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.
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 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. And never more so than on 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. 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 five feet away. Great day.
Then disaster.
After the game I met up with Tony’s sister — now my wife Carrie — 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 had to drive 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, hard work.
These are essentials sports teach. Some listen. Some don’t. Tony did.
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.
JT’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 who 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 and will learn something more about themselves soon. You or 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.
About the Author