THE CHAMPIONS: Head Coach Charles Huggins, Assistant Coach Jim Bielski, Student Manager Rick Corder, Student Manager Ken Dreher, Student Manager Les McGrath, Art (Butch) Haswell, Ed Rusk, Ed Yackey, John Studer, Tom Hall, Gene Bayer, Charlie Jones, Ron Hall, Tom Margo, Tom Ferris, Mike Reiger and Gary Phillips.
STRASBURG - They came by car, they came on foot to share in a tumultuous "Welcome Home" salute for Strasburg's Ohio Class A Scholastic State Basketball Champions Sunday afternoon. The automobile caravan estimated over 8 miles long, began its formation on the outskirts of Wooster. As it headed toward home, more fell in line, but the real surprise was awaiting the entourage at Waynedale High School, south of Apple Creek, where hundreds more were poised for action. At home, carloads of fans began to occupy spaces along Wooster Avenue, others on foot began to fill street intersections as much as 2 hours before the scheduled arrival home.
A license plate check revealed that well-wishers ranged from Millersburg to Martins Ferry and Sugarcreek to Struthers. There were walkie-talkie sets and television cameras, Gay colors of jackets from practically all area schools exhibited countywide goodwill. The champions received an early taste of the celebrating atmosphere in tiny neighboring Wilmot where a majority of the population lined the streets and indicatedits favor by carrying signs and posters extolling the achievement. Finally the time arrived. Word of the approaching caravan passed quickly through the crowd. People pushed and stretched, jockeying for better positions to take a picture of their favorite player or relative to long remember the greatest day in Tiger sports history.
The Strasburg High School band escorted their heroes the last mile or so and one fan was overheard to remark: "There's one big tuba missing," meaning, of course, the one John Studer so adequately played when he helped the band to 3 consecutive top State ratings. It was a certainty that the school gymnasium would not contain all those who desired to share the accolades. More than 2500 were inside the playing floor covered on standees in the overflow throng. More than that number failed to get inside, more never left their automobiles. And many others couldn't get close to the school grounds as parking was an impossibility. The gymnasium, used for the 1st time this season by a Strasburg team, rattled at the rafters when the champions entered. Walt Stocker, Chairman of the Strasburg School Improvement Committee, was master of ceremonies. Singing of the alma mater opened the festivities. In behalf of the community, Mayor Karl Gepfert paid tribute to teammembers and the coaching staff. "Each of you have played and acted like champions, not only in tournaments, but throughout the year. Strasburg is proud of you and this should be a wonderful start in your lives." He also commended the Tuscarawas County Sheriff Department for its efficiency in handling the huge traffic problem and Sheriff A. J. Young, who spoke briefly, said he was proud to have been associated with this group of fine ball players and students.
Harry Held, a present member of the board of education who was introduced as the student manager of the Strasburg 1928 State Tournament entry which lost to Marysville 25-18 in the 1st round, lauded Head Coach Charles Huggins for his untiring effort of teaching his players civic and Christian endeavors in conjunction with basketball. Held also introduced Orval Deems, Captain of the 1928 squad and told how the latter was considered a giant in those days at 6 foot. Ed Rusk's heroic 2-pointer which provided the victory margin in Friday afternoons semifinal victory over Ross Southeastern, was the 1st to come in for special attention. The 6-2 Junior was presented a cardboard crown on which were inscribed the following words: "You saved the day to go all the way." He wore it proudly throughout the remainder of the program.
Booster Club President Bill Dreher, on behalf of the organization, presented plagues to coaches, team members, managers and cheerleaders. Coaches Huggins and Jim Bieleski accepted by giving further recognition to the players. John Studer, whose rebounding prowess attracted the attention and praise of all newsmen covering the schoolboy extravaganza, revealed how he secretly thought the Tigers might go all the way, but humility prevailed as he remarked? "You know you just can't go around saying such things until you do it." His running mate, Ed Yackey, lauded Coach Huggins and tossed a praising remark to Mike Rieger, who just shortly before was wheeled on the scene. Once more the rafters shook as the pintsized guard, felled with mononucleosis, drew the crowd sentiment for his missing the dream games. Short comments were coaxed by Stockert from each of the other members, but it was evident they had more nerve on the basketball court than in front of a microphone.
Another long-time basketball booster, John B. Garver, was introduced as the "great white father of Strasburg basketball" and John revealed his knowledge of the 1st team organized in Strasburg in 1908. Garver told of his liking for Tiger teams and his wait for this occasion. His son, John, played on the 1946 team which lost to Worthington in the Regional finals by one point. Band Director Robert Lyon and his aggregation were not forgotten. With a 3rd of its members attending the tournament...in addition to Studer, the band received a No. 1 rating in Saturday competition and will compete for State honors next week for the 4th straight year. Deb VanFossen, the team's bus driver, vowed at the start of the season he would not shave until the Bengals lost a game. He appeared at the rally clean-shaven and was queried on what had happened to his growth. "They took it off in the showers," he said, implicating members of the championship squad. Dr. James Houglan also was called to the mike. "I feel like a leech," he said. "I jumped on the bandwagon, rode to the top and really didn't do a thing, but I'm the happiest guy in the world." None of the champions will buy that remark, because they realize what a contribution he threw their way when an injury popped up. It will be a long time before Strasburg has another day of such festivities and it will be a long time before this bunch of young men are forgotten. The entire area paid tribute Sunday to a true championship team. As Coach Huggins remarked: "These boys are champs mentally, plhysically and socially. I am proud of them all!"
Monday, March 20, 1967
Ed Smith
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio
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