The weekend was basically washed out by persistent rains (evidently Mother Nature had her dates confused and the old saying “April showers bring May flowers” was misinterpreted) but still some activities went on, notably several area high school proms and the opening night of the “Let’s Race Two” speed program at Eldora Speedway.
Longtime friend Rex LeJeune, Greenville High School Class of 1977 and former Wave basketball point guard, invited me to an evening of racing at the famed half-mile dirt track north of Rossburg. I’m a novice at dirt track racing as I’m somewhat embarrassed to admit that I’d only been to Earl Baltes’ place once before (it’s a rite of passage for any West Central Ohio native!). Rex, on the other hand, just retired after an illustrious 41-year career in the auto sport industry, the final 18 years as general manager of Attica Raceway, a 1/3 mile dirt track east of Tiffin, Ohio.
With pit passes in hand, Rex introduced me to the many drivers, owners, pit crews, and fans that he’s known over the years. Standing in the third turn during qualifying laps was an adventure as the USAC non-wing and World of Outlaw winged sprint cars came thundering (they reach speeds up to 130 mph) through the banked curves, throwing dirt everywhere. Only one driver lost control, skidding through the turn, slamming backwards into the outside wall, rupturing his fuel tank, crumpling his car, and, fortunately, only bruising his pride!
The organization of the race schedule and the overall efficiency of the facility in general was amazing, a testimony to the work of owner Tony Stewart and staff in providing race fans with a quality experience. Even with the threat of rain looming, Friday night’s events went off without a hitch. Great fans, great racing, overall a great evening—when’s the last time you attended the track?
One other note of interest—after watching dust fly all over the place, I asked Rex if they have to replenish the dirt at the end of each season. Each of his final three years at Attica they brought in over 150 dump trucks of clay, making you wonder where that missing dirt went. I bet the people living north and east of the track would have a pretty good idea!
The Ohio High School Athletic Association has decided to once again hold state basketball Final Fours in Dayton for the 25-‘26 season. With the move to seven divisions in both boys and girls roundball this past year, the OHSAA had moved semifinals to various locations around the state ,with only the championship games played at UD Arena. In response to the feedback from players, coaches, and fans, tweaks have been made that will bring all division semi-finalists to the area, with some games possibly being played at Wright State and other suitable facilities, with the title games once again held at UD. Hats off to the OHSAA for respecting the wishes of the sports community.
Coach Emily Osborne has her Tri-Village Lady Patriots softball team not only leading the WOAC standings with an 8-0 league mark but also ranked second in state D-VI polls with an overall record of 19-0, including a 5-4 win over D-III second-ranked Greenville early in the season, the Lady Wave’s only loss. Sophomore Emma Greer paces the offensive attack, the smooth-swinging third baseman hitting at a .581 clip with 9 home runs and 28 RBIs. Junior Camryn Osborne has a .411 average with 11 roundtrippers and 28 RBIs, while fellow classmate Hailey Burk strokes at .411 along with 4 homers and 25 RBIs. Junior Elizabeth Poling heads the mound staff with a 15-0 mark, featuring 94 Ks and a 1.819 ERA. Look for the Pats to make a long run on the road to Akron and the Final Four.
The Newton Indians baseball team is currently ranked fourth in D-VII at 12-3 (5-0 in the WOAC). Junior Rhett Koffer bats .543 with 15 RBIs, senior Brady Wackler hits .372 with 13 RBIs (or, as former Reds player and WLW personality Tracy Jones would say, “ribeye steaks”), and junior Will Bowser checks in at .351 with 14 driven in. Junior Austin Tipple has been outstanding on the mound with a 4-0 mark highlighted by a 0.292 ERA and 40 strikeouts in 24 innings. It should be an interesting tournament trail for the boys from Pleasant Hill.
Was it just me, or did the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby sneak up on fans this year? Racing from behind on a sloppy Churchill Downs track Saturday, Sovereignty overcame race favorite Journalism in the final quarter mile to claim the blanket of roses. The three-year-old crossed the finish line in a decent time of 2:02.31, considering the track conditions. An exciting race it raised two questions in my mind: first, for those who watched, what were all of those owners and associates in their finery doing walking through the mud of the track as the horses were led to the paddock area before the race; and secondly, today’s trivia question; who holds the Derby record time over the mile and a quarter?
The second leg of golf’s Majors takes place May 15-18 at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, NC. The PGA Championship is one of my favorites as 20 of the 156 entrants are club pros who qualified last month to play with the “big boys”. It’s always interesting to see how local players fare with the touring pros. There are many who have the games to play, but only the finest are able to harness the emotional and mental strength necessary to perform in front of crowds with so much money on the line.
A huge NBA confrontation begins in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinals with the Pacers of Indiana facing off with the top-seeded Cavaliers of Cleveland. Should be well worth watching!!
According to a highly placed source (heard at JT’s Brew and Grill, I told her she’d remain anonymous!), new Greenville Head Football Coach Steve Channell has been making quite a positive impression on prospective players, parents, and fans thus far. Here’s hoping for the best as the Wave turn things around this fall!
Finally, Secretariat ran the fastest Derby ever by posting a 1:59.4 in 1973. The incomparable thoroughbred was a running machine, as at his passing in 1989, an autopsy revealed that while the average horse’s heart weighs about 8.5 pounds and an average racehorse’s around 12, his weighed an estimated 22 pounds!! Talk about an efficient engine!! Have a great week, sunshine is on the way!
