Sunday, November 21, 1999
HIGH SCHOOL INSIDER
OHSAA strikes up the bands
BY DAVE SCHUTTE
Enquirer contributor
The Ohio High School Athletic Association has decided to lift the ban on pep bands at the state semifinal and championship basketball games.
“Now that we're holding the tournaments at the Schottenstein Center (Value City Arena), there's enough room to allow bands,” OHSAA commissioner Clair Muscaro said.
“Each school will be permitted to bring 20 members, which will add another dimension to the tournament.”
The boys tournament was moved to the Schottenstein Center last year, though the girls remained at St. John Arena. Beginning this season, both will be played at the Schottenstein Center.
Muscaro recommended to the Board of Control, the governing body of the OHSAA, that pep bands be allowed. It was approved at the November meeting two weeks ago.
“We can't allow bands at the regional tournaments,” Muscaro said. “Some facilities couldn't handle this, and we won't permit it unless every regional has the same opportunity.
But the Southwest District Board approved pep bands for the district championship games the week before the regional tournament.
“This is on a one-year trial basis,” Southwest District Board member John Rossi said. “The boys games will be played at UD Arena and the girls at Wilmington College and Vandalia Butler.”
Ohio was one of the few states that doesn't allow bands or noisemakers at the state basketball tournament.
The OHSAA should be applauded for the decision. It will create a more exciting atmosphere for the fans and players.
REF RETIRES: After 40 years of officiating high school football games, 38 at the varsity level, 62-year-old Andy Stefanopoulos has decided to hang up the pin stripes.
“I thought a lot about it and felt it was a good time to go out when I'm on top,” Stefanopoulos said. “I've had the opportunity to work two state championship games and playoff games for 16 years.”
One of the most respected crews in Cincinnati, Stefanopoulos teamed with Paul Kroth, Lou Heger, Rick Mahan and Mike Gleason.
“Paul will take over as crew chief,” Stefanopoulos said. “I've met a lot of nice people and have many fond memories from all the years of officiating.”
BASEBALL SITE PROGRESSING: The new baseball facility at Wright State University, the site of the Division I district and regional tournaments this season, is nearing completion.
A permanent concrete grandstand has been constructed behind home plate and down both baselines. The facility will seat more than 1,000, which is more than enough for tournament games.
Lights will be installed, making night games possible.
CLASSIFIEDS: Mariemont is looking for a junior-high wrestling coach. Call athletic director Jeff Watterson at 271-8310.
COLLEGE-BOUND: Amber Wilson, a midfielder for the Division I state champion Lakota West girls soccer team, has committed to the University of Michigan.
Allison Eckstein, a swimmer for East Central High School, has signed a national letter of intent with Wright State University.
PLAYOFF TICKETS: Individual tickets for the Ohio football playoffs will not be sold until two hours before the start of each game.
Anyone interested in purchasing tickets for all six games should call 1-800-533-4302.
BACK TO COLUMBUS?: Could the scheduling of a Division I, Region 7 football game at Crew Stadium in Columbus be a hint that the championship games may be coming back to the state capital in the future?
“Next season is the option year of the contract with Canton/Massillon, and it's a no-brainer that we'll honor it,” said John DeBrosse, a member of the Board of Control.
DeBrosse said he thinks the Board of Control will approve three games at Fawcett Stadium (Canton) and three at Paul Brown Stadium (Massillon) for the 2000 playoffs.
“After that, anything could happen,” DeBrosse said. “I'm not sure that we'd vote to put the championships games on a grass field in December. And I also don't know if the Columbus Crew want to host it.”
The state championship games were moved to Massillon's Paul Brown Stadium in 1990 after Ohio State changed from an artificial playing surface to natural grass.
Sports Stories
UC 94, Youngstown State 67
UC foe falls short only on scoreboard
UC NOTEBOOK
Memphis 21, UC 13
Xavier 96, Maryland-Eastern Shore 52
XAVIER NOTEBOOK
Bengals, prepare to meet thy doom
Ravens' Lewis shows off to teacher
Old Bengals embarrassed by clown act
Bengals-Ravens by the numbers
Players to watch
Who's got the edge
Mike Brown not the villain in this farce
