Sunday, April 25, 1999
HIGH SCHOOL INSIDER
Withrow still pushing fund-raising effort for gym
BY DAVE SCHUTTE
Enquirer Contributor
As the clock ticks down toward the deadline to raise $6 million for a new athletic facility, Kent Holwadel, Withrow High School fund-raising chairman, remains confident.
“We'll make it,” Holwadel said. “I'll just have to work harder.”
The initiative to build a new gym at Withrow was stimulated late last year when local businessman Richard Lindner pledged $1 million.
But Lindner attached the contingency that the additional $5 million needed for the building must be raised by Sept.1, 1999.
“I have approximately $252,000 to date in the bank earning interest,” Holwadel said. “We need at least $500,000, which is within reach.”
Holwadel is counting on the state of Ohio to come through with $3 million and on the Cin cinnati School Board to chip in another $1.5 million.
“The Cincinnati Recreation Commission expressed no interest, but they helped build the gym at Hughes,” Holwadel said. “I've also talked with every city councilman about money.”
Withrow graduate Tyrone Hill, a professional basketball player with the Milwaukee Bucks, has promised to donate, but no amount has been discussed.
“Mr. Lindner wants us to do our part, and that's not too much to expect,” Holwadel said. “We'll have to push a little harder on people who can afford to donate.”
Holwadel pointed out that a substantially higher number of basketball players (98 percent) graduate compared with those not involved in sports.
“All of the starters on the boys' team were on the honor roll, along with three non-starters,” Holwadel said. “(Coach) George (Jackson) works closely with these kids, and they're all graduating.”
If the fund-raising effort fails, it may be years before Withrow gets the gym it so badly needs.
EDWARDS DONATION: Former Norwood fullback/linebacker Marc Edwards hasn't forgotten his roots.
A sizeable donation from Edwards to Norwood High School enabled officials to buy the most modern Hammer strength equipment for an expanded weight room.
“We plan to name it The Marc Edwards Weight Training Facility,” Norwood baseball coach Steve Zimmer man said. “Mark will attend the dedication ceremonies.”
After graduation from Norwood, Edwards played four years at Notre Dame. He was drafted by San Francisco but was recently traded to the expansion Cleveland Browns.
NO-HIT WONDER: Tony Doyle never envisioned himself as a pitcher for any baseball team.
But Doyle's fondest memory at Western Hills may be throwing a no-hitter against Aiken last week.
“Any kid who is 6-foot-4 and throws from the left side should be pitching in high school,” Western Hills coach Chuck Querner said.
After shaky outings against Milford and Michigan St.Mary's, Doyle didn't expect Querner to give him another chance.
Good thing Querner did.
“I looked at the score book, but (substitute) Matt Troster told me I had given up two hits,” Doyle said. “After the game, Matt told me to smile because I had just pitched a no-hitter.”
CLASSIFIEDS: Milford High school has the following coaching openings: two assistant girls' soccer and three assistant girls' volleyball. Call Jim Prather at 831-2990.
• Kings is accepting applications for a boys' basketball coach. Submit a letter of application to Gregg Darbyshire, Kings High School, 5500 Columbia Rd., Kings Mills, OH 45034 before May 7.
• Bethel Tate is looking for looking assistant varsity football coaches and a girls' junior varsity soccer coach. Call Rick Wilson at 734-2271.
• Blanchester has three head varsity coaching positions available: boys' basketball, girls' basketball and girls' volleyball. Fax resumes to Ron Duncan at (937) 783-5666.
• McNicholas is looking for varsity assistant and freshman football coaches and an assistant girls' volleyball coach. Send resumes or call Dave Boettger at 231-3500, ext. 141.
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