COLUMBUS - The Strasburg Tigers (27-0) today are the Ohio Class A Scholastic Basketball Champions, the toast of Strasburg and Tuscarawas County. But, their victory Saturday at Columbus stands out for several other reasons...the 1st Class A crown ever for Tuscarawas County and only the 9th undefeated champion in the smaller school division of the 45-year history of the event. By winning 27 straight games en route to the crown, Strasburg joins an elite group which previously had included:
Bellpoint 1924 (with the best record ever at 32-0) (Class B)
Kent State 1927 (Class B)
The famed Waterloo Wonders 1934 and 1935 (Class B)
Miller City 1950 (Class B)
Northwestern 1958 (Class A)
Salem Local 1960 (Class A)
Ayersville 1961 (Class A)
Dover 1927 and 1933 (Class A-Now Class AA)
New Philadelphia in 1940 (Class A - Now Class AA)
Coach Charles Huggins got the traditional shower after the official ceremonies were concluded Saturday afternoon, but he didn't seem to mind the fact that his wife forgot to bring a change along. "I'm glad it's all over," he commented. "We had a great bunch of boys and I want it understood I mean all of them." He was referring to Gary Phillips, Ron and Tom Hall, Bob Welling, Louie Dreher, Mike Rieger, Todd Feller, Tom Ferris, Tom Margo, Art (Butch) Haswell, Charlie Jones, Gene Bayer, Ed Rusk, Ed Yackey and John Studer who, now that they've completed the job, can turn to new pursuits.
Areanum Head Coach Dick Graeff, a Dover native who graduated from Dover High School in 1946 and was a classmate of the mother of Strasburg cager Ed Yackey, must have been a little excited when he accepted the runner-up trophy. He thanked "Mr. Emswiler" instead of Ohio High School Athletic Association Commissioner Paul E. Landis before commenting: "I guess we have to feel a little sorry for ourselves, but we lost to the best team and we're proud to have had this opportunity." Graeff's Arcanum club finished the season with a 24-3 record. Arcanum won the State Class A banner in 1956 in the Cleveland Arena.
Gene Bayer, Tiger ace, will report to the hospital today for surgery of a calcium deposit in his thigh. Bayer had postponed the hospital entrance until the conclusion of tournament play. The Tigers feel this was one thing in their favor as they had been harrassed enough with injuries and sickness. The loss of Bayer would have really been a blow to tourney hopes.
Tiger star John Studer was voted the outstanding Class A player by sportswriters and sportscasters. Also gaining a berth on the all-tournament 5 was teammate Ed Rusk along with Doug Hill of Southeastern and Jim Troutwine and Mike Kreitzer of Arcanum.
George Popp of Akron, who officiated the Strasburg title game Saturday, is scheduled to work the National AAU Tournament in Denver next week. A lot of Tiger supporters were wishing he was already there after the first 3 minutes of the opening quarter and Popp had whistled a couple quick ones on John Studer.
Southeastern Head Coach Dave Augspurger, who commented unhappily about the officiating after his loss to Strasburg,is under fire with the commissioner's office and OHSAA boss Paul Landis is reported to be doing some heavy thinking over the situation.
Ohio State basketball Head Coach Fred Taylor, just isn't too popular in this area with fans and especially the officials associations from Ohio after his remarks in regard to the officiating. He left himself open for a ton of criticism.
Head Coach Ken Newlon, successful mentor of Lincoln's Lions, drew quite a quiz from the sportswriters as he was pressed for information on the rumors that were flying around the area that connected Newlon and the vacant coaching position at Bowling Green. Newlon refused to comment, but several writers have the impression they were in the know.
Superintendent Maurice Helwick slyly admitted why he failed to make an appearance in the dressing room. Said Helwick, "You boys mustn't forget I have had several showers while coaching Midvale.
Total attendance for the 2-day tourney was announced at 55,876 as compared to last year's 55,642.
Southeastern Head Coach Dave Augspurger didn't come home with the Class A crown, but when he got there a new station wagon was waiting for him. About 2000 persons at a team rally chipped in for the new station wagon and other gifts for Mrs. Augspurger. The school gave him a week's vacation with pay.
Monday, March 20, 1967
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio
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