RAY SWANSON | Keystoner Dick Bestwick returns for visit

When Tom Gibbons and I walked into the clubhouse the other day, there was this guy wearing a big straw hat and chatting with Alex Chrobak, former Sharon High basketball coach.
"Do you guys mind if I join you?" asked Dick Bestwick.
The congenial ex-coach said he's in great health but that his one knee was giving him some problems.
I've known Dick, and his coaching brothers, Jim and Bill, for many years. They are a class act, real gentlemen. Jim was former coach at Hickory High while Bill, who has coached all over Mercer County, is currently an assistant coach at Westminster College.
It may be next year now, but we've already set up a return engagement at one of the local courses when Bestwick returns "home."
After putting together a string of four straight pars recently at a local golf course, Dick Bestwick smiled and said, "I don't hit the ball like I used to hit it."
Bestwick, former football coach at the University of Virginia, assistant coach at Georgia Tech and athletic director at the University of Georgia, is now retired and enjoying it immensely. "I love to play golf and that's my biggest enjoyment now. You guys don't know how good you have it up here with a golf course on every corner."
Now lives in Georgia
Bestwick lives in Athens, Ga., and returns to the area about three times each year to visit with family and his many friends. "Where's Mischko?", inquired Bestwick, referring to his long-time friend Mike Magula. "Mike, I remember him playing with the Donegan Raiders basketball team, was a tremendous all-around athlete. He excelled in everything he did. I'll never forget him, in fact I played against him when he was with the Donegan Raiders."
Bestwick grew up in Grove City and moved to Sharon. He always said that he believes those two elements were a tremendous part of his life.
He loves Grove City and its residents but explains he never would have met his lovely wife and perhaps never received a scholarship to play football at the University of North Carolina, had he not moved to Sharon in his early athletic career.
Dick gave us a first-hand report on Georgia's Bulldogs this year, one of the few unbeatens in the country and one that is extremely powerful. "They've been looking pretty good this season, good kids with a lot of talent. And they are very well coached."
Bestwick said the Bulldogs should have a great shot at the SEC championship this year and he's hoping they can go a lot further. Georgia was fifth this week in the Bowl Championship Series rankings.
Titans of the week
Three Westminster college football players have been honored as Titans of the week for their outstanding play in the college's 13-10 PAC victory over Presidents' Athletic Conference rival Thiel recently.
Junior offensive guard Glenn Silvidi (Hubbard) was named Offensive Titan of the week. He keyed an outstanding performance by the Titan offensive line which opened holes for sophomore tailback Scott Froelich's (Cuyahoga Falls) seventh consecutive 100-year rushing effort.
Senior defensive tackle Erick Pabis (Belle Vernon) was labeled Titan Defensive Player of the week. He recorded 14 tackles and three assists, including six tackles for minus 20 yards and a pair of quarterback sacks. He was also named PAC Defensive Player of the week for his efforts.
Sean Buggey (Homer Center) was Special Teams Titan of the week. He returned four kicks for 122 yards including a 61-yard return to set up the Titans' game-winning touchdown after Thiel had captured a 10-6 lead.