YOUTH

YOUTH
Frank Ohl basketballteam's success is cited
Fanfare:
I would like to make mention of the outstanding achievements of the Frank Ohl Falcons 6th grade tournament basketball team.
Under the leadership of Head Coach Steve Ward, the Frank Ohl 6th grade team went 13-3, captured the Harry M. Lay Little Blue Jay Classic, the Crestview Tournament Classic and were runners-up in the United Local Tournament.
I enjoyed seeing Steve Ward accept the Harry M. Lay tournament championship on behalf of Frank Ohl, when just 13 years ago that same young man was a player in this tournament.
Congratulations to the following coaches and players on representing their school and community with good sportsmanship and excellent play: Dom Adams, Adam Meese, Jim Haupt, Don Orengia, J.D. Kubacki, Nick Wiery, Gary Sciortino, Michael Olenych, Damien Eargle, Jon Stockman and Head Coach Ward, Assistants Stockman and Haupt.
Larry Ward
Youngstown
PREPS
Akron team's coachcriticized for comments
Fanfare:
Congratulations to the Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary boys' basketball team on their victory over Poland in the state championship Division II semi-finals. The Fighting Irish demonstrated, in fine fashion, they were the better team.
I take issue, however, with comments Akron coach Dru Joyce made after the game as reported in the Vindicator. According to the March 22, 2002 article, Coach Joyce accused someone from Poland of bad-mouthing LeBron James during an interview earlier in the week. Yet, when pressed for details, the coach refused to elaborate or to even identify if the alleged remark came from a Poland player or coach. Interestingly, this was the first time Poland's head coach, Ken Grisdale, had heard about it.
Sometimes coaches blow smoke to get their players motivated. Could this be the case?
In the interest of fair play, Coach Joyce should have addressed his concerns directly to Poland's head coach, athletic director, or principal rather than toss it out like a bone to the press without explanation.
The thousands of Poland fans at the game did not travel 175 miles to Columbus to demean the most talented player in the nation. They went to support their beloved Bulldogs and celebrate a terrific season.
Whatever the truth of the matter, Coach Joyce owes Poland a full disclosure of the allegations and/or an apology for his thoughtless comments.
Jill Downie
Youngstown