By Dean Eversole
MaxPreps.com
St. Henry, Ohio is "Title Town." All the evidence rests on the banners showing off the 19 state titles won by the Redskins. The driving force behind the titles is a phenomenon known as the three-sport star. In an age of specialization, the multi-sport star is alive and well in this small town and Andy Puthoff is a part of the long list.
The senior played football, basketball, and baseball for four years. He was the starting linebacker on the 2004 state playoff football team, a contributor as a freshman on the 2003-04 championship basketball team, and finally the centerpiece of the 2006 football team that rolled through the state's Division V ranks this past fall.
With the shadows of former NFL players Jim Lachey, Jeff Hartings, and Bobby Hoying, as well as former professional baseball player Wally Post hovering over him, Puthoff just did what he had to do; win games.
"I don't worry about the tradition of the three-sport star and where I stand," Puthoff said. "My focus is always on going out and helping the team win the game."
The 230-pound tailback rolled over opponents in 2006, gaining 2,398 yards and scoring 37 times. He was named All-Ohio at running back and Midwest Athletic Conference Player of the Year.
On the hardwood, he was the starting forward on a team that made it to the Regional Semifinals. Last, but not least he holds the state record for RBI in a game with 11. Puthoff has dominated in every sport he has played to some degree, but football is his true love.
"I have been able to carry things over to the other sports, but football has always been my true love and that is what I plan on doing at the next level," Puthoff said.
His high school career came to a close Saturday when his Redskins were upset, 11-10, by Crestview in the Sectional opener. With three state titles and a full ride to Ball State, Puthoff has stamped his name firmly on the list of three-sport stars.
He now heads off to Ball State where he looks to continue another tradition; St. Henry grads playing Division I college sports. The decision as to which sport and where was an easy one for Puthoff.
"I really like the coaches and they have been here since day one and I enjoyed the campus when I made my visit," Puthoff said.
Moeller's Alex Wimmer Primed for Tournament
The baseball regular season is coming to a close and Archbishop Moeller's Alex Wimmers went out with a bang Saturday. The Crusader pitcher tossed the school's first perfect game, leading his team to a 6-0 win over Vandalia Butler.
Jimmy Pacifico Sets State Record
Vandalia Butler's Jimmy Pacifico just keeps breaking his own records. The senior shot putter upped the ante at the Greater Western Ohio Conference meet with a toss of 71 feet, and 4 _ inches.
"All I've been doing is lifting and throwing, and it's really paid off," Pacifico told the Dayton Daily News. "I'm not done yet."
Pacifico is the clear favorite to capture both the shot put and discus state titles in Columbus.
Greenville Seniors Win 100 Games
The Greenville Green Wave seniors won their 100th game this past week in fastpitch softball. Led by Justine Shilt and Abbey Shell - both going to Wright State - the Wave are in position to capture the school's first team state title in Division II softball.