COLUMBUS - There are no "chips off the old block" on Midvale High School's tournament-talented basketball team. In fact, most of the Blue Devils' fathers never competed in spectator sports; although, right now, they are the most avid cage dads you'll find anywhere in Ohio, including Middletown's stronghold.
Thus the State Class A semi-finalists are a self-made aggregation...a group of boys, most of them 17, who, through hard practice under the tutelage of Head Coach Pete Hilliard and spirited all-for-one and one-for-all game play have accomplished the almost unbelievable. Just who are the Blue Devils?
Dick (Dandy) Leggett, 17, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Waldon Leggett of RD 4, New Philadelphia, (Goshen) and a Senior at Midvale, is a Co-Captain of the Blue Devils. Dick, who will be an 11-letter man after this year, has starred in football, track and baseball along with basketball. He has 2 brothers, Edward, 2, and Terry, 7 and both, along with his parents, are Dick's most ardent fans. Dick is also President of the Letter "M" Club and was Vice-President of the Junior Class last year. His Father, a carpenter at Warner & Swasey in New Philadelphia, attended the former Sherrodsville High School and played basketball in his Freshman and Sophomore years.
John Colombo, 17 and a Senior, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Colombo Sr. of RD 1, New Philadelplhia (Roswell) and is the other Co-Captain of the team. Next to basketball, John is known for his golfing ability, having won many tournaments around the county. He has 2 step-brothers, Webb and Tony Di Genova, both older and a brother Tom, who is a Sophomore at Midvale. His Father, employed at Marsh Wall Products Company in Dover, attended Roswell Grade and Junior High School and didn't compete in any sports. His Dad hasn't missed a Midvale game in the past 7 years. John is also a member of the Letter "M" Club.
Lonnie Wolfe, 17-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Wolfe of Midvale, is a Senior and is the "brains" of the squad, being President of the Honor Society and Vice President of the Letter "M" Club and his class. Lonnie's Dad owns and operates a barber shop in Midvale and attended high school there, playing baseball and basketball. Lonnie is an only child and has lettered in baseball, football and track as well as basketball.
John Beans is the little man on the squad at 5-8. A stocky 17-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. George Beans of RD 1, New Philadelphia (Roswell), he has been a member of the Varsity basketball team 3 years and also played football 2 years. He is a member of the Letter "M" Club and a Senior. John has 3 brothers, Bob, Roy and George Jr., all older, who attended Midvale High School. He has 2 sisters, Flora Beans, now a teacher and Mrs. William Beitzel of New Philadelphis. Mr. Beans is employed at Greer Steel Company here and although he did not participate in sports while going to school he is an ardent basketball fan and likes to hunt and fish.
Russell (Russ) Hobart, the tallest member of the team at 6-2, is 17 years old, a Junior and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Dale Hobart, of RD 4, New Philadelphia, (Goshen). His Father, a foreman at Goshen Sewer Pipe, attended Midvale High School and participated in track. Russ has one brother, Dan, in the 5th Grade and 3 sisters; Nancy 14, Carolanne 12 and Margaret 1. Russ is a member of the Letter "M" Club and also is on the track team.
Tom Krocker, the "youngster" of the team, is a 15-year-old Sophomore, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Krocker of RD 4, New Philadelphia, (Goshen). His Father, who is a kiln setter at the Goshen Sewer Pipe Company, went to Tuscarawas High School and played independent baseball for over 20 years. Tom has an older brother, Ed, who married Mary Mathias of Tuscarawas. Ed played basketball, baseball and track for Midvale High School. Tom is a member of the Letter "M" Club and lettered in baseball his Freshman Year and also played football.
Gary Haney is the "big" man on the squad. Weighing about 230, he just made the February 19-year-old age limit, which allows him to play basketball in his Senior Year. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Julius (Dude) Haney of Midvale and his Father is employed at the Goshen Sewer Pipe. Gary has 2 brothers, Dick and Kennny, Sophomores; 3 sisters, Nancy in the 8th Grade, Carol in the 6th and Shirley who is out of school. Gary gained countywide gridiron recognition, being named to the All-Tuscarawas Valley Football Team 3 of the 4 years he played the game. He is also a member of the Letter "M" Club. His Father, although he did not participate in sports while in school, attends all of Midvale's football and basketball games.
Dave De Mattio, 17, is a Senior and son of Mr. and Mrs. Leo De Mattio of Midvale. Dave has 4 younger brothers, Mike and Leonard in the 8th Grade, Richard in the 7th and Joe at home. He also has 3 sisters, Sharon in the 6th Grade and Peggy and Kathy, both at home. Dave's Father is employed at the Evans Brick Yard and attends as many of the basketball games as possible. Dave is a member of the Letter "M" Club and stars at baseball. He played football 2 years, lettering both times. He also competed in track 2 years and this is his 3rd basketball year.
Those 8 cagers have been the Midvale mainstays throughout the season. Others who have seen frequent action are Lonnie Fulp, 16, and Don Patterson, 16, Juniors and Bill Housel, 15 and Dave Belknap, 15, both Sophomores.
Thursday, March 21, 1957
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio
No comments:
Post a Comment