​The Monroe County Region boasts a storied athletic heritage. Athletes from this area have competed on Olympic stages, claimed NCAA championships, and reached the pinnacle of professional sport, appearing in Major League Baseball, the National Football League, the National Hockey League, and Major League Soccer. One region standout even wore a world boxing title belt, while another engaged in a legendary 17-inning pitching duel against Hall of Famer Carl Hubbell. The region’s athletes have not only shined beyond high school but have also dominated the local arena, as evidenced by the impressive roster of talent from Monroe High, Milan, Bedford, and Gibraltar Carlson.
Among the region’s notable alumni is Bill Laskey, a Milan graduate who played in Super Bowl II, and Fred Lowe of Bedford, who competed in three successive Olympic Games beginning in 1968. Contemporary stars include Major League Baseball players Joey Wiemer of Bedford and John Schreiber of Gibraltar Carlson, underscoring an enduring tradition of excellence. Trying to determine the very best among such a distinguished group is a daunting challenge, yet that is precisely the mission of this feature.
As part of the nationwide celebration marking America’s 250th birthday, The Monroe News, in partnership with USA Today, is highlighting our greatest athletes. The poll will stay open through 11:59 p.m. on July 17. The following names represent a selection of the top male athletes in the region’s history.
Rosie Barnes stood out as a basketball All-Stater at Monroe High in the 1975-76 season and still holds the school’s career scoring record with 1,248 points. Barnes went on to star at Bowling Green and was drafted by the Houston Rockets in 1980. Derek Clark led Summerfield to a state championship in 2019, setting a Monroe County Region record with a 0.20 earned run average, though he missed his senior season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He later played for Northwood University and West Virginia and was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in 2024.
Monroe High’s Audie Cole became a prominent NFL player and was named the Monroe County Region Boys Athlete of the Year in 2007. Cole, who began as a quarterback at Monroe, later switched to linebacker in college at North Carolina State. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the seventh round of the 2012 NFL Draft and played five seasons with Minnesota, later signing with Jacksonville and New Orleans but not appearing in games for those teams.
Cameron Craig remains a record-setter in the pool, still holding state marks in the individual medley (1:45.42) and the 100 freestyle (43.55 seconds). He swam collegiately for Arizona State and Ohio State. Braeden Davis distinguished himself by winning four individual state championships at Dundee and was named Monroe County Region Wrestler of the Year in 2023; he earned All-American honors at Penn State after placing fifth at the previous year’s NCAA finals. Andrew Dobrzanski, a Milan native, swam the breaststroke portion of the 200-yard IM at the County Swim Meet held at Dundee High School, setting a pool record with a time of 1:52.69. Dobrzanski was named Monroe County Region Boys Swimmer of the Year for all four years of his high school career, a testament to his sustained excellence.
Together, these athletes illustrate the Monroe County Region’s longstanding tradition of athletic achievement, spanning remarkable high school performances, college success, and professional recognition. The ongoing celebration invites the community to reflect on and vote for the region’s greatest athletes, recognizing a legacy that continues to inspire young competitors across the area.