Bulldog Pride: 5 Unforgettable Athletes From South High School

Sports run deep in Columbus, and South High School has long been at the heart of it. It’s no surprise some standout talent once wore the Bulldogs uniform. Today we're celebrating five unforgettable athletes from South High School who made a name for themselves well beyond the hometown field.

Greg Bell – NFL Running Back

A South High School alumnus, Greg Bell went on to play college football at Notre Dame before building a long NFL career as a running back. He spent multiple seasons with the Los Angeles Rams and later played for teams including the Raiders and Steelers, earning a reputation as a productive back and reliable veteran presence. (Sources: The Rams, Pro Football Reference)

Frank Howard – MLB Player, Coach & Manager

South High School alum Frank Howard became one of the most feared power hitters of his era, reaching Major League Baseball and earning multiple All-Star selections. Nicknamed “Hondo,” he built his legacy with the Washington Senators—later the Texas Rangers—where he led the American League in home runs and became one of the franchise’s defining stars. After his playing career, Howard remained in baseball as a coach, including time on the coaching staff of the New York Mets. (Source: Society for American Baseball Research)

Marlene Smejkal Jess – Multi-Sport Star & Hall of Fame Inductee

Marlene Smejkal Jess became the first woman in South High history to earn nine varsity letters across volleyball, basketball and softball, receiving the Stanley J. Caruso Award for that achievement. She earned MVP honors in softball three times, basketball twice and volleyball once, while also landing multiple Plain Dealer “Dream Team” selections and All-West Senate recognition. After graduation, she continued playing competitive softball for four decades—including national championship teams in 1987 and 1991—and was inducted into the South High School Hall of Fame in 1995 as its youngest inductee. (Sources: Sports Legends of Cleveland Public School Senate League)

Elbert Dubenion – AFL Wide Receiver

Former Bulldog Elbert Dubenion became one of the early stars of the Buffalo Bills, earning recognition as one of the top deep threats of the AFL era. Nicknamed “Golden Wheels,” he helped define Buffalo’s early professional football identity and was later honored for his impact through the Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame. (Sources: AFL Anthology, Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame)

Antonio ‘Tony’ Marcus Carter – NFL Defensive Back

After his time at South High, Antonio “Tony” Carter reached the NFL as a defensive back, building a professional career that included time with teams such as the Indianapolis Colts and Pittsburgh Steelers. His path from the Bulldogs to the league reflected persistence and adaptability across multiple seasons and rosters at football’s highest level. (Sources: Pro Football Reference, Northwest Herald via Newspapers.com)

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