Columbiana High School Athletic Hall of Fame Bio
Lawrence John (JC) Caffro, II
Class of 1995
Presenters: Larry Baughman and Mike Bettura
Football –1, 2, 3, 4 (3 year letter winner). JC participated in varsity football as a center and defensive tackle. He served as co-captain of the team his senior year. In addition, during his senior year, Channel 33 WYTV and Mahoning National Bank selected JC as a Student Athlete of the Week. JC earned the following recognition and awards during the 1994 football season: 1st Team – All Heritage News as a center, Lineman of the Year – Heritage News, 1st Team – All Salem News as a center, 1st Team – Tri County League as a center, 1st Team – All Columbiana County as a center, 1st Team – All Northeast Ohio District - Division VI as a center, and 1st Team – All Ohio Division VI as a center. The team record during his senior year was 11 wins and 1 loss – a school record season. JC was also nominated for the Penn-Ohio All Star Football Classic and started at the center position. Ohio won the game by a score of 24 to 12 (three Columbiana players had a huge impact on the win – JC, Jon Hawkins and Mike Winters). In 1993, JC was named to the 2nd Team – All Columbiana County as a center and Honorable Mention – Quad County Coaches Association as a center. JC was awarded a Division II football scholarship to play for Geneva College and made the varsity team as a freshman.
Track – 1, 2, 3, 4 (3 year letter winner). JC competed in the shot put and discus. He was the co-captain of the track team his senior year.
Basketball – 1. Serving as the videographer for the varsity basketball team for three years,
JC also earned a varsity letter in basketball.
JC participated in scouting where he attained the highest rank of Eagle. His love of football and track led him to complete his 150 hour facility improvement Eagle Project at Firestone Stadium, where his improvements are still enjoyed today. He also served as an officer of his class and the student council as well as a member of the National Honor Society. In addition, he was a representative to Boys State and was nominated for the Governor’s Award. At the conclusion of his senior year, JC was awarded the Archie Griffin Sportsmanship Award. This Award is presented on behalf of the OHSAA to one female and one male high school athlete who have demonstrated outstanding traits of sportsmanship.
JC died at the hands of a hit and run motorist during his senior year at the University of Akron. His care and concern for others was demonstrated by his desire to be an organ donor. His willingness to be a donor enabled Life Bank of Northeast Ohio to extend the lives of five individuals and assist many others with various tissues.