Clinton-Massie still does not have a Week 5 opponent for the varsity football team.
Following Chillicothe dropping the Falcons from the 2017 schedule, CM athletic director Cindy Running and football coach Dan McSurley are searching for an opponent to fill out the schedule.
Running said Thursday night there is still hope. She reminded me that Steubenville wasn’t signed to a deal for 2015 until March. Running said McSurley went to a coach’s clinic in February and found out about Steubenville’s opening.
Not having a Week 5 game could potentially derail a Falcons’ playoff bid but doesn’t eliminate them. Fewer chances for a misstep but the path would ultimately be the same.
THINGS I DON’T UNDERSTAND: The ruckus over Major League Baseball’s decision to eliminate some of the hazing tactics is something I just don’t get.
Even at the high school level, freshmen many times carry equipment to and from practice. They do it in full pads or whatever attire they wear for their specific practice.
They don’t do it in a cheerleader uniform (unless their cheerleaders, of course) or in a Disney princess outfit.
I’ve been part of plenty of teams and never went through, nor did I think about putting another person through a hazing ritual to make them feel like one of the team.
In baseball, I’d be OK with a uniformed rookie going outside the stadium to get a veteran a cup of coffee or doughnut. But to do it in dress-up mode, just puzzles me.
CHRISTMAS BOWLING: Our office held its annual Christmas party at Royal Z Lanes Friday. I was prompted to “put something in the paper” regarding the results of our bowling competition.
Team Graf defeated Team Naughty 1,414 to 1,261. A year’s worth of bragging rights accompanies the victory, I’m told.
Team Graf consisted of team captain Randy Graf (198), Dawn Gunkel (169), Denim Arrasmith (158), Gary Huffenberger (190), Jayla Wallingford (230), John Hamilton (170) and me (299).
Team Naughty was “led” by team captain Elizabeth Mattingly (167), Matt Louallen (201), Brad Sullender (203), Tina Wells (150), Amanda Vanness (171), Amber Stebbins (189) and Lisa Watson (180).
A TRIBUTE IN CLOSING: For 30 years, Tony Long has been a champion for education. He has been a devoted educator and leader for those in the industry.
But for more years than that, he has been a dear friend. And for that I am thankful beyond what any words could express.
Whether his role was as a coach, teacher or administrator, Tony always did what was best for education, not always what was best for him and his family. Whether it be a late night or early morning, Tony was out there looking to do the right thing for the student, teacher, or administrator.
Now it is time for Tony to do what is best for him and his family, with hopefully many new chapters to be written for The Book. With a wonderful mother and father and wife by his side, Tony has decided to retire from his position as the superintendent of the Southern Ohio Educational Service Center, devoting more time to his family and friends.
To that, I say, congratulations my friend. Job well done.
And speaking for those past, present and future students, teachers and administrators, thank you for giving them a better opportunity to be a champion just like you.
