Winter Sports Update & Merry Christmas!

Wanted to update the happenings with the Red Rider winter sports teams, but first let me wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.  Thanks so much for all your positive comments and for following me on Facebook on Twitter, which are great mediums to get out quick blasts of news.  I do a lot more posting there, than here on the blog.  Score updates and links are much easier to share via social media rather than here.

With only 54 posts this year, 2012 was the slowest year for me doing the blog....and it continues to be tough to find the time and energy to put into the site like I did back in 2008 & 2009 when I first started the site.

Not sure what 2013 will bring as far as this site will be concerned, but I'll do my best to keep it up and running.  It may evolve into more of a reference site, with less focus on the week to week happenings.  I still plan to continue the Football Playoffs series, and have a few other things of a historical nature that you'll enjoy reading.

On to the update....

Girls Basketball
The girls hoops squad is off to a fast 5-1 start, counting tonight's win over Mansfield Senior.  Their only loss was to undefeated West Holmes.  Senior Hannah Plybon became the school's all-time leading scorer last week against Lexington.  Plybon's career points stand at 1,496 points through the West Holmes game, and for her record breaking effort, she was nominated for the JJHuddle/Ohio National Guard Player of the Week honor, and in a voting poll, won the award with over 80% of the vote.  Likely the first of many awards she will receive this year, including a very impressive 4th consecutive All-Ohio honor.

The girls will travel to Danville this Saturday (2pm, varsity only), take on Madison at home next Thursday and then travel to North Canton to play Norton in the Lady Vikes Classic on Saturday the 29th.

Boys Basketball
The boys team is off to a tough start, dropping their first four games, two being OCC contests.  They travel to Wooster this Friday and then face Northwest in the annual WQKT Smitty Classic over at the College of Wooster on Saturday.  They will then face Clear Fork at home on Friday Dec. 28th, which is also the night for the Booster Club car raffle.  Tickets are $10 ea. or 3 for $20 and make great stocking stuffers.  On sale at Serpentini's, Crown Investments and out of the OHS Athletic office.  Assuming they'll be sold the night of the drawing in the high school lobby.

(Click here for an info sheet for the Smitty and the Lady Vikes Classic, including game times and ticket prices)

Wrestling/Swimming
On Thursday Dec. 27th, the wrestling team will participate in the Manchester Invitational and on Saturday Dec. 29th the swim team will participate in the Cloverleaf Invite at Wooster High School.

Moment of the Year?
Not going to run down a top 10 like I did a few years ago...but a few events in Red Rider sports in 2012 stick out as special.  In no particular order...the baseball team going to regionals, the softball team dominating and winning the OCC, the turf project at Red Rider Stadium, another district title for boys basketball, the volleyball team making the final 4, Hannah Plybon breaking the school scoring record.  I think out of all those, the turf project and the volleyball final 4 run stick out as the two big stories of the year.  All were great accomplishments though.

Have a blessed and Merry Christmas!!

Winter Sports Schedules, Car Raffle, Flag Football & More

Lots going on in this post...grab a cup of coffee.

Winter Sports
Hard to believe that the winter sports season is upon us with all winter sports regular seasons beginning this week.

Courtesy of the Orrville Booster Club Website, here are the links to the boys basketball, girls basketball and wrestling schedules.

A new wrinkle in both boys and girls basketball is that the regular seasons will now be 22 games instead of 20. Not sure why the change was made. I'd think it will lead to more weeknight games and back-to-back games on Friday and Saturday. I can't think coaches are too keen on either situation...especially if winter weather forces some rescheduling. Teams could be playing a weeknight game AND a Friday and Saturday game.

For the boys, their two extra games will be at Smithville on December 15th and against Carrollton in the Timken Mercy Classic in North Canton, on Sunday Jan. 20th. It's been since 1994 that an Orrville boys team has played in Smithville's Berkey Fieldhouse..but that was a tournament game (a loss) against Norwayne. Wonder how long it's been since we played Smithville at their gym? Decades for sure. That will be an interesting evening of basketball.

The boys will again participate in the WQKT Steve Smith Holiday Hoops Classic at the College of Wooster. They'll be the final game of the evening at 8:45 and will face the Northwest Indians. Here's a great link to WQKT showing the lineup for this year and for all games since the Classic's inception in 2004.  Orrville has lost the last 2 games in the Classic, to Hillsdale and Hiland, after winning the first 5 beginning in 2005.

The girls will be a part of the Classic in the Country at Hiland HS, this year against Reedsville Eastern at 10am on the first day of the classic, Saturday January 19th.  Reedsville made regionals last season in Division 4 and this past fall in volleyball...so guessing they're primed for another strong run in basketball.

Plybon Points
One of the more interesting storylines this basketball season will be senior (and University of Akron commit) Hannah Plybon's pursuit of the all-time girls scoring record.  By my count, she has 1,380 points heading into the season.  Stacie Howard has the current record of 1,480, so Hannah is exactly 100 points away from the record.  If she maintains her roughly 20 points per game average, she should get the record in game 4 (at Lexington, Thursday Dec. 13th) or at home against West Holmes on Saturday December 15th.

Just for fun, the all-time boys record is Marcell Denson's 1,722, and that record could be in danger as well if Hannah averages 20 points per game over 20+ games.  She's got an outside shot at 2,000 points, something that no Wayne County player has ever done according to the OHSAA. I'd love to know Wooster grad Marcie Alberts' career total (EDIT: Her career total is 1695 per this link), but no other Wayne County girl comes to mind that could have broken the 2,000 point barrier.  Chippewa's Tonya Smoot holds the career scoring mark among county schools with 1,745.  Fellow Lady Chipps Charbea Haller & Sue Porter have 1,723 & 1,533 respectively.  Smithville's Jenna Pew had 1,679.

To get to 2,000, she'd have to average around 25 points per game and the team would have to make a deep run to at least the regional final.

House That 'Smitty' Built
This will also be the final season for winter sports in the current gym.  Next season, events will be held in the new gym currently being built.  Boys basketball season ticket holders this year will get first crack at season tickets in the new gym next year.  The date to remember is Tuesday December 11th at 6pm, that's when first time season ticket holders can get seats, or existing season ticket holders can change their current seats for new ones.

I've been told that the "Bob Knight Gymnasium" name will follow the move to the new gym, and that's fine, but a bigger part of me says that there needs to some sort of recognition of Smitty, the coach who put Orrville basketball on the map and hung 3 state title banners in the 1990's.

What about "Steve Smith Court at Bob Knight Gymnasium?"  I know that's a little wordy, but I don't think anyone would mind.  Would be a great honor to a great coach.  At least some sort of recognition in the gym for his accomplishments, maybe on a banner listing his time at Orrville, his wins, league titles, district titles, regional titles and of course the 3 state titles.

Whatever is done, I sure hope we see banners like this at one end of the gym...and it needs to recognize ALL sports, not just winter sports.  Recognize league titles, district titles, regional titles, final four appearances and state titles of all sports...and have another banner listing individual state champs in golf, cross country, wrestling, etc.  We're all proud of our tradition, so lets put it where people can see it and be proud of it. 

Car Raffle
One more reminder about the Booster Club raffle.  The drawing for the new Chevy Cruze courtesy of Serpentini Chevrolet will be held on Friday December 28th at halftime of the boys basketball game against Clear Fork.  2nd prize is a 47" LG brand TV from Bennet's Appliance and 3rd prize is a recliner from Browns Furniture.  Tickets are $10 and can be purchased from any Booster Club officer or at Tom Brenner's Crown Investments office on West High St.

Alumni Game
This past Friday, 21 Orrville football alumni gathered on the turf at Heartland Field for a friendly game of flag football.  Each player tossed in $10 to benefit the turf replacement fund.  This is just one more event that could not have been held on a grass field.  The red team beat the white team 34-28.  It is hoped that this tradition will continue and grow next year.  Thanks to Stephen Carozza, Mike McMorrow and Tommy Brenner for organizing this event.

Turf Picture
Speaking of turf, here's a real nice panorama of the turf field that was taken last week.  Looks like there was some frost on the field so it must have been early in the morning.  Looks great, especially with everything around it (trees, grass) dying off for the season.  Feel free to download and view offline as the file is 6 MB big and shows some great detail if you zoom in.

That's all for now...good luck to the winter sports teams.  Go Riders!!

Wooster Week & Fall Sports Tournament Update

Sorry for the absence lately...life got in the way, and as I've mentioned before, that's first for me. I apologize for missing the last few weeks of football game previews (first ones I've missed in 4 years of doing this site).

What better time to rev things back up again...because it's Wooster Week and several fall sports teams are still alive in tournament play, so let's get it started.

Booster Club Car Raffle Drawing is Feb. 18th

The final push is on for sales of $10 raffle tickets to benefit the Orrville Booster Club. The drawing will be held at halftime of the boys basketball game vs. Wadsworth on February 18th.  This is also senior night for winter sports athletes, so there will be plenty going on that night.

Just to review, first prize is a red (of course) 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, like the one seen here, courtesy of Serpentini Chevrolet.  It was on display during football season and is a very nice car.

Second prize is a 46" Flat Screen HDTV from Bennet's Appliance Store and 3rd prize is a recliner courtesy of Brown's Furniture.

In speaking to officers of the Booster Club, they're telling me that sales haven't been a swift as they'd have liked and only approximately a few thousand tickets have been sold.  It's hard to get a true number of tickets sold since a lot were handed out for folks to sell.

The car raffle was done in 2010 and was just sold during football home games.  The thought was that extending the sales through the basketball season would increase sales.  I think the effect was that there was no sense of urgency to buy a ticket during football season so everyone just put it off, and attendance during basketball season isn't what it is during football season so sales have been slow.

One thing is for sure, your odds may never be better to win a 2012 Chevy Cruze or a Flat screen TV or a recliner.

These are all Orrville businesses donating in the neighborhood of $20,000 worth of goods to be raffled off in support of Orrville High School athletics.  This is something that deserves to be supported or it could go away and with it, a major source of revenue.  Funds are always in need for our athletic teams for equipment & uniforms and the Booster Club exists for just that reason...to support ALL athletic teams at OHS.

I don't want to say that fans should choose one over another, but maybe instead of buying a 50/50 ticket at the next home game, you consider buying a raffle ticket or two.  Inquire about taking a stack & selling them at your place of employment and encourage your friends to buy a ticket.  Worry about what you'd do with a new car AFTER you win it.  Support the Booster Club first.

I'm in for a ticket...who else?  To buy a ticket, call or stop in to Crown Investment Services on West High Street and see Tom Brenner or see Kent Smith in the OHS Athletic Department office.  Tickets are $10 each.

Week 2 Review & Upcoming Schedule

Week 2 of football season is in the books...a nice 52-7 thumping over Triway. Again, can't complain about the points this offense has put up and the play of the defense either. But still lots to work on, but that's a good thing. No reason to peak in week 2. Seems that through history, Coach Davault's team hit their stride late in the season and are playing their best ball late in the season.

I'll hit the high points of the win over Triway, look ahead to week 3 vs. Copley and look at the upcoming week for all the fall sports teams.

Updated Scoreboard Rendering with Local Advertisers

Here's an updated version of the scoreboard rendering I first posted here back in June. What's new in this version is that it features 10 local businesses who have stepped up and pledged their financial support in the way of purchasing advertising panels.

Thanks to Maibach Ford, Orrville Veterinary Clinic and Orrville Pet Spa & Resort, First National Bank, Kropf, Wagner, & VanSickle Law Office, Sue Ann Werntz - Howard Hanna Realty, Quality Castings, Pack Ship USA, Smith Dairy, Dunlap Community Hospital and Justin Haislip - State Farm Insurance.

Obviously, along with the 10 sponsors, the community owes a tremendous thanks to the anonymous donor who made this scoreboard a reality. Paired with the support of the Orrville business community, this project will provide a continuing source of revenue to the athletic department for years to come.

Many more local businesses than these 10 give their time and support...and they deserve thanks as well for helping in continuing the athletic endeavors of Orrville High School.

According to AD Kent Smith, the scoreboard will sit 10 feet off the ground and will be 20'+ tall. Once assembled, the entire structure will be nearly 30' off the ground.

Other features will include a 4-foot lighted 'Red Riders' on the top, a 6-foot LED Message Center with the ability to run graphics, pictures, announcements and a play clock.

The scoreboard won't actually ship until later this month and will arrive the week of the first home game versus Northwest, but assurances have been given that the install will happen and it will be ready for week 1.

Exciting times.

Get your Orrville Football Spirit Wear....

Thought I'd pass this along for anyone wanting some new gear before the start of another football season (which is coming real soon).

The All-Sports Booster Club will be partnering with Expert T's of Orrville for the sale of Red Rider merchandise at home football games this year. I think it's a great marriage and let's each organization stick to what they know best.

Check out the flyer/order form with the main design for the upcoming football season.

UPDATED: 2011 Orrville Football Captains Named & Red Rider Stadium News

Two items of note for your Mother's Day weekend, and both revolve around football.  I know it's still spring sports season, but we're right around 100 days away from the kickoff of the 2011 football season....so it's  good a time as any.

What a Difference a Week Makes

Not the best week for Orrville sports was it? I guess that will happen from time to time. The girls saw their 11-game win streak snapped by Wooster (yuck!) and the boys dropped two straight.  But fear not, faithful reader. All is not lost.

Let's charge forward with some good news to go along with the not-so-good.

Onward....

Orrville Boys Basketball Ticket Info

Straight from Kent Smith & the ever-valuable Booster Club e-mail list.....

OCC Ticket Sales
For all OCC games we will do presale out of the OHS Athletic Office. Presale is $4.00/students and $6.00/adults. ALL tickets at the gate are $6.00. (Remember we have student passes available for home games that make the cost only $2.00)

The Smitty
The WQKT/Steve Smith Classic is coming up soon. (Dec. 18th) We play the feature game at 8:45 p.m. vs. Hillsdale. Presale tickets are $4.00/students and $6.00/adults. At the gate ticket prices go up to $5.00/students and $8.00/adults. One ticket is good for the entire day of basketball. Proceeds go toward scholarships given in Smitty’s name at our Senior Assembly in the spring. Here is the schedule for the day:

Noon- Norwayne vs. Manchester
1:45 p.m.- Northwestern vs. Avon
3:30 p.m.- Dalton vs. Lutheran East
5:15 p.m.- Wooster vs. Olentangy Liberty
7:00 p.m.- Triway vs. Brunswick
8:45 p.m.- Orrville vs. Hillsdale

Season Ticket Sales
Home season tickets will go on sale to those that haven’t renewed by mail this coming Monday. (Dec. 13th) Here is the schedule of sales:

6:00 p.m. - Renewals for those that did not renew by mail.
6:30 p.m. - Previous season ticket holders that wish to change seat locations
6:45 p.m. - Anyone Interested In Season Tickets For The First Time!

That Smitty ticket may be the best deal anywhere for an entire day of high school basketball. Even if you buy at the gate, it's still only $8 for 6 games. Send the girls Christmas shopping and stake out a seat at Timken Gym at the College of Wooster. They're building that SCOT Center that will connect to the gym, so that area of the college is a mess when it comes to parking. Plan accordingly.

Still wish Hiland would be a part of the Smitty. I'm of the understanding that they've been reached out to by tournament organizers, but maybe their schedule doesn't allow it. Maybe the fact that it's on a Sunday has something to do with it, too.

Happy Friday.

OHS Sports Hall of Fame Nominations

I was asked to post this on behalf of the Orrville Sports Hall of Fame committee and am happy to help get the word out.

The next induction isn't until next October but now is the time to start thinking about nominations.

Read below for all the details and for the nomination form and the entire list of previous induction classes.

One blog post....Supersized. - Genoa Video, Stats, Thoughts, Awards, Basketball & Volleyball

Trying to combine everything into one post. Short week and family gatherings mean less time for blog reading/writing. This one and the game preview will be about all I have time for before Friday. I do want to send a HUGE thank you to all the readers/followers of the site. It's a broken record and I apologize for constantly repeating it, but I'm just blown away at the latest readership numbers.

Since the Monday of Wooster Week (October 25th) through this past Sunday (November 21st), there have been over 8,000 site visits and over 20,000 page views. That's roughly double the visitors & page views from the same time period last year.

November is already the biggest month in site history, and we still have at least one more week of football to go.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I'm thankful for all those who contribute ideas, suggestions, comments and even criticisms. All are a part of making this site special.

My fellow Rider fan and OrrViews colleague Ned Hostetler mentioned in his latest article that his drive to keep doing his historical looks-backs for OrrViews stemmed from all the positive comments he received, and the fact that people anticipate his next article.  I couldn't have put it any better. I've said before that I'd still run this site even if nobody read it, but it's nice to know that folks appreciate the site.

It's always been my drive to give you informative, accurate & even-handed content that represents the knowledge and passion that so many of you demonstrate. The fact that so many of you are faithful readers is terribly humbling. It didn't take me long to figure out that my words have impact, and I will continue to take that responsibility very seriously.

Enough about me....let's get to the good stuff.

Here & There

Best time of year, IMO, to be an Orrville sports fan. Also means there's a lot to report on.

It's the best.....and the worst.

The 2009 OHS Hall of Fame Class

Congratulations to the most recent class of inductees into the Orrville Sports Hall of Fame. Some very familiar names in this years class, and certainly a group of names that are very familiar to me. Guess that means I'm getting older.

Here's this year's class....

Tom Reusser - Class of 96. Two time State champ (basketball).

Ernie Mello - Considered the face of the middle school football program for 20+ years.

Dave Vodika - Class of '69. Asst on 1998 Football title team.

Bill McMillan - 26 yrs coaching at OHS, 17 as head coach, 131 career wins, led Riders to their only football state title in 1998.

Dan Stultz - Class of '96, Continued career at Ohio St.

Bob Smucker - Class of '47.

Deanna (Caldwell) Edwards - Class of '01 - 4 time state track champ (100 & 200 in 2000 and 2001).

Melinda (Budd) Bates - Class of '78, current head golf coach at Waynedale

Norman Douglas - Class of '58.

The induction will be October 10th at the high school.

Here's a list of the past induction classes on the Orrville Booster Club website.

A couple of glaring omissions are two people who should be no-doubters, and hopefully their day is coming sooner rather than later, and that would be Renauld Ray and Marcel Denson. I realize that a part of the nomination process is actually being nominated...but in the case of these 2, it shouldn't take an official nomination.

Both were 2 sport stars, leading the Red Riders to a state final and state final four appearance in football and back to back state titles in basketball. Renauld was also part of a National Championship team at Youngstown St. Again, I hope the time is coming for both as early as the 2011 class.

Bleacher Renovation Complete

The Orrville Athletic Booster Club, in cooperation with the Orrville School Administration has completed the final phase of the $400,000 bleacher replacement project at Red Rider Stadium.

Beginning in 2007, the old visitor bleachers were torn down and replaced, complete with a new pressbox. Earlier this year, the north end of the home bleachers were replaced, and just in the past 2 weeks, the south end was completed.

The result of the hard work and thousands of dollars worth of fundraising is quite impressive to see and gives the stadium an updated and uniform look.

(Click any picture for a larger version)

New Visitor Bleachers (completed in 2007)


New Home Bleachers (completed in 2008)


When compared to pictures of the old wooden bleachers, you can really appreciate the improvement that was made, not to mention how necessary this project was. Anyone that has been to a game in the past 5 years knows this all to well.

Old Bleachers (taken in 2007)




Thanks go out to the Orrville School Board, Administration, AD & the Athletic Booster Club. What a great show of cooperation in working together on this project.

Wonder what they'll think of next?