A class act by two communities
By George Starks

PITSBURG- If I had done what was originally planned Friday night, I would have made a change in my schedule and went to Versailles instead of going to Franklin Monroe.

Even without junior sensation Kyle Ahrens on the floor for the Tigers, I wanted to see the St. Henry team and I really wanted to see how good the Tigers were going to be without Ahrens.

I’m glad I never made that change.

I have been writing sports since 1987 and I’m sure over the years, what happened at The Hangar has happened numerous times at other venues.

None that I can remember though.

Before the start of the game between the Jets and Trojans, I noticed that Devon Eley was in a basketball uniform. Since I can remember, Eley had long been the equipment manager at FM. He always came out in a nice shirt, tie and dress pants.

After a chat with WTGR play by play man, Alex Mikos, our curiosity was aroused and the question was asked, “What’s going on”? After a quick chat with Jets head coach Troy Myers, it was discovered that Eley was going to be in the game if things fell into place.

It did.

With 59.1 seconds left in the game, Myers called for a time-out.

At that point the Jets held a commanding 53-31 lead and Eley was heading to the scorers table to check in. At that point, the place erupted and fans from both sides were on their feet giving Eley a standing ovation.

Born with Spina Bifida, Eley has always wanted to play the sport he loved but wheelchair basketball was as close as he would ever get.

When Myers put him in the line-up, it became something more than a game. It became something about human compassion. Eley got two shots, missing the first then was able to get his own rebound before taking the shot that netted him two points.

Eley had a smile from ear to ear.

Honestly, this will be a night I’ll never forget.

I saw nothing but a class act being performed by not only Troy Myers but by the Arcanum fans as well.

A kid that has been a part of Franklin Monroe basketball since the seventh grade finally got his shot at high school glory.

I’m glad I didn’t change my mind.

If I had, I wouldn’t be writing this column and I would be kicking myself for missing a great night at what would normally be, just another high school basketball game.

Kudos to Troy Myers and his staff and Arcanum coach Brian Gunter and his staff as well as all in attendance.

One final thought: Well done Devon Eley. You are a bright light in a dismal, dark world.

I, my friend, applaud you. Personally, it's my opinion the number 52 should be retired in your honor. That's just my opinion though.

You are a class act yourself.