was named CVC Conference Most Valuable Runner each season. Polman dominated postseason competition, winning three OHSAA District Individual Championships (2013, 2014, 2016) and capturing the Regional Individual title in 2016. His time of 15:37 ranks third on the IHS all-time best list, and his 22 career race victories set a school record. In track, Polman earned First Team All-Conference honors all four years, was named CVC Conference Most Valuable Runner in 2016, and achieved First Team All-Ohio status in 2017. His academic excellence earned him Academic All-Ohio recognition and the US Army Reserve National Scholar-Athlete Award. Polman continued his success at Youngstown State University (YSU), earning First Team All-Horizon League honors in cross country and placing among YSU’s all-time top 10 in both 8K cross country and 10K track events.
Jared McCullough (Class of 2017)
McCullough excelled in both soccer and track & field. As soccer team captain in 2016, he led the team to consecutive CVC Conference Championships (2015, 2016) while earning First Team All-Conference honors both years and First Team All-Greater Cleveland recognition in 2016. On the track, McCullough rewrote the record books, setting school marks in both the 100M (11.05) and 200M (21.97) dash. He earned District Championships in both events and achieved First Team All-Ohio status in the 100M (2016) and both the 100M and 200M (2017), finishing as state runner-up in the 200M his senior year. His outstanding 2017 season earned him team MVP honors.
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Victoria Sirna (Class of 2015)
Sirna dominated in three sports, particularly softball, where she set school records for home runs and RBI. A three-time First Team All-Conference selection (2012-2014), she earned First Team All-District honors twice and Honorable Mention All-Ohio recognition twice. As team captain and MVP (2013-2015), she led the softball program to new heights. Sirna also excelled in volleyball, helping secure CVC Conference Championships in 2013 and 2014 while earning Second Team All-Conference honors, and served as basketball team captain in 2013.
Dana Zaccardelli (Class of 2017)
Zaccardelli 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. Her time of 19:11 stands as the second-fastest in school history. A three-time state qualifier (2013, 2015, 2016), Zaccardelli earned First Team All-Ohio honors in 2013. Her track career was equally impressive, featuring First Team All-Conference selections (2014, 2016), Conference Most Valuable Runner honors (2016), and a school record in the distance medley relay. She served as team captain in both sports and was repeatedly recognized as Sun News Athlete of the Week.
The ceremony will take place on February 7 during halftime of the boys’ varsity basketball team against Cuyahoga Heights High School in the gymnasium of Independence High School. It will feature brief introductions of each inductee, who will be escorted by Independence cheerleaders to center court.
The formal induction ceremony and luncheon will take place on Saturday, February 8, at 1 p.m. in the high school media center. Master of Ceremonies Jim Riley will present detailed background information on each honoree, followed by remarks from the inductees themselves.
“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,” said Superintendent Kelli Cogan. “This tradition, built on decades of dedication and hard work, continues to inspire our community and reminds us all of the remarkable individuals who have shaped the athletic history of our school district.”
A donation of $15 to attend the ceremony/luncheon is encouraged, but it is not a requirement. If anyone is interested in attending, please contact Tim Skoczen by January 31 at (216) 701-0502 tjskoczen@gmail.com.
