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Today, I want to let my brother-in-law, Tony Ernst, know that I still miss him tremendously after 17 years. A lot of people feel the same way. Hurt just as much.
Tony taught me a lot during our time together and besides family, our tie was sports and our hometown of Bellbrook. Sports teach everyone who plays them something. Sometimes those things aren't good.
Tony was good. Actually great. At sports, life and basically everything. Speed was the only thing that eluded him.
Growing up in a small town, which Bellbrook was in the 1980s and 90s, high school athletes often become larger than life. Tony still is. His message is still clear.
During his high school career, he started four years at quarterback for
Bellbrook High School and became the Miami Valley's all-time passing yardage leader as a senior. That record is gone, but the memory of him on a football field burns bright for those who saw him on a Friday night.
Tony Ernst, a standout at Bellbrook, touched many lives and continues to do so 17 after his passing.
Courtesy photo
In basketball, Tony was a four-year starter and 1,000-point scorer. He chose to play college football at the University of Dayton. Navy and Army both wanted him. He was that kind of guy. To this day he still holds the Flyers record for consecutive completions in a game (15).
Tony was one of my heroes growing up. Still is. A lot of people feel the same way.
I got to play high school football and basketball with Tony for one season at Bellbrook. He was a senior, I was a freshman. I cherish that opportunity. I can still picture him at practice. Plain as day.
Tony liked to have fun. But he liked to work, too. I'll always remember coming home from Ashland University in the summers and going to Dayton to work out with him. I was a tight end. I ran routes. He threw passes. Those were good times.
There were bad times, too, and Tony also taught me to persevere, fight and face adversity head on.
Tests are something we're all faced with. No tests are fun. I've been tested before.
Never more so than the day Tony passed.
Seventeen years ago began as one of the paramount days of my life. My father's alma mater – Ohio University – was playing THE Ohio State University in football and I got my dad a sideline credential for the game. Amazing to watch your father watch Ohio State – a school he's loved forever – play against the only school he'd root for against the Buckeyes from 5 feet away. It was a great day.
Then disaster.
After the game I met up with Tony's sister – Carrie, now my wife – and we went to her friend's house. We had fun.
The call that came after midnight, when we were asleep, was one no one should receive. Diane, Tony and Carrie's mother was on the phone. She told me her son was gone. I had to tell his sister. An unknown heart issue the culprit, Tony passed away dancing at a bar. Having fun. Living life. Loving life. His family – sister Julie included – was there.
Carrie and I drove home from Columbus. I'm still not over that ride. Not sure I'll ever be over that night. A lot of people feel the same way.
Compassion, patience, perseverance, teamwork, humility, hardwork. These are essentials sports teach. Some listen. Some don't. Tony did.
I hope my son follows suit.
J.T. will never meet his uncle, but every day he's a walking reminder of the past. A lot of people say J.T. looks like Tony. He does. Immensely.
J.T. also plays the two sports his uncle did – football and basketball in Bellbrook. Luckily, he's faster than his uncle ever thought about being.
J.T. Frantz is a two-sport athlete following in his
uncle's footsteps.
Courtesy photo
J.T.'s cousin Jaden, one of his heroes, also plays football and basketball in Bellbrook. Luckily, he's faster than his uncle ever thought about being.
J.T is in second grade. Jaden in sixth. I love and support both. Love and support their teammates as well.
A lot has changed since Tony and I played at Bellbrook. The uniforms are cooler. There are more kids participating. The facilities are first-class. What hasn't changed are the values sports can teach in a small town and the impact it can have on the individuals absorbing the lessons.
I'm proud to be from Bellbrook. A lot of people feel the same way.
I never intended for my kids to wear the same uniform I did, but now that they are. I enjoy it. Tony, I'm sure, approves as well. His mark remains all over the community and those that lead its sports movement. Several community coaches and administrators grew up with, played with or watched Tony. Coincidence? I don't think so.
We all learned a little something from my brother-in-law. It was hard not to.
I know J.T., Jaden, the rest of the youth in this community and everyone reading this article is going to get tested – learn something more about themselves soon. You – I – might get tested today.
Take it in stride. There are bigger battles coming. More important people to impress. More important opinions to disprove. Agendas aren't good. Making the best decision for everyone is. Tony taught me this.
I miss you, Tony. Love you too brother and can't wait to see you. Someday.
A lot of people feel the same way.
