Sunday, October 03, 1999
HIGH SCHOOL INSIDER
Sympathy touches Ross football coach
BY DAVE SCHUTTE
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Discovering the bright side of adversity has been fulfilling for coach Dick Ballard and the Ross football players.
“I didn't realize how many good people there were out there,” Ballard said. “More than 50 schools sent cards or banners as a show of support. We have all of them pasted on the walls in the locker room.”
This outpouring of sympathy is in response to the deaths of football players Adam Brinkman and Scott King in an Aug. 20 automobile accident and the death of cheerleader Missy Boling on Sept. 7 in another accident.
Ballard was impressed by the show of support from Loveland at last week's football game at Ross.
“The Loveland players wore stickers on their helmets with the names of the kids,” Ballard said. “Their fans also brought a big banner with the kids' names on it.”
If the three deaths weren't enough, assistant coaches Dave Schnee (non-malignant brain tumor), Tom Aller (broken ankle) and Dave Willsey (broken ankle) went down after the deaths.
“Dave has been with me 13 years and is home recovering, which is a major loss,” Ballard said. “He's undergone radiation treatments because only part of the tumor was removed by surgery.”
Aller suffered a broken ankle during practice when he was run over by a blocking sled; Bean broke an ankle during open gym.
Despite the misfortunes, Ross remains in position to qualify for the Division III playoffs after defeating Goshen on Friday to improve to 3-2.
“All of this has put things in perspective,” Ballard said. “It's hard for me to yell at the kids. I can now step back and look at football for what it is, just a game.”
Ballard has been amazed at how the players have responded although the intensity level of the coaches and players isn't like it was the past few seasons.
“It's a slow process, but kids are resilient,” Ballard said. “Everyone has learned that life is fragile, and you're only promised today and not tomorrow.”
Three victories in the last four games would probably earn the Rams a spot in the playoffs.
MANY LETTERS: If everything goes as planned, Haley Warden will have earned 19 varsity sports letters at Indian Hill before graduating in May.
A goalie for the field hockey team, Warden also plans to participate in basketball during the winter, and track (discus and shot put) and softball during the spring season.
She has already earned three varsity letters in volleyball, basket ball, softball, track and golf.
The field hockey team is off to a 4-0-4 start with Warden allowing only five goals while recording three shutouts.
MORE INFO: Allowing senior citizens free admission to high school sporting events is more widespread than first thought.
After admitted free to a Finneytown football game, 69-year-old Dick Cryder commented that this courtesy wasn't available at Wyoming where his nephew (Scott Cryder) plays for the Cowboy football team.
However, Wyoming athletic director Jim Barre pointed out that seniors are issued Golden Cowboy Cards, which are good for free admission when shown at the gate.
“Mariemont had a sign that senior citizens are admitted free,” Cryder said. “I'm happy to see that Wyoming has the same policy, but it isn't publicized and none of my friends knew about it.”
CLASSIFIEDS: The Seven Hills boys basketball team needs one game. Contact Dick Snyder at 272-5392.
Mariemont has the following coaching vacancies: junior high wrestling, freshman boys basketball and eighth grade girls basketball. Contact Jeff Watterson at 271-8310.
Withrow is looking for a football game (first week) for the 2000 season. Contact Ted Kiep at 533-5771.
SOCCER MEETING: The Southwestern Ohio Soccer Coaches Association will hold an important meeting on Sunday, Oct.10 (7 p.m.) at Soccer Village in Blue Ash.
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