Akron Icon’s Legacy Lives On: Sports Hall of Fame Induction Aims to Inspire the Next Generation

In the world of sports, certain names become synonymous with excellence, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of greatness. Stevi Large Gruber is one such name in Akron, Ohio, whose journey from a determined high school athlete to a celebrated national champion serves as a testament to hard work and perseverance. As Gruber prepares to be inducted into the Summit County Sports Hall of Fame on October 1, 2024, her story reflects not only her impressive athletic achievements but also her dedication to inspiring the next generation.

Stevi’s journey began in the small town of Somerset, where her early experiences on her family’s farm and her interactions with her older brother and male cousins instilled in her a profound sense of toughness and resilience. Growing up in a rural setting, Gruber learned the value of hard work from an early age. While she didn’t live on a farm, she frequently helped her father with chores on her grandmother’s and great-uncle’s farms. This upbringing fostered what she describes as “farm strength,” a physical and mental toughness that would become a cornerstone of her athletic career. “I just always had that mentality of, ‘Might as well do it yourself,’” Gruber reflects. This DIY attitude, coupled with a competitive spirit, drove her to excel in sports and later in track and field.

Her athletic prowess was evident early on. Brian Forrester, a renowned track and field coach who scouted Gruber about 20 years ago, first saw her play basketball at Sheridan High School. His keen eye for talent was immediately drawn to her aggressive playing style. “I believe I watched her get a rebound, come down, throw some elbows and give a girl stitches,” Forrester recalls. This display of grit and determination led Forrester to recruit Gruber to the University of Akron, where her career as a thrower would truly take off.

At Akron, Gruber’s journey was marked by extraordinary achievements. She arrived at the university on a partial scholarship that covered $5,000 in tuition and textbooks. This initial scholarship was a stepping stone that fueled her motivation to earn a full scholarship. Her hard work paid off as she transitioned from her sophomore to junior year and secured a full scholarship. Her dedication was further reflected in her performance on the field. Over her career at Akron, Gruber became a four-time first-team All-American and clinched the 2009 NCAA Division I outdoor championship in the women’s hammer throw.

Gruber’s impact on the track and field scene was significant. She captured nine individual Mid-American Conference championships and became the first female in conference history to complete a career sweep in a field event, winning the hammer throw all four years from 2006 to 2009. Her prowess in the hammer throw, a discipline she hadn’t competed in during high school, was a testament to her ability to adapt and excel at the collegiate level. Her achievements earned her induction into multiple halls of fame, including the Sheridan athletics, University of Akron sports, and Mid-American Conference halls of fame.

One of the highlights of her career came in March 2009 during the NCAA indoor championships. Gruber held the lead in the weight throw until the final round but ultimately finished as the runner-up. This close call was a significant moment of disappointment, yet it also served as a catalyst for her drive to succeed. “That was pretty devastating,” Forrester notes. However, Gruber’s resilience was evident as she rebounded in June 2009 at the NCAA outdoor championships. There, she delivered a remarkable performance, upsetting USC’s Eva Orban, the defending champion and a three-time Olympian. Gruber’s throw of 223 feet, 4 inches not only secured her the national title but also demonstrated her ability to overcome adversity.

The path to her national title was not without challenges. A tornado warning during the meet caused a four-hour delay, which tested the focus and mental strength of all the athletes. Despite this interruption, Gruber managed to deliver her best throw upon resuming the competition. “Our biggest fear was with that break that I wouldn’t have the momentum to move forward,” she recalls. Her determination and ability to stay focused under pressure were key factors in her victory.

Gruber’s post-college life has been marked by both personal and professional achievements. After winning her national title, she trained for the Olympics with hopes of continuing her athletic career. Unfortunately, a back injury from working out with a safety squat bar ended her Olympic aspirations. While this setback was disheartening, it led to unforeseen blessings. “It was a blessing in disguise because my husband and I got married and got to start our family a little bit earlier,” Gruber reflects.

Gruber’s personal life has been filled with joy and fulfillment. She met her husband, C.J. Gruber, during study tables at the University of Akron. Both Stevi and C.J. were standout athletes—she in track and field and he in football. Their children, Landon, Emmarie, and Knox, are actively involved in various sports such as football, wrestling, baseball, soccer, and T-ball. Stevi and C.J. coach most of these sports, reflecting their commitment to nurturing their children’s athletic interests.

Balancing her role as a mother with a career as an office manager and estimator at Kumler Collision and Automotive in Lancaster, Gruber exemplifies the art of juggling multiple responsibilities. Her life is a blend of family, work, and sports—a combination that she embraces with enthusiasm and dedication.

The upcoming Summit County Sports Hall of Fame induction on October 1, 2024, is a moment of pride and celebration for Gruber. She views the honor as an opportunity to inspire her children and others. “It’s just exciting now that I have kids. I can be like, ‘Look! Look what you can do,’” Gruber says. Her induction into the Hall of Fame is not just a personal milestone but a chance to share her journey and achievements with her family and the community.

The Summit County Sports Hall of Fame ceremony will be held at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Akron. The event will feature a social and cocktail hour followed by a program and dinner. Alongside Gruber, other notable inductees include Shawn Barber, James Harrison, Joe Heskett, LaShauntea Moore, Shawn Porter, Jason Taylor, and Antoine Winfield Sr. Additionally, awards will be presented to Rob Culbertson (Ed Kalail Volunteer Award), Gene Kelly (Phil Dietrich Senior Athlete Award), and Marla Ridenour (Andy Palich Memorial Service Award).

Stevi Large Gruber’s legacy is a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and dedication. Her journey from a determined high school athlete to a national champion and Hall of Famer reflects a life of commitment and excellence. As she prepares to be honored at the Summit County Sports Hall of Fame, Gruber’s story continues to inspire those who hear it. Her achievements on the track and her role as a mother and community member serve as a reminder of what can be accomplished through hard work and dedication. Gruber’s induction is not just a celebration of her past successes but also a beacon of inspiration for future generations, showing that with determination and effort, anything is possible.