Friendship Games held in Strasburg

The seventh annual Friendship Games were held March 9 at Strasburg-Franklin Schools. About 200 participated from 15 basketball teams and cheerleaders. The games were held in both the high school and middle/elementary gyms. Each team wore shirts of different colors, and the cheerleaders were dressed in gold shirts. Each team member received a medal after their games.

Richelle Lefler, coordinator of the event, served as the announcer. Lefler said the games are about sportsmanship.

“I want you to take something away from the games. How exciting the games are played for the same cause, and great people are making memories and can leave smiling,” she said.

The welcome was given by Lefler, and Bailey Sites of Bolivar sang the national anthem. Chelsea Lefler recited the athletic oath prior to the beginning of the games.

Cole Starkey of Carroll County warmed up with Rick Lynch, Guernsey County coordinator coach, as they tossed the basketball back and forth.

Matthew Toole of Dennison was the scorekeeper. He thanked Strasburg Schools and Gary Spinell, Strasburg athletic director, for allowing the games to be held.

“I don’t know what we would do without them. This has been such a fulfillment for my son,” Matthew Toole Sr. said.

Matthew Toole Jr., 11, participated in the games. The younger Toole participates in track, flag football, basketball and softball.

Several special awards were given:

—The 2024 all-tournament team: Rick Lynch, Frittz Ginnis, Russel Moye, Bobby Reidl and Scott Gezzer, coaches, and Kenny Blair, Matthew Medley, Zacy Dryden, Dorian Chaffin, Izzy Blubaugh, Jayen Hahn, Austin McGinnis, Jason Hall, Matthew Toole Jr., Eli Simon, Jeff O’Brien and Andrew Straquadine, athletes.

All received trophies. The team and coaches were presented by Richelle Lefler.

—Deric Johnson received the Heart of a Champion Award for being a leader that led by example. He has led the Tuscarawas County Rockets to several state championships in track, volleyball, flag football, softball and basketball. He leaves everything on the court every time and encourages his fellow athletes to do the same. Matthew Medley made the presentation.

—Sarah McVay presented the Rising Leader Award to Bobby Reidl. He was the first athlete to become a coach and serve on the board of Special Olympics of Ohio. He has taught the athletes to love the game and to use their voices to speak up for themselves. He also has made a difference in the lives of athletes in his home county of Lake.

—Russell Moye was the recipient of the Honorary Rocket Award presented by Matthew Medley. Moye does not coach for Tuscarawas County but supports, guides, listens and inspires the athletes. He has stepped up to help whenever called. The athletes want to do their best because of Moye.

—The late Chuck Kuntzman received the Forever Rocket Award presented by Chelsea Lefler and Chris Werner. Kuntzman became involved through his son in unified softball. He coached third base and established rapport with all the players on the team. To his family, his legacy will live on in each of the participants who knew him.