12 - The End

That concludes "Last  of the Purple Riders"!

I always wondered what kind of sports teams we had at the high school I graduated from.  Since I now have the time, I  thought I would do the research to find out. 

I started by documenting only Port Washington, but soon began to become curious about the whole league in general.  I then included the box scores of the other teams and it grew to what you see in the last year, 1967.

I'm documenting, as best I can, the Tuscarawas County (Class B) Tournament teams as we speak.  The tournaments began in 1923.  The years 1923 through 1928 are complete and can be found at "Knights of Tuscarawas County."  I am currently researching the 1929 Season.

Next up, I hope, will be "Twilight Memories - the League."  This will document the League when it began up to 1966 to include mistakes made and additional items not included in "The Last of the Purple Riders."

Thanks to all who have supported me throughout.


Gary Gay
Tennessee

67 - Garaway Pirates 1967 Season

SUGARCREEK - The Garaway Pirates

HEAD COACH:  Glenn Bower

5-1 Tuscarawas County League
17-4 Season

TEAM PLAYERS

Don Richardson 105-35-245 6-0 Senior
Errol Miller 75-67-217 5-11 Junior
Tim Miller 85-45-215 5-10 Sophomore
Kim Sedwick 54-67-175 6-1 Sophomore
Rich Richardson 65-60-190 5-5 Senior
Mike Gerber 27-60-114 5-4 Sophomore
Ray Hisrich 7-9-23 5-5 Junior
Dan Hicks 0-2-2 5-11 Junior

NOTE:  Mr. Charles Harshbarger was teaching Spanish & American History at Garaway in 1967.  He was teaching at Port Washington in the early 60s.

*The teams began to melt away in the 1956-57 season when Bolivar and Mineral City consolidated to form the Tuscarawas Valley Trojans.  Then in the 1957-58 season Sugarcreek-Shanesville and Dundee consoladated to form the Garaway Pirates.  Stone Creek left the league during the 1965-66 season to merge with the New Philadelphia Quakers.  In the same period, Baltic merged with the Garaway Pirates.  This left 7 teams in the league vs 10 teams and added two more power-houses in Tuscarawas Valley and Garaway to compete with the likes of Strasburg and Midvale of the old guard, leaving Gnadenhutten, Port Washington and Tuscarawas awash in competing among themselves.

The young and surprising Garaway Pirates lost the Tuscarawas County (Class A) League to the State Champions, Strasburg Tigers, 63-46.  Because of the loss of so many veterans, the Pirates were not expected to compete this year.  They ended up 5-1 in the League and finished the season at 15-3.  The 1st game in  the Sectional Tournament was against the Dover St. Joseph's Ramblers, who was having a rather tough season and the Pirates walked off with a 10-point victory 71-61.  In the 2nd game, the regenerated Gnaden Indians were looking for another scalp, but fell to the Pirates by 9 points, 57-48.  The Dennison St. Mary's Blue Waves powerhouse showed up for the Pirates' 3rd game and promptly had to walk their own plank, 80-51, and ended Garaway's brilliant season at 17-4.

67 - Gnadenhutten Indians 1967 Season

GNATENHUTTEN - The Gnadenhutten Indians

HEAD COACH:  Jim Lower (Cage) -Ted Martin (Diamond)

1-5 Tuscarawas County League
10-10 Season

TEAM PLAYERS

Dan Jinks 170-107-447 6-0 Senior
Bill Kohl 115-68-298 6-1 Senior
Don Finnicum 63-46-172 6-0 Senior
Roger Huebner 47-16-110 Freshman
Wayne Martin 27-35-89 6-0 Senior
Ken Ruprich 22-4-48 6-1 Junior
Ken Kohl 3-5-11 6-0 Sophomore
Charley Crites 4-2-10 5-10 Junior
Charlie Long 2-0-4 5-10 Junior
Crilow 0-1-1

*The Gnadenhutten Indians squeezed past the Tuscarawas Valley Trojans 37-36 in the 1st Indian game of the Sectional Basketball Tournament.  In the 2nd game, Gnaden was matched up with the Garaway Pirates who lost  only one game in the Tuscarawas County League and that was to the State Ohio Basketball (Class A) Champions, the Strasburg Tigers.  It was a valiant attempt by the much improved Indian team; however, the Pirates were determined as Gnaden fell 57-48.

**Gnaden doesn't claim to be on par with the basketball Tigers, but they do claim to be King of the Hill as they once again competed in the State of Ohio (Class A) Baseball Tournament.  Gnaden was the baseball team to beat in the Tuscaraws County Baseball League.  In their last year as Indians, it was no different.  They won the Tuscarawas County League Crown, became the champions of the Sectional Tournament, the District Tournament and the Regional Tournament before falling to the Edon Bombers of Williams County, 2-1, in a heartbreaker in the State semi-finals.  Gnaden will merge with Port Washington as Indian Valley South in 1968.

67 - Midvale Blue Devils 1967 Season

MIDVALE - The Midvale Blue Devils

HEAD COACH:  Pete Hillard (13 Years)

4-2 Tuscarawas County League
11-8 Season

TEAM PLAYERS

Bob Carlisle 108-72-288 6-1 Senior
Mike DeMattio 92-42-226 6-0 Senior
Lee Eberly 81-45-207 6-0 Senior
Tom Booth 75-25-175 6-0 Senior
Bob Grimm 18-22-58 5-9 Junior
Gene Ford 15-17-47
Bob Morrison 6-5-17 5-10 Senior
John Tollotti 4-9-17 5-7 Sophomore
K. Morrison 4-5-13
Fantini 1-0-2
D. Morrison 0-2-2
Chaney 0-1-1

*This was not a typical Blue Devil year.  Midvale was the only team to consistantly push-back against the Strasburg Tigers year after year.  Strasburg more-or-less owned the Tuscarawas County Class A Basketball League, but it was the Blue Devils who were right behind them as they also won their share of County championships.  This year Midvale was off their normal game.  The Midvale Blue Devils lost their 1st Sectional Tournament game in a blow-out, 75-36 against the Dennison St. Mary's ball club and it was their last game in a Blue Devil uniform.  Midvale will merge with Tuscarawas as Indian Valley North in 1968.

67 - Port Washington Purple Riders 1967 Season

PORT WASHINGTON (Salisbury) - The Port Washington Purple Riders

HEAD COACH - Joe Lopez (1st Year)

2-4 Tuscarawas County League
11-8 Season

TEAM PLAYERS

Jeff Huston 99-52-250 6-1 Sophmore
Greg Bender 80-79-239 5-8 Senior
Jerry Stephen 94-32-220 5-8 Senior
Tim Page 80-52-212 6-0 Senior
Jim Hagan 58-55-171 6-0 Senior
Mike Peeper 22-27-71 5-9 Junior
Kim Cappell 1-2-4 5-11 Sophomore
Don McCune 2-0-4 6-0 Junior
Savory 1-2-4
Jim McCune 0-1-1 Senior
Mike Cappell 0-1-1 6-0 Junior

*The Port Washington Purple Riders predictably were knocked-off by the Mighty Tigers of Strasburg, 86-45, in the Riders' 1st Sectional Tournament game closing out a rather successful season.  A Port Washinton team getting more than 10 wins in a single season is a rare pleasant result in Purpletown.  The 1st string in 1966-67 all scored more than 170 points each.  An extraordinary year for 1st year Head Coach Joe Lopez and his cargers and a great team on the floor for Port's last year as the Purple Riders.  Port will merge with Gnadenhutten in 1968 as Indian Valley South.  The above athlete's are:  The Last Of The Purple Riders!!

67 - Strasburg Tigers 1967 Season

STRASBURG - The Strasburg Tigers (1967 S t a t e  O h i o  B a s k e t b a l l  C h a m p i o n s)

HEAD COACH:  Charles Huggins

6-0 Tuscarawas County League
27-0 Season

TEAM PLAYERS

John Studer 283-135-701 6-3 Senior
Charlie Jones 140-75-355 6-2 Senior
Ed Rusk 123-42-288 6-0 Junior
Ed Yackey 87-58-232 6-2 Senior
Gene Bayer 70-63-203 6-4 Senior
Mike Rieger** 30-17-77 5-8 Senior
Art (Butch) Haswell 21-11-53 Sophomore
Ron Hall 18-2-38 6-1 Junior
Tom Hall 12-12-36 6-4 Senior
Gary Phillips 10-9-29 5-10 Senior
Tom Ferris 3-8-14 5-9 Senior
Tom Margo 2-4-8 6-0 Junior
Bob Welling 1-0-2 6-0 Junior

** Unfortunately, Mike Rieger came down with Mononucleosis during the season.

*What's left to say about a team that goes all the way to become State Champions?  What a way to finish out the last year of the Tuscarawas County season.  This feat by the Strasburg Tigers was the only Class A team in the county to accomplish this achievement in the existence of the league.  And it was done in the very last year!  The always Mighty Strasburg Tigers captured the County League at 6-0, ended the season at 18-0, became Sectional Champs at 21-0, District Champions at 23-0, picked off the Regional Crown at 25-0 and finished up at a dazzling 27-0 as State Ohio Basketball Class A Champions.  Without a doubt, Strasburg was the most successful basketball team to play in the Tuscarawas County Class A & B League!

The same can be said of Strasburg's Tom "Terrific" Studer, who smashed all season and career records in the Tuscarawas County League.  Studer scored 701 points in his last year (1967) and crushed all career records with 1,586 points in 3 years as a Tiger...

67 - Tuscarawas Broncos 1967 Season

TUSCARAWAS (Trenton) - The Tuscarawas Broncos

HEAD COACH:  Lyle Matlick

2-4 Tuscarawas County League
12-8 Season

TEAM PLAYERS

Brent Lehigh 126-42-294 Junior
John Bihari 92-74-258 6-3 Senior
Fred Rausch 104-30-238 Junior
Butch Reed 37-35-109 5-8 Junior
Jim McCauley 31-36-98 5-8 Senior
Tracy Knisely 33-22-88 Senior
Birney McCauley 13-13-39 5-9 Sophomore
Les Donahue 4-2-10 5-10 Sophomore
Mark Cox 3-0-6 6-0 Sophomore

*In the Sectional Tournament, the Tuscarawas Broncos edged the Newcomerstown Trojans 55-53 and then lost to Mighty Strasburg, 1967's State Champions, 70-40.  Tusky had their normal over .500 season for their last Bronco year.  Next year (1968) Tuscarawas will merge with Midvale and play their games on the Indian Valley North floor.

67 - Tuscarawas Valley Trojans 1967 Season

ZOARVILLE - The Tuscarawas Valley High School Trojans

HEAD COACH:  Bill Frye

1-5 Tuscarawas County League
5-13 Season

TEAM PLAYERS:

Larry Adams 76-41-193 6-1 Junior
Dick Harvey 58-38-154 5-10 Senior
Dave Clugston 63-25-151 5-9 Senior
Jim Barkhart 60-17-137 6-1 Junior
Tom Shroyr 40-26-106 6-3 Senior
Ray Nist 28-14-70 5-10 Senior
Curt Norris 17-18-52 6-0 Junior
Howard Haut 9-4-22 5-9 Sophomore
Dan Fishley 7-4-18
Paul Finlayson 1-3-5

*TV lost to Gnaden 37-36 in their 1st game of the Sectional Tournament in closing out their season.  This was an uncharacteristic season for the Trojans, as they are generally considered a Power-House.

67 - Stats For Reported Fall Baseball Games 1967 Season

LEAGUE STANDINGS

1.  Gnadenhutten Indians 10-2 .833 *
2.  Strasburg Tigers 5-2 .714
3.  Port Washington 4-2 .667
4.  Midvale Blue Devils 2-3 .400
5.  Garaway Pirates 2-6 .250
6.  Tuscarawas Broncos 1-4 .200

PITCHING

1.  Bill Kohl, Gnadenhutten Indians 8-1
2.  Tom Ferris, Strasburg Tigers 3-0
3.  Tom Booth, Midvale Blue Devils 2-1
4.  Greg Bender, Port Washington Purple Riders 2-1
5.  Jeff Huston, Port Washington Purple Riders 2-1

STRIKEOUTS

1.  Bill Kohl, Gnadenhutten Indians 105
2.  Greg Bender, Port Washington Purple Riders 15
3.  Jeff Huston, Port Washington Purple Riders 15
4.  Roger Huebner, Gnadenhutten Indians 11
5.  Gene Bayer, Strasburg Tigers 10

1B

1.  Dave Moore, Gnadenhutten Indians 14
2.  Mike Kail, Gnadenhutten Indians 10
3.  Don Finnicum, Gnadenhutten Indians 6
4.  Jeff Huston, Port Washington Purple Riders 5
5.  Darrell Laughlin, Gnadenhutten Indians 5
6.  John Studer, Strasburg Tigers 5

2B

1.  Gary Feller, Strasburg Tigers 5
2.  Dan Jinks, Gnadenhutten Indians 5
3.  Ken Huprich, Gnadenhutten Indians 3
4.  Bill Kohl, Gnadenhutten Indians 3
5.  Dave Moore, Gnadenhutten Indians 3

3B

1.  John Studer, Strasburg Tigers 3
2.  14 tied with 1

HR (All with 1)

1.  Mike DeMattio, Midvale Blue Devils
2.  Jeff Huston, Port Washington Purple Riders
3.  Mike Kail, Gnadenhutten Indians
4.  Ken Morrison, Midvale Blue Devils
5.  Rich Richardson, Garaway Pirates
6.  Bob Welling, Strasburg Tigers

*The Gnadenhutten Baseball team was the Tuscarawas County League Baseball Champions, Sectional Class A Baseball Tournament Champions, District Class A Baseball Tournament Champions, Regional Class A Baseball Tournament Champions and participated in the State of Ohio Class A Baseball Tournament in Columbus for the 1st time since the Indians were the State of Ohio Class A Baseball Tournament Runners-up in 1958.

67 - Gnaden Hits A Wall Against Edon 2-1 In Extra Innings (5-26-67)

Gnadenhutten High School baseballers who made their bid against Edon of Williams County depended heavily on the defensive play of infielders Ken Huprich shortstop, Wayne Martin 1st base, Steve Moore 2nd base and Roger Heubner 3rd base.  An Indian victory would have pit them against the Nelsonville-Clinton Massie winner on Saturday mornng. (5-25-67)

Shown are outfielders Don Finnicum, Mike Kail and Darrel Laughlin, who in addition to supplying strong defense, pack a lot of power at the plate. (5-25-67)

Mike Kail Gnadenhutten's centerfielder rounds 3rd and scores the tieing run in the 6th inning.

It's always hard to lose a tough one, but sportsmanship prevails as the happy and unhappy get together after the exciting end.  Indian players are shown congratulating Edon team members and wishing them well in the finals today against Nelsonville.

Many disheartened fans remain seated long after the game.  For them it was hard to believe victory was so close and yet so far away.


COLUMBUS - The Gnadenhutten Indians (10-2) bid for the Class A State Baseball Crown came to an end yesterday when the Indians were edged 2-1 in a heart-breaking extra inning contest by the Edon Bombers (Williams County) on Ohio State University's diamond.  It seemed it just had to happen.  Although Bill Kohl (8-1), Gnaden's brilliant pitching ace turned in a commendable performance, he was charge with his 1st loss of the season after registering 8 straight wins.  Control, which has been Kohl's main asset this season, reared its ugly head in the 1st inning and forced him to walk 4 batters in addition to a double by Edon's shortstop, Frank Long.  After surrendering a one run lead in the 1st inning, Kohl gave a harmless single to right fielder Larry Hug in the 2nd and failed to yield another hit until the fateful eighth.

Edon's Frank Long scored the winning run after belting a long triple to right-center and came romping home on pitcher Ron Held's single.  The Indians, although playing as through they just wouldn't be beaten, couldn't come up with a hit when they needed it.  They missed several scoring opportunities.  In the 1st, Mike Kail, who hit Held as though he owned him, singled (9) and stole 2nd, but Wayne Martin  popped to Bill Hug at 1st ending the inning.  In the 4th, Kail again connected (10), was sacrificed to 2nd by Martin, but Roger Heubner flied out and Kohl fanned to end another threat.  Excitement was high in the 6th.  Dave Moore reached 1st when 3rd baseman Steve Thiel let his grounder go through his legs.  Dan Jinks, in attempting to sacrifice, popped to the pitcher who doubled Moore.  Kail lined a double (2) inside the left field foul line and Martin plated him with a sharp single (7) to center and put the Tuscarawas Countians in a 1-1 tie.

Although outhitting their foes 6-4, the Indians' big thorn in their sides was crafty 5-10 Senior Ron Held who kept Gnaden off stride with several changes of speed on his deliveries.  He successfully squelched every scoring threat made by the Indians and then calmly stroked the game winning hit for his 13th victory of the season.  He struck out 7 and walked none.  Kohl fanned 10 and walked 5, with none coming after the 2nd frame.  Gnaden's Kail led in the hitting department with 3 for 3, including a double, while Edon's Long had a triple and double.  The trip to the State semi-finals marks the best season for Gnadenhutten since it was State runner-up in 1958.

EDON BOMBERS - 2

Steve Theil 4-0-0
Don Mushifield 1-1-0
Frank Long 4-1-2
Mike Hug 4-0-0
Ron Held 3-0-1
Rod Gilbert 3-0-0
Bill Hug 3-0-0
Larry Hug 2-0-1
Steve Held 4-0-0

GNADENHUTTEN INDIANS - 1

Dave Moore 4-0-1
Dan Jinks 4-0-0
Mike Kail 3-1-3
Wayne Martin 2-0-1
Roger Heubner 3-0-0
Bill Kohl 3-0-1
Ken Huprich 3-0-0
Don Finnicum 3-0-0
Darrell Laughlin 3-0-0


Saturday, May 27, 1967
Ed Smith, Sports Editor
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

TOURNEY SIDENOTES

The baseballers returned home to a heroes' welcome despite the extra-inning loss in the afternoon.  A 5-mile caravan of gaily decorated cars met the squad in West Lafayette and with the aid of the sheriff department and village police, was escorted into and throughout the village.  Before reaching the school a large throng of enthusiastic fans paid tribute to the young athletes on the village square.  Mayor Lester Gregg congratulated the players and short comments were made by Bob Clark of the Booster Club, Ross Virtue assistant superintendent of schools, Principal Ralph Padgitt and Coaches Ted Martin and Jim Lower.  Martin praised each player and commented, "All of you did your best.  I know you are disappointed, but it is nothing to be ashamed of."  He complimented the parents and told of the pressure on players who participate in such an event.  "Although disappointment is obvious there is still much to be proud of and we are going to be back there some day," said Martin.

TOURNEY TIDBITS

@Ohio State University's baseball field, site of the State Class A and AA tournaments, was moved to its present site after construction of dormitories began 3 years ago on the old diamond.  It is in conjunction with the new football practice fields and was dedicated this spring.  The lavish athletic plant, which is now the center for sports, is something to behold.  Estimated construction cost is $370,000.

@Opening tourney game, Gnaden versus Edon, was delayed one hour and 45 minutes due to a light rain.  The infield was in excellent condition after the tarpaulin was removed, but outfield footing was treacherous for an inning or two.

@Of the estimated 2000 fans it is saf to say at least 1500 were from Gnadenhutten and Tuscarawas County.  A veteran policeman, who said he has been "working about a dozen of these tournament," never saw so many fans follow a baseball team.  "Usually they don't show so much enthusiasm," he remarked.  "You guys must play for keeps down there."

@The Indians got a big sendoff at the high school Thursday when departing for Columbus and ran smack-dab into another one as they passed through Port Washington.  The streets were lined with well-wishers and Port's high school band gave them a blast as they passed through.  (The Indian Valley spirit seems to be catching on real well.)

@Ted Wern of Marlin Shoes, who wears a "Texas Hat" for good luck at all Gnaden games was on hand and led the Indian cheering section as they took infield positions to start the game.

@Dick Scott, Head Basketball Coach of Denison University who coached the Indians when they were State runners-up in 1958, was on hand as was Bob Leonard, former coach at Newcomerstown.

67 - Head Coach Jim Lower Resigns!

GNADENHUTTEN - Indian Valley Board of Education last night accepted the resignation of Jim Lower, Gnadenhutten basketball head coach.  Lower, a 1966 graduate of Ashland College where he played basketball, also starred at Three Rivers High School in both basketball and football.  He has accepted the head basketball post at Western Reserve High School in Berlin Center and will also assist in football.


Thursday, May 25, 1967
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

67 - Tuscarawas County State Baseball Fever

GNADENHUTTEN - Almost like a giant mushroom State Tournament fever popped up and is sweeping Tuscarawas County.  It started in Gnaden and spread rapidly as nearly everyone is saying, "can the Indians do it?  "Love those Indians" signs are posted throughout the village and cars are gaily decorated.  The stage is nearly set for Head Coach Ted Martin and his diamond crew as they prepare to cross bats with Edon High School of Williams County Friday at 10AM on the Ohio State University's field in Columbus.  Gnadenhutten is expected to be a ghost town Friday.  Ask anyone around the village if he is planning on going to the game and almost before the last word is out the answer will be, "You couldn't keep me from there for anything."  Of course there will be no school and the 200 student tickets were gobbled up in practically no time.  There will be no advanced ticket sales for adults and admission at the gate will be $1 for everyone.  Gnaden fans interested in the shortest route to Ohio State University's baseball fields should follow directions according to the Automobile Club:

Follow Rt. 16 from Gnadenhutten to Newark, then take Rt. 161 through New Albany to Worthington.  Turn left on Olentangy River Road to West Lane Avenue.  Turn right on West Lane and proceed to Fyffe Road where parking facilities are available for the Varsity Diamond.  The Indians will play on the field nearest Fyffe Road.

Most of Gnaden's success depends on ace lefty Bill Kohl (8-0) who is undefeat in 8 starts this season and has allowed only 2 earned runs in 55 innings.  Kohl has fanned 101, permitted only 13 hits and walked 17.  His able receiver is Dan Jinks who has a strong throwing arm and can handle the fireballing Kohl in fine fashion.  A giant rally which will include the student body and pep band will give the players a rousing send-off at 2:30 Thursday.  The team is scheduled to arrive at Hospitality Motor Inn about 4:30 and will hold a light workout on Worthington High School's diamond.  Probable starting lineup:

GNANDENHUTTEN INDIANS

Steve Moore 2B
Dan Jinks C
Mike Kail CF
Wayne Martin 1B
Roger Heubner SS
Bill Kohl P
Ken Huprich 3B
Don Finnicum LF
Darrell Laughlin RF

EDON BLUE BOMBERS

Steve Theil 3B
Don Muehifield LF
Frank Long SS
Mike Hug C
Ron Held P
Rod Gilbert 2B
Bill Hug 1B
Larry Hug RF
Steve Held CF


Wednesday, May 24, 1967
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

67 - Resignation Of Bower Is To Be Asked

GARAWAY - The Daily Reporter learned today that Garaway's board of educaton, in an "unofficial" 3 to 2 vote at a closed "executive session" during its regular meeting Monday night, called for the resignation of Head Basketball Coach Glen Bower.

Bower reportedly was given until June 8 to resign.  The 1949 Dover High School graduate has held 2 coaching stints at Garaway, the 1st covering the 1960-61 and 1961-62 seasons.  In 1961, Bower's teams had a 21-5 record, losing in the District finals.  Bower left Garaway for a 2-year stint (1962-1964) at Dennison St.  Mary's where he served as head basketball and football coach.  In 1962 the Blue Waves were 21-0 in basketball before losing in the District.  He returned to Garaway in 1964 and was named athletic director last year.

Reports that Bower would leave the Garaway system have persisted since the conclusion of the basketball season.  Bower would not make any comitment this morning.


Wednesday, May 24, 1967
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

67 - Reinstatement of Sports Seen At Indian Valley

GNADENHUTTEN - Indian Valley's board of education will hold a special session tonight at 7:30 in the school offices here and reportedly will take action to reinstate football and basketball for Indian Valley North and South on the Senior High level.  Athletics, as well as other extra-curricular activities were eliminated from the 1967-68 program because of a financial pinch, which voters in the District refused to alleviate by defeating an additional operating levy in 3 straight elections.  A decision to reinstate the athletics is expected to be based on the following reasons:

1.  A sizeable contribution of money from  the Indian Valley Booster Clubs to help pay the coaching expenses;

2.  The need for a rallying point for IV students, who will be shifted into 2 high schools beginning in September, Indian Valley North at Midvale, comprising students from that area and Tuscarawas and Indian Valley South at Gnadenhutten, comprising students from there and Port Washington;

3.  The possibility of a sizeable increase in State foundation support to the Indian Valley District.

Some other programs also may be continued, finances permitting.


Wednesday, May 24, 1967
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

67 - Gnaden At State Tournament

COLUMBUS - Gnadenhutten High School makes its 1st tournament bid for the State Baseball Crown since 1958 at 10AM, Friday on the Ohio State University diamond at Columbus when it tangles with Edon High School of Williams County, near Toledo.  Winner will advance to Saturday's championship scheduled for 11AM against the Nelsonville-Clinton Massie winner.  The Indians' opponent, currently sporting a 14-2 record, boasts a veteran combination.  Six of the 9 starters are cousins so the Gnaden club may be forced to "scalp the whole family" to reach Saturday's finale.

Edon, who defeated Oakwood of Paulding County, 2-1 in Regional finals Saturday is depending on ace pitcher Ron Held, a brother of Mel Held, who spent 13 years in organized baseball with Baltimore and its chain.  The Edon hurler, credited with a dozen wins without a loss this season is a 5-10 lefhander who relys on control and a blazing fastball.  Supplying offensive punch is catcher Mike Hug, 2nd baseman Rod Gilbert and shortstop Frank Long, each flirting with the .300 mark.  Rounding out the squad are Bill Hug at 1st base, Steve Theil at 3rd and outfielders Steve Held, Larry Hug and Don Muehlfeld.  Ken Adams is in his 5th year at the Edon coaching helm.  Reports describe the Edon club as strong defensively, playing both Regional contests without an error. 

Head Coach Ted Martin of Gnadenhutten is expected to go with the same lineup which has carried the Indians this far along the tourney trail.  The Gnaden club is solid up the middle as the fearsome Bill Kohl (8-0) and Dan Jinks form a battery equal to any high school combination in the area.  Ken Huprich at shortstop  and Steve Moore at 2nd form a strong infield which is flanked by Roger Heubner at 3rd and Wayne Martin at first.  In the outfield it will be Don Finnicum in left, Mike Kail in center and Darrel Laughlin in right.  Bench support come from outfielders Greg Hamilton, Dick Rice and John Fivecoat, while Dave Moore is the 1st line utility infielder and Bruce Finnicum is the back up catcher.


Tuesday, May 23, 1967
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

67 - Last Of The Purple Riders Graduate 27

PORT WASHINGTON - William Hodder of Canton will be the keynote speaker when 27 Seniors receive diplomas at the 68th and final commencement exercise on June 2nd at 8PM.  The school will become part of Indian Valley South next fall. 

Leading the graduating class will be Carol Steiner, valedictorian and Janice Sanders, salutatorian, both of whom are to give talks.  Miss Steiner, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leo Steiner of RD 1, Newcomerstown, is a member of the high school chorus, Future Teachers of America, the scholarship team and National Honor Society.  Carrying a point average of 3.86, Miss Steiner was the county winner of the Ohio History, Government and Citizenship Test given by Ohio University.  Carol plans to major in social studies and has accepted a scholarship at Bluffton College.

Miss Sanders, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Sanders of RD 1, here, has a current point average of 3.71.  She has been a member of Future Teachers of America, National Honor Socity, Pep Club and the scholarship team.  Janice will enter Kent State Acadenic Center at New Philadelphia this fall and will major in education.  Both girls will speak at commencement exercises.

Baccalaureate services will be Sunday at 8PM in the school auditorium.  Rev. Everett Gould of St. Paul's United Church of Christ will speak.

GRADUATES:

Carol Steiner
Janice Sanders
Gregory Bender
Kathy Caldwell
Donald Casteel
Kenneth Daniels
James Dunlap
Melody Glazier
James Hagan
Bonnie Herbert
James Hurless
Dean Kail
James McCune
Sue McMahon
Mary Metzer
Janice Mizer
Danny Nastoff
Timoth Page
Robert Porter
Robert Sauerbrey
Calvin Skaer
Karen Stahl
Jerry Stephens
Karen Stocker
Deloris Young
Ronald Colvin
Carol Henry


Tuesday, May 23, 1967
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

67 - Gnaden Columbus Bound After Dropping Leavittsburg 2-0 (5-20-67)

A wild band of war-whooping Indians are still happy after coming from the shower room as they celebrated copping the Regional Baseball Crown and a trip to State Tournament in Columbus next Friday and Saturday.


NORTH CANTON - The Gnadenhutten Indians (10-1) are bound for Columbus and the State Class A Baseball finals.  The Indians, behind the 2-hit pitching performance by the brilliant Bill Kohl (8-0), added another scalp to their collection Saturday afternoon when they bested the Leavittsburg Vikings 2-0.  Gnadenhutten will now meet the Dexter Regional Champions Friday morning at 10 and the winner will advance to the finals on Saturday at noon.  Kohl pitched his 2nd consecutive shutout in 2 days, striking out 13 batters to give him a total of 29 for regional play, while allowing only 3 hits in 15 rough innings.  Additionally, the Indians have kept opponents scoreless in 39 straight innings.  Bill Davies, a fine righthander for Leavittsburg, gave a good performance.  He continually pitched out of trouble as the Indians had him "on the ropes" 5 of the 7 innings.  The 4th and 5th innings were the only ones Davies was able to retire the victors in order.

Gnadenhutten got 2 men on in both the 1st and 2nd frames as Dan Jinks (4) and Wayne Martin (6) each hit safely in the first and Ken Huprich walked and reached 2nd on Don Finnicum's single (5) in the second.  Davies was equal to the cause and got out of any serious trouble.  The big blows came in  the 3rd when Dave Moore drilled a single (13), Jinks sacrificed him to 2nd and Mike Kail provided the key single (7) to score Moore.  The Indians got to Davies again  in the 6th when Kail singled (8) and was sacrificed to 2nd by Martin and then scored on Roger Huebner's single (6).  In Leavittsburg's half of the 2nd inning, Warren Dodson led off with a big Baltimore chop for a single.  Huebner threw wild past 1st and Dodson went to second.  Art Davis drew the 1st of his 3 walks, the ball getting by Jinks and his throw to 2nd was late, but Dodson was caught trying to score on a fine relay from Huprich to Jinks to end the threat.

The Indians nearly had their string of scoreless innings broken in the 4th when Earl Stringer led off with a walk and stole second.  He advanced to 3rd when Jink's tossed to Huprich and the ball popped out of Huprich's glove.  Dodson flied out and with the count 2-1 on Bob Hill, Stringer attempted a steal home, but Jinks grabbed the high pitch, blocked the plate and tagged the runner.  The final frame provided the big thrills of the day as both teams had the bases loaded in their half of play.  With 1 out, Indian Don Finnicum beat out a grounder (6) that hit the first-base bag, for his 2nd hit of the day.  Darrell Laughlin then sacrificed him to second.  Moore then grounded back to the box.  When Jinks missed an attempted bunt, Finnicum was out at the plate.  Jinks then struck out to end the threat.  In the bottom of the inning Stringer struck out, but Dodson singled for his 2nd hit of the day and the 2nd hit for Leavittsburg.  Hill bunted and Kohl's throw to 2nd was late.  Davies drew his 3rd walk filling the bases with only one out.  Kohl then arose to the occasion and with cool and calm action, struckout Keith Frederick and Bert Thigpen to give the Indians the Regional Championship.

Head Coach Ted Martin had high praise for Davies and the entire Leavittsburg team.  He said they were a good solid ball club.  It was their 3rd appearance in Regional play and added it had been very rough on both pitchers, having to hurl 2 tough games in consecutive days.

GNADENHUTTEN INDIANS - 2

Dave Moore 4-1-1
Dan Jinks 3-0-1
Mike Kail 3-1-2
Wayne Martin 2-0-1
Roger Huebner 3-0-1
Bill Kohl 2-0-0
Ken Kuprich 2-0-0
Don Finnicum 3-0-2
Darrell Laughlin 2-0-0

LEVITTSBURG VIKINGS - 0

Griffin 3-0-0
Bill Davies 3-0-0
Earl Stringer 3-0-0
Warren Dodson 3-0-2
Bob Hill 3-0-0
Art Davis 0-0-0
Keith Frederick 3-0-0
Bert Thigpen 3-0-0
Neff 2-0-0


Monday, May 22, 1967
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio