Lincoln High School (Gahanna)

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1 History
2 Athletics
- 2.1 Ohio High School Athletic Association State Championships
3 Administration

[edit] History

Established in 1882, Gahanna Lincoln High School has become one of the largest high schools in central Ohio. It is the only high school in the Gahanna-Jefferson Public School District. The current school building was built in 1928, and it has experienced many additions and renovations since, the most recent being in 2000. Over 2200 students attend the school. The graduating class of 2005 had four National Merit Scholars. The district outperforms the State of Ohio in both graduation rates and every phase of the 10th Grade Graduation Tests.

Gahanna Lincoln, more commonly referred to as simply 'Lincoln,' is made up of three buildings, 'A' 'B' and 'C.' This compound takes up an entire block of Havens Corners and Hamilton Roads. The buildings do not look alike in any way, which can be confusing to those unfamiliar with the area. There is very little chance of the school splitting as nearby districts have done recently. The city of Gahanna, with over 30,000 citizens, is relatively landlocked, hampering the possibility of growth that would require another school be built.

The name 'Gahanna-Lincoln' is a result of an early struggle between Gahanna and Jefferson Township. The Township wanted their name on the high school, however Gahanna was against naming the school Gahanna Jefferson High School (the district already contained the name 'Jefferson'). The city went over the Township and added the name Lincoln, and the name remains.

[edit] Athletics

Gahanna's athletic teams compete in the Ohio Capital Conference. The school claims one team state title in boy's track and field in 1979. The school has had numerous individual state champions in boy's and girl's track, along with swimming. Thrower Bruce Washington held the state record in the discus for many years at 200+ feet. Despite the late 1990's and the 2000's overall slump in athletic performance, especially within league competition, the football team has had only 4 losing seasons since 1970 and the soccer team won the schools first and only OCC Ohio championship in 1983, at one point boasting a 9-0-1 record and a state ranking of #17.

Those winning ways returned in the 2004-05 year when Gahanna captured seven OCC titles, the most since 1978. Although no team has won a state title since 1979, the softball team along with the volleyball, track, and football teams have all placed second in the state. Overall, the boy's track squad, who is led by Ed Rarey (53 years experience), has won the most conference titles with 29, most recently in 2005. The boy's cross country team has been successful in recent years also, winning three out of the last five OCC titles, and gaining two trips to the state meet at Scioto Downs. Softball has won two district titles, one OCC, and one regional title since 2003.