49 - Right Down The Line

Thursday, March 17, 1949
Dover, Ohio

THERE MAY BE QUITE an exhibition of courage in the Wills Gymnasium in Kent tonight.  All-Ohio Senior forward Jack Ford and Senior guard Jim Golder, Blue Devils front court star, climbed out of their sick beds yesterday to take their places tonight in the Regional Tournament against the North Canton Vikings.

Of the two, Ford was suffering the most severe handicap, a stubborn chest congestion.  Even this morning, when Midvale left for Kent, it was uncertain whether Ford would start.  He was in bed from Sunday until yesterday when he was permitted to sit up for the 1st time.  Golder ran afoul of the flu bug and is somewhat weakened by the bout.

Realizing this may be their last chance for a shot at the State Title for some time, they are making all-out efforts that will require a maxium of courage.  Four members of last year's Regional finalists, Ford, Golder, Senior forward Dave Rennicker and Junior center Bob Sherrell, will be out there tonight.  Except for Sherrell, this is it.

FOR THE BEST EXAMPLE of sportsmanship shown by a participating team and its following in the Class A and B Regional High School Tournament at Kent this week, radio station WAND, of Canton, will donate a plaque as a good will gesture.  A board of 5 judges will make the decision after watching games tonight, Friday and Saturday nights.

Ticket sales at Wills Gymnasium for the Midvale-North Canton battle will start at 6:30PM tonight.  Capacity crowds of 4,000 ae expected for all tournament sessions.

NOTE:  MIDVALE STAR REMOVED FROM STARTING LINEUP

Although he will not be in the starting lineup, All-Ohio Senior forward Jack Ford will be available for duty tonight as a Reserve,  Head Coach Bill French of the Blue Devils stated early this morning prior to the team's departure for Kent and their battle with North Canton in the Regional Tournament.

Ford, ill since Sunday with a chest congestion, was given a physician's OK to make the trip today, but was warned not to play unless it became necessary.

Senior Gene Byers, 6-1, will replace Ford in the Midvale starting lineup, French indicated.  The team left at 9:30PM this morning following a rally at the school.