A chip off the old block

You can't tell them anything.
For years, I've always stressed to our children that there are better ways to make a living other than sports writing. The hours are long and it's tough making deadlines day after day. It starts to wear on you after while. It's not all that glamorous that those on the outside perceive.
Most of our children took heed to my words with the exception of one -- Jeff. But what more would one expect. He's a Cleveland Browns fan.
Well, Jeff has dabbled in some newspaper work, working at one time for the Akron Beacon Journal. That is now history and he's now busy, along with his wife, Tracy, raising two beautiful little boys, Taylor and Colin. They reside in Atwater, near Akron.
Jeff has always been an above-average athlete with his loves being fishing, softball and tennis. So in disobeying me once again, Jeff is now doing some sports writing in his latest position as assistant tennis pro at the Herb Latuchie Tennis Center, in Stow.
Return to teaching tennis
Jeff, who operates his own business, is making his return to teaching at the club where he has been a member for many years. He is teaching private and small group lessons most afternoons and early evenings. He is also involved in the junior tennis program, the Saturday Adult Drill and the Ladies 2.5 USTA Team.
Jeff is writing his Tips of the Month segment to the club's newsletter and enjoying it very much. Shows you what Pop knows.
I would be remiss if I didn't tell you how Jeff's tennis career began. He used to ride his bike to the Shenango Valley Mall with his racquet and bounce the tennis ball off the old Grant's Department Store wall until the police arrived one evening and told him to knock it off.
I can't beat him in fishing, or tennis, but I can give him a run on the golf course.
Travaglini steps down
Nick Travaglini, one of the key cogs in the Mercer County Hall of Fame, has resigned from his position as 1st Vice President of the organization. Nick made his an announcement at the Sept. 29 meeting of the board of directors at Cianci's in Greenville.
Nick has been one of the long-time members of the association, having devoted close to 30 years of service. As a member of the board, he was extremely helpful in the advertising department, handling much of the Greenville area.
"It's fine for me to step down," said Travaglini, "but I'll continue to help in any way I can."
Travaglini will be missed severely.
Blue Devils on fire
How about that Sharpsville High golf team?
The Blue Devils, at last report, were on the verge of wrapping up an undefeated dual meet season, and accomplished that task with a win over Hickory. It was the 67th straight win for Sharpsville, which finished at 14-0. The victory span covers several seasons. The Blue Devils set their sights on the District 10 tournament slated this past week at the Greenville Country Club.
The Sharpsville team is powered by Steve Killa, Chris Mielecki, Jeff Banas, Brian Zipay and Brian Ellison. Coaching the Blue Devils is Brad Phillips, in his second year.