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UNIFIED BANK 146987 6 x 9.75 LIVING LEGENDS THE TIMES LEADER - Friday, July 27, 2018 - B3

By RICK THORP Bruney returned to the Ohio Valley, Bruney,Times Leader Sports Writer Ferry will always be synonymousaccepted his first head coaching job at Bridgeport. MARTINS FERRY — When Dave “We had great coaches and great senior Bruney announced his retirement as Mar- DAVE class,” Bruney recalled of his time in tins Ferry’s head football coach in May, he BRUNEY Brookside. The Bulldogs finished 9-1 in did so at the facility that bears his name — looks on dur- 1978 and posted victories against Ty The Dave Bruney Football Complex. ing a game a Fleming’s St. John outfit and yes, his alma Having a facility named after you, in few seasons mater. itself, is an honor. But what really touched ago. When the “It was bittersweet,” Bruney said of Bruney was what took place in the min- Purple Riders defeating the Purple Riders. “My cousin utes, hours and days after he stood on the open the sea- Bob and I had coached all of those kids turf there with his family at his side. before I left. Bridgeport had a great senior Bruney, who retired after 39 seasons, son, it’ll be the first time since class and Martins Ferry had a great junior heard from a plethora of former players, class.” coaches and friends, who offered congrat- 1979 that Bruney isn’t When Bruney accepted the head job at ulations on his career, which is legendary, Martins Ferry a year later, he led the Pur- not in the Ohio Valley, but across the state. the head coach. He ple Riders past the Bulldogs, 18-6, part of “They talked about the impact they a 10-0 campaign. Bruney started his head think we had on their lives,” Bruney said retired in May, but his pre- coaching career 19-1. Piece of cake, right? recently during a sitdown at his home. Not exactly. Although Bruney believed senve will Bruney said “we.” During most of the he had a pretty good plan in place. conversation, he spoke more about assis- always be felt “We always felt like we had to play tants than himself. For him, his journey because of great defense and we had to run the foot- has been one of togetherness and integrat- the impact ball,” he said. “If you do that consistently, ing many factors that have produced a and success you develop an identity and your kids solid resume. he had. develop an identity and the community’s “Life skills, integrity, character, work identity is developed into that.” ethic ... everything that goes into making a Martins Ferry went 4-6 in 1980 before person a successful person,” Bruney said Photo/JOE LOVELL posting seven and eight victories in the when asked about what defines success. Bruney led the Purple Riders to 275 of next two campaigns, respectively. the program’s 700 victories, the last of pride. notably with Jon Gruden in Tampa Bay “People think you have this magic which came at Bellaire’s Nelson Field last “I’ve been lucky to have been around and Mike Shanahan in Denver. wand,” he said. “It varies from year to fall. guys where all I really had to do was pay “We had six guys in my senior class that year.I think the kids will give you every- Consistency was a hallmark of Bruney’s attention and be mindful of how those played major college football and three thing if they know how much you care. squad. Since 1990, Martins Ferry pro- guys conducted themselves. That ties into juniors that did,” Bruney said. “We That part of it has been very good to us duced just one sub .500 squad. And, along the tradition here at Martins Ferry. weren’t very good, but it was because we over the years. I never treated anyone dif- the way, the Purple Riders qualified for “The tradition was part of our culture changed coaches three years in a row.” ferent than my own two boys (Zac and postseason play in 14 of his final 20 sea- and our family and our community.” Bruney vowed, that if he ever became a Trevor) and I was awfully hard on them, sons. While Bruney’s coaching days were head coach, he’d do his best to bring sta- maybe to a fault.” “The kids’ expectations were always filled with victories, his playing days bility. Bruney’s legacy lives on in those he high,” Bruney said, “and we had kids that weren’t. During Bruney’s final three sea- “I had in my mind that if I ever had an mentored. And while he shied away a bit were willing to work as hard as they could sons — 1966-68 — Martins Ferry won opportunity to eventually come back and from saying he has a “coaching tree,” to maximize their potential. To me, we’d two games, both coming in 1968, a season coach here we were going to give some there’s no question there’s many coaches already won by doing that. in which Bruney was a captain. consistency to the program. I think we did in the area who’ve benefited from being on “Even if you don’t win a game, maxi- “We had three different coaches in those that. We had great support as far as (the a Bruney staff. mizing your potential and playing together three years — Carl Mamone, Pete Barren administrators) allowing us to bring guys “When you hire guys, you hope they as a group and putting your teammates and Larry Coyer — and they were all pret- in that were good coaches, good men and aspire to be as good a coach as they can first is the essence of high school sports, in ty good.” good role models.” be,” he said. “Those are usually the guys general, not just football.” Bruney had praise for all of them. After playing at Ohio University, who have aspirations of being a head The name Bruney, in itself, exudes Mar- “I can remember just how he carried Bruney returned to the OV and cut his coach and want to learn and learn how to tins Ferry football. Coach was 8 when he himself,” Bruney said of Barren “He had coaching teeth at Buckeye North in 1973. teach the game.” attended his first Martins Ferry-Bellaire an assistant that played at Clemson, Bill In 1974, he made his way back to his As he steps away, Bruney said he’ll game and from then on he was steeped in Miller, and those two guys just carried alma mater as an assistant for his cousin, cherish the relationships he developed with the Purple Rider tradition. themselves in a way that when you looked Bob. his players the most. Family members up and down his tree at them you thought ‘I just wanna be like Early in 1977, Bruney accepted a grad- “I think the longer you go, the more you have some place in Purple Riders lore, and those guys.’ I never wanted to disappoint uate assistant position at Marshall. It was enjoy watching the players develop,” he when “Coach Dave” put on the jersey for those guys.” about that time that he and his wife, said. “It’s really gratifying when you the first time in the mid 1960s he joined Coyer, after two seasons at Ferry, went Cheryl, started dating. watch a kid with below-average to average an illustrious list of men who did so with on to a successful college and pro career, Following a season in Huntington, ability maximize his potential.” LIVING LEGENDS THE TIMES LEADER - Friday, July 27, 2018 - B4

By BUBBA KAPRAL a 9-2 finish, losing to Photo Provided was the standard bearer for opportunity to play for him. BruneyExecutive Sports Editor Doylestown brothers Chippewa in lovedPICTURED playing ARE all that throughout for his A lot of Dad people don’t real- the playoffs. Zac (8) and entire career. ize that from the time I MARTINSFERRY- Zac went on to author a Trevor (9) “I think the best part was could walk, I spent every Often times a head football sparkling career at Mount Bruney in their that you got to experience day I could at the field with coach also serves as a role Union, where he quarter- Mount Union your high school career him, my brother, the play- model to his players. backed the Purple Raiders uniforms. Both with one of the two people ers, coaches, etc.,” Trevor For brothers Zac and to a 27-1 record as a starter Bruneys won that loved you the most (he said. “I literally grew up at Trevor Bruney such a and was a finalist for the national title and my mom). Football is the football field. Going to notion really hit home...lit- Gagliardi Award as the rings for the Pur- so engrained in the commu- the field four times a day to erally. Most Outstanding Player in nity, so engrained in the help him move and run the The two former Martins Division III. He was a ple Raiders, but area and means a lot to so sprinklers on the old grass Ferry grid stars played for a member of two national it was their time many people. You always before turf was even a coaching legend - their dad, championship teams. playing under wanted to wear the Purple thought; Playing hide and Dave. For some, such an Trevor, meanwhile, was their dad, Dave, and White and strap up Fri- seek (obviously trying our arrangement may prove a dynamic running back. with the Purple day nights under the lights best to hide that from the uncomfortable. Such was He captained his 2003 Pur- Riders that they growing up. As you grew coaches so the game lasted not the case for the pair of ple team to a 9-3 finish, cherish the up, it felt like that day longer) under the old stands all-Ohio gridders. losing to Coshocton in most. would never come, and before the fieldhouse was Each relished the chance round two of the OHSAA then when it did, the time built; sitting in those same to play for dad. playoffs. to enjoy a lot of success in on), how went by so fast,” he added. old bleachers and having Zac starred at quarter- “It was probably the best high school, college and in we worked in the weight “But, there wasn’t any type lunch during two-a-days back for the Purple Riders. experience in my playing Arena ball. Playing for my room and in the off-season, of scenario that was a where it was sometimes He was the senior captain career (playing for my dad). dad, tops it all,” Zac said. “I how we practiced and how “gimme.” Trevor and I had hotter than it was out on the in 1999 leading his team to I feel very fortunate and got think I appreciate the expe- we played. The overall to work for everything we field for practices; looking rience much more now that experience of Rider football got. Just like everyone else up into the bleachers at I am older... and now that I and the standard of excel- in the program. Actually, Floto Field during every am a father myself. At lence was laid down by the standard was higher. single practice and seeing Ferry we were held to an many, many coaches and That’s probably the way my grandfather there, and incredibly high standard in players before I got my my brother felt, probably getting to run up and sit how we conducted our- chance in the late 90s. But, the way my cousin Craig with him every single selves (off the field and I think overall, he (my dad) felt in playing for his dad, day...at the time, I never my Uncle Bill, because he knew how much some of was one of the state’s best those small things would defensive coordinators, bar stick with me forever and none. I think and probably be some of my greatest unwarranted — you put memories growing up. extra pressure on yourself “Having the opportunity to be successful, not to to play for my dad, I make mistakes, be as good wouldn’t choose any other as you possibly can be - not path, under any other because you wanted the coach, regardless of level. success for yourself — but The memories, the wins you never wanted to let him and losses, the ups and and the staff as a whole downs, the times we shared down, as well as your team- as coach and player, father mates.” and son, and the support of Trevor, meanwhile, also the entire family and com- dearly embraces the oppor- munity, I couldn’t ever tunity he experienced play- imagine or appreciate any ing for his father. other high school playing “It’s always easy to say experience than the one I ‘yes, I did’ and move on was blessed with,” he when friends, other coach- offered. “I have said this to es, people in passing, etc. everyone that has ever ask this (about if he asked me, and I said it to enjoyed playing for his numerous Ferry teams after dad), but when you go into me, going on and winning a little more depth, a simple three national title rings in ‘yes’ doesn’t do justice to college “I would give them how grateful and apprecia- all back, without even a tive I am that I got to play hesitation in exchange to for my dad. It goes so much relive those moments on deeper than just having the See, BROTHERS, Page B8 LIVING LEGENDS THE TIMES LEADER - Friday, July 27, 2018 - B5

By KIM NORTH come from behind in the week they (St. John’s) beat playoffs after a sub-par 1-3 wise known as Youngstown Clay was a great wrestler, ManyTimes Leader Sports Writer teams,last two minutes to win. playersBellaire on a Saturday start. jump Included in that six- outUrsuline in to Steubenville. Bruneyas was Chas, but he was a Bellaire took a safety and afternoon, and Bellaire had game win streak was a 42- They had 11 D-I players on really good defensive back MARTINSFERRY— they were up 6-2. On our a nice team that year. That 39 shootout victory over a D-4 team. We get a D-I and wide receiver. Matt Dave Bruney amassed 284 last possession we went 70- really sticks out in my Harrison Central; a come- player every five years, Robinson was also a really victories in his 39 years as some yards for a touch- mind. from-behind 14-10 triumph maybe,” he stressed. “Heck good player on that team.” a head football coach, with down and scored with sec- “The other one was we at Indian Creek; and a 38- of a game. It ended up The Purple Riders 275 of those coming at his onds to go in the game.” beat Martins Ferry and, I 19 domination of Wheeling something like 69-44. outscored the opposition beloved Martins Ferry High ∫ As a rookie head think Bridgeport had only Central. “That team was blessed 466-111 in 13 games. School. He was also 9-1 in coach, Bruney won his first beat Martins Ferry twice in However, in the regular- with a really, really good Only Pataskala Watkins his first season as a head Ohio Valley Athletic Con- something like 70 years. season finale at arch-rival senior class that included Memorial and St. coach, that coming at ference championship with We beat them 18-6 at Bellaire the Purple Riders the likes of Fred Ray, Clairsville scored in double neighboring Bridgeport. the Bull- B r i d g e - posted a 21-18 triumph in Adam Zann, Donnie Cash, figures (14 each). When asked what his top dogs 10 port on a the mud for the school’s Craig Bruney, George ∫ The 2003 season was memories were, he came up y e a r s Saturday 700th all-time win. That Shreve and JR Thomas. Zac a memorable one for the with three-and-a-half pages after he n i g h t . ranks fourth in Buckeye (Bruney) was in a junior in fact it brought the pro- of notebook paper that w a s That was State history behind state that class with Tony Col- gram’s first postseason vic- detailed numerous games graduat- kind of powers Massillon Washing- lette and Jay Wallace.” tory — a 56-6 thrashing of from 27 different seasons, ed from b i t t e r - ton, Canton McKinley and ∫ In 2004 the Purple Proctorville Fairland in the which was narrowed down Martins sweet for Steubenville. went 9-0 in the regular sea- opening round. A week to the top 11 by The Times Ferry. me. We “Beating Bellaire for the son as a game with Lisbon later, the Purple dropped a Leader sports department. “ W e had a school’s 700th win will be Anderson wasn’t played 34-14 decision to Coshoc- ∫ In his first season at w e r e v e r y one of those games I due to flooding. They fin- ton. Martins Ferry in 1979, v e r y g o o d remember for ever,” ished 12-1. “We started 0-2 that year Bruney led the Purple-and- lucky to s e n i o r Bruney admitted. Not only “We lost to Youngstown before winning nine White to a perfect 10-0 h a v e c l a s s . did we win the school’s Cardinal Mooney in the straight games,” Bruney season. However, that was s o m e They had 700th game, but we gave state semifinals in Massil- thought back. “I remember well before the Ohio High r e a l l y a real that game ball to our head lon, “Bruney recalled of a Nick Stankovich kicking a School Athletic Association g o o d g o o d cheerleader Sam Eimer 27-6 reversal. “We had 28-yard field goal to beat instituted its first playoff players. j u n i o r who was battling cancer at some memorable games (current Martins Ferry system. We only class, so the time. That was very that season. We beat New assistant coach) Gregg had 25- when I emotional. Albany at Zanesville 35-0 Bahen and Steubenville “We had a pretty good Photo Provided team, but we didn’t make 26 play- DAVE BRUNEY (left) joins Craig came up “We also beat Wheeling for the regional champi- Catholic. the playoffs. They only ers on Miller (sitting) for his college here the Central here who obviously onship and they were 12- “My youngest son, the team, f o l l o w - had a good team and went 0.” Trevor, was a senior that took the champion of each signing in 1979 at Bridgeport of the four regions,” but we ing year, on to win a state title.” Martins Ferry also season. I wasn’t real smart Bruney recalled. “We beat had a High School. Also pictured is t h o s e Some of the players he topped Bellaire twice that and thought I’d make him a Ironton 5-2 (TDs) in a g r e a t then BHS principal Bill Zanders. j u n i o r s cited for their accomplish- season (21-7 regular season wideout. He end up rushing scrimmage in Ironton. We s e n i o r w e r e ments were Dalton Hoover, and 33-7 in playoffs). for 1,680 yards and only went on the yellow buses group,” he acknowledged now seniors and they were Cory Bennett, Hunter Bod- Current Martins Ferry had seven carries in the first all that way and beat them. of that talent-ladened 1978 pretty good.” kin and Demetrius Dokes. head coach Chas Yoder three games. Trevor ended We finished second (in the squad. “We ended up 9-1 ∫ During what turned ∫ The 1998 team may was one of the standouts, up being the offensive dis- region) and they got in at and won an OVAC champi- out to be his final season of have been the best Bruney along with Clay Tucker and trict player of year.” first and beat Akron St. onship. That got my career roaming the Purple side- had. It averaged 58 points a Ryan Church. The two regular-season Vincent-St. Mary, 7-6, for off to a pretty good start.” lines at the facility named game which was top in the “Chas was the was setbacks came at the hands the state championship. Players like Craig Miller, after him, Bruney’s charges state that season. defensive player of year in of Buckeye Local and Lis- “That 1979 team was a Dave Delman, Jim Pri- finished 7-3 and qualified “We lost to the Mahon- district and Ryan was the bon David Anderson, both pretty good football team.” movic, Mike Montelone, for the Division V state ing County All Stars, other- offensive player of the year. Guys like Jimmy John- Kelly Rine, Ricky See, TEAMS, Page B8 son, Bubba Coleman, Goodrich, Scott Lindsey, Wayne Campbell, Dennis Rich Brothers to name just Swearingen, Jeff Kepreos, a few were really good Scott Woodford, Sam players. Zavatsky ... were really, “There are two games I really good players. remember that year, specif- “The game that sticks out ically, that were big,” in my mind was when we Bruney remembered. “Ty beat Bellaire 9-6 in Bellaire Fleming was the coach at to go undefeated. Bellaire St. John’s that year, and played really well and it they had a good team that was in the mud,” he added. year. We opened with them “We had a couple of touch- and we beat them 35-6 at downs called back in the Bridgeport, so that was my first quarter and had to first career win. The next LIVING LEGENDS THE TIMES LEADER - Friday, July 27, 2018 - B6 Q and A with Dave Bruney ... By SETH STASKEY juices or mojo, if you will, camp? who worked very hard, and Times Leader Sports Editor would get kickstarted DB: Strange! Counting I was very hard on them, in during the course of the nine years as a player, developing into fine play- MARTINSFERRY— offseason? come August 1, I was a part ers. Another thing that Family, memorable games DB: I didn’t think about of something bigger than stood out was having all and players and even a look not coaching until as time myself for 54 years. I don’t three of my children pres- at the 2018 Martins Ferry went on. Dirk Fitch ran the know what it is to go ent me for induction into Purple Riders weights for me in January through August without a the Ohio High School Foot- All of those topics and and I started coming toward football camp. The last time ball Coaches Hall of Fame, plenty more were discussed the end of January and then I didn’t have August foot- especially my daughter, when Dave Bruney sat he went to track in Febru- ball practice to go to I was Ashley. She was able to down with The Times rary and I was good. Even a 12 years old. It’s going to reduce me to tears in the Leader recently after his couple of weeks after I did be very different, to say the two minutes she spoke. She retirement from coaching retire, I was involved. The least. I always felt like we was really something and football. juices never really stopped, were working to not only other coaches in the room, You have to figure, when but it was just a matter of be as good as we could be that night, commented on you’ve spent more than 40 what would be the best for as a football team, but to how special her remarks years doing something, everyone.” give our players lifetime were. I had two boys who you’ve come to the point TL: When you formally memories and lessons they were all-Ohio players and where you’ve done and handed in your letter of could refer back to during (Ashley) might have been a seen a lot. Photo/JOE LOVELL retirement to your respec- their personal lives. better athlete than both of Here’s the interview with DAVE BRUNEY shouts instructions to his players tive school administra- TL: You are one of the them. Another thing that Coach Dave: during a game in 2015. tors, what was the feeling winningest coaches in the sticks out, and I can close TL: Well, now that it’s like? state of Ohio, what, if my eyes and still see this, in been almost two months DB: Not many. It does just going to leave it at that. DB: It was kind of surre- anything, would you do 1979, we went undefeated. since your formal retire- feel strange. We’re trying We weren’t sure how to al. It was hard to get the over again if you had the My mother wasn’t in very ment, how has life to help and support – with- proceed after that exactly words out. It was like 45 chance? good health and during the changed? out getting in anyone’s way until later in May. We were years, counting the years as DB: Not much. victory parade by Fatty DB: Really ... very little. – as much as we can. We’re encouraged to take more an assistant, like it had last- Although, when I was Joseph’s bar, she was I’ve been down here (at the trying to gradually ween time – both by our adminis- ed 15 minutes. That part thinking about it, when I standing in the crowd. She field) helping out a little bit ourselves off of it. I am a tration and our assistants. was tough. Because, it’s was younger I had some blew me a kiss. That seems with the weight program, history buff, and to quote The decision was, needless like, ‘My goodness. Where really great coaches with like last night to me. Some spent some time encourag- George Patton, ‘old soldiers to say, very, very difficult did the time go?’ But, it me. Dirk Fitch for 34 years, other things are helping ing the players and I even never die. They just fade and very emotional. It still was fun. You have so many Rich Weiskercher, Vince with the upgrades and helped to pass out helmets. away.” That’s about how I is at times, too. We thought good times and never ever Suriano, Tom Suriano, improvements to our facili- Cheryl and I have spent feel. it was the right thing for felt like I went to work a Buzz Evans, my brother, ties. They were absolutely some more time with the TL: You retired in everyone involved. Seniors day in my life. Couldn’t Bill; Merwin Bowdish horrendous for years, but grand children, and one May, and I am guessing are only seniors once and wait to get here. The pas- when I was at Bridgeport finally – with the help of a huge plus is that she’s not this wasn’t a wake up one we didn’t want to be a dis- sion for the game, players, and I don’t think I let those lot of people – we got this done me any physical harm morning and that was it traction. coaches and our community guys do enough. When I place to where it is. Watch- yet because she retired also. kind of decision, so what TL: Having said that, was special. We still have was younger, I tried to do ing Chad Brinker run over TL: When you officially led to the timing to do it what was the winter like? that, too. everything myself. Looking Nail Diggs on the goal line came to grips with the deci- later in the school year? Did you know you would- TL: Camp is just a few back at it, we problably at Ohio Stadium and he ran sion that it was time, how DB: We had some issues n’t be coaching in 2018 or weeks away, how weird would have been better if I flat over him. Both of my often did you change your to get through, and I am did you kind of think the will it be not officially tak- had been smart, or secure boys were with me and they mind? ing part in a football enough in myself, to allow said, “Dad, did you see those guys to do more than that?” I said, “I sure did.” they did. Don’t get me Obviously, we had some wrong. They did a lot. I OVAC championship wised up as I went along in teams, great playoff teams my career and I think we and all of those seasons are were better because of it. special. I’d slight someone TL: When you look if I mentioned anyone by back on your coaching name.” career, what do you deem TL: Obviously, you’ve your proudest moment? coached a bunch of really DB: There are a lot of talented players, who’ve them and I don’t know to gone to be successful peo- single one out. But, some ple. How much do you things that stood out in my mind are coaching two sons See, INTERVIEW, Page B7 LIVING LEGENDS THE TIMES LEADER - Friday, July 27, 2018 - B7 • Interview Continued from Page B6 value the personal side of respecting how hard they to do. It’s not hard to coach about coaching football. respected, consistent pro- 11 and stay on call, so she coaching? worked to give themselves Chad Brinker, Fred Ray, You’d have an individual gram that had an identity. wouldn’t have to work on DB: I think it’s why you an opportunity to beat us. Jay Wallace and those or two year to year, but the We developed that. We had Friday to bring our kids to can have longevity. If you From Jake Olsavsky, to types of types of guys. You last 20 years it’s gotten great kids, assistants, the games. The impact of a don’t enjoy the personal Mike Sherwood, to John just have to point those progressively work. The administrators and a com- coach can’t be understated, relationships and be willing Magistro, to the Bonar guys in the right direction kids haven’t changed, but munity. We never had any but the impact of a coach’s to do a little bit more for Brothers and now Mark and get out of the way. The their environment has ifs or buts, but always con- wife on his career can’t be your players, I don’t know Spigarelli, we respected all average kid is so important changed. Many come to us cerned, year in and year understated in either a posi- you’re in coaching for the of those guys as coaches because they have to do the and have never heard of out, how can we be a little tive or negative way. She right reasons, particularly and men. The most impor- little things and fundamen- those aforementioned quali- bit better each year? We sacrified for me, our kids in high school. Inter- tant thing to me is as tals so well to maximize the ties. Many are raising them- were happy to be here and and for our family in gener- scholastic athletics are friends. All of the years talents God gave them to selves, so we’ve done more help kids from Martins al. I hit the jackpot marry- pure, so the relationships stick out. Some were wins work with. The time, con- mentoring the last 20 years. Ferry. ing her. you build last a lifetime. I and some were losses. The centration and effort that We felt our players needed TL: Your wife has TL: What was your don’t think the impact a 1994 season when Bellaire takes is tough for a lot of the lessons of football and been such a huge part of family’s reaction when high school coach can have was undefeated and we people to grasp. The most the things that football can your career, how big of an you told it you were done? can be overstated. I was were playing very well and gratifying experience for teach you. We felt some impact has your retire- DB: Very emotional, fortunate to have great finished 8-2. We beat them me was the average kid kids needed the lessons ment had on her? particularly my daughter. mentors. Those guys were here, 35-27, and I thought who works hard and ends more than football needed DB: She made tremen- She said, ‘dad, why don’t all great coaches, but for both schools, that year, up being a little bit better them. Sometimes you had dous sacrifices throughout you do it one more year?” the most part, all were great were good enough to win than average. That kid you to win a kid’s trust that you the years. She just retired as Things like that, but they family and community the state championship and look at him as a freshmen care about them and once an operating room nurse for understood it was the best men, too. They were guys neither of us got in. I and wonder if he will ever you’ve earned that trust, over 40 years. She would thing for everybody and not you didn’t want to disap- always thought that was a get on the field, and then they’ll let you pull that always schedule her work just us. That’s what we point. Plus, I was fortunate shame. All of them were his senior year he makes a good kid out. I don’t think around our kids and family. tried to do. There’s no to come from a great fami- great game. Some we won, play to help us win a game. the impact of high school Many times, she’d work 3- See, INTERVIEW, Page B8 ly. Really, all I had to do some we lost. To see that look on that coaches can ever be under- was pay attention to the TL: While coaching so kid’s face because he knew stated. people I was around. I am many talented players, I what it took to do that and TL: You interviewed or not sure everyone’s that am guessing you had guys he knows that I knew what considered a few other fortunate. My best assistant on your team from time to it took. The average kids jobs early in your coach- has been my wife, Cheryl. time who weren’t very who really want to excel, ing career, do you ever She’s the most mentally good players, but continu- have that drive and then ask yourself, ‘what if I tough and strongest person ally showed up each day, they have that moment of had taken that job at I’ve ever known. She’s a worked their rear ends off success, it’s so rewarding. xxxxxx?’ Either way, if rock. and made themselves bet- That’s the essence of you did or didn’t, why? TL: When you think ter than their original coaching. DB: We had an opportu- about the Bellaire game, skillset would have. How TL: Not talking about nity to leave for “bigger is there a year, other than rewarding were those strategies and such, but job” on a number of occas- 2017 and the 700th win, types of stories as a how has Ohio Valley foot- sions. But, when it got right that really sticks out to coach? ball changed since you down to it, we’ve always you? And if so, why? DB: Not time to time, became a head coach? loved Martins Ferry. We DB: The respect that but every year. Those are And do you foresee con- were dedicated to this place we’ve always had – both the most important guys on tinued changing? when we returned. Bob the school and community your team if you’re going DB: When we first start- Bruney started Martins – was always like looking to have a good team. That’s ed, most of our players Ferry on the way back to in a mirror because I the most rewarding part and came from stable, two-par- consistency as a respected always felt that respect was I think those kids appreci- ent launching pads where program and that’s what we mutual. The communities ate the time. I used to tell values were taught. Charac- wanted to accomplish. My mirrored each other. There our guys that there’s noth- ter, work ethic, conduct, senior class had three dif- were Blue-collar, hard- ing noteworthy about want- education, discipline and ferent head coaches and working, family-oriented ing to win on Friday night. responsibility were not just during my senior year, I people, so it was like play- Everyone wants to win on demanded, but expected. thought, ‘if I ever have the ing your brother. If you Friday night. I wanted to Your community, school opportunity (to coach here), know my brother, Bill, he’s coach guys who wanted to and family were all impor- Martins Ferry kids aren’t the most competitive per- win on Christmas Eve, on tant to you and you didn’t going to go through this son I know. That’s how my their birthday, on a snow want to do anything that again.’ We had nine kids on family felt about the Bel- day and a lot of those kids reflected poorly on those the team my senior year laire game. If you were for- who were average or below things. Those ideals were who played college football tunate enough to win, you average had that type of taught in the home and, for and we won two games. felt a sense of accomplish- drive in them. They were the most part, during those That was disappointing to ment through realzing and willing to do what they had years we just had to worry me. We wanted to be LIVING LEGENDS THE TIMES LEADER - Friday, July 27, 2018 - B8 • Teams • Interview Continued from Page B5 Continued from Page B7 of whom went 10-0. ance by a Purple Rider running points that season and had three them and probably deserved to win question we’ll miss it. In addition to the youngest back in school history. shutouts. that game.” We’ll see how the next Bruney and Stankovich, other “Chad Brinker ran for 7 touch- “Arguably, the second five Another game he recalled was in year or so goes. I never standouts included Kyle Ray, downs against a really good St. games of the year was one of the Week 10. want to say never, but right Brandon Garcia, Robert Kittle and Clairsville team,” Bruney noted. best, if not the best, team we’ve “Bellaire came here 9-0 and now, I don’t think I am Anthony Reasbeck. In addition to Brinker, Bruney had here,” Bruney said. “We lost to looking for the first undefeated going to coach again. But, ∫ Martins Ferry went 8-2 in the also singled out players like Joe Steubenville Central in a close record in school history. We played we’ll see how things go. 1997 season with losses to River Craig, Guy Jones, Nick game and then 14-13 at Buckeye a great first half. I think were up TL: Provide a brief and Bellaire. Yourkovich, Shawn Powell and Local. A lot of people thought Jeff something like 35-6 and had to synopsis of what Martins However, it was a Week 5 game Ryan Leonard for their perform- Dobson scored a 2-point conver- hold them off in the second half, Ferry fans can expect, in at the old Belmont County Fair- ances. sion that was allowed. Buckeye 35-27. your opinion, of the 2018 grounds (now Red Devil Stadium) ∫ In 1994, the Purple-and- Local ended up state runnerup that “Brian McFarland played one of Purple Riders. against rival St. Clairsville that White finished 8-2 with losses to year, losing to Chardon in the the best games I’ve ever seen a DB: From being around stood out in Bruney’s mind. It Steubenville Central (14-0) and finals. That was a heckuva Buck- high school player play,” Bruney (the field) a little bit, Chas might have been the best perform- Buckeye Local. They scored 344 eye Local team and we outplayed See, TEAMS, Page B10 Yoder and his staff are doing a terrific job, work- • Brothers ing very, very hard at it. They’re organized, they Continued from Page B4 have a plan and they’re Friday nights with my dad, and to on our high school football years, that there was never going to be score 12 touchdowns on you in the working to execute that play in one more Ferry vs. Bellaire are the things that impact our lives anyone within those walls of the next three years in the Ferry-Bel- plan with our players. Chas game, where it means so much to so more so than anything. locker room that thought I was get- laire game. I’m just playing basket- is a tough-minded coach many people, there was no feeling “We are a football family, ting any special treatment to make it ball next year’ - the thoughts were with a great work ethic. I like that in the world.” through and through, but the game on the field. My first day of two a endless during that first practice,” think he will do a great job. Trevor, who followed Zac’s foot- of football provided us with so days, my sophomore year, within he noted. “After our first session I think the fans can expect steps and played football at Mount much more than just remembering the first 10 minutes of practice, I ends, it took one sentence for me to to see a tough, hard nosed, Union, noted his dad left football at the wins and losses. Starting at had my first run in with “Coach realize that no matter what there blue-collar type team week the field and focused on family on home with my mom (the head Dave,” Trevor said. “The way I tell was always a method to the mad- the homefront. coach no matter what he says) and it, he asked, ‘Trevor why does your ness. He called me over, said, ‘No in and week out. “No matter what, he was a hus- my dad -- discipline, work ethic, be line only have six guys in it? I said one is ever going to sit in that lock- TL: Lastly, be honest. band and father first. I got to grow a good son and brother (teammate), seven lines of seven.’ Now, know- er room and say you have it easy.’ I Did you and Jay know up every day, learning and watching responsible, accountable, dealing ing we have 48 guys on the team, think any teammate of myself and each other would retire my hero be the best husband to my with adversity -- the list goes on and this is an easy answer for me. One brother would attest that not only on the same day? mother before anything. Be the best on, these are all qualities that were line will be one guy short, meaning myself and brother, none of us ever DB: Absolutely not. I father to my brother, sister and reinforced at home and every day at one line will have six guys, it’s my had it easy... the utmost was couldn’t believe it when I myself. Had a walking example of the football field also,” he contin- line. It wouldn’t have mattered what demanded at all times, and the les- heard Jay retired that day, someone who has mentored and ued. answer there was and who was sons we learned from those days at too. I had known and I am influenced more people in a life- Trevor, like his older brother, rel- there to give it for me, the old the beach, and on Friday nights, are sure he knew it was in the time, through the platform of foot- ished the opportunity to perform for school Riders know what happens lessons that we will use forever.” offing for both, he and I ball, than I could ever imagine pos- his dad. It was also a scenario that next. Zac put the perfect bow on play- sible for one person,” Trevor said. played out seamlessly amongst his “I went to give my extremely ing for his dad. sooner than later. I knew “As you get older that’s what you teammates. accurate answer, and that first word “I experienced a lot of emotions when I heard Jay retired realize matters most. Having team- “To be honest, this was some- didn’t make it out before I’m fum- through my high school career in too that everyone was mates, older players, younger play- thing that never really even was a bling around on the dirt infield with football. I wouldn’t trade any of going to think we were in ers, all reflect on the same senti- topic (that I was aware of), but I my helmet and a mouthpiece full of them for any other experience out cahoots on this. But, that ment, the times and lessons learned think the reason for that was it sand, thinking to myself, ‘I can’t there, especially the experience to wasn’t the case at all. I did- that have stayed with them far became very apparent very early, to wait to tell mom on you. I’m trans- play for my head coach and father, n’t have a clue it would be beyond when the lights turned off the staff and all of my teammates, ferring to Bellaire, I’m going to Dave Bruney.” the same day.

LIVING LEGENDS THE TIMES LEADER - Friday, July 27, 2018 - B10

FamilyBy RICK THORP was always a topcemented priority in that communi- ball, that’s for when track BruneyBruney said she would Times Leader Sports Writer ty. became an issue. For get passionate at times, but “It worked out fine. It myself, I don’t think it was mostly kept her cool and MARTINSFERRY— was really the perfect place ever really hard. You just rarely responded to criti- This fall, Zac Bruney will for us. It was good.” had to schedule well, you cisms as to what was taking embark on his first season Bruney was entrenched had to routine, you had to place on the field. as head football coach of in the area long before she do what you had to do. “Sometimes I did,” she the fledgling program at met her future husband. A “It wasn’t hard, but it said. Usually it was on Wheeling Jesuit. Bridgeport High grad, the was tiring sometimes.” games that we should’ve Although the Cardinals oldest of three children For years, the Bruney’s won, but didn’t; overtimes will be playing a junior var- underwent nursing training had a game week routine or when the games were sity slate, Cheryl Bruney is at what was then Ohio Val- that included going out to close. looking forward to watch- ley General Hospital and dinner on Thursdays with “It was heartbreaking ing her oldest son work as soon after begin what was a Dave’s sister and her fami- more than anything else he continues to move up the 43-year career in the field. ly at First Ward in Bellaire. because you knew how coaching ladder. She, too, retired recently. But, as the kids got older, hard the kids worked.” She’s been eyeing coach- “I don’t know if that’s a especially the boys, it As far as her husband, es from the stands the last good thing or a bad thing, changed. Bruney said he vary rarely four decades, keying in on you know,” she laughed. “I Zac, then Trevor, became brought his work home her husband, Dave, as he had been toying with it any- old enough to play. When with him. continued the storied grid- how and when (Dave) they did, it was mom’s duty “He pretty much kept it iron legacy at his alma made his decision I just to help “prepare” them all at the field,” she said. mater, Martins Ferry. made my decision, too.” for Friday nights. “Very rarely did he vent.” Bruney never envisioned So came to an end 40 “It got easier when the All in all, Bruney said it a ride like the one she and years of games, 40 years of kids weren’t playing,” she was great watching how her her family took. And when practices, 40 years of recalled. “I didn’t have to husband affected his play- Coach Bruney announced pregame meals and prepa- worry about getting them ers’ lives. his retirement in May after rations. The memories there. I just had to concern “He did have a large 39 years on the Purple Rid- linger, and Bruney said myself with Dave and get- impact on the kids,” she ers sideline, it caused her to they’ll always light her life ting him mentally pre- said. “He was more than a reflect on the journey that and make her smile. pared.” coach.” has encompassed their “It wasn’t like I had any- Both Dave and Cheryl Bruney choked up a bit entire married life, and then thing else to compare it to,” had their ways of preparing when thinking about a life some. she said of a life without mentally for games. Coach without football. “We just went year by football. “This has been the would arrive at the field “To be able to come year, continuing on,” she only thing we’ve ever done. well in advance of kickoff, home (after the games) said. “It just kind of got up Photo Provided It’s worked out well, all in while Cheryl might go for a with the grandkids, things to 40 years before we even DAVE AND Cheryl Bruney have been teammates for all.” walk near their Colerain like that,” she said, “it was knew it. some 40 years as husband and wife. Football -- and There were ups and home. just another home for us. “I guess, in the scheme specifically Martins Ferry High School football -- has downs in the beginning, she At the field, Mrs. Bruney “I know it sounds weird, of things, I knew he would- been a major part of their lives, too. However, Coach said, and when the kids would surround herself but that’s what it was. That n’t do anything else. Maybe Dave always made his family the top priority. The started to grow, things with friends, family and was our home. It was our somewhere else. Maybe we couple has three children, Zac, Ashley and Trevor. posed more of a challenge. other coaches wives. life. But it’s been good and would move, go to a differ- “When Dave went to “The crowds and the very rewarding. I really ent level of (coaching). But “A couple of times he I’ll tell you what, once you Ferry as head coach he was people, they very rarely loved being a coach’s wife. I figured this would be it had gone to an interview start having kids and they also an assistant track bothered me,” she said. “I I couldn’t see myself doing for the duration.” and stuff and we toyed with are established in school coach,” she said. “But that really didn’t hear all the anything else. As it happened, the the idea (of moving),” and have friends and activi- wasn’t until spring. stuff that was going on “It was really the best of Bruney’s never left Bel- Bruney remembered. “But ties, you’re pretty much “When the three kids around me. Every once in a times.” mont County. started things like summer while you would.” • Teams Continued from Page B8 explained. 2008 as it went 9-1 in the fellow OVAC member ∫ The 1991 season had our PAT kicker. We scored 23-6 at the start of the Other players that regular season and finished Union Local (49-14). a pair of games that stuck and Bellaire was up 21-20 fourth quarter, but we came Bruney mentioned in addi- 11-2 overall, losing to New “That was a pretty good out in Bruney’s recollec- late in the game. We direct- back and won 28-23. That tion to Dobson were quar- Lexington 21-14 in two football team,” Bruney tion. Of course, Bellaire snapped the ball to John game sticks out in my terback Jack Becker, Chad OTs for the regional title. said. “We had players like was once, with St. and he bulled his way into mind.” Sheets, Mike Rose and Ty Two weeks prior to that, Jeremy Murray, Matt Clairsville being the other. the end zone for the win. McFarland, Mikale Roby Thomas. the Purple Riders beat Shreve, Steve Woodford “We beat Bellaire 22-21 “We also beat St. and Brian Peterson were ∫ Martins Ferry won an Columbus Bishop Hartley and Brandon Leonard. We at Bellaire. (Current police Clairsville at St. Clairsville players that Bruney men- OVAC championship in (20-6) and then dispatched scored 389 points.” chief) John McFarland was in a game we were down in tioned. LIVING LEGENDS THE TIMES LEADER - Friday, July 27, 2018 - C10

By RICK THORP work. the couple’s daughters Football was a family thing“(Jay) for was gone Circosta a lot, aged, it stayed true to it’s Times Leader Sports Writer from July to November, core — family. WOODSFIELD — High gone a lot and that made it The Circostas would school football conjures up hard,” she said. “But he have folks over to the different memories for dif- was always here to back me home, with food aplenty in ferent people. up in whatever I did.” their rec room downstairs, Perhaps, it’s a play or a The couple worked as a which is adorned with game. Sometimes, music team, but in the father’s memorabilia from Jay’s sparks the mind. Or, it absence the mother laid career. Friends and family could be the view of the fall down the law in the house. would visit and talk about sun setting behind a trove “He was always there to the game or simply share in of season-splashed leaves. support me and to help with each other’s company. Donna Sue Circosta has (the girls),” she said. “Not She also went to the field seen almost everything dur- always physically, but we about three hours prior to ing the past 50 years from always knew he was in sup- kickoffs to erect the famil- her seat at the Monroe Cen- port.” iar teepee. tral football field. And it was returned ten- The Circosta abode also Nestled a few rows fold in the form of the sup- served as home base for the below the press box, Cir- port coach received. Monroe Central Football costa witnessed a large por- “I think it’s a job where Moms. Donna Sue served tion of her husband Jay’s the family takes on the job, as a liaison between he 336 victories during a too,” she said. “Even the group and Coach and kept career that concluded with kids. Everyone works the organization’s annual the Hall of Fame mentor’s together to make it happen. traditions like the Seminole retirement in May. But it’s not always easy.” Supper alive for different “I didn’t pick it,” said Circosta sought advice generations. Circosta, Jay’s wife of 52 from other wives. One Upon realizing that her years, of her spot in the nugget came from Anne husband would be stepping bleachers. “That’s what T-L Photo/RICK THORP Hayes, wife of one Wayne down, she transcribed they gave me and every MONROE CENTRAL’S Jay Circosta and his wife, Donna Sue, have been the Woodrow Hayes. everything she had written year they reissued the same ultimate team during Jay’s coaching career. Actually, it was a total family affair for “I asked her when I met on 5x8 notecards onto seat.” the Circostas. her ‘How have you handled 8x11 sheets of paper and And, every year, fellow this all these years?’ And made a book — the “Foot- fans — sometimes on both as family then boys who she recalled. “So, I under- few years later, he ascended she said “Honey, he’s chas- ball Moms Bible.” sides — saw “the old walked through their lives stood the game and what to the head job. But in no ing a football and not a “It has listed in it what cheerleader” come out in for four years. was going on.” way did his wife think it blonde.’ That was really needs to be done and when her. “A lot of the kids I had in After graduation in would be a half-century good advice. That, and the you need to do it,” she said. “It was a good seat,” Cir- first grade (as a teacher) 1962, Donna Sue matricu- ride. person who told me that if “Contact numbers ... every- costa smiled during a con- and, as a result, I watched lated to what is now Ohio “No,” she said. “When you’re happy where you are thing imaginable. I think it versation from her home, them all the way through,” University Eastern where you’re so young and so don’t move.” ended up being 15 or 17 which sits a stone’s throw Circosta said, choking back she started pursuing her busy with jobs you just The Circostas have never pages long. from the complex. emotions. “The boys are teaching career. Mean- think in terms of one day at been more at home than in “I gave it to the president “I only had a couple of dearly loved. All of them. while, Jay, who received a time.” Woodsfield. Jay had offers of the Football Moms, but I rows behind me and no one They’re like my kids. his diploma in 1963, And, as a coach’s wife, to leave, but at the end of still have a copy.” usually sat in front of me. We’ve been through some enrolled at West Liberty that’s pretty much how you the day decided what he Yes, coaches wives The people who sat in front good times and some bad targeting his own educa- live. had there couldn’t be never stop being that. of me knew they were times and that’s what it’s tional pursuits. In the beginning, the topped anywhere. His wife While their husbands put going to be a part of (the all about. From the start, Donna struggles were few and far agreed. away their playbooks and game).” “It’s not about wins and Sue knew Jay wanted to be between. But as the Circos- “We were close enough whistles, the relationships With cowbell in hand, losses. It’s about the kids. a coach. ta’s family grew, and their to home where our families remain. Circosta would cheer on the That’s what we’re going to “It was a given,” she children got older, more were close, and that made it Circosta still wears a Seminoles, encouraging miss the most.” said. “We never talked challenges arose. convenient,” Mrs. Circosta duplicate of a ring her hus- each player as if they were Donna Sue and Jay have about it. It was a given. Circosta doesn’t shy pointed out. “It’s just been band received commemo- one of her own. been inseparable ever since That was his goal.” away from the fact there a good place to live.” rating his 300th victory. In many ways, they their days at Shadyside The Circostas arrived in were difficult situations, The small-town setting It’s a memento that evokes were. High. Born 20 days apart, Monroe County when Jay ones that required both her enabled the Circostas to emotions but, at the same With no sons of their Mrs. Circosta was a grade accepted an assistant coach and Jay to work in tandem establish a well-oiled rou- time, serves as a reminder own — the Circostas have ahead of her future husband position under Bob Butts at to steady the household. tine when it came to of the good times; times, two daughters — players in school. Woodsfield High. When But in the end, everyone gamenights. While it was she said, will never excape on the team were seen more “I was a cheerleader,” Butts left for Union Local a came together to make it altered through the years as her. LIVING LEGENDS THE TIMES LEADER - Friday, July 27, 2018 - C9 • Coach Continued from Page C5 perfection. He was on two win the 1997 national runner-up finish in 1999. endary as well as the pre- “I thought it was pretty of standout gridders. LaFol- unbeaten teams — the championship. “I was lucky to play for game prayer. sweet. It was really special lette starred at Woodsfield 1993 Woodsfield squad, 5. Johnny Schumacher: him. We were always afraid “Being able to play for a my freshman year being from 1975-78, helping which was also the school’s Played for Monroe Central he was going to leave and legend is a great thing. He able to play with Luke. I lead the Redskins to a 30-9 final year of existence, and from 1995-98 with the go to another school. We was a father-figure to his took something from each mark. He played in the the 1995 Monroe Central Seminoles amassing a 35-5 knew he was a great coach players,” he added. “We one of my brothers to help 1979 OVAC All-Star team. The first-team all- mark during that span, and he had opportunities would run through a wall make me better,” he added. Game and went on to per- stater played in the 1996 including the undefeated elsewhere,” John said. “He for him.” The Schumacher football form at West Liberty. OVAC All-Star Game. He 1995 squad. The first-team is the best motivator I have John felt no pressure umbrella also includes “The Schumachers were went on to play for Jim all-stater went on to play at ever been around, even at having four brothers star Lance LaFollette. He is all great players and tough Tressel at Youngstown Youngstown State, helping Youngstown State. His pre- before him while playing married to Angie Schu- kids,” Circosta said. State, helping the Penguins the Penguins to a national game speeches were leg- for Circosta. macher, sister to the quintet MTF0040233 LIVING LEGENDS THE TIMES LEADER - Friday, July 27, 2018 - C8 • Memory Continued from Page C4 that something special was ted. knocking on door and time left us with 7 seconds on going to occur was when he “But last season we ran out. We also lost in the clock,” Circosta contin- looked into the bleachers struggled a little bit. We 1977.” ued. late in the fourth quarter. were 1-4 and maybe the The triumphs came 19 “Our quarterback from “When we were beating season was going in the years apart in 1981 and Monroe Central, Derek Frontier like 50-0 and there same direction as the year 2000, with both ending in Griffith, threw a hitch-and- was still a lot of people in before when we went 1-9. exciting fashion. streak to Bellaire’s Frankie the stands, I thought Then we turned it around. “In 1981 we won 17- Hibbits, who in turn tossed ‘there’s got to be something The big game was Magno- 14,” he noted. “Daryl it to Drew Spencer, also going on here.’ lia (a 31-19) that started us Shipp played on that team. from Bellaire, in the end “Then I looked down in on a season-ending five- He was from Woodsfield . zone as time expired. We the end zone and normally, game win streak, but in my Late in the game he threw a won 13-7. when the game is that mind, the big game was the halfback pass to Doug “It’s funny because the widespread, it is cleared upset of then-undefeated Mitchell from Shenandoah night before the game I was out, but it was full of for- and state-ranked Shenan- for 28 yards that setup the laying in bed and thought, mer players. I still get emo- doah (24-22). We went on game-winning heroics by ‘we didn’t put that hitch- Photo/KATIE PARKS tional when I talk about it, to win 6 of our last 7 and Martins Ferry’s Tommie and-streak in.’ The next day JAY CIRCOSTA was a fixture on the sidelines in but to get all of those guys just narrowly missed the Bruney. He kicked a 33- at practice we put it in and Woodsfierd for 50 seasons. He retired in May, but his to come back was a very, playoffs at 6-4. Had River yard field goal that hit it ended up winning us the legacy will last forever. very emotional night.” lost to Lucas, we would’ve crossbar and bounced over. game.” Another thing that sticks been in.” “Our quarterback Danny As always, Circosta out in his mind is whether For the success he had at Graham from Woodsfield deflected most —if not all it was Woodsfield or Mon- the two Monroe County three two touchdown pass- — of the attention to his roe Central, you were schools, he was selected to es,” Circosta remembered. teams. expected to win. Not just coach the OVAC Rudy “One was 15 yards to Don- “With my 100th, 200th now and then ... all the Mumley All-Star Football nie Wright of River and the and 300th wins, I don’t time. Game on four occasions. other went for 35 yards to look at them as much as I “In most cases we were He finished .500 after los- Springfield’s Brandon do what the team accom- always the favorite and not ing his first two appear- Elliott. plished.” the underdog. We really ances. “In 2000, Toronto’s His teams accomplished never got that chance to “We lost the first one 13- Brian Conlan ran in a fum- quite a lot ... 336 times to beat a team that was 6 in 1974,” he recalled. ble to tie the score at 7. be exact. favored over us,” he admit- “We were on 6-yard line West Virginia punted and

MTF0040197 COUNTRY CLIPPINS' LLC 146919 2 x 2 LIVING LEGENDS THE TIMES LEADER - Friday, July 27, 2018 - C7 • Interview Continued from Page C6 people. How much do you really hard to pick one TL: While coaching so dered why they even came mets. I also feel the state you told them you were value the personal side of game. I remember that four many talented players, I out. Again, as a senior they mandating and requiring done? coaching? of our six undefeated sea- am guessing you had guys were not only a starter, but testing and knowledge of JC: I think somewhat JC: I have always said sons ended with wins over on your team from time played a key role in the how to play the game in surprised that I actually did that the nice thing about Bealsville, 1991-1993- to time who weren’t very successes of the team. That this area makes our players it. I had talked about retir- coaching is that when the 1995 and 2002. All of the good players, but contin- is what coaching is all safer. ing so many different players are 15, 16, 17, 18 games had all the hype and ually showed up each about. TL: You interviewed times, I think they thought, years old you coach them were extremely intense liv- day, worked their rear TL: Not talking about or considered a few other here we go again. I owe and also serve as a father ing up to the hype. One of ends off and made them- strategies and such, but jobs early in your coach- everything to my family for figure in many cases. the greatest openings to selves better than their how has Ohio Valley foot- ing career, do you ever the support that they have When they get older they any Bealsville game, or for original skill set would ball changed since you ask yourself, what if I had given me over the past fifty become your friends, that matter that any game have. How rewarding became head coach? And taken that job? Either years. They have always which lasts for a lifetime. I that was in 1995. It was a were those types of stories do you foresee continued way, if did or didn’t why? said it was my decision on have always told our play- TV9 game of the week. as a coach? changing? JC: There were a couple how long to coach. They ers that once you are a After all four of the seniors JC: Those guys were the JC: I feel over the years of jobs that I interviewed allowed me to pursue what Redskin or a Seminole you planted lit spears into the real success stories. Those the players have changed for but I can honestly say has truly been my passion. are always a Redskin or a Seminole head, the Devil young men that you call and the parents have as I look back, even though I love them! Seminole and if there is mascot tried to put them your players, that posses a changed. I feel there are they were great coaching TL: Provide a brief anything I can do to help out with a fire extinguisher. lot of ability usually take more skilled players today jobs, I don’t regret for one synopsis of what Monroe you just let me know. A scuffle ensued and the care of themselves. It is opposed to years ago. I second not taking either of Central fans can expect, TL: When you think of Devil’s head caught on those players who work think one of the biggest those jobs. I have been in your opinion, of the the Bealsville games, is fire. As George Kellas said extra hard to earn a posi- disappointments today is in extremely satisfied being at 2018 Seminoles. there a year that sticks on air the Devil’s head is tion. As we say they pay the number of kids Woodsfield and Monroe JC: I hope they will see a out to you? If so, why? on fire. The Seminoles their dues through hard involved in the game of Central my entire coaching typical Seminole football JC: What a rivalry! One went on to win 35-9. What work and in the long run it football. Kids, in general, career. I couldn’t have team that plays with pride of the best anywhere. It’s an opening! pays off. I have had players today are not willing to put picked a better school or and tradition. I know the that when they were fresh- forth the work ethic to community. players will work hard and man are the smallest and become a football player. I TL: Your wife has the coaches will do a good slowest players on the feel the game has been been such a huge part of job in preparing them to be team. As junior and seniors threatened by the wide- your career, how big of successful. I will be their they ended up being a spread talk of concussions. an impact has your biggest fan. starter, I have even seen I feel the player is better retirement had on her? TL: Lastly, be honest. some kids that I have won- protected by improved hel- JC: It is hard for me to Did you and Dave know speak for her, but her life each other would be retir- will be a lot easier. I say ing on the same day? that because she had been JC: I can honestly say involved in so many ways. that Dave and I didn’t talk, She has been the driving and neither one of us knew force behind the Football the other was going to Moms. She did so many retire. Dave has been an things that people will outstanding coach and MTF0040230 never know. The things she developed a great program has done for me and the at Martins Ferry. Not only football program are count- is Dave a great coach, but TRADITIONS RESTAURANT less. he is a tremendous individ- TL: What was your ual that cares about kids. 2 x 5 family’s reaction when Full Color LIVING LEGENDS THE TIMES LEADER - Friday, July 27, 2018 - C6 Q and A with Jay Circosta ... By SETH STASKEY the house and furnish it. knew what I was going to if anything would you do Times Leader Sports Editor We got back on May 8th do, I didn’t tell anyone. I over again if you had the and I turned in my letter on got up that morning and chance? WOODSFIELD— May 11th. told my wife I was going to JC: I don’t know if I When you do something for TL: Having said that, turn in my letter, then I would do anything different a half a century, there’s no what was the winter like? called both of my daughters in any way. In fact, I have way you could capsulize Did you know you would and told them before I took said if I were to script out the amount of people, be coaching in 2018 or did my letter to the school. my career when I first games, memories and emo- you kind of think the TL: Camp is just a few began coaching, I don’t tions that come to mind. juices or mojo, if you will, weeks away, how weird think I would have scripted However, Monroe Cen- would get kickstarted will it be to not officially my fifty years in coaching tral’s Jay Circosta did a during the course of the taking part in a football any better. I have been truly pretty good job of that as he off season? camp? blessed!! took a look back at his JC: I had worried myself JC: Very different and TL: When you look career, some of his best sick thinking about the situ- very hard. To do something back on your coaching players, teams, seasons, ation. Was it the right or for 50 years and then all of career, what do you deem including some of his top wrong thing to do? Would I a sudden, not be doing it, is your proudest moment? memories of the Woods- be happy if not coaching? going to be difficult. Not JC: Having the opportu- field and/or Monroe Central What would I do with my only will the start of camp nity to coach and be a part rivalry with Beallsville. File Photo/KATIE PARKS time? Would I be able to be difficult, it will be of, and having an influence Circosta, who paid great MONROECENTRAL head coach Jay Circosta walk away from a program extremely difficult when on five hundred young attention to detail, picked plants the spear in the field in Woodsfield last sea- it took fifty years to build? the games start. I have men’s lives. I was touched his words sentiments wisely son. These were all the ques- always told our seniors that in a special way when so when he sat down for a tions, but deep down I felt playing your last game and many of those players came one-on-one interview with game I really loved, but the hasty decision. I said earlier it was time. I wouldn’t have finishing your high school back to be a part of the fifty us about his retirement end was in sight. It was it was a decision I gave a made any difference if it career is tough, but even year celebration at our last from coaching. something that was on my tremendous amount of was this year, next year, or harder is coming back after home game this year. Here’s how the conversa- mind 24/7. There were a thought. I knew in my mind ten years from now I knew graduation and have to TL: Obviously, you’ve tion played out: few times I thought it was for probably a month or so it was going to be tough! watch from the sidelines. coached a bunch of really TL: Well, now that it’s the time, but I decided to that it was time. My wife TL: When you were TL: You are one of the talented players, who’ve been almost two months continue. and I were in Florida in formally handed in your most winningest coaches gone on to be successful since your formal retire- TL: You retired in January and February and I letter of retirement to in the state of Ohio, what, See, INTERVIEW, Page C7 ment, how has life May, and I’m guessing wanted to wait until we got your respective school changed? this wasn’t a wake up one back home. When we got administrators, what was JC: Not really that much. morning and that was it back home we made the that feeling like? I have been pretty busy. I kind of decision, so what decision to go back to JC: Very tough! Because have felt a sense of a led to the timing to do it Florida and look into buy- of all the thinking about weight being lifted, as far later in the school year. ing a house, we had to go what to do, I knew this as not having the responsi- JC: No, this was not a back in April to close on made it final. Even though I bility of starting to get ready for the 2018 season. The entire family spent time in Florida at our new home. For the first time, I didn’t have to worry about MTF0040206 the things that needed to be done when I got home, per- INTERIM HEALTHCARE taining to football. TL: When you official- 146926 ly came to grips with the decision that it was time. 2 x 4 How often did you change your mind? JC: The decision is one I have been off and on for a very long time. Probably off and on for the past ten years, but more often in the last three years. As I got a little older I knew I was in the fourth quarter of the LIVING LEGENDS THE TIMES LEADER - Friday, July 27, 2018 - C5

By BUBBA KAPRAL Five Schumacher broth- Played from 1981-84. His Mom and dad had a lot to memory and attention to to have Schumacher broth- SchumachersExecutive Sports Editor ers have graced either the Redskin reflect teams compiled a do on with that,” hecoaching added. “If detail was unmatched. legendI ers playing 18 consecutive Woodsfield High or Mon- 22-17-1 record. He played you are willing to work liken him to Coach Jim yeras for him is something I WOODSFIELD— roe Central football rosters. in the 1985 OVAC All- hard you can achieve a lot Tressel. think is pretty unique and When you think of football All five scripted all-state Star Game. The first-team and Coach was with us. He “I saw how much time he special.” in Monroe County the first resumes under Circosta’s all-Ohioan went on to star loved hard workers.” put in. His work ethic was 3. Steve “Moose” Schu- name that pops into one’s magical tutelage. at West Liberty. Andy’s 2. Greg Schumacher: He second to none,” he added. macher: He played from head is Jay Circosta. The Schumacher quintet son, Marcus, represented played for Circosta from “Jay told me if a coach 1988-91, helping the Red- That is a no-brainer as he is comprised of Andy, Monroe Central in the 1984-87. His Woodsfield makes the difference in one skins to a 33-7 record. He has done a Hall-of-Fame Greg, Steve, Luke and 2011 OVAC All-Star teams went 14-26. He player’s life you did a great was a member of Woods- job of coaching prep grid- Johnny. Game and also played for earned first-team all-state job. Just imagine how many field?s third unbeaten team ders for a half century prior The Schumachers the Hilltoppers. honors, played in the 1988 lives he has impacted.” in 1991. He was first-team to his retirement last month. excelled on the Monroe “Jay had a lot of good OVAC All-Star Game and The second in line of all-state and played in the The second name that County gridiron from years. I still get a kick out played at West Liberty. great Schumacher-playing 1992 OVAC All-Star would surface in Monroe 1981-98. That is an amaz- of how intense he was, not “I also coached for 17 brothers also reflects fondly Game. In addition, Moose County football lore would ing 18-year run of brother- just on game day but all years with Jay. So I have on his family’s gridiron was the 1991 state undoubtedly be Schumach- ly football talent. week,” Andy said. “If we perspective as both a player resume. wrestling champion and er. 1. Andy Schumacher: lost a game it was a brutal and coach. Neither was “There is a sense of great state runnerup in 1992. week of school. His intensi- tough. Jay was fair and pride. Our parents deserve 4. Luke Schumacher: He ty and passion were top pushed kids,” Greg said. all the credit. They instilled played from 1992-95, notch. He lived and “His mental preparation the morals and values of going 35-3, encompassing breathed football. was a thing I never saw life and how to treat oth- two schools, both tasting “Coming off the farm, before. He was very good ers,” Greg noted. “It was an we were always in shape. with X’s and O’s but his honor to play for Jay, and See, COACH, Page C9

JAY CIRCOSTA finished his career with 336 victories at Woodsfield and Monroe Cen- tral. He’s pictured with a framed copy of The Times Leader article from when he won his 300th game.

T-L Photo/KIM NORTH

MTF0040271 JERRY LEE'S PIZZA 146984 2 x 2 LIVING LEGENDS THE TIMES LEADER - Friday, July 27, 2018 - C4 • Memory Continued from Page C3 make sure we had enough lights In 2001, Monroe Central went Another game that he soon to play this game tonight. We 8-2 during the regular season, but won’t forget came at the end of don’t want to have to postpone- caught fire in the playoffs by win- last season. ment it.” ning three games before falling in “There are two highlights, The game itself was one for the the Division V, Region 19 finals. maybe because they are recent, ages. “We beat Licking Heights 6-0 but one was last year against “We took the opening kickoff in the first game and Crooksville Frontier. It wasn’t much of a and drove right down the field 19-3 in the regional semifinals,” game. It was a lop-sided win for and scored. We kicked off to he recalled like it happened yes- us, but the fact that it was the last them and they came right back terday. “We beat a good home game, and a complete sur- and drove to our 1. They had Smithville team for the regional prise to me was that they invited first-and-goal at our 1 and they championship in Dover and they all of the guys that had ever didn’t score. We held them on were known as a state power back played for me — at Woodsfield four straight downs from the 1- then. We then lost to Bedford St. or Monroe Central — back,” he yard line, and like I said, they had Peter Chanel who went on to win said. a pretty good football team,” he the state title and finished 15-0. “That was in the planning recalled with a huge smile. “We “That was definitely a high- stages for months and I didn’t ended up winning that game 28- light.” know anything about it. When the T-L Photo/KIM NORTH 0. I don’t think many fans will A SIGN has been erected on the Jay Circosta Fieldhouse in Another season that he cher- game was over, we were in the ever forget that goalline stand.” Woodsfield, honoring the retired coach. ished came not too long ago. center of the field like always and Another highlight game that “Our numbers have been down our announcer Lance (LaFollette) year was against River, he noted. for the last five seasons,” he got on the PA system and started “They had beaten us pretty bad 1999 and 2002. the Blue Devils 44-6 in 1991 at noted. “But in 2013 we only had talking about my 50 years and all the year before. It was the fifth “In 1976 we also beat Fort home; 14-0 two years later at 23 kids come out. Nobody players and such. Then they had a game of the year and I thought Frye on the road 26-19,” he said. home; 35-9 at home in 1999; and expected us to do much of any- tremendous fireworks display that that was the turning point in our “We were also voted the Associ- 38-7 on the road in 2002. thing with those low numbers, but went on for what seemed like for- season. We ended up winning 22- ated Press ‘mythical’ state cham- “Like I said, everyone of those we went 7-3. Not only did we ever. Then they formed a tunnel 14, but that year there were only pions. That was before the play- seasons are special in their own make the playoffs, we went to from goalline to goalline with the three teams that scored on us. off system began.” ways. We had some really good Centerburg who was undefeated former players. I never got an Meadowbrook and Zanesville The remaining four perfect reg- kids come through our system at that point and beat them 15-9. official count on how many were Rosecrans were the others. ular seasons came at the expense and we had a lot of great commu- “I’ll always remember that there, but it seemed like tons.” Circosta also had undefeated of Monroe County rival nity support,” he continued. “It team because of the low numbers Circosta said his first inkling teams in 1976, 1991, 1993, Beallsville. The Seminoles was a good ride and I wouldn’t and the success that we had.” d e f e a t e d change a thing.” See, MEMORY, Page C8 LIVING LEGENDS THE TIMES LEADER - Friday, July 27, 2018 - C3 Many players, seasons stick JAY CIRCOSTA (left) and Josh outBy KIM NORTH in Circostaʼs1973. memoryNow, all of our undefeated seasons Ischy (right), Times Leader Sports Writer are special in their own ways,” he stressed. who has been “We had six of them, but the first one was hired as Circos- WOODSFIELD — When you’ve very special because, No. 1 it was first. It ta’s successor at roamed the high school football sidelines was a home game against Fort Frye and it Monroe Central, for 50 years like Jay Circosta did, it would was highlighted by the fact that it was 15 look on to a be tough to recall your top memories. degrees and snowing. game in 2016. However, the recently retired Woodsfield “We had a pretty good football team at Circosta retired and Monroe Central head coach — with a 9-0 and Fort Frye was 8-1,” he added. “I from the position little prior warning — had no trouble in still remember we had the old lights in of head coach reminiscing about some memorable Woodsfield and some of them didn’t have after 50 seasons moments. the covers on them. The snow was hitting in football in “We had a lot of them, that’s for sure,” them and we had some lights pop out. We Circosta said during an interview in the May. were still dressing in the swimming pool basement of his Woodsfield home which is lockerroom and I remember telling one of adorned with numerous momentos from the assistant coaches to go out and turn the his illustrious career. lights off during pre-game. We had to “One game that I will remember forever came during our first undefeated season in See, MEMORY, Page C4 • Relationships Continued from Page C2 myself, to play for him ... played ball and, so, he 1 in Butts’ final season. boss and whatever,” he tance of getting it right ... always felt in a small run through a wall if they taught me a lot of things, That offseason the basket- said, “yet, you have to the first time. school, especially with the had to. too. Discipline was impor- ball and football job both learn to joke around with Little things like putting turnover you have, if you “Kids understand. They tant.” opened. Fortunately, Cir- them, have a good time and on the uniform correctly can be .500 you’re doing read coaches. You have to When Circosta assumed costa said, he chose the put your arm around them. and keeping the fieldhouse something.” be real and sincere as a the Redskins’ job in his right position. “You can raise hell with in tiptop shape were all part Circosta came close to coach, and (Jack) was an mid 20s, he took all of the “The rest, as they say, is them and really chew them of Circosta’s master plan to leaving twice, once to outstanding man. He had knowledge from all of his history.” out, but I always told them win. Shadyside and another time great values. When I first mentors, sprinkled in his Circosta always believed that if they get chewed out “If they believed in me to Dover. He stayed, most- got the job (at Woodsfield) own ideas, and created a in creating a system that it’s because we really care and they believed in the ly because of the people I remember going down to master plan for how he best suited his personnel. about you. We’re trying to program and our system, and the work ethic of the Shadyside and sitting on wanted to run a program. His first season, he ran the make you a better player. they’d be willing to go out kids in his district. his front porch talking “I never dreamed I’d be Wing-T. As the years I’m not doing my job as a and fight and be success- It’s a decision he never about things.” here 50 years,” he said. moved along, he adapted coach if I don’t try to get ful.” regretted. Circosta had many men- “When I first started, I felt his playbook as his players the best out of you.” During his 47 years as “I liked being competi- tors, including his late we needed to be disci- came and went. The con- Ever a coach, including head coach, Circosta’s tive, but I enjoyed trying to father, Frank, who died at plined. We had to set the stant, though, was fairness. during his playing days as a teams averaged seven vic- mold something from 95 in December 2015. tone right from the very The coached dished it out ‘coach on the field,” Cir- tories a year. scratch into a product you “My dad was a strong beginning. I learned early on the field, but provided costa never stopped teach- “That’s a big challenge could be proud of. disciplinarian,” Circosta on what to do and what not guidance and stability off ing, never stopped mold- and one thing I probably “I always tried to be pos- said of his dad, a former to do.” it. ing, never stopped instilling take a lot of pride in,” he itive in everything I did.” Shadyside athlete. “He The Redskins were 1-7- “They knew who was in his players the impor- said. “That’s tough. I

MTF0040258 MTF0040220 WOODSFIELD MOOSE ARBORS AT WOODSFIELD LODGE 146939 146974 2 x 2 2 x 2 LIVING LEGENDS THE TIMES LEADER - Friday, July 27, 2018 - C2

ʻRelationshipsʼBy RICK THORP were key forover the years Circosta with players and the coaches; Times Leader Sports Writer “COACHING IS a special fraternity. we just had so many good times. I don’t I’ve always felt it be an honor to be think I’ll be able to replace those.” WOODSFIELD — Jay Circosta is old called ‘Coach.’ It takes a special The Circosta home sits just behind Mon- school. roe Central’s practice field and athletic As a young football coach, he idolized person to coach. I think the rela- complex. He won’t be far away from the Vince Lombardi. tionships I’ve had over the years program he guided, first as the Redskins, When Circosta arrived at Woodsfield and for the last 25 years or so, the Semi- High School in the late 1960s, Lombardi with players and the coaches; we noles. was at the tail end of a career with the just had so many good times.” By the same token, being so close to the Green Bay Packers that resulted in a pair of gridiron, he said, makes it a bit harder to Super Bowl crowns and countless admirers - Jay Circosta say farewell. for, not just the victories, but for how he “I’ve always said the kids really don’t handled himself on and off the field. care how much you know as much as how “I just like how he did things,” Circosta second-best in Ohio Valley history, and much you care. said. “I liked the discipline. I liked the old was in the top 5 in the state itself ... in any “I think sometimes coaches get too much school. I liked that type of thing. class. involved in worrying about Xs and Os and “We started out that way, with things “It worked for us,” he said. “I’m not say- doing this and that, which you, obviously, like the up and downs.” ing it’s the only way, but it worked for us.” have to do. But I think you have to let the Ahh, the old up and downs, a strenuous Indeed. kids know you care about them and that training method that Circosta brought to his Fourteen playoff berths and a like num- you’ll do anything for them. In return, workouts when he took over for Bob Butts ber of OVAC crowns resulted from Circos- they’ll do anything for you.” as head coach at Woodsfield High. They ta’s brand of football, but as he reflected on Circosta learned those lessons as a were a Circosta trademark. Not every prep his career, which ended in May, victories or youngster in Shadyside. He played for leg- coach implemented the drill, but for Circos- banners didn’t register when he was asked endary coach Jack Berger, a man Circosta ta it was part of his blueprint of success. what’d he take away from his 50 years on said was as big on the sideline as he was off “I was coaching at the (BACF All-Star the sideline. it. File Photo/PAUL KRAJNYAK Football Classic) in Parkersburg once and a “Relationships,” he stated. “Relation- “I learned so much from him, more than NOW RETIRED Monroe Central head player on the team said, ‘Boy, now I know ships with the kids and the coaches. just Xs and Os” Circosta said. “I learned so football coach Jay Circosta looks on why you guys win so much,”’ Circosta “Coaching is a special fraternity. I’ve much because he was an outstanding man. during a game in 2016. Circosta recalled. always felt it be an honor to be called He had the ability to get players, including wrapped up his coaching career, And win he did. In 47 years as a head ‘Coach.’ It takes a special person to be a which spanned 50 years, with 336 coach. I think the relationships I’ve had coach, Circosta registered 336 victories, See, RELATIONSHIPS, Page C3 victories at Monroe and Woodsfield. 6XSSOHPHQWWR7KH7LPHV/HDGHUt)ULGD\-XO\ 9LHZYLGHRWULEXWHVWR&RDFK&LUFRVWDDW7LPHVOHDGHURQOLQHFRP