Lafon signs with Lake Erie College

Denny Lafon signed to extend his academic and athletic career at Lake Erie College.

A large gathering of family and friends were in attendance to watch the seven-time Whippet letter winner and All-Ohioan ink his name to become a member of the Storm academic and wrestling program.

Lake Erie College, located in Painesville Ohio, is a member of the Division II Great Midwest Athletic Conference. The GMAC includes local Universities: Ashland, Findlay, Tiffin and Walsh.

The soft-spoken Lafon wanted to thank the large crowd in attendance. “I just want to thank my parents, coaches, my family and all my friends who have supported me and helped me through this process”

Lafon will complete a distinguished academic and athletic career as a Whippet.

Lafon lettered four times as a Whippet wrestler and is a three time football letter winner. Denny will also have his name in the athletic hall of fame as a footbal third team All-Ohioan in his senior year.

Lafon was selected captain for the 2024 football team that went undefeated in the regular season and a MOAC championship. Denny was a first team All-MOAC and All-District selection as well as a first team NCOFCA honoree.

Lafon was named the Hungry Hounds defensive player of the year after leading the Whippets with 126 tackles, including 12 tackles for loss, an interception, a fumble recovering and scoring two offensive touchdowns.

As a Whippet wrestler, Lafon was a four year letter winner, a three time Captain and won 95 career matches.

Denny was a two-time district qualifier in 2024 and 2025 seasons. Lafon claimed championships in the Bender duals,  the Centerburg and Fredericktown tournaments. Lafon was named the 2023 Dawg award winner and 2024 buffalo 110% award selection. Denny also was a freestyle wrestling state qualifier.

To make Lafon’s wrestling accomplishments even more impressive is the fact that Denny didn’t take up wrestling until the eighth grade.

Denny’s parents, Kevin and Mendy were both proud and a little surprised at Denny’s success on the wrestling mat. “We never thought he’d get this far starting out as an eighth grader, but Denny put the work in and we’re super excited” said Mendy.

Kevin added, “it’s very impressive to get where he’s at, going to a D2 program, since he’s only been wrestling for five years. I have to give so much credit to Denny and his work ethic”

Denny spoke about the progression throughout his high school wrestling career, “it was a lot of work, especially during the summer. From my freshman year to my sophomore was a huge improvement and the coaches really drove me through the process.”

Whippet wrestling coach, Jeremiah Howe raved about Lafon, “Denny is without question one of the hardest working and most dedicated wrestlers I have had the opportunity to coach. He consistently did things the correct way. Practices, nutrition, studying film etc. it’s evident in the improvements he made from year to year. He went from 15 wins as a freshman to 27 as a junior, qualifying for districts and 34 this season as a senior. He worked very hard in the off season to make those jumps. Denny has been a great role model and leader in the three seasons we have been there and was very important in changing the culture of the program.”

Howe added, “Denny has a bright future ahead of him competing at the next level and we are very excited to see what he accomplishes.”

Kevin and Mendy were also quick to praise both Whippet wrestling coaches, Coach Howe and Speelman. “The coaches put the time in with Denny and he wouldn’t be the wrestler he is without the coaches”, commented Kevin.

“The coaches helped out Denny so much. If it wasn’t for the coaches, Denny wouldn’t have had the success he’s had,” added Mendy.

Lafon also excelled in the classroom, maintaining a 3.77 GPA and an honor roll student every quarter in high school and a four year FFA member.

Denny will be majoring in early childhood education at Lake Erie College. He wants to be a kindergarten teacher and coach football and wrestling. Denny will  be in the Tower’s honors program at Lake Erie.

“I’m just really excited to go to Lake Erie, it just felt the best place and fit for me. It’s been a lot of work, but it’s all paid off and just excited for the future” summed up Denny