59 - The Magic Number Is "100"

NEW PHILADELPHIA - The magic number is:  "100."  For, with the century mark for the always-serious Head Coach Ralph "Pete" Hilliard would come a victory over the defending State Class A Champions of Ohio.  It's a tall order for the whiz kids of the Midvale Blue Devils, but for Hilliard it would certainly be a nice present.  Not only would the 100th victory under Hilliard be a step in the right direction, but would also add to his already record breaking mark during his 5 seasons at the head post.

The Blue Devils opening Regional game at Canton Field House tomorrow evening against the Northwestern Huskies (23-2) is a big order.  But winning basketball games is nothing new for the school located among rich coal fields in Tuscarawas County.  The game is to start at 7:00 Friday, followed at 8:30 by another semi between Braceville (25-2) and the Old Washington Warriors (27-1).  The winners are booked for a Saturday evening contest at 8:00 and a trip to Columbus for the finals.

Midvale, thanks to some great support by towns folk alumni and Superintendent Joseph Zack, who believes in good basketball, has come along way since 1943.  Since losing all its 14 starts in the 1942-43 season, the Diablos have had only one losing season.  With a mark of 9-14 in 1954, their only losing season in 12 years, there followed as a result a coaching change.

Upon the scene came Ralph "Pete" Hilliard who had been serving as an assistant coach.  Taking over the head post was a big step for the round faced, short and crew-cut young man who had graduated from Tuscarawas High School in 1945.  Winning is almost a must at Midvale.  Fans demand it and the kids want it too.  Thus, the order was a large one for Hilliard.

In addition to his couple of years as an assistant there and his degree from Kent State, the new mentor didn't have what you might call "seasoned experience in the game."  He, like many outstanding coaches, such as Paul Brown, hadn't played the game much himself in either high school or college.  In fact, intramural ball was the extent of his cage career in the latter part of his education.

But, it is no secret to ardent athletic fans that those on the bench many times learn the game much more thoroughly than the full-time players.  So, with this as his start and the cooperation of the school and village, Hilliard set out to build basketball fortunes for the 600-population community.

In his 1st season he led the club to 2nd place in the Tuscarawas County League, annually, one of the best balanced loops in the State.  After a 14-6 mark in regular season he then took the Blue and Gold to the 1st game of the Sectional Tournament before bowing out with a 17-8 mark.  It was 2nd place again in the 1956 League Season for the Midvale Blue Devils who this time made it to the Sectional finals before falling before the Strasburg Tigers.  The Blue Devils ended with a 20-6 mark.

Then, during a rebuilding season in 1957, Midvale finished up with a so-so 10-8 regular season mark.  Things looked bad for the Diablos and already some of the more rabid fans had petitions going around for Hilliard's resignation.  But, the Devils weren't dead yet.  It won the 1st game of the County Tournament.  Things looked a little better.  But, the 2nd test wasn't so rosy as they bit the dust via the Stone Creek Golden Panthers.  Thrown into the Consolation Division brackets...3 teams were authorized to advance...Midvale emerged as the Consolation Division Champions.

Things looked a little better now, but some fans were still seeking signatures.  Then came the District Tournament.  Then, the Regional Tournament.  Then on to Columbus with a 21-9 record after the 10-8 regular season mark.

It was a tremendous thrill for the Blue And Gold and the kids who played so religiously for the almost ousted mentor.  The 1st game had the Midvale Blue Devils matched with Ayersville.  They bowed in the 1st round...but it was to the ultimate State Champions, the Blue Devils were met at home that following Sunday by a mob of proud well-wishers and happy fans.  Midvale and Head Coach Pete Hilliard in particular, had done alright.  The petitions were burned.  Then came 1958, druing which the Diablos won the County League Championship as well as the tournament.  But, in the 1st game of the Sectional Tournament the Gnadenhutten Indians made the Devils alsorans.  They finished with a good 19-3 mark...however.

An All-Veteran team greeted Hilliard in late fall in 1958; although, one of the boys who had seen considerable action at Columbus in 1957, was not in sweat clothes.  Tom Krocker, a 5-10 guard was hobbling around because he had a broken leg in football.  The picture did not look exceptionally bright.  Krocker was thought to be the key man.

Nine games into the season and Krocker still out.  The Blue and Gold had copped 8 victories and lost one.  Then, with Krocker back, the Midvale Blue Devils started rolling again.  Since the guard's return the Devils have not lost a game.  Taking a 22-1 record into the Regional Tournament test with the Northwestern Huskies, Hilliard thus has 99 victories since arriving in Midvale.  During the same period the Blue Devils have lost 28 games.  The Diablos wrapped up both the County League and Tournament this season.

The best records in school history were posted in 1948 and 1949 when, under Head Coach Bill French, now a teacher at Tuscarawas Valley, the Blue and Gold had marks of 27-4 and 26-2, gaining Regional berths both seasons before bowing.  French had 73 wins in 3 seasons.  Thus, Hilliard has become the winningest Head Coach of them all.


Thursday, March 12, 1959
Don Wagner, Sports Editor
The Daily Times
New Philadelphia, Ohio