Ephesians 2: 8-9
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith
-
And this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of
God -
Not by works, so that no one can boast.
This painting of Jesus was created
by the English artist, Simon Dewey and is used with
permission.
Click
here to see more of his
work.
This is my eighth sports history for Ashland High
School and possibly the last. While it has taken over
three decades to accumulate the information, this
effort merits three considerations: the motivation,
the inspiration, and the appreciation.
First is the motivation. The purpose has been to
provide coaches and players a sense of the successes
and traditions of their sport. It was a thrill to
see the basketball team beat Lexington for the 1000th
win. When a golfer is told that we have won 17 of
the last 19-league championships, and our teams have
been to State 20 times, and we've won it twice, the
expectation level is a little higher that just going
out for the team. I look forward to the excitement
of this 100th season of AHS football.
Secondly is the inspiration. When I interviewed for
the head football coach position in 1970, the AD Sam
Marchio said that they had over 90 applicants and
the questioning would be intense. The single question
that still sticks in my mind was, "You started
the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Trotwood,
but do you intend to attend the meetings here at Ashland?"
Of course and I met their leader Doug Denbow.
We began looking for a location for a possible FCA
retreat, and we went to a camp in Mohican forest.
On some hilltop Doug said, "Paul, what do you
want your life to count for here in Ashland?"
I replied that I would like it to point toward Jesus
Christ.
Last year on Jeff Alan's Sport Talk (Channel 68-TV
Mansfield) about the Lincoln Highway Leagues Jeff
said, "Paul, this represents a lot of time and
travel bottom line what inspired you to do this? I
responded, "Jeff, you notice at the beginning
of every booklet that I've written I have a Bible
verse which points to The Lord Jesus, that's the bottom
line - His glory."
Finally, this is the appreciation. I began coaching
in 1958 and over that time there are two very successful
entrepreneurs, both linebackers and great leaders,
whom I have admired and they've endeared themselves
to me: Gary Aiken in Trotwood and Bill Chandler in
Ashland. Without Bill, as my benefactor, Arrow Addendum
and this web site would not have been available to
the Ashland fans. However, I still count his friendship
more important than the financial support. Thanks,
Bill!
Secondly, I want to express my appreciation for Cathy
Buscher, who was a godsend and the talented Webmaster
for my two web sites: Lincoln Highway Leagues and
this Century of Arrows football. Great work, Cathy!
A final list must include the following: the AHS
Athletic Directors: Sam Marchio, Ev DeVaul and Rick
Brindley; the printing work of Terry and Scott Lash,
plus Kehl Color; and the sources from the Ashland
Times-Gazette, microfilm at the Ashland Public Library,
and the Ashland University Archives. Last of all,
the AHS Yearbooks and the Athletic Department Record
Books which Sid Boyd originally started for our posterity.
As a postscript to this website, the logo was designed
by Gary Underwood of Detrow & Underwood. A committee
of Matt Underwood, Rick Brindley, and Paul Dienstberger
choose the final design. Gary, also, plans to make
patches available for the Centennial Celebration.
The official celebration will be Friday Sept 8th during
the halftime of the Shelby game. The plans include
a photograph of all former players and coaches in attendance to line
up on the field in the shape of a football.
Questions or comments? Contact: Paul Dienstberger |