I had a wonderful experience the past 5 weeks following the St.Clairsville Red Devils football team on their run to the state title game in Ohio Division IV.  My son is a freshman on the team which made it even more special….but just the sheer energy…excitement and passion of the people of St.C and surrounding areas made it a memorable month and a half.

I’ve covered state title runs by Ohio Valley teams many times in my 20 years of being in the local media…but never have I been so directly involved…and I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.  Watching the parents…coaches….and community come together to support these young men on a quest so hard to achieve was inspiring and spiritual.  Even though we lost the championship game….I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.  

I told my son to absorb every moment.  Walk on that turf at Paul Brown Stadium in Massillon and look into the stands….grasping the moment.  Walk onto that turf at Fawcett Stadium in Canton and look into the stands…grasping the moment.  Soak up every second of an event 99 percent of the kids in the state of Ohio will never experience….and based on his reaction afterwards….he did.  I want to thank the coaches…players…administrators and fans of St.Clairsville High School for allowing my son and I to enjoy a truly unforgettable experience.  I will take to my grave the image of my little #60 standing on the sideline cheering on his teammates.  Thank you.