RAY SWANSON | Keystoner Dickason, Devine in new roles

It's a little like musical chairs. Some are going out and some are coming in. It's all part of the Mercer County sports scene.
Two gentlemen who have been a part of the area sports scene for a great many years are the focus of this week's column. We're talking about Thiel's John Dickason and George Republic's Pat Devine.
Dickason is stepping down following a long and illustrious 34-year career at Thiel, a phase that has encompassed him as a coach, educator and administrator at the college.
Devine, GJR's athletic director, will now take over as basketball coach of the Tigers' highly-talented program. Devine previously had served as basketball coach at GJR in 1993-1994 when his passers rolled to a 20-11 mark and a berth in the Western Regional Final.
Coached at Boardman
Before joining forces with Thiel, Dickason coached in the Buckeye State, at Boardman High School where he was a physical education teacher while coaching football and wrestling.
Dickason left a sparkling legacy at Thiel. He truly cared about this players and his staff. He was a gentleman, highly respected by his peers and associates, John joined Thiel's faculty as an assistant professor of physical education in 1969. He served as an assistant football coach of the Tomcats, and was the men's head basketball coach. He also had two stints as Thiel's athletic director.
A native of Oberlin, Ohio, John was a member of the Ohio University's 1960 NCAA College Division national championship team as a defensive back. In 1961 he was named OU's Senior Athlete of the Year. After graduation, he remained on as a a graduate assistant football coach, earning his master's degree in physical education in 1963.
I've been associated with John for a great many years and I've known him to be a very responsible gentleman, one dedicated to his work and to Thiel. He'll be missed. Best of luck in your retirement, John.
As for Devine, he's another gentleman who holds his kids in high esteem. It appears that Pat's main concern is making his players the No. 1 priority. Winning is second. Devine's main objective is helping to get his kid's lives back in order and that will be his focus.
Devine's assistant will be Ken Enscoe and between the two there is over 40 years experience of working and coaching at George Junior Republic. Devine said he would perhaps add two more coaches to his staff if he hasn't already done so.
George Junior had become one of the better Quad A basketball programs in the state under head coach Bob McConnell who stepped down, opening the door for Devine to take over.
Making their pitch
Slippery Rock University and the Erie County Convention Center Authority have tossed their hats into the ring to host the 2005-06 and 07 PIAA baseball championships. Slippery Rock would stage the games at Jack Critchfield Park and Erie at Jerry Uht Park.
Also applying for the games are Altoona and Harrisburg. These two cities are more centrally located, a plus site perhaps for the Philadelphia-based teams which will be coming into the playoffs. Their travel time would not be that lengthy if they traveled to Altoona or Harrisburg.
The PIAA is expected to make its decision, for all spring sports, on Oct. 2.