Friday, May 2nd, 2014

Fort's Patch to take over girls hoops

By Gary R. Rasberry
Brian Patch will maintain his presence on the basketball court at Fort Recovery's Fort Site Fieldhouse, only for a different Indians basketball team.
Patch will take over as head girls basketball coach at Fort Recovery, pending the approval of the board of education at its next meeting.
"Doing something for 11 years and putting all the time and effort that I have done over the years, knowing the kids and the relationships that we've built with these parents and kids, and everything we have invested into the program, it made (the decision) very tough," said Patch, who went 159-88 as boys coach. "As a family, we sat down and discussed it, and made the decision for family purposes.
"I appreciate the support of our school board and administration with (athletic director Kurt) Rammel, (high school principal Jeff) Hobbs and (superintendent Shelly) Vaughn believing we can do good things with the (girls program). My record as a coach speaks for itself with what we've been able to do the last 11 years. Hopefully, we can continue that with the girls."
Patch inherits a program that went 10-11 last season, the first sub-.500 season since 2002-03. Previous coach Doug Bihn had recorded 14 or more wins in his first six seasons as coach and led the team to the Division IV state semifinals in 2011. The Lady Indians had just one senior on last year's varsity team
"Having really never coached girls (sports) at a higher level or program besides some summer things with my daughters, I'm sure it's going to be different at times," Patch said. "But to say how it will be different at this point is a bit of an unknown."
Patch has already been helping the girls team with offseason workouts along with his work with the boys basketball team.
"I live a block-and-a-half from the high school. Kids stop by my house a lot to get the key to the school," Patch said. "... I'm kind of the go-to guy from the standpoint that if the kids need to get into the school or to workout to get better, I'm always there to let them in.
"Even though I switched teams, it's not like I'm leaving Fort Recovery. I feel I'm still there to help the kids out. I told the boys I'm still there to help them out to get better. Just because I'm switching over doesn't mean I'll be leaving them. I told them I'd be there."
Patch is appreciative of the support he has received from the players and parents from the boys basketball team over the years.
"I really appreciate (them) making me feel welcome here since this was my first head coaching job," Patch said. "I'm thankful for the support I've (received) through the years with them."
Additional online stories on this date
Detectives seek third suspect in area slaying
ST. MARYS - A 51-year-old Celina man is the second person to be arrested in less than five months for the stabbing death of a local farmer 33 years ago. [More]
ROCKFORD - Kent Retz threw a complete game two-hitter to lead Fort Recovery to a 4-0 win over Parkway in Midwest Athletic Conference baseball action Thursday afternoon at Don Black Field. [More]
Subscriber and paid stories on this date
Primary 2014
CELINA - Voters statewide on Tuesday will be asked to support State Issue I - a constitutional amendment that would provide $1.875 billion in funds for community infrastructure projects during the next 10 years.
CELINA - More than $7,000 in private donations will be distributed by mid-June to eligible residents who must vacate their homes at Mercelina Mobile Court.
MENDON - The long-running Mendon Firecracker Festival has been cancelled this year due to a lack of volunteer support.
The Mendon Lions Club has be
CELINA - Farmers who have lost pigs to Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea should report deaths to the Farm Service Agency in case federal funds become available to help pay for losses.
CELINA - Mercer County Commissioners on Thursday chose a contractor to complete erosion control work along Beaver Creek for 23 percent less than estimated costs.
New Bremen museum to get replica plaque from Florida university
NEW BREMEN - Village native Edward Conradi, who made his mark in the field of education, has come home in spirit thanks to a donation from Florida State University.
A 22-year-old Coldwater woman faces community control sanctions in two Mercer County Common Pleas Court cases following her Wednesday sentencing.
Ashley S. Huber, 619 Ray Drive, asked the judge for probation and assignment to drug court to help her overcome her heroin addiction.
ST. MARYS - The temperature was chilly outside, but the Celina bats were scorching hot Thursday against Western Buckeye League rival St. Marys.
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MINSTER - Being in in the midst of a frustrating slump, Minster's Sara Hosey needed a boost of confidence.
By the time she gunned down the Flyers'
MARIA STEIN - Academics factored heavily into Gina Kramer's college decision.
The college she chose will be getting a good volleyball player in return.
Thursday's Local Roundup
Compiled by Colin Foster and Gary R. Rasberry

  Garrett Stout's single that scored Briar Holloman in the bottom of the fourth held up for the game