CURBSTONERS OHSAA official witness of change

Al Lopez was a proponent of adding girls sports to the high school organization.
By GREG GULAS
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
BOARDMAN -- As one of the most respected members of the Ohio High School Athletic Association's athletic board, Al Lopez has helped shape the history and course of the OHSAA during his 31-year tenure.
Speaking to the Curbstone Coaches on Monday at the Lockwood House, the treasurer of the Northeast District spoke proudly of the strides the organization has made over the years.
In 1974, it was Lopez who made the motion to sponsor the first girls tournament in track and field.
"The proposal was made in December and became a reality in May of 1975, just five months later," Lopez said. "The motion passed 6-0 and it left everyone scurrying to get the program implemented.
"It was the right thing to do and a good thing to have happen to the OHSAA."
Girls sports
As president of the board in 1975, the organization voted to add a softball tournament, then added two girls sports every year over the next five years until they caught up to their male counterparts.
The retired Trumbull County principal and superintendent noted that while the state is divided into six districts, with approximately 13 counties comprising each district, the Northeast District represents nearly one-third of the schools in the state.
"This district is truly a hotbed for both boys and girls athletics," he noted.
As a board member he's witnessed many moments that are forever etched in his memory. He helped decide the fate of a game as his decision allowed a player to participate with a personal item of clothing on his uniform (he was originally not allowed to play because it was not part of his uniform) due to religious reasons.
He watched an African-American coach give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to an aging white fan who was dying of a heart attack in arguably one of the most poignant moments during his tenure.
"Color meant nothing to that outstanding coach," he said. "All he wanted was to help that ailing man."
He's sorted through countless eligibility questions and listened to irate coaches and fans who wanted an official's whistle.
"All seemed to feel they could do a much better job than those in the stripes assigned to the game," he said with a smile.
Money flow
He supported the idea of giving money back to schools that hustled their pre-game ticket sales, a reward to those with a large following who had support from their fans.
He was taken aback by a ruling in 1986 (by a 6-1 vote) that first permitted basketball coaches to stand, and then ultimately be allowed to walk the length of their bench during games.
He is most proud, however, of the fact now that each district gives scholarships each year to many worthy recipients.
"It's a testimonial that the OHSAA and those districts under their umbrella really care about the education of its athletes," he said. "That first year we gave out 19 and a year ago 47.
"To me, that is one tremendous commitment."
Next week, former Chaney High and NFL standout and current YSU assistant football coach, Jerry Olsavsky, will be the guest speaker.