Sunday, April 15, 2001
High School Insider
Three-sports star burned out
By Dave Schutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer
College soccer, basketball and softball recruiters have tried unsuccessfully to sign Stephanie Roy to a grant-in-aid.
Considered by some to be the best female athlete ever at Clermont Northeastern, Roy could write her own ticket to college, but instead, the 18-year-old will pursue a future void of sports.
“I'll be attending Raymond Walters College to study dental hygiene,” Roy said. “I'm burnt out, and my days of competing in sports are over.”
A four-year starter in all three sports, Roy set numerous records at CNE.
In soccer, Roy led the Rockets in scoring four consecutive seasons, putting 110 balls in the net, an average of 27.5 goals a season.
As a point guard for the basketball team, Roy averaged 20.2 points over four seasons and also averaged more than four assists a game.
As softball shortstop, Roy played outstanding defense and owns a .442 career batting average.
“I made up my mind during the summer not to play in college,” Roy said. “Since I've been in grade school, I've done nothing but compete in sports year-round. It's time to do other stuff.”
Despite the daily practices and frequent games, Roy maintained a 3.25 grade-point average.
Roy said her dad, Leon, got her involved in sports and was her No.1 supporter and fan.
“My biggest thrill was beating Hillsboro in softball last week,” Roy said. “We hadn't beaten them in 10 years, and no one thought we could do it.”
There's a chance the No.10 worn by Roy will be retired. A committee is being formed to discuss the issue.
BAIR AT MILFORD: It's not often that high school baseball players have the opportunity to learn from a former professional who played in three World Series and won two World Championships.
Former Cincinnati Reds pitcher Doug Bair, a member of the 1982 St. Louis and 1984 Detroit championship teams, is a volunteer assistant coach at Milford and is having the time of his life.
“Maybe I'm a little selfish, because I enjoy it more than the kids,” Bair said. “My forte is teaching, and it's fun helping out.”
A resident of Cincinnati since 1978, when he played for the Reds, Bair spent 22 years in baseball, 16 in the major leagues. He closed out his career in Double-A following the 1992 season.
“I'm originally from Melrose, Ohio (population 250),” Bair said. “Cincinnati is a conservative city and easy to get around. At that time in my career, I knew I would play for two or three more teams. I decided this is where I wanted to live.”
Bair's 18-year-old daughter, Heather, is a senior at Milford, which is why he offered to help.
“I may be intimidating to some players, but most will listen,” said Bair, 51. “If they're willing to take it to heart, it will sink in. It may take a year for the sophomores, but they'll be better players in the future.”
Although the Eagles have struggled this season, Milford coach Tom Kilgore is excited about what Bair has done, especially with a young pitching staff.
“Doug talks and works with the pitchers every day, which is what they need,” Kilgore said. “He also throws batting practice, and the kids appreciate his help.”
Unless Bair secures an administrative position with the Reds or another major-league team, he plans to remain at Milford. But he said he would entertain offers from a Northern Kentucky or Cincinnati school to take over as head coach.
BOYS TENNIS: Although the season started three weeks ago, three of Cincinnati's best players haven't played a first match as yet.
Indian Hill's Ryan McCarthy, Princeton's Wil Lofgren and Sycamore's James Tyler have elected to play in several national tournaments the past few weeks but will return to their respective high school teams next week.
“To be eligible for the state tournament, players must join the high school team by April 23,” Indian Hill coach Adam Wolter said. “Once they play for the high school team, they can't play in other tournaments.”
All three will play this weekend in the Easter Bowl Tournament in Palm Springs, Calif.
“Right now we're 3-2, but when Ryan (McCarthy) returns, we'll be able to play with any team,” Wolter said. “We feel like we've now got the pieces put together.”
Taking over as No.1 singles for McCarthy is junior Mike Compton. He will drop back to No.2 or No.3 when McCarthy returns.
“Mike poured out his heart for the team,” Wolter said. “When Ryan returns, we'll have a lot more flexibility, especially at doubles, and be able to compete against any team.”
Indian Hill is 2-0 in the Cincinnati Hills League and favored to win an 11th consecutive league championship.
STATISTICS: The Enquirer will not take baseball or softball statistics today. Statistics will resume April 22 for publication April 23.
Track honor roll nominations also will resume next week.
Tennis coaches should call Adam Wolter today at 272-4602 (voice mail) to vote in the top-10 poll. Records of the players will begin the following week.
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High School Insider
