GOSHEN TOWNSHIP — “We're going to miss our No. 1 Warrior,” is the message on a long paper banner stretching across the lobby of Goshen High School, just below a picture of John Stowe.

        Throughout the day Tuesday, students in this Clermont County high school added their own messages in a memorial to their principal, who died suddenly Monday of an apparent heart attack as he was getting ready for school. The 54-year-old principal was a Vietnam veteran and a former Ohio State football player.

        “He was a kids' principal,” said parent Sue Steele, president of the Goshen Board of Education. “He knew how to talk to kids. John stayed involved with the kids and had his hands in a little of everything. It's such a great loss.”

        In tribute to Mr. Stowe, the soccer team went ahead with Monday's game against Reading but wore black armbands. There was a moment of silence in honor of the man who had taught and coached at Reading High School from 1974-79.

        Student council is planning a memorial to Mr. Stowe, tentatively scheduled to be presented Friday night, senior night for the football team. Mr. Stowe was named principal when the current seniors were freshmen, Mrs. Steele said.

        Assistant Principal John Strathern will serve as interim principal at the 726-pupil school.

        Mr. Stowe began his work in the Goshen Schools in 1992 when he was hired as assistant principal of the high school, becoming principal three years later. In the past he taught social studies and coached at Reading High School and Anderson High School before being named athletic director at Glen Este High School in 1987, where he remained until he came to Goshen.

        An Ohio State graduate, Mr. Stowe played football under Coach Woody Hayes. The Anderson Township man served in the Army in Vietnam.

        His wife, Marge, sons Matthew and Scott, and daughter, Erin, survive him. Arrangements were pending Tuesday.

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