DOVER - This year the officiating in the State basketball tournament drew more pro and con discussions than it has for many years. Perhaps it was more evident because a local team was the point of interest. This desk has been on the receiving end of numerous rehashes since last weekend in Columbus, but Burrell Aubihl, an ardent New Phila basketball fan, has written the most sensible solution of the many suggestions we have heard. Aubihl wonders why the Ohio High School Association cannot use the 3rd official in championship games. Baseball adds 2 umpires in the world series and pro football uses an extra official in playoff games. So why not one more? We don't know why...but it seems like a real nice suggestion.
A poll of many area coaches also support the New Phila fan in his argument that the announcement of the player and coaches of the year should be withheld until the end of tournament play. "This year the selection was announced Wednesday before the State semi-finals and surely must have added considerable pressure to JohnStuder who already had plenty before going to Columbus," states Aubihl. The old adage of there is always 2 sides to every story will be applied by the writers and sportscasters who have spent many hours of the entire season making the proper selection.
Absolutely no intent is meant to curtail the boy's chances of turning in a stellar performance at a time when he perhaps could obtain a better college scholarship or be instrumental in carrying his school to the title. Aubihl is right again. There undoubtedly was plenty of pressure on the Strasburg star, but so is there on any scholastic athlete who happens to be fortunate enough to be on a team that qualifies for the State Tournament. And there are several other thoughts along this line that have been aired by members of the press. For one thing, pressure is a true test of a really outstanding player.
We think Studer proved that with his State Tournament performances. He was absolutely great; although, there are some who may think he should have scored more points. Finally, the announcement of the player or coach of the year is timed to coincide when interest is high...particularly if either is involved in the State Tournament as was the case this year when Strasburg went to Columbus.
Radio station WRTC of Uhrichsville announced Wednesday plans have been completed to broadcast local high school baseball games for the first time in county baseball history. Live play-by-play broadcasts will begin April 10 when Gnadenhutten entertains Tuscarawas followed by Strasburg at Gnaden on April 12. Other games will be scheduled and announced later. WBTC announced it will broadcast as many Sectional and District games as possible with intentions of following any local team as far as they go in tournament play.
Don Ickes, Midvale graduate of 1964, is continuing to reap honors as he did in a Blue Devil uniform. The versitile athlete, now a Junior at Fairmont State College, has been lauded for classroom achievements as well as on the gridiron. In addition to being awarded his 3rd varsity football monogram, the Fairmont fullback has accumulated a 3.57 classroom average for the last semester. Besides a full college schedule he also assumes duties as a family man. Married to the former Linda Seward, RD1, New Philadelphis, the couple are parents of a 5-month-old daughter. They presently reside at 899 Locust Avenue, Fairmont, West Virginia. Don is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Ickes, RD 1, New Philadelphia.
Thursday, March 23, 1967
Ed Smith, Sportswriter
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio
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