BOLIVAR - Tuscarawas Valley Trojans basketball fans are expecting a banner year, but the team has a long way to go if such is to be the case, according to Head Coach Ken Gold. "I feel that a great many interested and loyal fans are expecting big things this season," Gold said. "I have heard favorable predictionsof what our boys are going to do." Such predictions could hurt our boys more than help them. If the predictors really want to help our boys they should impress upon them that we must play our games one at a time." "No team can be taken too lightly. This is especially true when one considers what other teams on our schedule have returning from last year." Gold, in his 1st year as Trojan boss after a successful tenure at Jeweee in Harrison County, is uncertain about several positions on the team--mainly due to injuries. Lettermen Paul Shipbaugh, 5-7 Senior guard and a fine shot and Junior Bob Burris, 6-2 forward and a strong rebounder and an improving shooter, both are hampered by ankle injuries which are not responding to treatment. Consequently, they are seeing limited action. Other veterans back are Seniors Dave Widder, 5-8 guard and Gary Ferren, 6-4 center. Gone via graduation are Ken Burris, Terry Turvey and Ed Crawford. Last season's Trojans were 14-8 under Bob Heller who resigned to devote full time to teaching. The 1962-63 Trojans won 10 straight games, including 2 in tournament play, before bowing to Strasburg and Dennison St. Mary's. Charles Fishley, 5-8 Sophomore guard, has been impressive in drills to date as is Senior Ron Wolfe, 5-7 guard. Wolfe is recovering from a dislocated elbow. Gary Adams, 6-0 Sophomore forward, has been quite impressive and could very easily win a starting job--especially if some of the injured players don't recover soon. Ferren must polish up his techniques, but Gold said he is a fine boy who is willing to learn and desires to improve. He is expected to get better as the season progresses and should be a great help to the team. Bob Cappillo, 6-2 Junior forward who saw limited duty last year, is proving to be a good prospect as are Bob Locker, 5-7 Junior guard and Tom Mathey, 5-9 Junior guard. Gold has the following scrimmage schedule lined up for the Trojans: Fairless, Malvern, Adena and West Lafayette. They will participate in the Conotton Valley Preview Friday and open the 1963-64 season December 6 at Garaway. During his stay at Jewett, Gold guided his teams to 44 victories and only 26 defeats, including a District trip in 1960.
Wednesday, November 20, 1963
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio
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