It’s another great day at High School Sports Scene. The fall sports season of 2014 is now behind us. Thanks for a season to remember, kids!
My side of the story:
It seems like yesterday I was roaming the hallways and athletic fields at Ithaca High School, yet it has been 30 years. Thirty years since Coach Hessbrook and I led Ithaca to its first playoff appearance. Terry, myself, Scott Showers, and Ken Dorony were captains of the 1984 team coached by Jim Ahern and assistant Mike Doran. Back then, video games, cell phones, and computers were non-exsistent; pick-up football games at recess, everyday, and the entire weekends from daylight ’til dark filled our schedule. We hung out at Town and Country recreation, playing foosball and pinball; we danced at the sock hops – those were the days in Ithaca – that’s what we did!! Those days and nights helped mold Ithaca football into what it is today. Many of the guys from back then are still coaching football at some level at Ithaca or have boys who played a huge part in the 69-game winning streak that came to a halt Friday afternoon against St. Mary Catholic Central. A shout out to all of you!
Coach Hessbrook, you have so much to be thankful for and a promising future ahead of you. Do what you do!! Coach Showers, your defensive gameplans are brilliant and you always seem to have the boys’ ready to play. Coach Snyder, your dedication and in-game adjustments, as well as your offensive mind, have been stellar during the streak! Coach Mimranek, your determination and steadiness with your lineman are a huge part of the success. Coaches: Rayburn, Moomey, Snoblen, Seaman, Graham, Taylor, Jordan Hessbrook, along with former coaches John Fehn, Mike Holes, and Trevor Marcy much thanks for all that you have done to help make the boys’ dreams come true!!
Coach Todd Hessbrook, thank you my friend!!
RIP former Ithaca coaches and principals, Bill Kirby and Howes Smith, you were leaders and mentors to all that roamed those hallways!
Coach Jim Ahern, you should get an endorsement deal with a sucker company, lol! You were an inspiration 30 years ago and still are today. Coach Mike Doran for your grit, scowl, toughness, and heart to get your defenses fired up day in and day out! Back then and today, you are two great men with a common goal – to be the best on and off the field that you can be. I am extremely proud and happy for the success the two of you had at Ithaca and continue to have at Lansing Catholic due to the pride and will you instill in your kids! I look forward to seeing you work your way back to Ford Field to win the title that your program and you both so deserve! By the way, you had a tremendous team!!
Lansing Sexton, you should feel very proud for the way you fought! The bounces and a call.. or four.. did not go your way, but it is what it is. Seniors of the team, BE PROUD and walk with your heads held high!! The rest of you, shape up and go get what is waiting for you!!
Congratulations to Clarkston High for being the only public school to win a title – very good!!
Enough said, bring on the winter sports!!