PERRYSBURG, Ohio — A group of Perrysburg High School tennis alumni are working to honor the legacy of their former coach and mentor, Al Rava, through a lasting tribute at the courts that already bear his name.
The group has launched a project to erect a statue of Rava at Municipal Park (945 Elm St.) and create a legacy fund that will support future Perrysburg student-athletes. The initiative is being organized in partnership with the City of Perrysburg and the Perrysburg Schools Foundation.
Rava, who began teaching in Perrysburg in 1958, became a central figure in the community through his work as a physical education and math teacher, longtime tennis coach, summer recreation director and active volunteer at St. Rose Church. He died in 2022.
His influence stretched beyond Perrysburg. In