Star Beacon, day, date Star Beacon, day, date XXXXXXX — 1 2018 ACBF Ashtabula County Hall Of Fame Basketball Foundation INDUCTEES

Awards Banquet and JESSICA CANCEL Hall of Fame Induction (1999 - Ashtabula) JESSICA OLMSTEAD Sunday, April 8th, 2018 (2002 - Conneaut) DAN COXON (1995 - Conneaut) STEVE KRAY (1997 - Edgewood) WAYNE GAMES (1976 - Geneva) JIM PINNEY (1958 - New Lyme) BEKKI HAMPER (2000 - Jefferson) RICK BERRIER (1981 - Jefferson) AL SIDBECK (1966 - Harbor) OFFICIAL ROD BROWN PROGRAM (1980 - Pymatuning) 2 — ACBF Star Beacon, Friday, March 30, 2018 Ashtabula County Basketball Foundation 2018 Awards Dinner Sunday April 8, 2018 3:30 p.m Doors open / 4 pm Dinner and Ceremony New Leaf Event Center 110 Gateway Ave - Conneaut, Ohio Melody Nowakowski Vice President Program John Higgins Vice President Phil Garcia Charter Director National Anthem Chris Larick Director Invocation Pastor Scott Walsh Doug Hladek Director Welcome Brad Ellis Bob Hitchcock Director Banquet Dinner Phil’s Catering Al Goodwin Director Introduction of All-County First Teams Coaches and Foundation Nominees Andy Juhola Becky Olmstead Director ACBF HOF Inductees Dave Miller Dawn Zappitelli Director Ed Armstrong Director Andy Juhola Director Presentation of Awards Steve Kray Director Edward Jones/David Flautt Scholarship David Flautt Ralph Turk Director ACBF Coaches’/Referees’ Award Dawn Zappitelli Tim Mizer Director ACBF Alumni Achievement Award Steve Kray Michael Bartone Executive Administrator ACBF Officials’ Appreciation Award Phil Garcia ACBF Coach of the Year (Girls) Melody Nowakowski ACBF Coach of the Year (Boys) John Higgins ACBF Player of the Year (Girls) Doug Hladek Ashtabula County ACBF Player of the Year (Boys) Bob Hitchcock ACBF Special Award Brad Ellis Closing Remarks Brad Ellis Coaches School Girls Boys Edgewood Paul Stofan John Bowler Conneaut Tony Pasanen Tim Tallbacka Trustees Geneva Nancy Barbo Shane Clugh Michael Joslin Nicholas Iarocci Lakeside William Isco Rob Pisano Grand Valley Kim Triskett Justin Turk Jefferson Steve Locy Rob Faulkner Board of Directors Pymatuning Valley Jeff Compan Ryan Shontz Brad Ellis President St. John Nick Iarocci Curtis Turner Star Beacon, Friday, March 30, 2018 ACBF — 3 ABCF HOF Class of 2018 Steve Kray Page 4 Dan Coxon Page 9 Jessica Cancel Page 5 Rod Brown Page 10 Al Sidbeck Page 6 Jessica Olmstead Page 11 Rick Berrier Page 7 Bekki (Hamper) Starr Page 12 Jim Pinney Page 8 Wayne Games Page 13 ABCF HOF Inductees ACBF Player of the Class of 2017 Eddie Kropf Phil Miller Jim Cordell Year Nominees Carlos Aponte Laura Silvieus Jim Osborne Dan Foster Steve Carlson Jim Welty, Jr. Ernie Pasqualone Ronnie Hanson Conneaut Lakeside Shelly Burns Jim Welty, Sr. Fred Scruggs Harvey Hunt Rob Ferl Class of 2013 John Wheelock Rhea (DeJesus) Greene Jim Gilbert Class of 2009 Jay McHugh Nara (DeJesus) Skipper Steve Hanek Jim Bradley Ray Peet Brian Turner Jim Henson Bill Brainard Tonya Tallbacka Alan Miller John Higgins Kelly Henson Eleanor Young Denny Sabo Richard “Dick” Hill Scott Humphrey Class of 2005 Paul Erickson Kelly Hitchcock Billy Johnson Tammy Busser Ron Weaver Tiffany Leonard Kelly Johnson Ken Taft Carl McIllwain Randy Knowles Roberta Cevera N. Skwera T. Taylor C. Howell M. Condon Class of 2016 Marianne Meola Larry Lattimer John Coleman Pete Candela Angela Miller Bruno Mallone Shellie Crandall Edgewood Jefferson Kay Ann Fails Tom Naylor Bob Miller Harry Fails Kenneth Green Hiram Safford Karl Pearson Chris Fitting Boyd Griffith Al “Red” Schubert Tom Ritari Henry Garvey Sam Hands Carl Stokes Ken Smith Terrence Hanna Micky Zigmund Marthella Spinneweber Charles Hirshey Jemal Harris Class of 2012 Class of 2008 Melody Holt Kelly Kapferer Lori Belconis Ed Armstrong Randy Linsted Lori Korver Jim Chiacchiero Denny Berrier Richard Scribben Brad McNeilly Dutch Cotton Don Cannell Frank Zeman Lou Pavolino Brad Ellis Tammy Church Hagstrom Class of 2004 Al Runyan Jon Hall Al Goodwin Ange Candela H. Kanicki F. Diemer A. Vance H. Root Class of 2015 Gordon Hitchcock Adam Holman Dan Craft Eugene Miller E.J. Kinleyside Jim Dodd Kelly Easton Zirzow Steve Oman Gary Kreilach Andrew Isco Geneva Pymatuning Valley Krystal Henson Force Lyle Pepin Chris Larick Andy Juhola Doug Hitchcock Jeff Puffer Steve McHugh Anita Jurcenko Jennifer Johnston Horner Jerry Puffer Ron Richards Chuck Naso John Kampf Dave Sillanpaa Joe Shantz Sue Pokelsek Bill Kaydo Charles Watson Chuck Stevens Kiki McNair Class of 2011 Kim Triskett Frank Roskovics Bob Naylor Bill Brosky Trixie Wolf Anita Tersigni Dana Schulte Jeff Cicon Class of 2007 Bob Walters Ron Silvieus Larry Cumpston Dale Arkenburg Matt Zappitelli N. Stoltz Peoples-O’Neil J. Freeman M. Hurst Bob Spencer Chris Hammon Jim Dolan Class of 2003 Dave Tirabasso Kim Hitchcock Bob Fenton Al Bailey Class of 2014 Jim Landis Paul Freeman Grand Valley St. John Jim Adams Deora Marsh Tom Henson Bob Ball Mike Blauman Leo Mucci Tom Hill Ed Batanian Tim Bowler Joe Rich Fred Hirsimaki Flo Carey Nadine Cox Tim Richards Jim Hood Diane Davis Jonathan Freeman Norm Urcheck Traci Hozian Andy Garcia Class of 2010 Sean Freeman Don Marsh Gene Gephart Heidi French David Benton Robert Puffer Phil Garcia Russell Bethel Pat Sheldon Jon Hall, Sr. Dave Golen Donna Gregg Class of 2006 Beth Helfer Ray Harriman Heidi Litwiler Di Anthony Bob Hitchcock J. Cunningham A. Triskett R. Nejbauer M. Paradie Clyde Koski Maurice McDonald Kelly Boggs Bill Koval 4 — ACBF Star Beacon, Friday, March 30, 2018 After starring at Edgewood, Kray returned home

BY CHRIS LARICK proved to 19-3 their senior [email protected] year, winning the North- eastern Conference champi- Opportunities are rare onship, while scoring 79.4 in Ashtabula County for points per game. students who graduate from It was the first Edge- college, then try to find a job wood boys basketball title here. since 1986. But 1997 Edgewood Individually, Kray led the graduate Steve Kray really area in scoring with 23.3 wanted to live in this area, points per contest, in free- particularly in the Buckeye throw shooting with 83 per- School District. So he made cent and in 3-pointers with it happen. 48. He was selected Player Kray, who will be inducted of the Year in the NEC, in into the Ashtabula County Ashtabula County and in the Basketball Foundation on Northeast District and First- April 8, loved growing up in Team All-Ohio in Division II. Edgewood. To Kray, winning the NEC “I was given every oppor- that year was meaningful tunity,” he said. “My father since Madison, Riverside, owned his own business. I Harvey and a strong Har- helped in the summer, but bor team, in addition to he never made me work on a individual stars like Rashad regular basis.” SUBMITTED PHOTO Wells, Ryan Turner and Todd To Kray, the Buckeye com- Steve Kray, pictured with his wife, Nicole, and children, Carly and Logan, will be inducted into the Estok, were in the league at munity, moreso than most Ashtabula County Basketball Foundation during the awards banquet and ceremony on April 8. that time. places, was a sort of Camelot Kray credits his coach, Al or Eden. That’s why, in his Buckeye, too, one of the Al Runyan. It also includes fine players like Don Palm, Runyan, who was named All- opinion, he sees old team- reasons the Warriors de- Bibler, Ryan Lencl, Curtis Joel Lapham and Ryan Watts, Ohio Co-coach of the Year mates in this area often. velop chemistry by having Colby, Chad Weagraff and a year ahead of Kray’s class. in 1997, with much of his “I work with Kevin (Andre- one or two classes make up Shaun Vencill. When their turn did come, success. jack) and see many former the roster of athletic teams Kray became a 1,000-point Kray and his teammates “He was such a big part teammates on a regular on a yearly basis. The kids scorer. Only three Warriors made the most of their of my life since I was seven basis,” Kray said. “Edgewood Kray started playing with at have, and two of in the past years, winning 15 or 16 years old,” Kray said. “I first is unique in that. I graduat- a young age were the same 10 years, have accomplished games as juniors, when Kray started playing sports with ed in 1997 and my son is in ones he graduated with. that feat. was first-team All-Ashtabula soccer at the Y and Little middle school here. A lot of That group includes good That’s because at Edge- County and All-NEC with League baseball. My mom kids who were raised here friend and point guard wood, you wait your turn. 17.3 points per game and 43 (Tina) and dad (Steve) both come back here.” Scott Runyan, the son of Kray and his teammates three-pointers. People tend to stay in Kray’s high school coach, followed teams that included The Warriors im- SEE KRAY, 16

Congratulations All 2018 Hall Of Fame Inductees And Award Honorees... Prosecutor Nick Iarocci Star Beacon, Friday, March 30, 2018 ACBF — 5 Cancel a 1,000-point career scorer at Ashtabula High

BY CHRIS LARICK the Ashtabula County Bas- [email protected] ketball Foundation Hall of Fame on April 8. Led by the all-time lead- Cancel began her orga- ing girls basketball scorer nized career while in the in Ashtabula County High seventh grade. School history Diane Davis, “I really did not have any the Ashtabula Panthers interest in playing before girls team had four girls then,” she said. “I would see players score 1,000 points or my three brothers playing more. all the time, but my parents Two of them — Davis and would not allow me to play Eleanor Young — were on with them because they the same team. The third, played too physical. Also, Angela Miller, graduated in because of my religion, I was 1995. not allowed to wear pants Then, Jessica Cancel took and it was too hard to play over as Ashtabula’s go-to in a skirt.” player. Bill DelPrince and Frank Cancel eventually scored Knudsen were Cancel’s early 1,169 points, which ranks coaches. WARREN DILLAWAY | STAR BEACON second in Ashtabula High She praises them highly Jessica Cancel, a 1999 graduate of Ashtabula High School, warms up to play in the 2017 West Side School girls baseball history, today. Shootout. She will be inducted in the Ashtabula County Basketball Foundation Hall of Fame during between 1996-99. the awards banquet and ceremony on April 8. She will be inducted into SEE CANCEL, 17 6 — ACBF Star Beacon, Friday, March 30, 2018 Older brothers a big influence on Sidbeck at Harbor High

BY CHRIS LARICK Condon at St. John’s.” coached by Ashtabula’s [email protected] Harbor played in city manager, CD Lam- the Western Reserve bros’ brother. At 6-foot-2 1/2 Al League when Sidbeck “They were a little Sidbeck was no threat was a junior, but rougher, committed a to Ashtabula 7-footer changed to the North- lot of fouls,” Sidbeck Jim Gilbert inside the eastern Conference his said. “I bet over half foul line. senior year. my points were on foul But Harbor coach “Geneva and Con- shots. We started my Ed Armstrong had a neaut were the teams senior year 4-0.” solution. to beat in the NEC,” Sidbeck’s father, Hen- “Ed told me, ‘Sid, I he said. “Geneva had ry, was a hard worker want you at the free- (Larry) Cumpston and who attended just one throw line, facing the (Steve) McHugh. I didn’t of Al’s games, a contest hoop,”’ Sidbeck said. consider myself a great against Conneaut. “But don’t shoot. If basketball player just “We were losing by (Gilbert) comes at you, one who competed eight or nine points pass the ball off to against some great with a couple minutes John Bucko or John ones. left and my dad left,” Palo for a layup.’ It “We played Friday Sidbeck said. “We came worked to perfection. and Saturday nights, back and tied the game One of those guys so it could be an ugly upon then won it in would come across, weekend if we lost overtime.” get the ball and put both games. We were Sidbeck remembers it in. in the middle of the another game his “But one time I found pack somewhere. brother, Bobby attend- myself wide open. I St. John was tough and ed, a game officiated by forgot about his wing Jefferson had Red Morgan. span. When I went to Stan Bielech. Top to “After the game my shoot, he swatted the bottom, everyone was brother Bobby, who ball right out of the air. SUBMITTED PHOTO tough. graduated in 1955 said Ed said, “I told you not Al Sidbeck is pictured with his wife, Janice. Sideback will be inducted into the Sidbeck liked the ca- to Morgan, ‘You stunk to shoot.’” Ashtabula County Basketball Foundation during the awards banquet and ceremony maraderie with playing when I played and you Sidbeck, who will on April 8. area teams. still stink.’” be inducted into the “That was nice for the Sidbeck recalls the Ashtabula County School. Both of them years of high school. on the team included kids,” he said. “It was Mariners breaking a Basketball Foundation were voted Athlete of “I was kind of a Dave Dixon and Dale a great atmosphere. sectional scoring record Hall of Fame on April 8, the Year. My parents hybrid,” he said of his Soderstrom. Everyone knew each at Ball Gymnasium with was one of the leading were good friends with position. “I played a lot “We had a fairly big other. We’d see each more than 80 points. scorers on that 1965-66 the Lampelas, whose of guard. I could shoot team, at 6-8, 6-3 and other on the street. I Mentor then broke that Harbor team. sons Bob (Touchdown from the outside and 6-2,” Sidbeck said. “But still know a lot of good record the following He had aspired to Club Hall of Fame) play a little inside, how- we had to play Con- friends that I played week. play for the Mariners and Loder were both ever Ed (Armstrong) neaut, which had Ron against. That’s not After Harbor be- since his older broth- athletes of the year at needed me. I loved Richards at 6-4 and going to happen when gan his senior season ers, Bobby and Charles, Harbor. From the time passing the ball.” Greg McGill at 6-8 and you play Youngstown 4-0, the Mariners ran had starred at Harbor. I was 5 or 6 years old Sidbeck, one of the had Andy Garcia as its Boardman.” into Jefferson, which Bobby was in football I wanted to play for few players of his coach. Sidbeck earned successfully froze the and Charles in track. Harbor.” time to play wearing “That was a good all-conference and all- basketball. “I come from a big Sidbeck decided to eyeglasses, started team. Edgewood had city awards and possi- “Ed kicked the bench sports family,” Sidbeck concentrate on basket- with Harry Bourdeau, Danny Foster, Fairport bly all-county. over the brand of said. “My two broth- ball and played junior Bucko, Bob Bernardo, had Mike Thomas His biggest game was basketball they were ers were three-sport varsity as a sophomore Brian Salmen, and Greg and Jim Gilbert was a 27-pointer against athletes at Harbor High and varsity his last two Schillo. Underclassmen at Ashtabula and Don Erie Academy, a team SEE SIDBECK, 16 Star Beacon, Friday, March 30, 2018 ACBF — 7 Rick Berrier soared to success at Jefferson BY CHRIS LARICK in soaring in and slamming easy for me to coach.” [email protected] the ball through the net. Nemet singled out that “If I remember correctly, group, especially Berrier, During the 1960s and those were the first years McCormack and Brainard, 1970s, basketball specta- it was legal in Jefferson,” for their hard work. tors were not treated to the Berrier said. At that time Jefferson spectacle of thunderous slam Berrier will be inducted played at what is now an el- dunks. into the Ashtabula County ementary school, the basket- That’s because the collegiate Basketball Foundation’s Hall ball court was on the audi- NCAA banned the dunk in of Fame on April 8. While his torium stage, and for some 1967 and high school rule reputation as a dunker is not reason, the team wasn’t makers followed suit. The ban the reason for his induction, allowed to practice there in lasted until 1976, when the someone might point out that the summer. dunk was allowed once again. it didn’t hurt. So the Falcons built an out- In the NCAA’s words, the The 6-foot-4 Berrier used door court. The athletic direc- slam dunk “was not a skillful the dunk for a few seasons tor bought paint and brushes shot,” and the rules com- before graduating in 1981. and Berrier, McCormack and mittee said they issued the He played forward on a Brainard painted all the lines ban partially to avoid inju- Falcon team coached by on the court — the foul line, ries The ban lasted until the Rick Nemet and also in- the sidelines, etc... 1976-77 season. cluded Don McCormack at Jefferson had just graduat- During that time, players point guard, Randy Roach ed a good team that included had to drop the ball del- at center, Scott Brainard at ACBF Hall of Famer Chuck icately through the hoop shooting guard and John Stevens and Nate Wilson and after soaring well above March at the other forward. not much was expected of it. North Carolina State’s Other players on the team the Falcons those two years. David Thompson, one of included Hugh Goodall and “Everyone thought that Jef- the greatest dunkers of all Bob Carlson. ferson wasn’t going to win,” time, played all of his college “Rick Berrier was one of Nemet said. “But they were a career during the ban. the greatest kids at driv- hard-working group. We won SUBMITTED PHOTO The fact that many specta- ing the baseline,” Nemet the league when they were Rick Berrier will be inducted into the Asthabula County Basket- tors had never seen a slam said. “He got a lot of points juniors and finished second ball Foundation during the awards banquet and ceremony on dunk probably helped make because of that. He didn’t as seniors.” April 8. He was a master of the dunk and named all-county and Jefferson forward Rick Berri- get blocked too many times. all-league his junior and senior years. er popular. Berrier delighted Those kids made it kind of SEE BERRIER, 18 Keeping Smiles Healthy Since 1969 SAVE WITH THESE SPECIALS! FREE Exam & X-Rays SAVE WITH A ROUTINE CLEANING $ For new patients without insurance. 213! $25 Referral Credit 78 N. Chestnut, Jefferson The best compliment we can receive from our patients is a referral! Refer your friends or family and receive a $25 credit toward your account. (440) 576-7040 Good toward dental treatment. $25 in-house referral credit for each referral of a new patient. www.dentalgroupofjefferson.com $50 Professional Teeth Whitening Chardon Painesville Get the brighter, whiter and healthier smile you’ve been wanting! Some restrictions may apply. Call our offi ce for more details. (440) 286-2474 (440) 354-2183 8 — ACBF Star Beacon, Friday, March 30, 2018 Pinney stood out for Deming High School in late 1950s BY CHRIS LARICK had another sister, Gladys, [email protected] who lives in Buffalo, Ohio and a brother, Mark Rex in NEW LIME TOWNSHIP — Ashtabula. Pinney’s siblings How Jim Pinney found the remember him as work- time to accomplish every- ing hard to achieve goals, thing he did at Deming High especially buying his yellow School (closed in 1973) is a Chevy ragtop convertible. mystery. Pinney also was a manager Pinney, who will be in- of the Little League in Cole- ducted into the Ashtabula brook, Ohio for eight years, County Basketball Founda- helped with 4-H (horses) and tion Hall of Fame on April enjoyed golf and all other 8, played basketball for four sports. After he retired, years, baseball for three and Phinney loved riding his ran track for two between motorcycle. 1955-1958, the latter his He was also an Awa- graduation year. na Leader at Bethel Bible He was also in chorus for Church and a member two years, a class officer as a of Gideon’s, speaking at freshman and senior, in the churches and donating class play as a junior and se- Bibles to hospitals. nior, a student council mem- Other activities he favored ber as a senior and worked were traveling: to conven- on the class yearbook and on SUBMITTED PHOTO tions with Culligan, Kelleys the newspaper staff his ju- Jim Pinney, who died in 2016, is shown with his wife, Nancy. Pinney will be inducted into the Island with family and nior and senior years. Ashtabula County Basketball Foundation during the award banquet and ceremony on April 8. He friends, camping at Easton’s On the court, Pinney was starred for Deming High School’s 1957-’58 team. Lake, vacationing in North just one of two returnees for Carolina with his family and his senior year, alongside nine games this reporter was Paul Olah, Jack Incorvia, servicing tanks then as a Niagara Falls with his grand- senior guard Duane Carr. able to find box scores for, Gary Mizer and Brian Gaines. salesman for Culligan. children. Pinney always had The Rangers didn’t fare Pinney was a standout. On his first day at Kent, “He then went to work at animals, including horses, well that year, especial- He ranked third in County Pinney met Nancy Halleen Mayfran in Mayfield, a steel cows, pigs, chickens, cats ly since only their tallest League-scoring (to Con- from Ashtabula. belt conveyor plant where he and dogs, while living in New player was Tom Lautanen neaut’s Harry Fails and “I noticed his smile and was a supervisor. He worked Lyme and Colebrook. at 6-foot-2. He was the only Grand Valley’s Lou Bishop) red shirt and the Love Story there about 29 years until he “He loved nature,” Nancy taller than 6-0. with 281 points in 15 games, began,” Nancy now says. retired in 2002.” said. The other starters of the an 18.7 average. The couple married on In addition to playing bas- “Jim worked hard and Deming squad, which was Pinney scored 25 points Dec. 12, 1959 and enjoyed ketball at Kent after gradu- taught his children to work coached by Ron Mahon, a against Kingsville, 23 against more than 56 years of ation, Pinney enjoyed drag hard, use their imagination Thiel College graduate, were Rock Creek and 22 against marriage before Jim’s death racing at Howland Raceway, and innovation to accom- chosen from a group that Austinburg, his best perfor- from cancer on Aug. 7, 2016 where he drove a 1956 Ford plish a task. Jim sacrificed by included George Skleres, mances. at the age of 76. Continental he called “The making a long drive to work Russ Otto, Ron Lipps and In a track meet that year, “Jim always worked,” Nan- Golden Rod” and won many every day so his family could Ron Turner. Other players he won the 220-yard dash in cy said. “He worked at a trophies. be raised in the country. He on the team were Chet Paul, 29.7 and finished second in gas station then Easton Jim’s sister, Carol Porter, had fun building forts with Charles Prosser, Bob Gray, the 100-yard dash. Brothers and Easton Exca- remembers how he walked his kids, inspired imagina- Dan Boyle, Keith Palmer, After Pinney graduated, vating while in high school. from Deming to his home so tion and was always avail- Paul Piontkowski, Paul Olah Kent State’s Ashtabula He then worked for the he could play basketball and able to his grandchildren to and Walter Barnes. campus opened and Pinney New York Central Railroad take part in all of the other discuss their thoughts and, Though the Rangers joined the only the men’s for a short time. When they activities he participated in of course, politics.” struggled that senior year basketball team, team- started Easton Culligan, in high school. (1957-58), winning three of ing with Lennie Czuchra, he worked first delivering, In addition to Carol, Pinney SEE PINNEY, 18 Star Beacon, Friday, March 30, 2018 ACBF — 9 Coxon part of Conneaut trio to score 1,000 career points

BY CHRIS LARICK or do anything you vulgar. Coach Houston [email protected] asked. He was one of was more by the book. the best players who They approached the As a high school and ever played at Con- game differently. college basketball play- neaut. He was the sort “Houston was much er, Dan Coxon played of player who could do more structured than with and against the almost anything.” coach Mason. But best of the best. Coxon described his both were very good These days he is own role on the team. coaches.” more likely to be “I always had to A basketball team dealing with the worst guard the other team’s needs more than three of the worst in his role best player,” he said. “I players and the trio as an FBI agent in Las took pride in doing of Coxon, Pape and Vegas. that. Lyons had plenty of Coxon, who will “I tried to be the lead- help, including Tom O’ be inducted into the er of the team, scoring Connell, Chris Antho- Ashtabula County Bas- was not my main focus, ny, Jason Tharp, Nick ketball Foundation Hall I tried to do whatever Armeni, Joe Swigunski, of Fame on April 8, was the team needed to Brant Kananen and a key member of the win games. My coach- Travis Hayes, plus, in 1993-1994 and 1994- es use to get mad at their senior year, big SUBMITTED PHOTO 1995 Conneaut Spartan me for not shooting Jeff Grubke. Dan Coxon (middle) is pictured with Tony Lyons (left) and Mike Pape. The trio each squads that lost a com- enough. I tried to be a “Everyone looks at scored 1,000 career points at Conneaut. It is the only time that has happened in the bined one regular-sea- team player and I was Mike, Tony and I, but county. Coxon will be inducted into the Ashtabula County Basketball Foundation son game. happy to have a lot of we had other contribu- Hall of Fame during the awards banquet and ceremony on April 8. He, along with team- assists and steals. I tors,” Coxon said. mates Mike Pape and was a two-year captain The Spartans went Tony Lyons, made up my junior and senior 19-1 in 1993-1994 and a trio of 1,000-point seasons.” 20-0 in 1994-1995, scorers — the only Coxon was also a losing to a good Harvey time in county history first-team All-Ashtabu- team as juniors. that has happened. la County and “I would say our big- Pape, who scored 1,166 All-Northeastern Con- gest competition was Carpet • Hardwood • Tile • Linoleum points and Lyons, who ference selection as a Riverside and Harvey,” Sales • Service • Installation • Insured • Honest • Professional notched 1,026, are junior and senior and Coxon said. “At Edge- We have the right product for all your fl ooring needs! sure bets to join Coxon a second-teamer his wood, Ryan Ball had a (1,065 points) in future sophomore year. good season my junior Anderson & Crew Flooring LLC, off ers the attention to years. The Spartans were year, but most teams details with owners that are hands on from the start to “Mike Pape (the coached by Greg Mason were not too much of a fi nish in all aspects of the installation process inside force on the when Coxon was a problem.” giving their customers complete satisfaction team) is perhaps the freshman and sopho- The tournament was in the fl ooring service. only player I know more. another problem. In who had 1,100 points When Mason fell into Coxon’s junior season, and 1,000 rebounds the bad graces of the the Spartans drew 2017 Voted #1 in high school,” Cox- board of education, powerful Cleveland St. READERS’ Carpet/Flooring Store on said. “He was one Kent Houston took Joseph’s. CHOICE✔ of few freshmen who over the reins for his “We were out- were physically able to last two years. matched. They beat us HOURS: Mon. - Fri. 10-5pm, Sat. 10-2pm be able to play at the “They were very by 30-some points,” Always Open By Appointment varsity level. different as coaches,” Coxon said. “Tony played power Coxon said. “Coach The following year, 440-593-3573 forward, but he could Mason was more in- shoot from the outside your-face, a little more SEE COXON, 19 221 Main Street, Conneaut, OH 44030 10 — ACBF Star Beacon, Friday, March 30, 2018 Family played a vital role in Rod Brown’s athletic success

BY CHRIS LARICK winning streak and season. It [email protected] was a narrow loss to Hawken in the tournament. As is true at a lot of small “We had a memorable year, schools, athletic success but got disappointed by at Pymatuning Valley High O.J. McDuffie in overtime in School has always been a the tournament,” Hitchcock family affair. said. One extended family — Brown also played wide re- consisting of Hitchcocks ceiver in football under Brian and Browns — is a typical Cross, when the Lakers example. went 9-1, and the following Bob Hitchcock, one of the season for Ken Parise, during founders of the Laker ath- an undefeated season Addi- letic legacy in the Andover tionally, Brown played second area, was the first to receive base and shortstop for PV. county-wide acclimation in “I wasn’t bad, but not real the Ashtabula County good,” Brown said of his Basketball Foundation Hall baseball ability. of Fame’s original class in After graduation, Brown 2003. Gordy Hitchcock, who drew some interest from played on the same unde- small colleges, but decided feated high school basketball not to go. team with Bob, was selected “I did some lawn care for to the ACBF’s Hall of Fame in about six years,” he said. 2012. He has since entered the Bob’s children, Kelly and dairy farming family busi- Doug, were inducted into the ness. The Brown farm at one ACBF’s Hall of Fame in 2013 time had 125 acres and it’s a and 2015, respectively. lot of work. Their first cousin, Greg “I get up at 4 (a.m.) and get Brown, was chosen for the PHOTO SUBMITTED done at 12 at night,” he said. Ashtabula County Touch- Rod Brown is pictured with (from left) — Bryce, 9; Bryten, 10 months; Brynlee, 3 and Brylee, 5 Brown married Stacey, down Club’s Hall of Fame Brown. Rod Brown will be inducted into the Ashtabula County Basketball Foundation during the whom he met at PV and is last December. awards banquet and ceremony on April 8. year younger. Now it’s Greg’s brother, Their blended family in- Rodney’s time. his teams, along with players a junior.” son, (Doug Hitchcock) and he cludes four children, includ- He will be one of 10 out- like Jason Poole. Bob Hitchock descired Rod went at it in practice. You al- ing two of his and two of hers. standing male and female When that group became Brown as the ultimate team ways improve with competition They are Joshua, basketball players installed seniors, they did something player. and they worked on that. He 30; Dustin, 27; Adam 25, into the ACBF’s Hall of Fame that hadn’t been done in “Fortunately for his coach did a great job and was never and Kelsea, who graduated on April 8. Pymatuning Valley since their and the players around him,” a problem, he was a very quiet from PV two years ago as a Brown, a 5-foot-10 shoot- coach, Bob Hitchcock, had Hitchcock, said. “We ended player. He wasn’t much for 1,000-point scorer. ing guard, got his start in been in school — win all of up with a pretty good year, words but had a lot of action.” “She played center her athletics in the usual way. their regular-season games. won 20-plus games. We had Brown added, “Bob was a senior year and point guard “My brothers and sisters That group included Brown, a good point guard (Doug very good coach. He knew her junior year,” Brown said. were playing,” he said. “It Doug Hitchcock, Gordy Hitchcock) and two good all the X’s and O’s. He had Joshua has five children of was just from there.” Hitchcock, Poole and Sean shooters in Rodney Brown Robert Faulkner come in and his own — Kylee, 13; Bryce, Concerning organized Freeman. and Sean Freeman. help us.” 9; Brylee, 5; Brynlee, 3; and basketball, that happened “I was the leading scorer “He was called on to guard Of games he remembers, Brycen, 10 months. for Brown in the fourth and with around 17 points a one of the better perimeter Brown lists those with Jef- Bob Hitchcock remembers fifth grade. His first cousin, game,” Brown said. “I was players on the team, which he ferson, (“a tough team”), and Doug Hitchcock, played on all-conference and started as did a pretty good job of. My the contest that ended their SEE BROWN, 22 Star Beacon, Friday, March 30, 2018 ACBF — 11 Olmstead had a key role in Conneaut hoops success BY CHRIS LARICK very guard-oriented.” school I played point guard. [email protected] Perhaps the most surpris- When I got to high school ing part about Conneaut’s I played primarily on the Ironically, the basketball win that year is that Soller, wing. I could be more versa- play that Jessica Olmstead not Olmstead, scored the tile because I had handled remembers the best from winning basket. the ball as a point guard.” her high school years was Olmstead, who will be Olmstead and her team- one in which she had little inducted into the Ashtabula mates had a connection input. County Basketball Founda- with Tom Ritari, their coach, During the 1999-2000 bas- tion’s Hall of Fame on April early. ketball season, the Spartans 8, was by far the team’s “I played for him in high were in a battle with the Jef- leading scorer. school for all four years, but ferson Falcons for leadership She finished her career I knew him from summer of the Northeastern Confer- with 1,682 points, which camps and open gyms,” she ence, a spot the Falcons had ranked second in county said. “As an incoming fresh- controlled for several years. history at the time. man I was super shy.” But with Olmstead, then in Olmstead demonstrated her Ritari is already a member her junior season, paving the basketball skills at an early of the ACBF’s Hall of Fame. way, those two teams were age, participating in the Elks Shy, but talented, Olm- tied for the league lead when and Knights of Columbus stead started for the varsity they faced off in Conneaut. Free- Throw Competition. that year on a squad with no “I remember we were tied “My parents (Mike Ol- seniors and also included with about six seconds left mstead and Kathy Hawk) Jennifer Johnston, Annie in the game,” Olmstead said. would drive me all over Soller, Jamie Snyder and SUBMITTED PHOTO “Kelly Herb passed to Aimee Ohio,” Olmstead said. Erika Loomis. Conneaut graduate Jessica Olmstead, shown coaching in a girls Soller for a last-second layup She also participated in Olmstead averaged basketball game, will be inducted into the Ashtabula County Bas- to win the game. the Conneaut recreation- 12.7 points a game on a ketball Foundation Hall of Fame during the awards banquet and “The last time we won the al leagues. It wasn’t long team which finished about ceremony on April 8. NEC was in 1985. Geneva before Olmstead and her the middle of the pack in upset Jefferson later in the friends — Char Kudlock, the NEC. She improved up Jefferson, and clinched had momentum and were season so we won (the NEC Stefanie Brown and Nikki to 16 points per contest as a the outright championship thirsty for success,” Olm- championship) outright. We Sanford — were competing sophomore. against Harbor. The follow- stead said. knew that going into our for Conneaut school teams By the time she was a se- ing season, Conneaut was But the Spartans had an last regular season game, so in basketball and softball. nior, Olmstead’s average had even better, going 21-3, win- off-game and lost in the re- we just needed to take care “When I was in middle jumped to 22.9 points per ning the NEC title outright gional basketball semifinals of business. We had to beat school, we won the sevnth game. and advancing to the region- to Avon Lake at Barberton. Harbor and we did. Jefferson grade league champion- Conneaut improved as Ol- als, the first time in school “I shot poorly from the had been so dominant with ship,” Olmstead said. “I was mstead and her teammates history that happened. field that night. I wish I Kelly Kapferer and Bekki one of the shorter players matured. In her junior year, “We were coming off a could have that game back,” Hamper. We didn’t have a lot then. I had a growth spurt in the Spartans won seven or (state Division II) softball of height that year, but were the 10th grade, but in middle eight straight games, beat championship (in 2000). We SEE OLMSTEAD, 20 Kansas City BBQ OPEN YEAR ROUND “Serving the Local Community Pulled Pork for Over 50 Years!” Slowly cooked pulled pork topped with Conneaut Kansas City style BBQ sauce, slice onions, and pickles served hot from the oven DAIRY QUEEN on a warm, soft artisan-style pretzel roll. 1009 Main Street • Conneaut Open Daily 11:00 am • 593-2765 12 — ACBF Star Beacon, Friday, March 30, 2018 Hamper followed in sisters’ footsteps at Jefferson BY CHRIS LARICK “He built on what coach [email protected] Graper had taught/instilled in us,” Starr said. “We con- After learning how to tinued to solidify our indi- play basketball on a gravel vidual and team strengths. I driveway court, Bekki (Ham- have fond memories of this per) Starr was pleasantly season as well; practicing surprised when she began on the always slippery MPR playing in the Jefferson High floor, hating my basketball School gym. shoes (which my parents “Imagine my surprise when had bought for me in sev- I started playing fifth and enth grade and still fit and sixth grade basketball on were in good condition in Saturday mornings in the the eighth grade, so I had to high school gym, and the wear them again. ball actually bounced up “When I ran down the in the exact spot I initially court, they made horse-trot- dribbled it at, instead of ting noises …gosh I hated bouncing any-which-way like those shoes … and they it did when I dribbled on the were black, and coach (Rod) gravel driveway,” Hamper Holmes commented/teased said recently. “Good times.” several times when he would Starr followed sisters Pau- come to our practices to line, Francine and Margaret watch for a bit, that black onto the Jefferson Lady basketball shoes were a big Falcons team. no-no, and building friend- “As a typical younger ships and teamwork. sibling, I wanted to do what At 6-foot-1, Starr was one they did, wear what they of the tallest players in the wore, act like they acted, area. She was joined Kelly listen to music they listened SUBMITTED PHOTO Kapferer, the other ‘twin to,” said Starr, who will be Jefferson graduate Bekki (Hamper) Starr (right) is pictured with her husband, Sam Starr; tower,’ who went 5-foot-11 inducted into the Ashtabula son, Gabriel and daughter, Madelyn. Starr will be inducted into the Ashtabula County Basketball or 6-0, at Jefferson. County Basketball Founda- Foundation during the awards banquet and ceremony on April 8. That pair, together from tion’s Hall of Fame on April the seventh grade through 8. “So, I capitalized on any team at the time, I believe, to play in seventh grade,” ing any upcoming games. high school, joined upper- opportunity to shoot hoops but family responsibili- she said. “I have such fond And sharing with my mom classmen Kiki McNair, Kelly in our gravel driveway with ties didn’t allow for me to memories of hanging out too, once we were home and Crowell and Laurie Gregg, them (and any of our other participate. I did compete in with the team after school eating dinner together. My when they reached ninth siblings who would play). several Knights of Columbus waiting for the bus to take eight siblings were all gradu- grade. The two freshmen Speaking of that driveway, Free Throw Competitions as us to Rock Creek Elementary ated and out of the house by (Starr and Kapferer) were in my dad painted the most well, and won several times to practice. Coach (Al) Grap- then, so I had their undivid- their glory and learning from awesome ‘Jefferson Falcons’ in my age category.” er was such a great coach, ed attention — which was the others, whom they had backboard for us, it’s still Starr, a 2000 graduate, really concentrating on a perk or an inconvenience, watched and admired since there at my parents’ house, went on to participate in helping us master the funda- depending on the day or the seventh grade. standing proudly in the Jefferson’s fifth and sixth- mentals. I can still hear him situation … and my teenage “I remember fouling out driveway. So I wanted to be grade, all of the time absorb- shouting/repeating ‘Ball, you outlook and attitude. Now I my very first varsity game, like my sisters, and really ing he coaches’ information. man’ as we practiced our thoroughly understand what and I think I scored 10 enjoyed participating in the By the time she reached the ball-handling. a true blessing it was.” points and took down some fifth- and sixth-grade bas- seventh grade, Starr had an “And then the dark, wintry The Falcons went undefeat- rebounds,” Starr said. “But ketball program at the high absolute hunger to partici- rides home from practice, ed in the seventh and eighth I just remember being so school. pate. telling my dad all about the grades, the latter year being “There was a traveling “I absolutely couldn’t wait day’s practice, and discuss- coached by coach Thompson. SEE HAMPER, 21 Star Beacon, Friday, March 30, 2018 ACBF — 13 Games a key cog on Geneva’s NEC winning team BY CHRIS LARICK was pass up an open shot [email protected] in a game and say you were working towards a better There are almost 40 one.” Ashtabula County boys Like most Geneva players, basketball players who have Games didn’t start as a soph- scored 1,000 points or more omore, but did as a junior during their high school ca- and senior. He played on reers. Only one of them, Jay an NEC championship team McHugh, hails from one of with Dan Craine, the county’s most successful Rick Gaylord, Russ Clutter, schools — Geneva. Willie DeJesus and John The exact reasons for that Montgomery. are complex, but the most “We had some tough bat- likely one is that the most tles with Ashtabula and Har- successful Geneva coaches bor,” Games said. “(Harbor’s) —Bill Koval, Al Bailey and Jim Bradley was probably Brad Ellis — hung their hats the best player I remember on defense. facing in high school. My In addition, the Eagle senior year I played with teams were so successful John Montgomery, Brad for many years in the final Ellis, Tony Tersigni and the half of the 20th century that Hassett brothers (Tony and players, even good ones, Mike). didn’t get to contribute “We didn’t win the league. until their junior and senior Our record was probably a seasons. little over .500. but we were So, selecting Geneva play- very competitive and split ers for the Ashtabula County the regular season with NEC Basketball Foundation Hall Champs Madison then beat of Fame takes a little more SUBMITTED PHOTO them in the sectionals, win- research than simply looking Geneva graduate Wayne Games (left) is pictured with his grandson, Conner Bailey, after Con- ning two out of three.” at the list of highest county ner helped win a fourth-grade basketball tournament in Dayton. Games will be inducted into the In his sophomore year, scorers developed by Don Ashtabula County Basketball Foundation Hall of Fame during the awards banquet and ceremony on Games lettered, but only McCormack and kept updat- April 8. played a few minutes per ed since then. game. This year, that honor falls to be disciplined to get time Games will be inducted and it became a four-cor- As a junior, he was an to Wayne Games, a 1976 on the floor. His style was into the ACBF Hall of Fame ners, low-scoring game. important cog on the NEC Eagle graduate. to slow the ball down, mix during the awards banquet At 6-foot-3, 175 pounds, Championship team at Several of Koval’s former up defenses and execute and Hall of Fame induction Games played power for- Geneva. He was selected first players, including his Ellis, a variety of full and half on April 8. ward most of the time. -team All-NEC, first-team his son-in-law and 1977 court presses. The year I was Games recalls a game “Coach Koval gave me the All-Ashtabula County, and graduate, followed Koval a junior we won the NEC when he was a senior in freedom to run the baseline led the team in scoring into coaching basketball. (Northeastern Conference) which, while playing a good corner-to-corner and break averaging 14.6 points per That group includes Games, and I believe we had the Ashtabula team, Geneva got into the high post when it game with the second who served four years at lowest-scoring offense in the a 2-0 lead. was open,” he said. “The highest field goal percent- Madison after obtaining his league, but also gave up the When the Panthers turned team goal was to always age in the NEC, behind Russ college degree. least amount of points to op- the ball over and packed into work for the best shot. In Clutter. “He was definitely a tough ponents. There can’t be more a tight zone defense, Koval practice coach would require In his senior year, Games coach that knew exactly the than a couple who’ve led had the Eagles hold the ball us to pass the ball up to 10 repeated as first-team all- style of play he wanted from the league in scoring while at half-court. times before taking a shot. If NEC and all-county and his teams,” Games said of playing in a coach Koval Eventually, Ashtabula was you ever got in coach Koval’s Koval. “As players we had offense.” forced out of the strategy dog house all you had to do SEE GAMES, 22 14 — ACBF Star Beacon, Friday, March 30, 2018 The 2017-18 high school basketball season

WARREN DILLAWAY | STAR BEACON Geneva’s Emily Harriman (5), Hope Stanley (21), Jordan Vencill (43) and Miranda Francis (35) defend Euclid’s Constance Chaplin (13) during a girls basketball game in the 2017-18 season. WARREN DILLAWAY | STAR BEACON Lakeside’s Courtez Vaughn (2) is fouled by Collinwood’s Trejaun Bester (3) in a 2017-18 regular-season boys basketball game.

WARREN DILLAWAY | STAR BEACON WARREN DILLAWAY | STAR BEACON Edgewood’s Aaron Anderson (facing) and St. John’s Ron Nejbauer battle for the Conneaut’s Jayden Drew (4) plays defense against Grand Valley’s Brandy ball in the 2017-18 boys basketball sesson. Smith during a 2017-18 regular-season game. Star Beacon, Friday, March 30, 2018 ACBF — 15

SUBMITTED PHOTO Grand Valley’s Abby Triskett (right) won SUBMITTED PHOTO the girls 3-point shooting contest during Edgewood’s Felix Rivera won the Ashtabula County Basketball Founda- boys 3-point shooting contest during tion Senior Classic earlier this month at Ashtabula County Basketball Founda- Edgewood High School. She is pictured SUBMITTED PHOTO tion Senior Classic earlier this month with GV’S Kim Triskett, who coached Edgewood’s Tye Rood was selected as the boys Most Valuable Player during the at Edgewood High School. one of the girls teams. Ashtabula County Basketball Foundation Senior Classic earlier this month at Edgewood High School.

KURT LAW OFFICE 26 South Chestnut St. Jefferson, OH 44047 440-466-5200

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And don’t miss our Family Law Seminar SUBMITTED PHOTO Pymatuning Valley’s Madison Hurst was selected as the girls Most Valuable Play- Being held at our office on er during the Ashtabula County Basketball Foundation Senior Classic earlier this APRIL 23, 2018 at 5:00PM month at Edgewood High School. 16 — ACBF Star Beacon, Friday, March 30, 2018 KRAY: Edgewood graduate relishes his roots SIDBECK: Harbor

FROM PAGE 4 gym from 10 to 12, under Ed Pizzuto. After Foundation in their then lunch, then were my first year as JV fundraising activities. grad was one of the worked while we prac- on the road by four coach, Ed decided to “I play (basketball) in ticed in the afternoon. o’clock (to play ARC pursue a job in the con- alumni games for fun Al would pick me up baseball),” Kray said. struction business. and go to practices and leading scorers and take me to practice. During his senior I then took over as hit the ball around,” he “He was such a year, Kray was recruit- head baseball coach at said. “It’s funny how positive role model ed by Baldwin-Wallace Edgewood, a position time flies. It’s a lot of on 1965-66 team for me. I had him as a for baseball and Mount I held for the next 10 fun, no doubt about it. FROM PAGE 6 4:27 mile in 1952 and teacher and coach. He Union for basketball. years. “The whole experi- a 4:15 in college, will was everything I wanted “I chose basketball,” “(Athletic director) ence (of being athletic playing,” Sidbeck probably be in the to be. I can’t thank he said. “That might Dave Melaragno decided director) is very hum- said. “They ended up track hall of fame. him enough. He was not have been the best to retire and I job-shad- bling, It’s been 20 years beating us 36-35 or so. “I got to rub elbows a stickler for pushing decision for me. I was owed Dave in 2010. In since I’ve been out of Later in the season we with the greatest ,” he guys. He encouraged us 6-foot-2 and they put me 2011 I became assistant high school, but I still beat them about 70-55 said. to be very physical and at power forward. Aaron principal at the mid- see today a lot of the at Harbor.” Sidbeck played bas- aggressive.” Shipp was an All-Amer- dle school and athletic guys I graduated with. Sidbeck’s first ketball at Kent State In addition to basket- ican there at 6-6 or 6-7. director (positions he I couldn’t have done encounter with Arm- Ashtabula for a year ball, Kray starred on the I was pretty much a still holds). I love it. It’s it without them. Scott strong was unexpect- after high school, but baseball diamond under beating dummy.” a very time-consuming Runyan was by far my ed, even an unknown couldn’t compete when coach Mike Hayes for Kray played on the job if you do it right. best teammate. We one at the time. Sid- he transferred to the the Warriors, playing “B” squad as a fresh- My children are at my know each other like beck was in the habit main Kent campus the second base and short- man. He broke his wrist school so they stick the back of our hands. of playing in his drive- following year. stop. His senior year he in his sophomore year. around and hang out. There was a lot of ca- way, dribbling his way “After college, he batted .407, with 24 runs “It was a deciding It’s very unique. maraderie. It is great to into the night. When played ball with the scored, 33 hits (third in point for me,” he said. “I love what I do. work with former high he was in the seventh Reliance Electric team county) and 26 RBI (sec- “My decision was that There’s not a more true school friends Ryan or eighth grade, a new that had players ond in county). After the it had been a fun ride, Edgewood person. I Marcy, Shaun Vencill, couple moved in next like Jim Hood and season, he was selected but that I would get my know what it’s like to and Kevin Andrejack as door. Ted Miller. The league first-team All-Ashtabula schooling in four years live here.” we coach our own kids. “Is that young man included players like County and All-NEC, as and come back here (to Kray met his wife, Its amazing how fast going to pound the Bob Walters, Jim Edgewood went 15-5 Buckeye).” Nicole, at Mount Union. time flies. ball all night?” the wife Gilbert, and Jerry overall, 12-4 (second During Kray’s soph- Nicole won a state soft- “I can’t thank my fam- asked. Raffenaud. place in the NEC). omore year, one of the ball championship at ily enough. To this day “Reta, I hope so,” He received his Kray remembers how administrators in the Marlington. They have my parents still go to said the husband, Har- degree in business good of a pitcher Har- Buckeye system indicat- been married 14 years the Edgewood games, bor’s new basketball at Kent, then went to bor pitcher Dan Mozin- ed that Kray would have and have two children, wear Edgewood shirts, coach, Armstrong. work at Ashtabula Bow go was. a job waiting for him if Logan, 11, and Carly, 8. completely support me. “Al, that was music Socket and Reliance “Dan Mozingo no-hit he chose to return home Kray and Kevin The way I was raised, to my ears,” Arm- Electric. us once and Harbor after college. And, sure Andrejack share the I was always taught strong later told Sidbeck then worked won the league,” Kray enough, the summer coaching of their to give to others. I Sidbeck. at Plasticolors (now said. “He went on to after his senior year he combined kids — An- couldn’t ask for a better “I loved playing for Chromaflow) for al- play for the White Sox. claimed that job. drejack in basketball profession to be in. Ed,” Sidbeck added. most 30 years until he I don’t know if I ever “I taught everything and Kray in baseball. My job is very demand- “He was fiery, he had retired. saw a guy as good as he at the middle school Nicole works with Carly ing. I love what I do. My a temper. But he knew Sidbeck married was. He was nasty on — math, history, five in softball. Carly is also wife allows me to be basketball. You knew Janice, a 1968 Harbor the mound.” preps (preparations),” very active in Wildfire. the best I can be at my that guy was going to graduate, when he Kray also played with he said. “It was a As if his job isn’t job. My wife goes to try his hardest.” was 26. Although they the ARC team that challenge. I was also enough, Kray works the games and helps Sidbeck’s brother, have no children of played 72 games, ‘all seventh-grade basket- with both the Ashtabu- support our various Bobby, is already in their own, the Sid- over the place.’ ball coach under Kevin la County Touchdown teams. I couldn’t do the county football becks helped raise his “Having Al for a Andrejack and junior Club and the Ashtabu- what I do without her hall of fame. nephew, Matthew and coach, we had open varsity baseball coach la County Basketball support.” Charles, who ran a niece, Stephanie. Star Beacon, Friday, March 30, 2018 ACBF — 17 CANCEL: Ashtabula graduate took over Remembering Allan Mononen Few Conneaut resi- reporter, photographer, dents were strangers to and volunteer videog- as go-to player on late 1990s teams Allan Mononen, a track rapher. He made sure and field stand-out who to schedule morning FROM PAGE 5 ‘I want to give a huge thank you to Phil Garcia for also played baseball at work hours in order to allowing me to work during my four years of high Conneaut High School free his afternoons and “I love basketball in the late 60s. evenings so as not to today because of both school.’ Mononen, 67, died miss a game. of them,” Cancel said. in his home of a heart Mononen reported on Jessica Cancel “Not knowing much Ashtabula High School graduate and ACBF inductee attack Feb. 1. Conneaut High School about the sport in the Mononen was pas- sporting events each seventh grade, they sionate about high week on his “Home- taught me everything two of four seasons and all-NEC her junior Cancel has an ad- school sports. After town Sports Report” for from lay-ups to how to over .500. and senior years. opted daughter, Zoe graduating from Con- Conneaut’s local cable hold the ball to shoot a In one game against She was also Collazo, 14, in addition neaut High School and access channel, going free throw.” Harvey, Cancel set a Ashtabula’s MVP as a to biological children: Bowling Green State the extra mile to inter- When Cancel reached personal high with junior and shared that Angelo L. Collazo 13; University, Mononen view athletes and high- her freshman year, around 43-46 points, honor with Maria Jones Jasmine and Joselyn returned home and light their successes. Roby Potts took over as while making only 3 of as a senior. Collazo, 11 and Antho- became a substitute Conneaut’s Local her head coach. 12 foul shots. In addi- As she neared grad- ny Collazo, 9. teacher. He was also a Cable TV Coordinator “Roby Potts was awe- tion to her scoring, she uation, Cancel was re- She keeps herself too mentor, participant and Regis Galvin called some to me,” she said. averaged eight or nine cruited by East Tennes- busy to participate in an official for numer- Mononen the commu- “He pushed me to do rebounds per game. see, Wilmington College any sports right now, ous community sports nity’s “Keith Jackson/ better and not to give As a four-year let- and Mercyhurst. athough she admits teams. Howard Cosell.” up even if we weren’t ter-winner, Cancel was “I decided on Mercy- to shooting around Viewers of Con- Outside of the sports winning. He was mo- honorable mention hurst because it was with her sons once in a neaut’s local cable arena, Mononen was tivating and a good all-county and all-NEC closer to home,” she while. access channels saw serving his sixth year as all-around coach.” (Northeastern Athletic said. “I had a good ex- “I really do not have Mononen’s work in president of the Con- While Cancel played Conference) as a fresh- perience the time I was time for myself,” she front of and behind the neaut Cable Advisory varsity for four years, man, then moved up there. I met some really said. “My life is work camera. Mononen spent Board at the time of his she had a variety of to second-team status nice girls there that i still from 8 to 5, homework countless hours at high death and was on the teammates. on those squads as a keep in contact with. and attending my kids’ school athletic events board of Conneaut’s The ones she lists as sophomore. “I wanted to become sporting events which year-round as a sports First Baptist Church. closest to her include In her junior and se- a high school math or are a lot when you have guards Kelly Hladek, nior years, Cancel was Spanish teacher. I was five children that play Krista Parmigian, Mary first-team all-county there for almost a year sports or do other ac- Christian, Hall Miller, and all-NEC in addition before I tore my ACL tivities at school.” Marisol Cora and Patricia to being honorable and meniscus. I had Cancel didn’t succeed AWARDS & ENGRAVING Noble and centers Maria mention All-Ohio. surgery and decided to in just athletics in high Jones and Bessie Noble. She was also Most attend Kent State main school. Cancel played for- Valuable Player at the campus one year and “I was not just a good Congratulations ward at 5-foot-10 as a Star Beacon Senior Kent State Ashtabula athlete in high school,” freshman and grew an Classic and her team’s for two years.” she said. “I maintained to all of the Hall inch by the time she MVP. Since college, Cancel a 3.4 GPA. I enjoyed was a senior. Cancel also starred on has had a varied work doing community of Fame Inductees “I was actually one the volleyball court for experience. service and helping the of the tallest out of the the Panthers, lettering “I have done a few younger kids in their and 2018 Scholar bunch of girls,” she all four-years. things.” she said. “I have after-school activities. said. She was named been a shipping and re- I want to give a huge Athletes. The Panthers were honorable mention on ceiving manager. I work thank you to Phil Garcia only moderately suc- the all-star teams as a as an export customer for allowing me to 440-992-7529 cessful during Cancel’s freshman, second-team service specialist. Being work during my tenure there. As she as a sophomore and bilingual it has been a four years of high Downtown Ashtabula recalls, they finished first-team all county good career for me.” school.” www.PlayallAmerica.com 18 — ACBF Star Beacon, Friday, March 30, 2018 BERRIER: Jeff erson grad led team in scoring, rebounding on 1979-81 teams

FROM PAGE 7 title at Jefferson in the center, Nemet said. working for the Jeffer- last game of the senior “He was so thin, but son Gazette, the News Al Graper coached year. he could do anything,” Herald in Conneaut Berrier before he “(PV’s) Alan McDon- Nemet said. “He could and the Geauga Times reached high school ald was 6-6 or 6-7,” dunk and had a quick Leader around 1984-85. and had recommend- Nemet said. “PV had fi rst step, a real good “I was in (printing) ed him to move up some good players.” all-around player.” for 10 years, then went to junior varsity as a Southington, with Rick Berrier recalls being into carpeting and roof- freshman. Bob Ashba Badanjek, who later named to the all-GRC ing for about 10 years,” was his junior varsity played fullback at Mary- and all-county teams as Berrier said. “I jumped coach. land, was also tough, a junior and senior. He around a lot.” “They were the ones and games with south- averaged more than 20 For the past 15 years, who took me to where ern Ashtabula rivals PV points as a senior. Ber- he has worked as a I was,” Berrier said. and Grand Valley were rier led the Grand truck driver with Rich “They were very good always competitive. River Conference in Hart of HLH Trucking coaches.” “With PV and GV it scoring as a junior and out of Pierpont. Most As Berrier remembers, didn’t make any differ- senior, totaling 749 of his driving is within the Falcons were a very ence what their record career points. He was a fi ve-state area, but competitive team in the were,” Berrier said.”The a two-time third-team he has also driven to Grand River Confer- rivalry was magnifi cent. All-Ohioan. Texas and Colorado. ence, which at that time The gyms would be Berrier was recruited Berrier, the son of also included Pyma- packed and the fans by several colleges, Beverly and Gerald tuning Valley, Grand were vocal.” like Walsh and Akron Berrier, is very close to Valley, Perry, Fairport, Berrier doesn’t re- and several Division III his family. Ledgemont and South- member many of the schools, but had little “My parents gave me ington. games, but in one he interest in the pros- every opportunity,” he “I think Pymatuning recalls against South- pect. said. “They were my knocked us off my ington, he went up for “I didn’t want to carry strength.” senior year,” he said. a dunk and was under- on in school,” he said. Berrier likes to hunt “I think we tied (for cut, suffering an injury Nemet added, “Rick and fi sh. He hunts deer, the championship) my in the process. SUBMITTED PHOTO had the ability to play turkey and coyotes, junior year.” Like most athletes Rick Berrier is shown in his Jefferson playing days. in college. But he never but the proudest is of According to Nemet, his age, Berrier learned had any interest in it. the mountain lion he Jefferson won the the sport in informal and put a lot of time over and we played He said, ‘I don’t think bagged in Montana and championship in get-togethers with into it,” he said. “We ball.” that’s for me.’” has mounted. Berrier’s junior year neighborhood kids. called it BBY, Berrier’s Because of his leaping Instead, he went into “That was the hunt of and PV captured the “We played at night Back Yard. Kids came ability, Berrier jumped the printing industry, a lifetime,” he said. PINNEY: Deming grad fi nished third in county scoring on 1957-1958 squad

FROM PAGE 8 That could be a “but- to tell scary stories was proud of all his Pinney’s children who stays home raising tons treasure chest” for around the campfi re, children. After a long include Jim, 57, who children currently in Pinney worked his grandchildren (now cut trees and clear land day of work, he would is a foreman for a Brecksville. around his house, found in a secret hide- to provide fi rewood for sit at the dining table pipefi tter’s union in “All Jim’s children love having a pond dug for out in his great-grand- his mother and stepfa- with me, have tea and Scranton, Pa.; Nick, 56, the outdoors, sports, the family to enjoy and children’s forts) or ther in addition to his discuss the day. an electrician in Jeffer- animals and working on building a basketball making hurdles for own home. He was a leader, active, son; Deb, 53, an RN in projects,” Nancy said. court for the grandchil- his granddaughters to “He took pride in his responsible, deter- Jefferson; Jeff, 51, who “They invest their time dren. practice jumping for home and vehicles, but mined, truthful, works at CIO in Dub- in family, volunteering, He always had a proj- track. most of all in his fam- humble and helped lin, Ohio and Jill, 38, a coaching and helping ect he was working on. Pinney also loved ily,” Nancy said. “He others.” former English teacher others.” Star Beacon, Friday, March 30, 2018 ACBF — 19 COXON: Conneaut graduate scored 1,000 career points for mid '90s teams

FROM PAGE 9 Lucent Technologies. truffles, and deals with But he had always high-end chefs on the Conneaut took on been interested in Las Vegas Strip. Cleveland Benedictine, law enforcement and “I’m honored that I which zoomed to a big applied for the FBI in was selected (for the lead. When the game 2004. ACBF Hall of Fame),” he slowed down, the Spar- He was selected to go said. “It means a lot to tans came back only to to FBI training at Quan- me. I know there are a loe by a point. tico and has been an lot of tough decisions. “Tony and Mike got FBI agent for 13 years. When I look back on in foul trouble,” Coxon “For the last 10 years my career, they were said. “Unfortunately, I’ve been on the FBI some of the best years I we got beat by one.” Fugitive Task Force, a could have had. I Coxon also played well-respected team wouldn’t change a baseball his freshman in Las Vegas,” he said. thing. I think we could year at Conneaut, “We deal with the worst have won a state title, but concentrated on of the worst — ho- but we never quite put basketball after that micide suspects and it together. season. robbery suspects. “My family, especially “It was the sport I “I couldn’t have cho- my mom and dad, Con- loved,” he said. sen a better field than nie and Gary — I can’t Though he dreamed the FBI. I’m blessed to thank them enough of playing Division I be part of it. Our fugi- for all of their support. college basketball, as tive team is a lot like They never missed a a 6-foot-2 shooting a basketball team. We game and it meant a guard, Coxon wasn’t in have 10 guys working lot. Also I’m grateful that sort of demand. together every day. for my two brothers, He reduced his choices SUBMITTED PHOTO We work well togeth- Joe and Rob, who also to Division III Bald- Dan Coxon is pictured with wife, Stacey, and children (from left) Kason, Kinsley and er. It’s a 24-hour-a-day were very supportive win-Wallace and John Kanter. job.” and always there for Carroll. Coxon is married to me. I was lucky “I developed a great I’m a member of the forward, with a bit of Moran, coach Stead- Stacey, from Parma. to have a good relationship with John Basketball Hall of Fame point guard thrown in. man and John Carroll The couple has three network of family and Steadman and coach at John Carroll. We got In his senior season, he University.” children — Kinsley, a friends. To this day, (Mike) Moran at John to the Elite Eight (in the averaged 17 points per At John Carroll, 4 1/2 year-old daugh- I’m still close to Mike Carroll,” he said. “I national tournament) game and led the team Coxon took his degree ter, Kason a 2 1/2-year Pape and Tony Lyons felt that was the place my junior and senior in assists. in business finance, old son and Karter, an and other Conneaut for me to play. It was seasons. “Making the Division graduating in 1999. eight-month old son. classmates and former close to home, so I At John Carroll,Cox- III tournament was He student taught Stacey is in food basketball players. I went to John Carroll on played the two- exciting,” he said. “I’m for a year, then went to sales, specifically wouldn’t change any- and was very happy. guard and a little small very fond of coach work in Columbus for selling fresh European thing.”

STAR BEACON “Congratulations KRAY’S CO., INC. www.starbeacon.com Andover to the Rock Creek Classifi ed Sparkle Market 6560 S. Main St. Advertising 97 Public Square (440) 563-3985 440.994.3240 Basketball Hall of Andover, OH 44003 OH LIC. #12168 N. Kingsville 440-293-6983 Prompt Circulation Home Store Hours: Monday- Delivery Fame Inductees” Saturday 8am-8pm Professional 440-224-2341 Sunday 8am-6pm Service Since 1976 440.994.3242 20 — ACBF Star Beacon, Friday, March 30, 2018 OLMSTEAD: Conneaut graduate Tom Henson golf scored nearly 1,700 points in tournament slated for July 14 The fourth annual Registra- The cost is $75 per Tom Henson ACBF tion is at 8 golfer ($300 per team) high school career (Ashtabula County a.m. with and open Basketball Foundation) tee time at to the first 120 FROM PAGE 11 ‘I wouldn’t be where I am today if golf tournament is 9 a.m. players. not for the support of my parents scheduled for Satur- This is a For more information Olmstead says. “I re- day, July 14 at the Henson four-per- or questions, contact member thinking that I and brother and sister, along with Geneva on the Lake son scram- Steve Kray at 440-998- let my teammates and my extended family.’ Golf Course. ble event. 1413. coaches down.” Then, Conneaut Jessica Olmstead couldn’t duplicate its Conneaut gradute and 2018 ACBF HOF inductee 2000 softball success, despite returning sons. Then, after trans- she was a high school several starters, includ- ferring to Mercyhurst assistant girls varsity ing shutdown pitcher (she lost credits in the basketball coach. Adrian Tuttle and the process), Olmstead was This year, Olmstead keystone double-play injured. switched to coaching combination of Kudlock She became a stu- boys at the middle and Olmstead. dent assistant coach, a school level. She also “We couldn’t get the position that taught her coaches girls track. key hits we needed that aspects of the game she About the only bas- game,” Olmstead says. had never fully appreci- ketball she plays these Olmstead was re- ated before. days is in an instructive cruited by Youngstown After graduating in capacity, where she State, Bowling Green 2005, Olmstead became can still befuddle her and Kent State, in addi- a substitute teacher in players with her pull-up tion to a lot of Division the Conneaut area for a jumper. II schools. few months. Olmstead has become She played basket- Meanwhile, she ap- a real enthusiast of ball for three years at plied for teaching jobs cross-fit training, and Youngstown State, fin- in the Virginia area spends hours in the ishing out her season because of the teaching gym. year at Mercyhurst opportunities. By the “I wouldn’t be where I University. following year, she had am today if not for the Playing shooting obtained a job teaching support of my parents guard and small for- fifth grade at McAuliffe and brother and sister, ward for the Penguins, Elementary School in along with my extended Olmstead found herself Virginia. family,” Olmstead said. on a team that was “be- After four years there, “It’s nice to see your low .500 my freshman she moved to Graham parents in the stands year. It was a struggle.” Park Middle School in every single high-school Her parents, always Triangle, Va. (about 25 game. If one of them supportive, came down miles from Washington, couldn’t be there, the for her games, even D.C.), where she teaches other one was. I’m very though she didn’t play sixth grade social stud- grateful for that. My much as a freshman. ies, meaning American brother, Kyle kept stats Olmstead averaged history. and my sister, Marissa about 10 points per She now has 11 years was only 7 at the time, outing in in her soph- of teaching in. but proudly wore my omore and junior sea- From 2008-2017, shooting shirt.” Star Beacon, Friday, March 30, 2018 ACBF —21 HAMPER: Jefferson graduate finished with more than 1,000 points, 1,400 rebounds in high school basketball career

FROM PAGE 12 — we still joke about it and instruction from versary in October. to this day,” she said. Gannon. They have two chil- honored to be playing “He would always say, After student-teaching dren — Gabriel (10 with them. Kelly and I ‘We’ll see, you might at Elk Valley Elementary years old) and also experienced our change your mind.’ I in Girard, Pa., she was Madelyn (7). first loss together in did not pursue any con- hired by that district Though Bekki doesn’t the ninth grade, after tacts made by coaches/ the summer she grad- have a lot of extra time, going undefeated in colleges.” uated from Edinboro. she has played in some junior high. Instead, Starr began She teaches math and various social leagues “Going undefeated in college her freshman science at Elk Valley. for fun (sand volleyball, the seventh and eighth year at Thiel College “I absolutely love church volleyball, wom- grades was memora- before transferring to my job, co-workers, en’s social basketball). ble, and I know we had Edinboro as a sopho- administration, and “I am currently some district/regional more. After her gradua- students,” she said. I enjoying watching our championships, But I tion there, she obtained am very blessed. I am children begin to try don’t remember the her master’s at Gannon currently teaching my their hands at various specific years/titles. University. Starr played 14th year.” activities, including All in all, it was an SUBMITTED PHOTO no sports in college. Starr is married to basketball,” she said. “I amazing experience, Bekki Hamper had more than 1,000 points, 1,400 She has her bachelors her high school sweet- am also enjoying serv- and awesome part of rebounds in her Jefferson High School career. from Edinboro in ele- heart, Sam Starr. ing at our church and my high school memo- mentary education and The couple will cele- participating in Bible ries, because of Coach because I displayed to approach the net a masters in curriculum brate their 12th anni- studies.” Holmes and my team- aggressiveness, some- for a hit, and I totally mates.” thing we had worked jumped right INTO the The late Holmes, who on since the summer at net, bounced off, and Congratulations to this year’s won more games than basketball camp,” she fell on my back. Hall of Fame Inductees and Players of the Year! any other county bas- said. “We all had a good ketball coach, male Over her high-school laugh, and coach or female in history, career Starr scored Bartlett joked about had a great effect on 1,047 points and to- putting our health-class Starr. taled 1,410 rebounds, lesson on learning how “Coach Holmes was good for third in state to check on injured Phil’s an amazing coach and history. The 375 re- people into action. I en- person,” she said. “He bounds she pulled in in joyed the two seasons was knowledgeable, 1998-99 rank 14th in on the team, but ulti- Catering calm but firm, caring, state history. mately decided not to fun, and funny (well, She also played vol- play my senior year. As at least he thought so). leyball at Jefferson her far as successes, I hon- What an honor and sophomore and junior estly don’t remember Quality Service blessing it was to play years. if I made any special for him.” “I was not a natural, teams or not.” Packages To Fit Any Budget Starr has a clear but coach (Jeannine) Starr could have memory of her first Bartlett was patient played basketball varsity contest, because with me and helped me in college, but elected Call To Set Up A Food Tasting she fouled out. along, as well as some not to. “I was nervous about of my teammates,” she “I knew by my junior the fact that I had said. “My very first vol- year that I did not want fouled out, but coach leyball open gym was to play basketball in 440.992.7445 Holmes assured me such a disaster, LOL. I college, much to my 2610 West Prospect Road, ASHTABULA he was proud of me was trying to learn how Dad’s disappointment 22 — ACBF Star Beacon, Friday, March 30, 2018 GAMES: Geneva gradute played on NEC championship team as a junior

FROM PAGE 13 in 1980 and took a Indi. Games married basketball skills. He is teaching position in the former Judy Mallo- like a father to me. We was also voted first Madison. ry in 1981. had a basketball hoop team all-sectional “I taught industrial “I asked her out in a barn close by. (Class AAA), first team arts and coached with when going through “Larry encouraged All-District (Class AAA), Jim Dolan for four her checkout line to me to stack up bales and honorable mention years,” he said. “We purchase spaghetti at of hay and practice All-State (Class AAA). won the NEC in 1984 the IGA store in Mad- shooting over them. I He led the team in re- and the team was ison. I couldn’t resist spent a lot of time in bounding and scoring, recently recognized for her beautiful smile” he that barn practicing by at about 17 per contest, holding the best record said. “Of course, our myself. Larry and Don- to be named team MVP. for boys’ basketball in first date was scouting nie transported me to Between his junior the school’s history at the next team we were basketball camps and and senior years at 20-4. Coach Dolan gave going to play in sec- never missed a game. Geneva, Games was ne responsibility for tionals.” I spent a lot of time in playing basketball on the defense and I used The couple has two their home and have the outdoor courts at a lot of what I learned daughters, Laurie and memories of sitting Geneva High School while playing for coach Beth, and a son, Mike, with the Winchell’s when head coach Bob Koval at Geneva. along with seven grand- watching Bill Walton Herpy spotted him and “After four years, children and one on the go 21 for 22 from the talked him into playing my wife and I had two way. field to win the national football. He was signed kids and were living in Games always liked championship at UCLA up as a tight end. a trailer park. A friend sports, but didn’t have and Jerry West and “That was one offered me a job at the the opportunity to Wilt Chamberlin win of the best deci- Perry Nuclear Power participate until his an NBA championship. sions I made in high Plant. I wasn’t making freshman year. We even played chess. I school,” Games said. much money as a school “We lived in the coun- wouldn’t be where I am “We went 10-0 and teacher, so I took the job try south of Austinburg today without the best SUBMITTED PHOTO were the first undefeat- and eventually bought a and my parents (Wil- neighbors a kid could Rod Brown (right) competes in a game for ed team in Geneva High house. I couldn’t afford liam and Barbara) were ever wish for. Pymatuning Valley. School history. It was a to go back to teaching not sports people,” he With his occupational great experience” school.” said. “My father worked responsibilities Games After high school, Games eventually second shift and my doesn’t have a lot of BROWN: PV grad joins Games went on to play landed in the power in- mother didn’t drive so time for much recre- basketball for a year at dustry where he’s been I couldn’t get to prac- ation, but enjoys watch- family members in being Ohio Northern. for the past 27 years. tices. ing Ohio State football “But I was a tweener,” He went back to “My life changed and has season tickets he said. “I was too slow school to earn an MBA when Larry and Don- to the University of inducted into the ACBF and didn’t handle the in 2002 and is now a nie Winchell bought a Evansville Purple Aces FROM PAGE 10 brothers Greg, Jeff and ball well enough to play vice president responsi- house about quarter basketball. Andy helped provide guard and too small ble for electric gener- mile down the road. Over the years, he’s his undefeated year Rod a base. to pound underneath. ation and marketing They had such a pos- continued to play in with fondness. “It’s a pleasure to I decided to focus on at Vectren Energy, a itive influence on me various basketball “That was a great coach a guy like that,” working to get money public utility company and we’re still very leagues but has recent- group of kids to work Hitchcock said. for school and keeping that supplies electricity close today. Larry saw ly stopped. with,” he said. “Their “Because of the my grades up.” in southwest Indiana that I was tall and had “I’m getting too old, families provided ex- expectations of the Games had gone and natural gas to most some potential so he keep getting hurt and cellent support to the parents and players, it to Ohio Northern of Indiana and parts of spent time teaching me it’s hard to keep up guys on the team.” makes the job easier.” to become a school Ohio. how to shoot properly with the young guys.” In Brown’s case, teacher. He graduated He lives in Evansville as well as other basic Games said. Star Beacon, Friday, March 30, 2018 ACBF — 23

2018 ACBF HALL OF FAME CAPSULES ||

• Rick Berrier: Rick, broke his wrist as a who died in 2016, a 1981 Jefferson grad- sophomore and was the best play- uate, was the leading concentrated on his er for Ron Mahon’s scorer and rebounder studies. He returned Deming Rangers on coach Rick Nemet’s to the Buckeye system in 1957 and 1958, 1979-1981 Falcon after graduation and averaging 18.7 points teams. He was a mas- is now an assistant as a senior to finish ter of the dunk and principal at the mid- third in the county was named all-county dle school and athletic League in scoring. He and all-league his ju- director for the went on to play for nior and senior years. system. Kent State-Ashtabula Rick now works • Jessica Olmstead: Branch’s first team. for HLH Trucking When Jessica gradu- For many years Jim out of Pierpont. ated from Conneaut worked for Culligan. • Rod Brown: Rod, in 2001, she was the • Al Sidbeck: Al, a a 1980 Pymatun- second-leading scorer 1966 Harbor graduate, ing Valley graduate, in county history. She played guard and for- played point guard still ranks third in ward for Ed Armstrong. for coach Bob Hitch- that category among He won all-county and cock’s teams, includ- girls players. Playing all-league honors for ing the 1979-80 team for coach Tom Ri- the Mariners. Al played that went undefeated tari, Jessica and her basketball for Kent in the regular sea- teammates won an State-Ashtabula after son and reached the NEC championship as graduation from Har- district finals before juniors and seniors. bor. He tried out for falling to Hawken. She went on to play Kent State’s main Rod was a Star Beacon for Youngstown State campus team but All-Ashtabula and and Mercyhurst. She didn’t make the all-league choice. He is now a social studies team. He worked for now owns and oper- WARREN DILLAWAY | STAR BEACON teacher in Virginia, Ashtabula Bow and ates a dairy farm in In this file photo, Steve Kray is shown coaching the Edgewood girls not far from Washing- Socket before moving southern Ashtabula basketball team. ton D.C. on to Plasticolors. He County. • Jim Pinney: Jim, retired at the age of 66. • Jessica Can- joining Mike Pape was a junior. He was school career, being cel: Jessica, a 1999 and Tony Lyons. The a first-team all-county named all-county Ashtabula graduate, Spartans lost just one and all-NEC selection and all-NEC in her scored more than regular-season game as a junior and senior. junior and senior 1,000 points for in Coxon’s junior and Wayne now works as years. Bekki now Roby Potts’ Panther senior seasons for a vice-president of teaches school in teams. She was select- coach Kent Houston. Vectren Energy in Elk Valley in ed to the first-team Dan went on to star at Indiana. Pennsylvania. John H. Szewczyk, All-Ashtabula County John Carroll and • Bekki (Hamper) • Steve Kray: Steve, and All-NEC squads is now in that col- Starr : Bekki, a 2000 a 1997 Edgewood Senior Marketing Director as a junior and senior. lege’s Basketball Hall Jefferson graduate, graduate, earned Jessica now works of Fame. Dan now joined Kelly Kapferer all-county and all- 355 W. Prospect Road Suite 102 • Ashtabula, OH 44004 as an export works as an FBI agent as one of coach Rod NEC honors for Al customer service in Las Vegas. Holmes 'Twin Towers' Runyan’s strong Offi ce: 440.992.8376 specialist. • Wayne Games: on the Falcons team teams of those years, Fax: 440.992.0272 • Dan Coxon: Dan, Wayne, a 1976 Gene- that made the region- averaging over 17 a 1995 Conneaut va graduate, played als when Hamper and points per game as a Toll Free: 877.964.6131 graduate, was one power forward for Kapferer were seniors. junior and leading the of three 1,000-point coach Bill Koval on Bekki totaled 1,047 area at 23.3 points as Email: [email protected]

scorers for Conneaut an NEC championship points and 1,410 a senior. Kray went Securities off ered solely through Ameritas Investment Corp. (AIC). Member FINRA/SIPC. in the mid-1990s, team when Games rebounds in her high to Mount Union, but AIC and Capital Choice are not affi liated. Additional products and services may be available through John Szewczyk or Capital Choice that are not off ered through AIC. 24 — ACBF Star Beacon, Friday, March 30, 2018

Congratulations Hall of Fame Inductees!

237 Broad St. 944 Lake Ave Conneaut, OH 44030 Ashtabula, OH 44004 440-593-6880 440-964-3622 www.joslinlandis.com