Jameson, Pollock podium pleasers

By Greg Gulas

The Fitch wrestler and the speedway track announcer went to the same high school, but have different pursuits.

BOARDMAN — The weekly Curbstone Coaches meeting had an Austintown flavor, but the two Falcons who shared the podium, while polar opposites in their athletic pursuits, were no less interesting to the crowd that assembled at Monday’s meeting.

Speaking at the Blue Wolf Banquet Center, Fitch wrestler Tony Jameson and his coach, Brett Powell, and Tom Pollock, the “Voice of the Sharon Speedway,” shared insight about wrestling and racing; a pair of sports that can easily be lost in the shuffle when major sports hold center stage.

“Tony is the best wrestler that I have seen come through the Valley, bar none,” Powell said. “He’s one of just three wrestlers all-time at the Division I level that can say he is a four-time state champion. That right there should show you his dedication to the sport.”

In addition to his four state titles Jameson recently wrestled in the Dapper Dan Classic in Pittsburgh where he was picked as the best 145-pound high school wrestler in the nation.

His 168-5 overall mark also includes four MVP awards at both the Alliance Top Gun and Josh Hephner Memorial Tournaments, and a two-time MVP selection at the Brecksville Tournament.

His No. 4 national ranking is well-deserved, especially since his last state title could very easily have been a runner-up trophy.

Trailing late in that title match, Jameson needed to talk to himself for both words of advice and an added energy boost if he was to pull off a nearly impossible fourth state title.

“I asked myself if I wanted to end my career as a champion, or as a runner-up,” he said. “The answer for me was an easy one. I just had to dig deep down for some added strength and needless to say I was most pleased with the outcome.

The 2005 national runner-up at 125 pounds, Jameson was the most sought-after middleweight wrestler in the country and will attend Ohio State on a full scholarship.

Pollock, a 1969 Fitch graduate, will begin his 37th season of announcing with all but two of those years spent at area tracks.

Barely out of high school, “Motor Mouth” as he is affectionately known, started his career with the dirt races at the Expo Speedway (1971) and then served his first stint at the Sharon Speedway (1972-75) where he has been the familiar voice since his return in 1983.

In between his calls of duty at the Sharon Speedway were assignments at five other tracks — Hickory Speedway, Tri-City Speedway, Mercer Raceway and Crawford County Fairgrounds locally, and the Jackson (Miss.) International Speedway.

“I have worked for several different promoters over the years and since 2002, the Kirilla, Blaney and Weller families have been the owners of [Sharon Speedway]. They have spent over $1.5 million for renovations and made numerous changes since their arrival,” Pollock said.

“As we strive for consistency with our programs, we must first and foremost put on a good show in order to keep those in attendance entertained. We need to give them a product with which they can identify so they will keep coming back.”

Next week, Dave Smith, general manager of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers will serve as guest speaker.

Also, the Curbstoners’ all-star basketball recognition banquet for area high school boys and girls will be held April 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Georgetown Banquet Center.

Cost is $20 per ticket and further information can be obtained by calling (330) 707-1234.