Chapter 2 Sports Related Individuals

CHAPTER TWO - MY WORLD OF SPORTS HEROES
I was involved with the following sports related individuals through enlisting and coordinating their support
of many of Children’s Hospital fund-raising activities. Many eventually became members of both the
Hospital’s Development Board and the Champions for Children. I enjoyed a great relationship with each and
arranged their many visits to Children’s. It was amazing to see the young patient’s eyes light up when the
likes of Archie Griffin or Coach Hayes would walk into their room.
“CHAMPIONS ALL”
There are a number of “civilian” type individuals – non athletes who have become very prominent
with the Champions for Children organization, the Woody Hayes Celebrity Classic and the Bobby Rahal
Pro-Am.
Townsend “Towny” Quinn, at the time for forming the Champions organization, was and continues
to be a major donor to Children’s Hospital. This marriage with Towny and Jane Quinn came about as a result
of their daughter Lori being treated at Children’s until her death with Leukemia. We became very close
friends over the years when I was still associated with the Hospital. To this day in 2009 I continue to
maintain a relationship with this beautiful Quinn Family. A couple of years before I retired, Towny became
very interested in associating with the Champions because of his sponsorship with this very special event.
Until this time, Towny and his golfing family were participating in the Woody Hayes Celebrity Golf Classic.
The Champions tournament has become a very nice fund-raiser for Children’s Hospital as a result of the
Quinn’s commitment. After Towny’s retirement as President of the Sofa Express Company, Ken Paul his
successor began taking a leading role as this company’s CEO with the tournament.
During the early days of the Champions tournament, the beautiful and challenging Foxfire Golf Club
took a special interest in hosting this event and continued doing so all during my time at Children’s and for
several years thereafter. The Graves Family, owners of Foxfire, were also committed to being special friends
of Children’s Hospital and supported it financially through many special golfing events conducted at this
great golfing site. They, in fact, made me an Honorary Member of the Club and really did treat me as a
member of the family which allowed me to play the Course anytime I’m in the Columbus area.
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Coaches, Referees, Umps, etc. etc.
Coach Woodrow “Woody” Hayes, wife Anne and son Steve. All three were real advocates of Children’s
Hospital. After his passing Woody’s son Steve became the annual host of the tournament that carried his
Dad’s name. Woody made many visits to the patients at Children’s Hospital with or without athletes and
with or without gifts. Over the years several areas were named in his honor at the hospital. It is important to
note that most sports fans were not aware of Woody’s warm and caring visits to Children’s. Many of the
honorariums given to Woody and wife Anne were donated to Children’s Hospital. Most of the public only
knew Woody by what appeared in the media as the “hell-raising” coach on the sidelines who kicked sideline
markers, mouthed the officials, hit players etc. WOW, were they wrong – Woody was truly a person whose
desire was that each of his players would graduate, become involved in their communities and help others to
the best of their abilities. They were drilled to live by a favorite quote of Woody’s – ‟one can never pay
back but can always pay forward.” Several of the players who played in the ‟ infamous Gator Bowl”
where Woody came off the sidelines to hit a player once told me that this same player had taunted Coach
Hayes each time he came within hearing distance of Woody. As Paul Harvey would say, now you’ve heard
the rest of the story.
Woody and his ‟ his kids”
Woody & his boys Ike Kelley, Philadelphia Eagles
and Jim Houston, Cleveland Browns working with
the young attendees at the celebrity golf tournament.
Ann Hayes was Woody’s sweetheart even though he was the one born on Valentine’s Day. Son Steve
a Judge and also an avid golfer was an active player in his Dad’s tournament. He also stepped in after his
Dad’s passing and hosted the tournament for several years. Through Steve’s friend and mine Randy Ketcham
we continue to stay in touch today via the Internet.
Judge Steven Hayes front row 3rd from left.
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Coach Bo Schembechler of University of Michigan with Woody and Earle Bruce. Bo visited and played
in Woody’s Celebrity Golf Tournament for several years along with Coach Earle Bruce. Bo was always a
big attraction anytime he was with Woody in the public arena. They truly were great friends. I’m told that
they, for many years, would share breakfast before the “big game” but they never talked football. Their
conversation was always about their families. Bo’s untimely demise came the day before the OSU-UM game
in 2006. I suspect that the two of them continue to enjoy “their game” from their vantage place in Heaven.
OSU Head Football Coach Jim Tressel, holding the 2002 NCAA National
Championship Trophy. I was privileged to meet with the Coach at his office in
the Woody Hayes Facility during one of my trips to Columbus. He graciously
stopped me in the hallway near his office and spent time autographing sports
items for me, my son and my Florida dentist friend James Gabel of Winter
Park, Florida. I certainly enjoy his method of coaching and dealing with the
public. Recently (2006) he was responsible for the making of a special DVD
with a number of his players who were members of
the “Christian Athlete” program.
Coach Lou Holtz, OSU, Notre Dame and South Carolina played several years in
Woody’s Celebrity Golf Tournament. During one-year’s tournament my good
friends Tom and Paula Kidder were getting married. Not knowing what to get
them as a wedding present since they already had everything they would need or
want I had Woody, Bo and Lou autograph a football for them. It still graces their
home today. Now out of coaching he is a commentator doing college football
games. Lou now lives nearby in the Florida Community of Heathrow.
Coach & Referee Bill Kingzett a High School coach,
Big10 & NFL referee and also a close neighbor friend at
the Chateaux Condos in Winter Park, Florida. I’ve
attended many a spring training baseball game as his wife
Gwen and other guest and we both spent very enjoyable
hours together on the golf courses here in Central Florida.
As I write this description of our friendship (3-19-05) we
will be leaving in 30 minutes to attend the Arnold
Palmer’s Bay Hill Classic Tournament. To the left, Bill
doing his touchdown signal. To the right, Ref. Bill calling
fouls on the round-ball court.
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Coach Fred Taylor, another good friend of Children’s Hospital and through this
friendship I enjoyed many visits with him when I had the opportunity to play “The
Golf Club Course” located in Central Ohio. We also visited and coordinated
activities for the benefit of Children’s Hospital through our many telephone visits
and special community fund raising events. Coach Taylor graduated from Lash
High School in Zanesville in 1943 and entered the U. S. Army Air Force where he
served from 1943 to 1946. He was a starting forward on the 1950 Big Ten
Conference Championship basketball team and received All-American honors in
baseball. He played professional baseball for the Washington Senators during
1950-1952 and then became head basketball coach at OSU in 1958. He finished his
career with an overall record of 297-158 and coached six All-Americans as well as
Hall of Famers Jerry Lucas, John Havlicek and Bobby Knight. As basketball Coach
from 1959-1976, Fred Taylor earned a record 297 wins and 7 Big Ten
Championships. Five teams earned NCAA berths and four teams advanced to the
Final Four (1960 - National Champions, '61, '62 and '68). A Buckeye tree on the
wall bears the names of all the men who played for him
Coach Randy Ayers, OSU Basketball Team. Good friend and supporter of
Children’s Hospital. He seldom declined my requests to be an active
participant in the hospital’s fund raising activities. He was named National
Coach of the year and Big Ten Coach of the Year in 1991. He was named head
coach of the 76ers in 2003. He was then asst. coach for the Orlando Magic and
in 2009 returned to the 76ers to serve as an assistant coach under Eddie Jordan.
The really good part of his life reflects on the fact that he was born in
Springfield, Ohio the same city in which I lived and attended school at
Emerson, Keifer Jr. Hi and Springfield High School.
Tom Butters, Athletic Director Duke University. He
played for a couple of years in Woody’s event. My only
contact with him was during his playing in the Woody’s
tournament. Tom was a professional baseball pitcher and played with the
Pittsburgh Pirates 1992-1994. He was head baseball coach at Duke in 1968-1970 and
In 1977 became the Athletic Director for Duke.
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Coach Monte Clark, of the Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49-ers.
He played a couple of years in the Woody Hayes Celebrity tournament.
Coach Bobby Knight. What a character but a man with a huge heart. His
schedule was so heavy that he was able to appear and play in only a couple of
Woody’s Celebrity events. Woody and he were very good friends. I was privileged
to meet Bobby at the airport and served as his driver during his appearance in
Columbus. His coaching career included Indiana University, United States
Military Academy and Texas Tech. Bobby’s 900th victory came in 2008. He was
named national coach of the year four times and big ten coach of the year six
times. Bobby is one of only three basketball coaches to win an NCAA title, NIT
title and an Olympic gold medal.
Pete Elliott, Executive Director NFL Football Hall of
Fame at Canton, OH. He was an All-American quarterback on
The 1948 undefeated Michigan football team that won the
National Championship. Pete was also a standout basketball
player at Michigan.
Dave Diles, national sports broadcaster and a member of the Michigan
Sports Hall of Fame participated as celebrity golfer in several of the
Woody Hayes Celebrity tournaments.
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Picture from his induction into the NFL Hall of Fame.
Coach Dick LeBeau, Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers & Buffalo
Bills. I believe that he played in only two of Woody’s Tournaments.
NFL Official Bob Wortman, field judge at 1972 Super Bowl VI. Bob was a regular
official in the NFLfor many years. He was also a good friend of Children’s Hospital
and played several times in Woody’s tournament.
NFL Referee Art Holst. Soldier, salesman, executive, civic
leader, author, lecturer and “No. 33) in the officiating ranks of
the NFL. I first met him when he was the principal motivational
speaker at the National Association for Hospital Development
in Kansas City, MO. I still have two of his motivational records
(98s). A member of “Speaker Associates:, he has received wide
acclaim as a humorist, but more important as a man with an
inspiring message.
Coach James McDonald, my first association with Coach McDonald was
when he was the football coach at Springfield, Ohio high school. He later was
at OSU and completed his coaching career at The University of Tennessee and
as assistant athletic director there. Jim played for two years with the Detroit
Lions and OSU. His real claim to fame was that of being my phys. Ed teacher
at Springfield High School.
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Coach John Cooper, Ohio State University. He played in every Woody
Hayes Celebrity Golf Tournament during his tenure at Ohio State. He
was always supportive of many activities involving Children’s Hospital
and even after his coaching years and while living in Central Ohio he was
active in many of Children’s events. He served as the head coach at the
University of Tulsa (1977–1984), Arizona State University (1985–1987),
and The Ohio State University (1988–2000), compiling a career
record of 192–84–6. Cooper was inducted into the College Football Hall
of Fame as a coach in 2008.
The Ohio State football coaching staff, many like John Cooper, Fred Pagac, Tim Spencer and Bill
Myles have played in Woody’s Tournament.
Coach Nancy Darsch of the Ohio State University Women’s
Basketball program. Nancy took her 1993 team to the “final four”
before losing out in tournament play. She presented me with a framed
set of players and coaches sports cards which I proudly enjoy viewing
in my living room sports corner here in Winter Park, Florida. Today,
March 27, 2005 on Easter Sunday I’m watching her coach her
professional Women’s team in tournament play. She has coached for
several college and professional teams and has compiled a record of
234-125.
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Coach Jerry Faust. He coached at Cincinnati Moeller High
School, Notre Dame and the University of Akron. He played
in only one of Woody’s tournaments.
Coach Pete Roberts was my
phys-ed teacher and coach at
Keifer Jr. High School in
Springfield, Ohio.
Elwood Pitzer, coached the Springfield High School Basketball Team to the State of
Ohio Basketball Championship during 1950. The coach during his student days at
Wittenberg lettered three years in basketball, two in baseball and participated in track.
He enjoyed a 40 year coaching career in Springfield Public Schools and was a member
of the Wittenberg Hall of Fame as an honor student Coach Pitzer’s surfaced again
during SHS 60th class reunion in Springfield on August 26-27, 2011 which I attended
and enjoyed visiting with some many “old school mates”.
OSU Basketball Coach Gary Williams now with
Maryland and has had more than 600 career wins
during his coaching at American, Boston College,
Ohio State and Maryland. He participated in each
Celebrity Golf Tournament during his time at Ohio
State. I continue to watch him regularly when the
University of Maryland makes an appearance on
national television.
Coach Jim O'Brien was hired as head coach in 1997. He guided the
Buckeye program to the 1999 Final Four, 2000 and 2002 Big Ten
regular-season co-championships, the 2002 Big Ten Tournament
Championship, four 20-win seasons and a school record fourconsecutive NCAA tournament appearances (1999-2002).
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Coach Fred Pagac Sr. Pagac was hired as the linebackers' coach of the
Minnesota
Vikings
by
head
coach
Brad
Childress.
A graduate of Ohio State University, where he was the Buckeyes' leading
receiver in 1973, Pagac brings 24 years of coaching experience to the
Vikings. For each of the past two seasons, he coached the Kansas City
Chiefs' linebackers under head coach Dick Vermeil, who retired at the
conclusion of this past season.
Player & Coach Bill Conley. He played 1968-72 for Woody and his
recruitment achievements reads like a Who’s Who in OSU Football Greats. I
have recently finished reading his book, “Bumper Crops” which he
autographed for me. Bill was known as one of the best recruiters in college
football... much of OSU's recruiting success has been credited to him. He
played at guard under Woody Hayes, originally walking on and later earning a
scholarship. Bill was a high school coach in London, Groveport and
Middletown, OH before coming to OSU to coach in 1983 and also coached at
Coffman High in Dublin from 1988-1990.
OSU Wrestling Coach Russ Hellickson and a regular participant in the Woody
Hayes Celebrity Tournament. Russ Hellickson, who completed his 20th and final
year as head coach of the Buckeyes produced several winning seasons as the
OSU head coach of the Wrestling team. His forty-one All-Americans is the most
of any Buckeye head coach and the five All-America honors from the 2004
season is an OSU record. Most notably, the two-time Big Ten head coach of the
year (1991 and 2002) and the 2002 NWCA National Coach of the Year mentored
five national champions to seven championships, including two-time NCAA
champions Kevin Randleman in 1992 and 1993 and Tommy Rowlands in 2002
and 2004. When Hellickson led Ohio State to its all-time best third-place finish at
the 2004 NCAA Championships, he saw five of his wrestlers walk in the Parade
of All-Americans.
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Ohio State University Heisman winners
My Heisman display at my Florida Condo
(Missing only two coaches – John Cooper and Carroll Widdoes)
Ohio State proudly brags about its seven Heisman winners
(tied for number one with Notre Dame) from among these
six super- stars (as we all know Archie received two). An
autographed football bearing the signatures of these players
graces my living room in Florida. Most of them participated
annually in the Woody Hayes Celebrity Golf Classic for
Children’s Hospital. Pictured to the right are 5 Heisman winners as noted below:
Les Horvath 1944
Vic Janowicz 1950
Howard “Hopalong” Cassady 1955
Archie Griffin 1974 & 75 (only 2 time winner)
The other two Heisman winners, of course, are Eddie George and Troy Smith.
Eddie George. 1995 - Met Eddie for the first time during OSU practice for the
Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida. Archie Griffin made the introduction and Eddie
autographed my Heisman Football. Today in 2009, Eddie has his own restaurant
in Columbus and continues to participate in fund raising activities that benefit
Children’s Hospital. Eddie has a great restaurant near the Buckeye Campus.
He played for the Tennessee Titans both in Tennessee and in Houston when the
franchise was known as the Houston Oilers, and spent his final season with the
Dallas Cowboys.
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The latest OSU Heisman winner is Quarterback Troy Smith, the 2006
recipient of this prestige honor but whom I have yet to meet. Also during
2006 he was named Player of the Year, NCAA QB of the year, and AP
player of year. Other recognition and awards included the Archie Griffin
Award, Fiesta Bowl MVP, Walker Cup Award and the Davey O’Brien
Award.
I spent a good amount of quality time in conversation and special communication with Vic, Hopalong
and Archie. They never turned me down when invited to assist with our Children’s Hospital fund
raising activities.
Will the ninth Ohio State University Heisman winner surface through the
coaching of Urban Meyer and his staff? I vote a definite Yes to this
question. This happening would certainly be exciting for me and the
Buckeye Alumni in Central Florida together with the many other
Buckeye fans in this area. I would also hope to see Coach Meyer join the
other noted OSU coaches and players in supporting the Nationwide
Children’s Hospital and its thousands of young patients.
Interesting story concerning Les Horvath – On February 11, 2008 I
was playing golf at the Winter Park Country Club and during this round I
visited with the Denton couple at the Club House while they were
waiting to tee-off. Mr. Denton was wearing a Florida Gator golf hat
which immediately brought us into a conversation about the Gators and
Buckeyes. Mrs. Denton (Jackie) not wanting to be left out chimed in
with her recollections about Les Horvath. During her teenager years in
Tampa, Florida she became an avid Buckeye football fan and selected
Les Horvath as her favorite hero. She said that on ever game day she would tune her radio in to the
Buckeye game so that she could listen to the game and cheer on Les, her hero. What a small world
we live in today. She and Mr. Denton brought me back to the Buckeyes and Gators long enough for
them to report that their grandson plays for the Florida Gators and that they had attended the
championship game between these two great teams.
Other Heisman winners whom I’ve met and all were recruited to appear at the launching of the
Champions for Children organization. They then remained in Columbus to play in the Woody Hayes
Celebrity Golf Tournament. During this visit I was able to con them into autographing my Heisman
football.
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Jay Berwanger 1935 (Univ. Chicago) on the right - the very first Heisman
winner Played in the Champions for Children’s Golf Tournament. Jay left his
mark on Michigan center Gerald Ford in the form of a distinctive scar beneath
the future President's left eye. He also competed in Track and Field.
Larry Kelley 1936 (Yale) was the second Heisman
winner. He autographed his Heisman golf hat for me after playing in the Woody
Hayes Tournament. Larry (85) passed away in the recent past at his home in Tampa,
Florida. I wore this hat at the OSU Alumni Club’s OSU-UM game coverage in
Orlando, Florida on November 18, 2006 thinking that this would be a good omen for
quarterback Troy Smith’s Heisman selection this year.
.
John Lujack 1946 Notre Dame and
played Professional ball for four years
with Chicago. He also served in the Navy.
Leon Hart 1949 Notre Dame Professional with the Detroit Lions. He holds the
distinction of being the only lineman to win three National Titles in both college and
the pros. He was the last and one of only two lineman ever to win the Heisman Trophy
John Lattner 1953 Notre Dame where he won the
Maxwell trophy two years. Played one year with the
Pittsburgh Steelers & then entered the Air Force.
Paul Hornung - Heisman 1956. He is a former professional football player, playing
for the Green Bay Packers from 1957-66. Hornung, a versatile player, was a
halfback, quarterback, and placekicker and was an excellent all-around athlete who
played college basketball, but is best known for his prowess as a football player.
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Joe Bellino 1960 Navy Notre Dame and played
professionally with the Boston Patriots and the
Green Bay Packers. He was a three-sport star at
Winchester High School. In baseball he batted
well over .400 and was courted by major League
teams. The basketball team on which he
starred won the state championship his
sophomore and junior years. He was a dominant
halfback on Winchester's outstanding football
team, although his senior season was shortened
by the 1955 polio epidemic.
John Huarte 1964 Notre Dame who played professionally with NY Jets &
Philadelphia Eagles. He became the starting quarterback as the Fighting Irish won all
but one game during the 1964 season, in which he was selected as an All-American
and won the Heisman Trophy. By the end of the season, Huarte threw for 2,062 yards
with only 205 passes, an average of over ten yards per pass attempt.
Charles White 1979 USC – Professionally with Cleveland Browns and Los
Angeles Rams. In 1978, White won the W.J. Voit Memorial Trophy the outstanding
college football player on the Pacific Coast. In 1979, he received the Heisman
Trophy, Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award, and was named UPI Player of the
Year.
George Rogers 1980 South Carolina – professionally with the New Orleans
Saints and Washington Redskins. In his first season, Rogers led the league in
rushing with 1,647 yards, which set a high for rookies at that time. He was
selected as the NFL Rookie of the Year for 1981 and earned a trip to the Pro
Bowl. He would spend his first four seasons in New Orleans, and his running
ability is credited with bringing the Saints out of its perennial cellar. He played
alongside quarterback Archie Manning in 1981 and eventually running back Earl
Campbell, who was brought in during the 1984 season.
36
Hershel Walker 1982 Georgia. Played professionally with Dallas Cowboys.
Hershel autographed the football that graces my living room. It was also signed
by Tex Schramm, Coach Landry and Gil Brandt. The Dallas Cowboys acquired
Walker's NFL rights by drafting him in the fifth round of the 1985 NFL Draft. He
went to play for the Cowboys, eventually establishing himself as a premier NFL
running back with two consecutive Pro-Bowl seasons (1987 and 1988).
Charles Woodson 1997 Michigan and played professionally
with the Oakland Raiders and Green Bay Packers. He is the
only player in the history of NCAA Division I-A football to
win the Heisman Trophy as a primarily defensive player.
Bo Jackson 1985 (Auburn) with two of my Grandchildren Brent &
Brittany at Disneyland. Professionally with Los Angeles Raiders
and Baseball with the Kansas City Royals, Chicago White Sox &
California Angels
Both a Dolphin
and
a Buckeye
Bob Bruzinski, OSU, LA Rams and Miami Dolphins. Bob played often in the
Woody’s Celebrity Tournaments
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Paul Warfield, OSU, Cleveland Browns & Miami Dolphins. This picture taken at
Sports Spectacular reception at Little Turtle
Country Club. He autographed a ten-dollar
bill for my son Jeff when he caddied for Paul
in this tournament. Jeff was 14 years old on
this occasion and may still have this money.
I’ll have to ask him someday – did he spend
it or save this souvenir “caddy tip.”
Jeff and me at the right (Jeff, of course, is the one
with the beard)
Tom during playing days
Modern day Tom with Norm
during his visit to Tom’s Office
August 2010
Action on the Field
Tom Skladany was the first kicking specialist ever offered a full scholarship by Coach Woody
Hayes. He was named a consensus first-team All-American three times. His longest field goal ever was 59
yards. After OSU Tom played professional for the Detroit Lions and then the Philadelphia Eagles before leg
injuries caused him to retire. Tom played as a celebrity in each of the Woody Hayes golfing events
conducted during my time at Children’s Hospital and I believe that this practice continues today. I certainly
enjoyed our friendship and our numerous visits during these many years. Speaking of visits, I look forward
to seeing him again in Central Florida during his visits with his daughter Karla, who is employed by the
Columbus Magic NBA Team that played in the 2009 finals but lost the championship to Los Angles. Finally
Tom was inducted into the Ohio State Athletic Hall of Fame in 1991.
Benney Haller, Norm, Celebrity Ike Kelley, Malcolm Murray
and my son Jeff who was then an employee at Children’s. Benney
is a close friend and we remain in contact with each other still today.
This picture was during the Woody Hayes Celebrity Golf Classic for
Children’s Hospital.
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Tom Orosz, OSU, Miami and San Francisco. He was a punter with a 4-year
career in the National Football League from 1981 to 1984. He was an AllAmerican at Ohio State. Mike Blazitz (front) of the World Football League. They
were always ready to play when invited and both had a very good record of
support for Woody’s Tournament and the young
patients
at
Children’s
Hospital.
The Griffin Brothers
(to the right) Ray Griffin, OSU and
Cincinnati Bengals. Ray was also a
regular player in the Woody Hayes
Celebrity Golf Classic.
(on left) Archie Griffin
During a recent visit to Columbus to attend the 30th anniversary of the
Memorial Tournament son Jeff, daughter-in-law
Nancy and I visited with Archie at his Alumnae
Association office. He graciously autographed
several special items for us. Archie is now President
and CEO of the OSU Alumnae Assn and still a good
friend today. Archie Griffin, an all American at OSU
and the only player ever to be a two time Heisman
winner. His pro career was with the Cincinnati
Bengals.
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Jim Lachey, OSU and Washington Redskins He was a long-time regular
celebrity participant at the Woody Hayes event. Also was a true “Champion with
the young patients at Children’s Hospital.” He was a three time Pro Bowl player
in 1987 with the Chargers, and 1990 and 1991 with the Redskins as a member of
"The Hogs." He helped the Redskins win Super Bowl XXVI. He was also a
three-time All-Pro selection.
Ray Nitschke, played with Illinois and Green Bay Packers. Ray played in the
very first Sports Spectacular Golf event at Little Turtle County Club. One of my
autographed Football’s from this
tournament bears his signature. In Super Bowl I, Nitschke contributed 6 tackles
and a sack. In Super Bowl II, Nitschke led Green Bay's defense with 9 tackles.
Franco Harris, Penn State, Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks.
He played one year in the Woody Hayes Sports Spectacular. In his first
season with the Steelers (1972), Harris was named the league's Rookie of
the Year by both The Sporting News and United Press International. In
that season he gained 1,055 yards on 188 carries, with a 5.6 yards per
carry average. He also rushed for 10 touchdowns and caught 3
touchdown passes.
George Sisler, St. Louis Browns, Washington Senators, Boston Braves. Through George,
he involved players from the Columbus Clippers and the NY Yankees. His successor, Ken
Schnacke became very involved with Children’s Hospital and many of its fund-raising
programs. He even arranged for George Steinbrenner to be the principal speaker and the
launching of the Champions for Children organization.
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Pro golfer, Bob Golby – I played with Bob (center) as our
celebrity golfer in the Hale Irwin pro-am. Others in this foursome
were Alan Brass my former boss at Columbus Children’s who
was then the CEO of St. Louis Children’s. The fourth in our
group (right) was Donovan Tea of the Lettermen.
Scott Pruitt, Driver in Indy Car and NASCAR driver. Met him numerous times
through the Street Race activities in Columbus when he drove for Team Rahal.
driver who has competed in NASCAR, Champ Car, IMSA, Trans-Am and
Grand-Am. He and his wife Judy are children's book authors. His children's
names are Lauren, Taylor and Cameron. In the 1990s, Pruett was a regular in the
CART series. From 1988 to 1999, he made 145 starts with two wins, five poles
and fifteen podiums (top three finishes). In a pre-season testing in 1990, Pruett
was involved in a serious crash at West Palm Beach, Florida, where he seriously
injured both his legs. Pruett spent the 1990 season recovering & on certain
occasions calling ESPN Indycar telecasts as color commentator with Paul Page doing the play by play.
Gil Brandt was a regular participant in the Woody Hayes Celebrity
tournament and has been a special friend of mine over these many years of our
relationship. We exchange annual Christmas Cards and special notes about the
happenings in our lives. During one of my annual fund development
conference in Dallas, Gil and his son hosted me and two other fund-raising
friends to a round of golf at the Byron Nelson Course in Los Colinas. Texas.
On the same day he took us on a tour of the Dallas Cowboys headquarters and
training facilities. Just yesterday I enjoyed a round of golf here in Winter Park
Florida with a guy named Bill, formerly from Dallas who also knew Gil.
Tom Cousineau, OSU, Cleveland Browns and San Francisco 49ers
and a participant in the Woody Tournament. Cousineau played college football at
the Ohio State University where he was a two time All-American and broke a school
record with 211 tackles in a single season in 1978 Cousineau also broke a school
record for most tackles in a game with 29, was the MVP of the Orange Bowl and
played in the Hula Bowl. He is currently second on the school's all-time tackle list
with 569, second to Marcus Marek.
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John Frank, OSU and San Francisco 49ers played in several of the Woody’s
Classic Golf Tournaments. Always a big hit with the Amateur golfers. He played
tight end in the NFL from 1984 to 1988 and earned two Super Bowl rings. His fiveyear pro career was spent with the San Francisco 49ers, which he helped lead to
victory in Super Bowl XIX and Super Bowl XXIII. Frank finished his career in
1988 with a total of 65 receptions for 662 yards and 10 touchdowns. After retiring
from football, Frank earned his M.D. from Ohio State in 1992. He is a boardcertified Otolaryngologist and dedicated facial plastic surgeon and hair loss expert
in New York. In 2002, he co-founded the Israeli Bobsled Team and he continues
to participate on the team as the brakeman.
John & Beth Havlicek, OSU basketball and Boston Celtics. He was instrumental in
establishing the “Cage Classic” Professional basketball event for several years in
Columbus that benefited Children’s Hospital. John was the seventh overall pick of
the first round in the 1962 draft. The report is that Red Auerbach was never sorry for
his selection. He was the catalyst for eight NBA Championships and elected to the
Basketball Hall of Fame in 1984.
Jim Karsatos, OSU and Miami Dolphins. Jim was one of the original
organizers of Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s “Champions for Children.” He
devoted a tremendous amount of time to many of the fund raising programs at
the Hospital. He also broadcast the OSU games and I continue to maintain a
telephone and e-mail relationship with him and am very proud that he is now a
trustee with The Hospital’s Foundation.
Rex Kern, OSU, Baltimore Colts and Buffalo Bills. Rex traveled
numerous times from California to participate in the Woody Hayes
Tournament and I believe that he continued this practice while he
was coaching at OSU.
42
Jim Cleamons, a retired American professional basketball player.
He has been an assistant under head coach Phil Jackson with both the Chicago Bulls
and the Los Angeles Lakers. He played collegiately at The Ohio State University,
and was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the 13th pick of the 1971 NBA
Draft. He had a nine-year NBA career with four different teams (the Los Angeles
Lakers, the Cleveland Cavaliers, the New York Knicks, and the Washington
Bullets). In 1976, Cleamons was selected to the NBA All-Defense 2nd team.
Brooks Robinson, Baltimore Orioles. My “hot” memory of Brooks
happened during a hurricane touch down to the North of the Little Turtle
Country Club were our Sports Spectacular was playing. Lightening struck
hard in the woods surrounding the Course while he and I were standing
under the awning at the rear of the Pro Shop. Brooks, at the time, was
leaning against a support pole to the awning and apparently the lightening
traveled underground from the woods to this pole and stung Brooks pretty
hard. He requested transportation to the airport and we never saw him
again at any of our celebrity golf events.
Mike Tomczak, OSU, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Green Bay and Chicago. Mike,
schedule permitting, was always ready to play in Woody’s Tournament. He played
quarterback for several NFL teams including the Chicago Bears, Green Bay
Packers, Cleveland Browns, and Pittsburgh Steelers. While at OSU, he helped lead
the Buckeyes to two Big Ten championship seasons. He graduated from OSU with a
major in Communication. For his career, he had 73 starts, completed 55.3% of his
passes for 88 touchdowns and 106 interceptions. Mike worked as a sports announcer
in Pittsburgh, as well as a color announcer for ESPN college football games, before
becoming a sports management agent. He is a director at SMG Sports Management
and has continued to work as a sports commentator.
Jerry Lucas, OSU Basketball, Cincinnati Royals, San Francisco Warriors
& New York. He played in one or two of the annual golfing events for
Children’s. Jerry was considered one of the best college players in history.
He opted out of playing in Cincinnati and signed a unique playermanagement contract with Cleveland Pipers owned by George
Steinbrenner. After the ABL was dissolved he started his pro career with
the Royals and also played with San Francisco and New York. He was
inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1980.
43
Jim Otis, OSU & the St. Louis Cardinals. He played in several of the Woody Hayes
Tournaments. He also played with the New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs.
He led the team in rushing every year of his college career. In 1969 he was as a
consensus first-team All-America selection, and was seventh in the vote for the
Heisman Trophy. Jim was inducted into the Ohio State Varsity O Hall of Fame in
1996. In the Ohio State record book, he remains second only to Archie Griffin among
Ohio State running backs in career rushing yards per game. In 2000, He was selected
to the Ohio State Football All-Century Team. Jim’s most successful year as a
professional was in 1975, when he rushed for 1,076 yards and was selected to the Pro
Bowl.
Doug Plank, OSU and Chicago Bears and an assistant coach with the New York
Jets. Doug was a regular in Woody’s Celebrity Tournament. He spent his entire
eight-year playing career with the Chicago Bears. Plank was the first rookie to lead
the Bears in tackles, after being drafted out of Ohio State University, where he
participated in three consecutive Rose Bowls under legendary coach Woody Hayes.
Chris Spielman, OSU, Detroit Lions, Buffalo
Bills & Cleveland Browns. Both he and his wife
were good friends of Children’s Hospital. Chris
gave up his pro career in order to be with his
wife during her battle with breast cancer. After
her passing Chris became very involved with
fund raising in Central Ohio dealing with the
organizations supporting the battle to eliminate
the fight for eliminating breast cancer.
Jack Tatum, OSU and Oakland Raiders and Houston Oilers and was a regular
participant in Woody’s Celebrity Golf Event. He is popularly known as "The
Assassin” and was voted to three Pro Bowls (1973-1975) and was a member of
one Super Bowl winning team in his nine seasons with the Raiders.
Jack died July 2010.
44
Joe Thiesmann, Washington Redskins participated in the
Sports Spectacular Golf Tournament for a couple of years.
Because his son was successfully treated at National
Children’s in Washington, D.C. he wanted to be involved
with the Columbus Children’s Hospital. In 1974, the
National Football League's Washington Redskins obtained
Theismann's rights so he left the CFL and joined the
Redskins, where he volunteered to be the team's punt
returner. In 1978, Theismann became the Redskins'
starting quarterback and led the Redskins to a win in Super
Bowl XVII and an appearance in Super Bowl XVIII and
would go on to set several Redskins franchise records. Joe
as one of the principal owners of the Florida Tuskers will
be spending some time in the Orlando area.
Bill McCorkle (on the right holding in his stomach), a member of
Children’s Hospital’s Champions for Children” with his doubles
partner Gene Vincent from Illinois finished 1st in a 2005
tournament. Bill is a member of the Ohio and Columbus Bowling
Halls of Fame. He has bowled 25 perfect 30 games and won three
PBA tournaments. Has been married for 32 years and has a dog
named Blazer. How’s that for a set of Champion Stats?
Stan White, OSU, Baltimore Colts and NY Giants. His son also played for Ohio
State University. Both were outstanding athletes and brought lots of credit to
OSU. He was the only player in Ohio to play in the state all-star games for
football, basketball, and baseball. Drafted in 1972 and retiring in 1982, He played
for the Baltimore Colts and the Detroit Lions and scored two touchdowns, both
from interception returns and both for the Colts.
Clark Kellogg, OSU and Indianapolis Pacers. I believe that Clark
continues to be active with Children’s Hospital today when his
very busy broadcasting schedule will permit. The Indy Pacers made
him the eighth pick in the 1982 draft. His retirement came after five years
due to knee injuries at the age of 25. In retirement he maintains an active
life as a sportscaster and analyst.
45
Bill Hosket, OSU Basketball and New York Knicks and always ready to help
Children’s Hospital and its fund raising programs. In his senior year he was awarded
the Big Ten’s Medal of Honor. Bill was the number 10 pick in the 1968 draft. After he
left the Knicks he finished his NBA career with two years in Buffalo with the Braves.
He is member of the OSU Hall of Fame and was named to the National Association of
Basketball Coaches Silver Anniversary team. Bill is currently the President of the
OHSAA Foundation and today serves as the Foundation’s first executive director.
Lou Groza, OSU and Cleveland Browns. Not only did Lou
play in the Woody Hayes but in later years his son Judd also
played for OSU and participated in the Woody’s Tournament.
While renowned for his kicking ability, Groza also played and
started during most of his career as offensive tackle for the
Browns. He was very proficient at both positions, named nine
times to the NFL Pro Bowl and was All-NFL tackle six times.
Groza also led the NFL in field goals in 1950, 1952-54, and
1957. In 1950, his field goal with 30 seconds left won the
NFL Championship Game. In 1957, he also co-led the NFL in
scoring. He was named the Sporting News' NFL Player of the
Year in 1954. However, he played exclusively as a kicker during his second stint with
the Browns. Groza was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1974. His number 76 has been retired
by the Browns.
Jim Houston, OSU and Cleveland Browns and played few times in Woody’s
tournament. Houston played for the Ohio State University Buckeyes as an end. He
was a three-year starter under head coach Woody Hayes and twice the team MVP.
He was elected the team captain as a senior. Houston contributed on both offense
and defense. Although known primarily for his excellent blocking and tackling, he
was also the leading receiver on the 1959 team, including a 100-yard game that
year against Michigan State. He was an All-America selection in 1958 and
1959and was inducted into the Ohio State Varsity O Hall of Fame in 1979, and
was named to the Ohio State Football All-Century Team as a defensive end in
2000.
46
Dick “Nighttrain” Lane - LA Rams, Chicago Cardinals and Detroit Lions.
Scottsbluff –NE Jr. College. During his rookie season in 1952, Lane established the
record for most interceptions in an NFL season (14). In his rookie season he set an
NFL single season record for interceptions with 14, which stands to this day even
though the length of the season at the time was only 12 games. He was traded to the
Chicago Cardinals in 1954 and to the Detroit Lions in 1960. From 1954 to 1963, he
made the All-Pro team six times and was also selected to seven Pro Bowls. He
recorded three interceptions in all but four of his 14 NFL seasons.
Pete Johnson, OSU and Cincinnati Bengals, Miami & San Diego. He was a very good
friend of Children’s Hospital and played in most of the Woody Events. He spent 8
seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Cincinnati Bengals. One of Johnson's more
notable performances was a game against the University of North Carolina in 1975.
While Griffin rushed for 157 yards, Johnson rushed for 148 yards and set a school
record with five touchdowns. Johnson finished his career at Ohio State with 2,308
rushing yards and a school record 58 touchdowns. His 348 points was also a Buckeyes
record until surpassed by kicker Mike Nugent's 356 points in 2004.
John Hicks played in both the American and National
Football Leagues and was a 3-year starter, a 2-time All
America at tackle for Ohio State. In his time Ohio State
had a 28-3-1 record and won the Big 10 Championship
three times. He played in 1970, missed 1971 with an
injury but came back to make All-America in 1972. In
1973, he won the Outland Award as the nation's best
interior lineman, won the Lombardi Award as the
nation's best lineman, was unanimous All-America, and
finished second in the Heisman Trophy vote. He played
pro football with the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers. John Hicks and
Pete Johnson always made themselves available when called on to visit the patients at Children’s Hospital.
47
Nick Buoniconti, Miami Dolphins and played in the Woody Hayes
Sports Spectacular. This photo taken at Little Turtle Country Club in the
Columbus,Ohio area. As a tackle, Buoniconti was the captain of the 1961
Notre Dame football team, but was considered by NFL scouts as "too
small" to play pro football. Drafted by the Boston Patriots in the 1962
American Football League college draft and switched to linebacker,
Buoniconti made an immediate impact, as he was named the team's
rookie of the year. The following year, he helped Boston capture the
1963 AFL Eastern Division title. With Boston, he appeared in five AFL All-Star Games, and recorded 24
interceptions, which is still the seventh-most in team history. He was named 2nd team All-AFL in 1963 and
the following season began a run of five consensus All-AFL seasons in the following six seasons, missing
only 1968 when he was named second-team All-AFL. Buoniconti is a member of the Patriots All-1960s
(AFL) Team and the AFL All-Time Team. Nick was also named All-AFC in 1972.
Cris Carter, OSU, Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles and Miami Dolphins.
He played as a celebrity golfer in most of the Woody Hayes Celebrity
Tournaments and was always ready to help if the event benefited Children’s
Hospital. A Great personality and a real plus for Woody’s event. Carter was
signed by the Vikings and turned his life and career around, becoming a two-time
First-team, one-time Second-team All-Pro and playing in 8 straight Pro Bowls.
When he left the Vikings after 2001, he held most of the team career receiving
records. He briefly played for the Dolphins in 2002 before retiring. Since retiring
from the NFL, Carter has worked as an analyst on HBO's Inside the NFL, ESPN's
Sunday NFL Countdown and Monday Night Countdown, and online at Yahoo
Sports. He also works as an assistant coach at St. Thomas Aquinas High School,
where his son played wide receiver.
Dan Dierdorf, St. Louis Cardinals, was a regular participant in the Woody
Hayes Celebrity Tournament and was a real good crowd pleaser. Dan was
in the Pro-Bowl six times. Dierdorf was named to the Pro Bowl 6 times
from 1974-'78 & 1980. He was named All-Pro for 4 consecutive seasons
beginning in 1975 when the Pro Football Writers Association voted him
All-Pro. From 1976-78 Dan was a consensus All-Pro and in 1980 the
Newspaper Enterprise Association (NEA) named him All-Pro. In addition,
Dan was a consensus 2nd team All-Pro in 1974 and was enshrined in the
Pro Football Hall of Fame.
48
Conrad Dobler said of his off-season trade from St. Louis to New Orleans:
“Religiously speaking, it is an advancement from a Cardinal to a Saint.
Conrad played in several of the Woody Hayes Celebrity tournaments and
after six years in St. Louis and three consecutive Pro Bowl appearances
(1975-77). In 1978, however, Dobler suddenly became a Saint: the
Cardinals traded him to New Orleans, where he played two years. He then
played two final seasons with the Buffalo Bills, retiring after the 1981
campaign
A legend from the past was Jack Jennings who played football for Ohio State and
the Chicago Cardinals 1950-1957 and was first team All-Pro. He was a very good
friend of Children’s Hospital.
Mike Sensibaugh, OSU and Kansas City Chiefs. Mike played many years in
Woody’s Tournament. Always willing to help Children’s Hospital in any way
possible. During one of my consulting trips to St. Louis I was sitting in a restaurant
when I was tapped on the head. Turning round, Mike quickly ask what I was doing
in “his town.” He played eight seasons for the Kansas City Chiefs (1971-1975) and
the St. Louis Cardinals (1976-1978). Mike played college football at Ohio State,
where he still holds the school record for interceptions in a career with 22 and in a
season with 9.
Keith Byers, OSU, Miami Dolphins,
Eagles, Patriots and Jets. Picture at left
is with Special Buckeye Friends
Earlena Sawyer & daughter June Liles
at the 2007 annual Meeting of the Ohio
State Alumni Club of Central Florida.
Keith was always a hit with the golfing
fans at Woody’s Tournament. As a
professional, he played fullback and tight
end for the Philadelphia Eagles (19861992), Miami Dolphins (1993-1996), New England Patriots (1996-1997), and the New York Jets (1998).
Byars was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1993. In his 13 seasons, Byars rushed for 3,109 yards, caught 610
passes for 5,661 yards, returned five kickoffs for 94 yards, and completed 6 of 13 passes for 119 yards and
six touchdowns, with one interception. He also scored 54 touchdowns (23 rushing and 31 receiving).
49
Brian Baschnagel, Ohio State University and Chicago Bears and a real
friend to Children’s Hospital. ). He was a two time Academic All-American
(1974, 1975) and a recipient of the National Football Foundation and Hall of
Fame scholarship award (1975). Brian was selected by the Chicago Bears in
the third round of the 1976 NFL draft. He was a receiver for the Bears for
eight years and retired after the 1984 season.
Cornerback Craig Cassady, son of OSU legend “Hopalong” Cassady,
celebrated his first career start by intercepting three passes to tie a school
record. He also a member of the OSU football team and the New Orleans
Saints and always played an active in Woody’s tournament.
Tim Fox, OSU, New England, LA Rams and San Diego. Later, Tim coached at
OSU while his nephew was playing for the Buckeyes. He played for the New
England Patriots, San Diego Chargers and the Los Angeles Rams from 1976 to
1986. He was selected in the 1st round (21st overall) in the 1976 NFL Draft by the
Patriots and was selected to play in the 1980 Pro Bowl.
“Ike” Kelley, OSU and Philadelphia Eagles. Ike is a great friend to
Children’s Hospital as both an NFL professional and as an executive
with Worthington Industries. Ike was always eager to help me with
numerous of our fund-raising activities for Children’s Hospital. Ike
was a 17th round draft pick from Ohio State, and he became a fan
favorite for his reckless abandon on special teams. During the Eagles
home games often featured "Kelley's Killers" banners heralding the
hard-hitting captain of the special teams.
50
Ken Kuhn, OSU and Cincinnati Bengals.
Kenny was a strong support of Children’s
Hospital and devoted many hours being active
in many of the hospital fund raising events
and entertaining the patients. Kuhn was
captain of the North team for the Ohio NorthSouth All-Star Game in the summer of 1972,
then enrolled at Ohio State. He lettered all
four years, helping the Buckeyes to four
consecutive Big Ten title and Rose Bowl
appearances. The two-time Academic All-Big
Ten linebacker was named Ohio State’s co-captain for the 1975 season. The
Cincinnati Bengals drafted Kuhn in the seventh round of the 1976 draft. Knee and shoulder injuries
prevented him from appearing in a regular-season game, and Kuhn retired before the 1977 season.
Mike Lanese, OSU Football but declined pro draft by New
Jersey Generals of the USFL. He was a Rhodes scholar and
an outstanding football player at OSU.
Jeff Logan, Ohio State University Football, an active member of the
Development Board, Woody’s Tournament and Champions for Children.
Always ready to help when I called He played on four Big Ten Conference
Championship football teams. Logan backed up two-time Heisman Trophy
winner Archie Griffin for two seasons and then started in 1976 and 1977, CoCaptain of the 1977 team. He was awarded All Big 10 first team and
Academic All-American honors.
Cal Murray, OSU and co-captain 1980. He’s been big supporter and friend to
Children’s Hospital. A running back who played for two seasons in the National
Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1981–1982. He also played in
1983 for the Chicago Blitz of the United States Football League. He was drafted
by the Eagles in the fourth round of the NFL draft.
51
Bruce Ruhl OSU football with whom I’ve spent many
productive hours in coordinating fund raising events for
Children’s Hospital. His friendship with our mutual friend
Fred Egelhoff was also beneficial for Children’s Hospital. He
too was a member of the Development Board and Champions
for Children. Bruce was an Academic All Big Ten in 1975.
Player & Coach Bill Conley. He played 1968-72. His recruitment
achievements reads like a Who’s Who in OSU Football Greats.
I have recently finished reading his book, “Bumper Crops.” He has also
played in a number of the Woody Hayes Celebrity Tournament.
OSU Wrestling Coach Russ Hellickson and a regular participant in the Woody
Hayes Celebrity Tournament. Russ Hellickson, who completed his 20th and final
year as head coach of the Buckeyes produced several winning seasons as the
OSU head coach of the Wrestling team. His forty-one All-Americans is the most
of any Buckeye head coach and the five All-America honors from the 2004
season is an OSU record. Most notably, the two-time Big Ten head coach of the
year (1991 and 2002) and the 2002 NWCA National Coach of the Year mentored
five national champions to seven championships, including two-time NCAA
champions Kevin Randleman in 1992 and 1993 and Tommy Rowlands in 2002
and 2004. When Hellickson led Ohio State to its all-time best third-place finish
at the 2004 NCAA Championships, he saw five of his wrestlers walk in the
Parade of All-Americans.
Kirk Herbstreit, OSU Quarterback and ESPN sports broadcast. Kirk like
many others was a regular player in Woody’s Tournament. He appears
annually as a commentator in EA Sports' NCAA Football. Kirk was the
starting quarterback his entire senior season at OSU. In his high school
quarterbacking days, he was the Gatorade Player of the Year as a senior for
Centerville. Kirk was also a standout baseball player.
52
Bob Atha was a punter, and backup quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes and NFL
football with the Miami Dolphins. He also played for the Arizona Cardinals. From 1978
through 1980, Atha played for the Buckeyes as a backup to quarterback Art Schlichter
and a backup to placekicker Vlade Janakievski. In 1981 Atha earned the starting position
as placekicker. He continued as a backup quarterback behind Mike Tomczak. Atha led
the team in scoring that year with 88 points: 13 field goals, 43 PATs, and one touchdown.
He earned the key of Worthington for his achievements. After his years of Ohio football
he was drafted to the Miami Dolphins.
Tom Bartley, Pharmacist at Waverly and played
basketball at Springfield High School where he
was All-State, All American and All Greater Ohio
League and All-City and this was followed with
playing football at OSU. (left) Woody and Tom
Bartley. (right) Bartley photo hanging in
Springfield South High School lobby.
Greg Frey, OSU Football Quarterback1986-1991 and an outstanding
Baseball player during these same years. Greg was always willing to be
involved with programs of Children’s Hospital. As a three-year starting
quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes, he is best remembered for leading
the team to two remarkable come-from-behind
wins. On September 24, 1988, he rallied Ohio
State from a 33–20 deficit in the final four
minutes to a 36–33 victory over the ninthranked LSU Tigers. On October 28, 1989, the Buckeyes were losing 31–0 to the
Minnesota Golden Gophers. Frey brought the team back for a 41–37 win,
throwing a total of 362 yards. With Greg at the 2011 annual meeting of the Ohio
State Alumni Club of Central Florida
Vlade Janakievski, a member of OSU All Century Team. He was a walk-on player
from the soccer team who handled the placekicking duties for the Buckeyes in the
1977-1980 seasons. During Janakievski's career at Ohio State he was the first OSU
kicker to be selected twice to the All-Big Ten team. In his first year as a kicker he
made all 44 of his extra point attempts, and is second all-time in extra points (172)
for the Buckeyes. He finished his Buckeye career second of the Ohio State's alltime scoring list (behind Pete Johnson), with 179 career points. Nearly 20 years
later he remains fifth on that list. Only Keith Byars, Dan Stultz, and Mike Nugent
have since surpassed his career total. Frey is the only quarterback in Ohio State
history to throw for 2,000 yards in three consecutive seasons.
53
Rick Smith OSU Basketball 1977-1980, Captain 1979 and he was awarded the
“John Havlicek Most Inspirational Player Award” in that same year. Continuing
his affiliation with Ohio State, he served as Graduate Assistant Coach for the 1980
season and remains involved with the program as Past President of the OSU
Athletic Alumni Association (Varsity “O”) and a current board member. In
addition, he served on the selection committee that chose Ohio State’s men’s
basketball coach Thad Matta.
In Gradishar's three years with the Buckeyes, all as a starter, the team had a 25-6-1
record, with two Big Ten Conference championships. Gradishar's final collegiate
game was a 42-21 victory over the University of Southern California in the 1974
Rose Bowl, to complete a 10-0-1 season. In his senior season the Ohio State defense
allowed only 64 points and posted four shutouts. He is also active with veterans
visits in the Middle East.
“And then there are the “The Bradshaw Brothers”
Jim Bradshaw played in 62 games, in his 5 year career, with the
.
Pittsburgh Steelers. He graduated in 1958 from St. Clairsville High School and in
1963 from University of Chattanooga, which later became University of
Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Bill Bradshaw made NCAA history in 1953 and 1954 when he led the NCAA College
Division in punting both seasons, the first player ever to lead the nation in punting in
consecutive years. He did it all for the BGSU football team his junior and senior
season. In 1953, Bradshaw quarterbacked the Falcons, and was named to the All-Ohio
team by UPI and second team All-MAC, despite the team’s 1-8 record. The next year,
Bradshaw spent time at both quarterback and halfback, earning All-Ohio honors for the latter. He led the
team in passing, rushing and punt return yards that season. His career punting average of 42.2 yards for 126
kicks established school records since broken, however, his 19.0 yards per completion from 1952-54 still is a
school career record. In track, he competed in the pole vault and high jump and was a MAC scorer in both
events. In 1953, he also was asked to join the swimming team and scored in three meets. Following his
BGSU career, he was drafted by the Baltimore Colts. Bradshaw was inducted into the BG Athletic Hall of
Fame in 1987. He passed away on January 25, 2007 in Columbus, Ohio at the age of 75.
54
Greg Lashutka, Distinguished Eagle Scout, Navy Lieutenant and Ohio State
Football. He is a lawyer and was mayor of Columbus, Ohio, from 1992 to 2000.
He had earlier been an American football player. He also appears in the section
of Columbus City Officials.
Dave Foley, OSU Football. Foley was a consensus All-America selection in 1968. He
was also a three-year Academic All American. He was elected to the Ohio State Varsity
O Hall of Fame in 1984. Foley was selected in the first round of the 1969 NFL Draft by
the New York Jets. After two years with the Jets he was traded to the Buffalo Bills,
where he played for the remainder of his professional career. He was selected for the Pro
Bowl in 1973.
Andy Geiger, athletic director Ohio State University. He was the
seventh athletics director at The Ohio State University. Geiger was
named athletic director on April 29, 1994. He officially took over the job
on May 16, 1994 following his tenure at the University of Maryland,
College Park. Geiger was also the athletic director at Stanford University
from 1979 to 1990. He Geiger was an honorary captain for the Buckeyes
during their September 15, 2007 game when they visited the Washington
Huskies.
Skip Hoovler, Ohio University and NFL football. Staunch supporter of Children’s
Hospital. He is a member of the Ohio University Hall of Fame. Former president
and current board member of the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association. Director of
PACER (Political Action Committee for Equine Racing). Became involved in
harness racing in 1968. Races mostly homebreds in the Ohio Stakes program.
Graduated from Ohio University in 1965, where he was an All-American
linebacker. Upon graduation, played for the New York Jets and Houston Oilers.
Currently is chairman of Hoovler Financial and Insurance Services in Columbus,
Ohio.
55
Bobby Hoying, OSU Football and the PhiladelphiaHoying was drafted
in the third round of the 1996 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. The
Eagles saw Hoying as the quarterback of the future. Hoying played well
in 1997, taking over the starting role at midseason and throwing 11
touchdown passes. He won a memorable 44-42 shootout win over
Boomer Esiason and the Cincinnati Bengals Eagles
Brothers and Twins Ernie and John Epitropolous
Ernie Epitropolous,
OSU Football, a
good friend with whom
continue to have
contact today.
I
Brother John Epitropolous, also played for OSU.
Golden Bear Touchdown Club Vice-President and
former OSU Buckeye
Earl Morrall, University of Miami and Miami Dolphins. He occasionally punted, played 21 seasons in the
National Football League as both a starter and reserve. In the latter capacity, he became known as the
greatest backup quarterback in NFL history. Morrall made Pro Bowl appearances following the 1957 and
1968 seasons.
56
Joe Lukens - SportsLeader was started when former Ohio State football
player Joe Lukens and Louisville businessman and coach Paul Passafiume
independently saw the need for a new type of sports virtue program. They
saw the world of sports drifting away from its original ideals; at the same
time, they realized that sports, and the coach in particular, can play a pivotal
role in the virtuous development of young men. Joe is one of many OSU
athletes who have endowed scholarships at “Their University.”
Doug Donley Ohio State and the Dallas Cowboys. He was a three sport standout
participating in football, track and basketball at Cambridge High School. His
nickname was 'White Lightning' for his blazing speed. He ranks among the
Buckeyes’ all-time leading receivers in several categories, including career yards
per catch (21.2, second); yardage (2,252, fourth); touchdowns (16, fifth); and
receptions (106, tied for ninth). He led the team in receptions from 1978-80.
Donley was a second round draft choice of the Dallas Cowboys in 1981, playing
four years in the NFL. He caught 55 passes for 898 yards and four TDs. Inducted
into the Cambridge High School Hall of Fame, Donley is president of Advantage
Golf Tournament Services in Addison, Texas.
Tim Spencer was drafted by the Chicago Blitz of the United States Football League
in 1983 after a college football career at Ohio State where he ran for 1371 yards in
his senior season. He closed out his career with 3,553 yards rushing and still ranks
third on OSU's all-time rushing list, trailing only Heisman Trophy winners Archie
Griffin (5,589) and Eddie George (3,768). In 1984 he played for the Arizona
Wranglers and then signed with the Chargers in 1985. He rushed for 478 yards on
124 carries with 10 touchdowns that season. His biggest NFL season was in 1989,
when he rushed for 521 yards on 134 carries.
Larry Zelina played for the 1968 Buckeye National
Champions. Children’s Hospital was his very best community organization
with which he wanted and was involved. Zelina was part of three Big Ten
title teams, including the squad that won the 1968 national championship.
Zelina, a Cleveland native, rushed 83 times for 603 yards and two
touchdowns during his Ohio State career. He also caught 46 passes for 810
yards and a pair of scores. He returned 21 kickoffs for 425 yards and had 40
career punt returns for 529 yards and two scores. Ohio State was 27-2 overall
and 20-1 in Big Ten play during Zelina's career.
57
Eddie Whitson, a former Major League Baseball starting pitcher who played for
the Pittsburgh Pirates (1977-1979), San Francisco Giants (1979-1981),
Cleveland Indians (1982), San Diego Padres (1983-1984, 1986-1991) and New
York Yankees (1985-1986). He batted and threw right-handed. In a 15-season
career, Whitson posted a 126-123 record with 1255 strikeouts and a 3.79 ERA
in 2,240-1/3. He played in several of Woody’s tournaments.
Troy Taylor and Ron Stokes receiving their
OSU Basketball Captain’s Mugs. Troy and
Ron were four year standouts with Troy
Ranked #15 on all time scoring list. Ron was
MVP in senior year and now is a color
analyst for the OSU basketball games.
Robert Smith, running back who played with the Ohio State Buckeyes and later
with the Minnesota Vikings of the NFL. He also starred in track and field while at
Ohio State. Smith had been the only player to ever win Ohio's Mr. Football Award
twice - in 1988 and 1989. Led the Vikings in rushing during1995-2000. He holds 3
of the top 4 longest rushes in Vikings history.
Chris Jent played four seasons helping OSU to win three consecutive
NCAA tournaments and back-to-back Big Ten Championships It was
reported on June 29, 2011 that he would return to his alma mater as an
assistant men’s basketball coach. I’ve watched him from here in
Florida during games this year when he was displaying his coaching
skills. Chris spent 10 seasons playing professionally in the NBA and
then began his coaching career.
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Taylor's career, he admits, has been a bit unpredictable. After graduating from Ohio
State with a degree in journalism and public relations, his first job was as a
graduate assistant for new basketball coach for Eldon Miller. Craig Taylor is
probably best known as the guy who speaks his mind during WBNS radio
broadcasts of OSU men's basketball. There's no question he knows what he's
talking about-Taylor played center for Ohio State from 1971-'75 and was captain of
the squad during coach Fred Taylor's final season.
Jay Burson, OSU Basketball super star. Jay participated in many of the
Woody Hayes Tournaments during my tenure
with Children’s Hospital in Columbus. His
career since OSU Basketball has been with
Nike, Ohio’s Granville Christian Academy and
now as Assistant Athletic Jay against Indiana
Director at Christian Academy in Florida.
Jay against Indiana 1987
Ken Hollister, Indiana Hoosiers Tackle. He has been very active with
Children’s Hospital’s Champions for Children and Woody’s
Tournament.
Bucky Waters Duke University Foundation and broadcaster with a
National Basketball Network. Bucky and I were also members of the
Association for Hospital Philanthropy
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Steve Young, the great
quarterback of the San Francisco
49ers & Tampa Bay Bucs. I met
him during several annual
telethon meetings and saw him
again during the 2005-6-7 CMN
meetings at Disney World in
Orlando. He is a former
American football quarterback, known for his time with the NFL's
San Francisco 49ers. He also played for the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Los Angeles Express of
the United States Football League. Young was named the Most Valuable Player of the NFL in 1992 and
1994, the MVP of Super Bowl XXIX, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005 – the
first left-handed quarterback to be so honored. He holds the NFL record for highest career passer rating and
won six NFL passing titles. The picture on right in our more formal attire during 2011 celebration at Disney
World
Dennis Hopson is a retired American professional
basketball player and currently an assistant coach at
Bowling Green State University. A prolific scorer while
playing at Ohio State University and an all-time men's
basketball career point record. The All-American and 1987
Big Ten Conference Player of the Year was selected as the
third overall pick in the 1987 NBA Draft by the New
Jersey Nets, playing a total of five seasons in the league.
Herbert L. Williams is a retired American basketball player in the
National Basketball Association (NBA) for eighteen seasons from
1981 to 1999. Williams served as the interim head coach of the
NBA's New York Knicks. He is currently an assistant coach for the
New York Knicks. Williams was a four-year starter for the Ohio
State Buckeyes, scoring 2,011 points (then a team record) and
pulling down 1,111 rebounds (still second in team history only to
Jerry Lucas). Williams is the school leader in career field goals
made, with 834 in 114 games. He is second all-time in career
blocked shots with 328.
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Jim Barton, Denver Broncos is a former American football center who
played in the American Football League (AFL). He played college
football at Marshall University. He then played professionally in the
AFL for the Dallas Texans (1960) and the Denver Broncos (1961-1962
Terry Hansley, running back & defensive back at OSU. Joined Buffalo Bills
in 1960.Also played for the CFL, London Lords in 1961and had a record of 4
interceptions in one game. He played with Cleveland in 1962-63 as a running
back.
Tom Byers Sr. OSU Track was a professional distance runner and current businessman. He was a runner at
The Ohio State University in the 1970s and still holds the outdoor OSU distance record in the 1500m
(3.37.5) and held the mile record (4:00.10.) During his time at OSU, he also won the U.S. Junior 1500m title,
finished second at the AAU outdoor championships, and participated in the '76 Olympic Trials.[2] Byers
temporarily retired from competitive running for several years to join the corporate world, but came back to
the pros in the 80s. His 3:50.84 mile is still 7th all-time among Americans, ahead of runners such as Jim
Ryun. His 2:16.1 in the 1000 meters is 2nd all-time for Americans.[3] One of the things that Byers was most
well known for while running was his hair. Unlike most of his fellow competitors, Byers wore his hair long.
Mosconi giving a lesson at the Billiards Table
Billiards Champion Willie Mosconi and a participant in the Woody Hayes
CelebrityTournament. Between the years of 1941 and 1957, he won the World Straight
Pool Championship an unmatched fifteen times. For most of the 20th century, his name
was essentially synonymous with pool in North America – he was nicknamed "Mr.
Pocket Billiards" – and he was among the first Billiard Congress of America Hall of
Fame inductees. During the 1940s and 1950s, the pocket billiards was called straight
pool. Willie still holds the officially recognized straight pool high run world record of
526 consecutive balls.
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Media Friends
Jimmy Crum, super special personal friend of mine. He was the Dean of
Sportscasters WCMH TV Channel 4, Columbus, Ohio. Jimmy and fellow
Broadcaster Bob Orr with Channel 10 all celebrated the same birthday October
21st. On “our day” the three of us would meet at a local golf course, play a
round and then enjoy a birthday meal at the Course or nearby restaurant. The
voice of Buckeye basketball during the glory years of the 1960s, and the voice
of the Cincinnati Bengals, Jimmy was friend to coaching legends Woody
Hayes and Bobby Knight, but first and foremost, he was a friend to Central
Ohio children with disabilities. Jimmy's legacy reaches far beyond the football
fields or basketball courts and he will long be remembered for his impact on
the charitable organizations that were dear to his heart.
Sportscaster – Racing Commentator Marty Reid - active in many of Children’s
Hospital’s major fund raising events. Since 1982, Marty has been a fixture in ESPN’s
motorsports department, covering a wide variety and forms of racing. His range
includes the National Hot Rod Association and off-road racing, as well as his current
duties as the play-by-play man for the sports network’s IndyCar Series and NASCAR
Sprint Cup coverage.
Dom Tibiri – WBNS 10-TV since 1981 is a sportscaster who is a a great
friend of Nationwide Children’s Hospital and always ready to help with all of
its fund-raising projects. Dom is the weekday sports anchor of 10TV News
HD and the co-host of Wall-to-Wall Sports, seen on weekends at 11:30 p.m.
on 10TV. He’s most noted for his coverage of The Ohio State University. He
has a record of breaking stories on the Buckeyes before the competition even
knows they exist. He has a proven record of getting timely interviews from
the coaching staffs and players through his daily work on that important sports
beat. The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) awarded Dom
with a Media Service Award for 2000-2001, and in 2002 he was awarded with
a Press Award from the Greater Columbus Tennis Association.
Bob Orr, WBNS 10TV news anchor and telethon host, helping accept
a $50,000.00 check from good friends Dedger and Rose Jones. Bob is
now a correspondent with CBS News in Washington D.C. He and I
share a common birthday of October 21st.
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Family Ties in Thoroughbred Racing and Harness Racing
Chalmers Day, Champion Harness Racing Driver, who drove
many pacers and trotters throughout the United States. To
bring his relationship closer to home, he drove Johnny Chase
and Foggy Night two horses owned by Uncle Virgil Stitzel of
Springfield, Ohio. He was also married to my cousin Wanita
Aldridge.
Champion Jockey Pat Day is a cousin of Chalmers
Day, Champion Harness Driver shown above.
Chalmers is my cousin by marriage.
And The Band Played On
Everyone’s Champion “The OSU Marching Band” doing the Script Ohio. My son John was a member of this
elite marching group of music makers. At right is our friend Mark Hosler (on the left) and son John.
From Football to Golf
At the Fabulous Murifield Village and the Memorial Tournament
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Jack and Barbara Nicklaus and Children’s Hospital
Walking the halls of Children’s Hospital with Jack Nicklaus during a visit by he and Barbara.
Jack and Barbara Nicklaus Family – WOW! The
stories of their involvement with Children’s Hospital
goes back to one of their early children who was treated
at the hospital. When Jack first brought the Columbus
Pro-Am to Columbus he chose Children’s to be the
major recipient of the financial proceeds from this
event. They too have made extremely large
contributions to Children’s and have been recognized
Norm
Jack of numerous units and funds that bear their names. During this writing in 2005, my son Jeff
with
the &
naming
and I attended that year’s Memorial that highlight the 30th anniversary of this highly successful PGA
tournament. During the 2006 OSU Homecoming Game, Jack had the high honor of “dotting the I” when the
band performed Script Ohio. This picture was taken while walking the halls of Children’s Hospital. While
watching the Memorial today 6-5-2010 Jack announced that the 2013 Presidents Cup will be played at
Muirfield Village.
Several of Jacks very special friends whom I met at Murifield Village
Bob Hope with Jack during his appearance at the Memorial Tournament. Also
met Bob during functions of the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon. A letter
from Bob to me now hangs in my Florida Condo.
President Ford was always a big draw with the Memorial fans even tho some might
have been hit with one of his errant balls. Shaking hands with a President is really
something to write home about.
Sean Connery (007) played in the Memorial Tournament several times and is a member
of the Captain’s Club. I watched him play and met him during one of these visits to
Columbus.
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The Memorial Tournament Directors
Larry Thiel
John Hines
Dan Sullivan
Hospital Staff and Volunteers working the Concession Stands
The Concorde arriving in Columbus with European Golfers for the1987 Ryder Cup. I was privileged
to drive one of the 22 white Cadallics that were used to transport the European players to Murifield
Village. In my car were Peter Alliss, British 3 time PGA winner and his wife Jackie. I now I listen to
him as a commentator during weekly golf broadcasts. Just this morning May 9, 2012 during breakfast
I read about Peter being one of the five golfing celebrities who were inducted into the Golf Hall of
Fame.
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1987 Ryder Cup Women’s Committee that was made up mostly of Children’s Hospital ‘s Women
volunteers. The 3rd lady from the left, Freddie Rieser is my landlord of her Condo here in Winter
Park, Florida. She and husband Ray attended many of the Ryder Cup events and even after his death
she still finds time to attend these special happenings which I feel certain brings back great memories
of past competition. Freddie has taken up golf and plays in a women’s league in Columbus. During
most of her Florida visits we enjoy several rounds here in Winter Park during her visit.
And to Arnie’s beautiful and challenging Bay Hill
Arnie doing a golf clinic for his Fans
Arnold & Winnie Palmer – I was associated with him and many others from the
Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Women in Orlando, FL. Jack and Barbara Nicklaus
suggested that Arnie get me involved with his hospital development program after I retired from
Columbus Children’s and relocated in Central Florida. I consulted with the hospital-foundation staff
for almost a year. In fact the Arnold’s “Champions for Children” golf/tennis fund raiser got its name
from me. My counterpart at the Orlando hospital, George Maynard once ask if he could use the name
that I used in a similar program at Columbus Children’s. I agreed and his program has done
extremely well under this banner. As I write this note on March 17, 2005 I am pleased to say that
tomorrow I will be the guest of Bill Kingzett at the Palmer’s PGA Bay Hill Classic Tournament.
Really looking forward to this and do hope to see Arnie while there. Unfortunately I could not get
close enough for a visit. I really enjoyed my visits with Arnie and Winnie during his event “Las
Vegas” Nite fund-raiser.
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Arnie hugging wife Winnie after winning his first Masters in
1960. I really believe that Winnie and Barbara Nicklaus were
cut from the same mold which was then destroyed. These two
ladies were certainly the reason for Jack and Arnie’s great
success in life.
Hale Irwin – As a guest of Alan Brass, I played two years in Hale’s pro-am
golf tournament that benefited St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Also watched him
play in many of his appearances at the Memorial Tournament. He is one of the
few players in history to have won three U.S. Opens and was one of the world's
leading golfers for much of the 1970s and 1980s
Chris Perry, professional golfer with family. Chris’s
golfing career was shortened by injuries. He and his wife
Kathy were very good friends to Children’s Hospital.
Another “Buckeye Golfing Great” Tom Weiskopf. Weiskopf was a member
of the United States team in the 1973 and 1975 Ryder Cups. He was known
for skipping the 1977 Ryder Cup competition in order to go big-game
hunting. Tom joined the Senior PGA Tour in 1993 and won several senior
tournaments including one senior major, the 1995 U. S. Senior Open.
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Pro golfer, Bob Golby – I played with Bob (center) as our
celebrity golfer in the Hale Irwin pro-am. Others in this
foursome were Alan Brass my former boss at Columbus
Children’s who was then the CEO of St. Louis Children’s.
The fourth in our group (right) was Donovan Tea of the
Lettermen.
Father and Son/Daughter/Grandson Tournament @ Champions Gate, Florida
Larry and Josh Nelson
Jack and Gary Nicklaus
Arnie and grandson Sam
Lee Trevino
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Fuzzy and daughter Gretchen
With Larry Nelson
Profesional golfer Ed Sneed, another very special “Buckeye Golfer”
attended Ohio State University and was a member of the golf team. He
turned pro in 1967. He won four PGA Tour events during his career. His
first win came in 1973 at the Kaiser International Open Invitational. A year
later he was a wire-to-wire winner at the Greater Milwaukee Open; in fact,
the only golfer in the history of the tournament to win wire-to-wire until
Ben Crane (2005) and Corey Pavin (2006). Sneed was a member of the
Ryder Cup team in 1977. He had more than 45 career top-10 finishes in
PGA Tour events.
More “super star” athletes, sports champions and their families
Indy Car Racing and Golf Together
Bobby Rahal
Bobby & donor friend
Michaela Rahal @ Children’s Hospital
Bobby Rahal champion Indy car driver & owner of the RLR Racing Team. Bobby and
former wife Debi have made very large financial commitments to Children’s Hospital,
Columbus over the many years of their affiliation with this pediatric facility. Debi was a past
trustee of the Hospital’s Foundation Board. I served on Bobby’s pro-am golf committee and
assisted him in organizing and conducting this very special event. Their children have been
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patients at Children’s. The Indy 2005 Race will include three of the
Rahal-Letterman cars. One will be driven by Danica Patrick with her
starting position in the second row which places her higher than any
previous woman driver ever in this race. In recent years I’ve enjoyed
watching his son Graham who has done quite well with his racing
career. He was the youngest ever to qualify and race in the 2008 Indy
500. He also won the St. Petersburg Race.
To Baseball
Ken Schnacke, Clipper President
and active with Children’s
George Steinbrenner
Yankee Owner
Gene Michael, GM Columbus Clippers
Columbus, Ohio
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Harold Cooper
Franklin County Commissioner
Clipper Stadium,
Wayne Harer, played baseball with University
of New Orleans, Columbus Clippers, Boston Red
Sox and NY Yankees. He was a member of the
Champions for Children at Columbus Children’s
Hospital and very active in many of its fundraising programs.
Johnny Bench. Catcher with Cincinnati Reds Baseball Team. Met him during the
annual table waiting fund raiser in Columbus and later at the Bobby Rahal Pro-Am
golf tournament. He played in the Major Leagues for the Cincinnati Reds from
1967 to 1983 and is a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Johnny is a
14-time All-Star selection and a two-time National League Most Valuable Player,
was the best offensive and defensive catcher of the 1970s, and was a key member
of the The Big Red Machine, which won six division titles, four National League
pennants, and two World Series championships. He is considered to be one of the
best catchers in all of baseball history.
Eddie Whitson, a former Major League Baseball
starting pitcher who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates
(1977-1979), San Francisco Giants
While discussing sports, this story would not be complete without
highlighting my next door Florida neighbor Nena Stevens who has a
collection of autographed baseballs. She personally got each of these
400 plus autographs the best collection that I’ve ever seen. Congratulations
Nena - job well done. I’m envious. She and husband Mike are great friends
who keep our Condos flower beds looking great.
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An Olympics Beauty with such great skills and a passion for helping others
Mary Lou Retton, an Olympic Gold Medalist.
Another superstar who gives generously of
her time and talent to the CMN Telethon. Wow!!
A real fireball with personality plus and always great
fun to visit with during the CMN production shooting
each year.
Now we pick up on some fun golf with a goal to raise lots of money
The First Annual Buckeye Golf Classic at the North Shore Golf Club, Orlando, Florida
May 17, 2008
“Head’em Up and Move’em Out”
With Josh Gabel
Dr. Jim Gabel’s Foursome
(I guess I was trying to keep the OSU-Michigan rivalry going by wearing maize & blue)
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Mark Hutton’s Foursome
With Brent Bartholomew, OSU Punter
Foursome of Club President Todd Markiewicz
Three great volunteers (l to r) Beth Markiewicz,
Tournament Chairman Wendy Kirchgessner and
____________________??
North Shore Pro Jacob Dubois with Club Treasurer
to r) Jon Eckstein
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Steadying Hole-in-One sign (l
Brendon Elliott and Andy Fox
Mike Hutton’s winning bid
No doubt a loyal Buckeye
for Archie’s autographed picture
Dr. Jim not only does wonders
one’s mouth but is also an
expert at cleaning ones wallet
on the Links
Some of my newly found friends with whom I served with on the Inaugural Buckeye Tournament
were : President Todd Markiewicz and wife Beth, Co-Chairs Wendy Kirchgessner and Tim Rosman,
Alex Howard, Debbie Lorenzetti, John and Amy Eckstein, Kathleen Stanley, Troy Peterson and
Jacob DuBois from the North Shore Golf Club.
The Buckeye Classic in 2012 relocated at the Metro West Golf Club where I feel it will remain for
several future years. The picture at the left is my foursome comprised from left to right is me, Alex
Barley, Andy Holloway and Todd Lazarus. The picture to the right is made up of Debbie Lorenzetti,
tournament day chairman. In front of her are a few of the volunteers who were sitting up the display
tables and viewers who were deciding what they might want to purchase. This was the fifth year for
the tournament and set a record of nearly $4,800. The future is wide open for further expansion.
Leading into the next page that represents a special Veterans only tournament with another
organization but before going there I would like to identify two veteran foursomes who played in the
2012 Buckeye Tournament. These great Americans were sponsored by assistant tournament chairman
Mark Hutton and included the following veterans --- one Navy, one Marine, one Air Force and 5
from the Army. Pictures from the first four tournaments will appear in the next several pages.
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Veterans representing all branches of service play in the Veterans only appreciation tournament in
Orlando, Florida. Don and Sandi Hodgskin sponsor this annual event in memory of their brother
James, a Warrant Officer pilot of a gun ship was killed in action on August 18, 1969 in Vietnam. This
very special tournament is most always played on August 18th.
The following picture is from the Veterans only Tournament that is conducted in Memory of James
Hodgskin Jr. a helicopter pilot who was killed in Viet Nam. This special event is sponsored by
James’ family Don and Sandi Hodgskin
Fred
MacLean
Marine
Bob
Miller
Army
Norm
Myers
Navy
Bobby
Hunter
Air Force
Winter Park Country Club’s “Dawn Patrol” 2007
Navy
Navy
Navy
Army
Marines
Pete
Norm
Nick
John
Russ
Beaudet Myers Gurrera Fordham Inskeep
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91
87
89
I am now the only surviving member of the Infamous Dawn Patrol.
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Three Members of the Dawn Patrol, (l to r) Dick Ronbot,
Norm Myers and Nick Gurrera at Bakley’s restaurant. The
son and daughter in law of our good friend the late Ed Miles
sponsored this breakfast in memory of their Dad Ed. Two
members Pete Beaudet and Russ Inskeep were unable to
attend this very special memorial gathering. January 16,
2009.
Golf with son John during his visit to Winter Park, Florida
Super star from M-A-S-H Jamie Farr
I met Jamie in his home town of Toledo, Ohio July 10-11, 2007
during his annual LPGA-Pro-Am Tournament
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The following two five some groups included a player a lady professional from Jamie’s LPGA
Norm Myers Mike Hart
With Leta Lindley
Now
Pro Tina Tombs Bob Chirdon Tom Pound
Alan
Brass
Dr.Ken
Krupp
Pro Leta
Lindley
Bill
Wise
Norm
Myers
onto another “Buckeye Tournament”
The 1st annual Buckeye Golf Classic 5-17-08
(l to r) Leif Erickson, Brendon Elliott, Norm Myers, Andy Fox and Frank Aponte
all players from the Winter Park Country Club
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The 2nd annual Buckeye Golf Classic 5-16-09 The Orange County National Golf Course
(l to r) Leif Erickson, Frank Aponte, Norm Myers & Jerry Altomari
The 3rd annual Buckeye Golf Classic 5-22-10
The Orange County National Golf Course
(l to r) Norm Myers John Myers Frank Aponte Andy Holloway
The 4th annual Buckeye Golf Classic 5-7-11, Orange County National Golf Course
Chairman Wendy Kirchgessner with the winning foursome Norm Myers, Andy Holloway, Frank
Aponte, Zach Canfield
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The Winter Park Country Club and its Special Lecture Series
Pro Golfer Scott Hoch
Pro Golfer Ken Green
Pro Lee Jansen
Pro GolferErik Compton, Emma, Norm
LPGA Pro Jan Stevenson
Rich Lerner, Golf Channel
And others who make WPCC special to play Golf
2007 -The Winter Park Country Club Crew that makes everything happen
Burr Krahn
Asst Pro Shop
Manager
Brenden Elliott Jeff Dye
Head Golf Pro Part-Time
Attendant
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Sean Cronin
Part-Time
Attendant
Andy Hollaway Ed Batcheller
Course Mainten. Course Supt.
Steve Lundblad, retired Head Pro
Son John, my eldest, from
OSU Marching Band to
serving as a Major in the
U. S. Army
Shaun Smith
Asst. Supt.
Dave Trask, Deceased - Former Course Supt.
Sports and my Military Family
His son Tim, London, Ohio-going from the playing football to the
Marine Battle Field. He is now in Afghanistan as of 5/09 but
arrived home safely during January 2010 after his term of service
was completed. Just today (10-25-10) he called to report
that he and wife Brittini will have a son during 2011.
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And then a little more of family golfing in Ohio and North Carolina
Golfing with John & Tim.
Son Joe joined in this picture
With Brent, Casey and Jeff
With Jeff in California
Grandson Brent with father
Diver & Academia Hero Granddaughter
Jeff giving diving instructions Brittany Blue Ribbon Winner, High
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Diver and Mother Nancy
Another Champion sports person is my granddaughter Ashley who won a Blue Ribbon at the
North Carolina State Fair 2004 for her horsemanship. I guess that she just pick up on that part of the
family that rode champion horses, drove harness horse champions Seems that being a part of the
world of horses just runs in our family. She also currently is a cheerleader for her North Carolina
High School and Cheer Team. These teams participated successfully in local, state and national
competition and then went on to win in the World competition.
Ashley a Blue Ribbon Winner @ NC
State Fair
Granddaughter Ashley with World Champion Cheer Team,
High School Cheerleader Champion and World Champion
Cheer Team
Sports also in my “growing up” days with Basketball Buddies
USS Staff Basketball team in 1953
in Seville, Spain
5th Lutheran Church Basketball
team, Springfield, Ohio 1948-1949
Fogal, Pair, Seville Counsel, Erwin, Myers
Knapp, Semeny, Kerr, Stermer
Howard, Prater, Roland, Myers
Dewitt, Fick, Dement
Golf Courses I’ve played throughout the USA, Canada & Mexico
Palmer’s Bay Hill Country Club, Orlando, Florida
Arizona Biltmore Country Club, Phoenix, AZ
McCormick Ranch Golf Club, Scottsdale, AZ
Camelback Golf Club, Scottsdale, AZ
Tijeras Creek Golf Club, Santa Marguerita, CA
El ToroMarine Memorial Golf Course,El Toro,CA
Seal Beach Golf Course, Cypress,Ca
Castle Creek Golf Course, Escondido, CA
Shadowridge Golf Club, Vista, CA
San Juan Hills CC,San Juan Capistrao, CA
Aliso Viejo Golf Club, Aliso Viejo, CA
Casta del SOL Golf Course, Mission Viejo, CA
Glen Abbey, Ontario, Canada
Country Club @ Victoria B. C.
Timacuan Golf & CC, Lake Mary, FL
Dubsdread Golf Club, Orlando, FL
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Orlando- Marriott World Center, Orlando, FL
Errol Country Club, Apopka, FL
Shingle Creek Golf Club, Orlando, FL
Metro West Country Club, Orlando, FL
Grand Cypress,The New Course, Orlando, FL
East Wood Golf Club, Orlando, FL
Pelican’s Nest, Bonita Bay, FL
Winter Park Country Club, Winter Park, FL
Bay Beach Golf Club, Ft. Myers Beach, FL
Naval Training Center Golf Course, Orlando, FL
Disney World’s Osprey Ridge Club
Disney World’s Lake Buena Vista Club
DisneyWorld’s Eagle Pines Course
Twin Rivers, Oviedo, FL
Magnolia Plantation Golf Club, Lake Mary, FL
North Shore Golf Club, Orlando, FL
Celebration Country Club, Celebration, FL
Rolling Hills Golf Club, Longwood, FL
Glen Abbey Golf Club, Debary, Fl
Wekiva Golf Club, Wekiva, FL
Old English Golf Course, English, Indiana
Pine Hills Golf Course, Versailles, Indiana
Pierre Marques Golf Club, Acapulco, Mexico
Legends Marine Golf Course, Parris Island, SC
Old Warson Country Club, St. Louis, MO
Forrest Hills Country Club, St. Louis, MO
Marriott’s Tan Tara, Lake of Ozarks, MO
The Golf Club, New Albany, OH
Murifield Village, Dublin, OH (Nicklaus)
Wright Patterson Golf Course, Dayton, OH
National Road Golf Course, West Jefferson, OH
Players Club, Foxfire Golf Club, Lockbourne, OH
Oakhurst Country Club, Columbus, OH
Rickenbacker Air Force Base Golf Club,Ohio
New Albany Country Club, New Albany, OH
Murifield Village Golf Club, Dublin, OH
Inverness Club, Toledo, OH
Highland Meadows Golf Club, Sylvannia, OH
Hickory Grove Golf Course, London, OH
Columbus Country Club, Columbus, OH
Delaware Country Club, Delaware, OH
Marysville Golf Club, Marysville, OH
Forest Oaks Country Club, Greensboro, NC
Twin Lakes Golf Club, Chapel Hill, NC
Hyatt Bear Creek Golf Club, Dallas, TX
Four Seasons-Byron Nelson CC, Irving, TX
GLO Golfing Magazines and the Winter Park Golfers “The Dawn Patrol”
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The Golf Week Golf Magazine and the “Dawn Patrol” – another repeat of this foursome.
Norm
Nick
Pete
Golfing with son Jeff at El Toro
Marine Base, Califonia
Russ
Bill & Nancy Wise in Florida
Golfing at Country Club in Greensboro, NC with Larry Ketring and friend
Club House at Winter Park
Country Club
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