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Caparanis praises Valley’s officials
By Greg Gulas
AUSTINTOWN
As one of the area’s foremost sports historians, John Caparanis is never at a loss when called upon to share stories of local legends.
He’s also quick to point out that the accomplishments of today’s players will soon turn to comparisons of yesteryear’s record-setters.
At Monday’s Curbstone Coaches luncheon, Caparanis directed praise toward another important group of field generals, officials.
The veteran broadcaster referred to them to as a close-knit group of men and women who take their jobs quite seriously.
“From their appearance, to being in the right position when making a call, to defusing outbursts from players or coaches to making sure both teams understand game-day policy and procedure, our area produces some of the finest umpires and officials in all sports across the board,” Caparanis said. “They’re a group that loves their profession and one most deserving of assignments come tournament time.”
Caparanis has broadcast more than 1,000 football contests and 1,600 basketball games during a stellar five-decade career. For many years, he was host of the “Tip of the Cap” radio program on WBBW-AM 1240.
For the past four seasons, he’s provided play-by play for Warren Harding football on WHKZ-AM 1440.
Along with partner Nick Frankos, he feels justified when serving up a critical remark of officials from outside the area.
“For the past four years, Warren Harding was a member of the Lake Erie League and it’s almost as if the away officials were trying out for the NFL during our games,” Caparanis said. “Three years ago, the Raiders were playing Lorain and Harding was penalized 150 yards in the opening half alone.
“Last year against Maple Heights, over 300 yards combined was assessed both teams while 33 flags is a little too much for a playoff game,” he said. “I just see a big drop off in regards to the level of officiating when comparing our officials to those from outside our area.”
Caparanis called Frankos a passionate color analyst and someone who at times can get caught up in the moment.
“Nick’s knowledge of the game is second to none, but sometimes we need a delay button,” Caparanis said. “There are times when Nick needs to count to 10, just so we can adhere to FCC guidelines.”
While calling YSU men’s and women’s basketball games years ago, Caparanis noted that Colleen Cook rarely received headlines during her career yet her guard play and energy fueled head coach Ed DiGregorio’s Mid-Continent Conference juggernaut.
“We were playing at Kent State and the Golden Flashes had a 4-on-1 break,” Caparanis said. “Colleen was the defender, stole the ball and then dribbled the length of the court for the winning lay-up.
“She did things like that and other little things that didn’t appear in the box score but helped us win games.”
The former voice of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers during their infancy, Caparanis’ resume also includes broadcasting more than 500 baseball games and election into the Ohio Baseball Hall of Fame (that coming in 1991, along with former Cincinnati Reds catcher Johnny Bench) for his research efforts.
“I’ve always had the best seat in the house,” Caparanis said. “That’s critical when you’re broadcasting the best talent from what I believe to be the sports hotbed of the state, the Mahoning Valley.”