Margaret Peters, Central Catholic Legend, Dies at 63

Tragic Loss at 63

Margaret Peters, a revered figure in Stark County athletics, died on Monday, July 6, after battling Parkinson’s disease. She was 63 years old when she passed away. Her nephew, Kyle Dureska, announced the heartbreaking news, marking the close of a life devoted to sport and education.

Standing Tall in Two Sports

At Central Catholic High School, Peters earned 11 varsity letters and broke countless records in both basketball and track. She amassed 1,123 points during her basketball career, leading the Crusaders to a Class AA state runner‑up finish as a senior. During that tournament she poured in 18 points in a 60‑42 semifinal triumph over Cincinnati Reading and added 16 points in the championship loss to Claymont, a 52‑45 defeat. In track, she captured a long‑jump state title as a sophomore, finished runner‑up as a senior, qualified for the 400‑meter state meet all four years, and secured one podium finish.

After graduating in 1981, Peters earned a basketball scholarship to Youngstown State. She concluded her college tenure with 1,104 points, averaging 12.1 points per game as a sophomore, and logged 533 assists, 407 rebounds and 249 steals across 100 games. The university recognized her impact by inducting her into its Hall of Fame in 1994.

Returning Home to Teach and Coach

Post‑college, Peters rejoined Central Catholic as a biology and chemistry teacher and assumed assistant coaching duties for both basketball and track. She later took charge of the Jackson High School girls basketball program, compiling a 174‑112 record over 13 seasons from 1988 to 2001. Her dedication to education spanned 28 years at Jackson, where she also taught honors chemistry.

Family Legacy in Basketball

Peters’ brother Dan carried the coaching torch, leading teams at Walsh and Youngstown State before assisting at Cincinnati, Ohio State and Akron. The siblings’ combined efforts helped shape basketball culture across northeast Ohio. Their shared passion left an indelible mark on countless players and communities.

Remembering a Pioneer

Inducted into Central Catholic’s inaugural Hall of Fame class, Peters remains a benchmark for future generations of athletes. Her blend of on‑court excellence, classroom commitment and mentorship exemplifies the impact one individual can have on a community. For additional information, the Canton Repository sports department can be reached at [email protected].