Baseball field named to honor former coach

Photo

Neighbors | Submitted.Anthony Vross (left) presented the Canfield High School baseball field sign to retired Coach Philip J. Bova at the naming dedication ceremony May 6..Bova started coaching in 1972 when the baseball program was established.

The crowd at Canfield High School’s baseball field May 6 was not only waiting to see the varsity baseball game between rivals Poland and Canfield, but also to witness the dedication of Bova Field.

Among the many people gathered were Canfield City officials, Canfield Local School board members and Canfield Local School administration. The high school baseball field was named after and dedicated to retired Canfield head baseball coach Philip J. Bova.

This dedication was at the request of Anthony Vross, owner, Simon Roofing, as part of a $50,000 donation from Simon Roofing to the Cardinal Nest Builders “Renovate the Roost” campaign for improvements and renovations to the baseball field.

Vross played for Coach Bova at Canfield from 1975 to 1979 and attributes his longtime passion and respect for the game to Bova.

“At a young age, I learned the important values of hard work and fairness from Coach Bova,” said Vross. “My love for the game and for coaching has continued throughout my life primarily because of Coach Bova’s positive influence.”

Bova was hired at Canfield as a chemistry teacher and head baseball coach in 1972, when the baseball program was established.

He spent much of his life dedicating his time and energy to the program so that Canfield boys could learn the value of teamwork and enjoy the game of baseball.

Because of his positive impact on the high school program, the Canfield baseball field was officially named, “Bova Field.”

“There are way too many great players and coaches who contributed to the success of the program to name without missing someone,” said Bova. “I am extremely grateful and proud to have coached these individuals.”