John Zontini, known as the “Sheik of Seth,” was a star running back at Sherman High School in Boone County. In 1929, he averaged 27 yards per carry—a state record. As a junior, he ran for 2,135 yards on just 79 carries. He also set a state javelin record in 1931.

At Marshall College (now University), Zontini rushed for 865 yards as a freshman, including 200 yards in one game. His 9.5 yards per carry that season remains a school record. He later played pro baseball for the Charleston Senators.

Zontini was inducted into the West Virginia Sports Writers’ Hall of Fame and Marshall’s Athletics Hall of Fame. Sherman High’s football field is named in honor of Zontini and his two athletic brothers.