By Dean Eversole
MaxPreps.com
There are moments in sports when real life takes over. Sometimes this is a negative, but other times it is a big positive. That's the case this year all over Ohio and the volleyball family.
Following the lead of a group of teenagers the Ohio Volleyball Coaches Association and the OHSAA are getting involved in life - more specifically breast cancer.
Last year, four high schools decided it was time to do something about a horrible disease that has ravaged families and taken far too many mothers from their daughters.
Sycamore and Loveland High Schools' painted their volleyball game pink in hopes of raising money and awareness, they did both. Organized by Sycamore's Barb and Sarah McGrath and Loveland's Karen and Carolyn Galiandi the two schools convinced the OHSAA to allow pink uniforms for both teams and the officials. They sold 900 shirts prior to the game and over a 1,000 people packed the gym all in an effort to raise money and awareness.
Now just one year later a "pink" wave is sweeping up Ohio volleyball and teams around the state are jumping on board.
The craze is becoming an epidemic throughout the state. According to Brad Smith at Wayne High School, they have sold over 900 shirts in just four days and are now looking to sell 3000 pink shirts.
At Lebanon High School, coach Time Mersch knew two of founders so he got involved rather quickly. This summer he approached his team about joining the fundraiser and it has taken off from there.
"This all started last season with Loveland and Sycamore. I knew two of the girls really well from volleyball. After last season the state took over and the whole thing has taken off from there," said Mersch.
The fundraiser has become so encompassing for Mersch and his team that winning the game has become secondary.
"I don't think the girls care if they win or not and that is fine with me," noted Mersch.
Lebanon host Kettering Fairmont September 13 in the fundraiser game.
With Mersch busy coaching and teaching parents have stepped in and guided the teenagers on their crusade.
"A parent stepped up and took over the entire thing," commented Mersch "I haven't had to do anything.
The determination of Mersch's crew has been nothing short of amazing. They have sold over a 1,000 pink t-shirts, labeling their game with Fairmont as the "Pink Game." Their goal is simple, raise money and awareness. In fact if a person is not wearing a pink shirt for the game admittance will not be allowed. Even the volleyball will be pink and white.
"The kids are all about getting the word out about breast cancer," commented Mersch.
Lebanon is just one of hundreds of schools around the state turning gymnasiums pink.
The goal is to raise money, raise awareness and have fun. Perhaps more than anything volleyball teams are showing that sports do indeed teach lifelong lessons.
FOOTBALL:
Yet Another Contender?
One of the most interesting teams in the early going might be Hilliard Darby. The Panthers beat defending Division I champion Hilliard Davidson 21-10 and 2005 D-II Toledo Central Catholic 31-7. Coming off a 4-6 season, the Panthers are making an early statement as a possible D-I contender.
Rockets Looking to Make Noise in Division IV
Although Youngstown Cardinal Mooney is clearly the favorite in D-IV, there are teams capable of knocking off the Cardinal machine. One of those might be the Oak Harbor Rockets. Oak Harbor went to 2-0 using their punishing rushing attack amassing 266 yards on the ground Friday night.
