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Former OSU QB Karsatos speaks at Chiefs of the Redskins banquet

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Former OSU QB Karsatos speaks at Chiefs of the Redskins banquet

By JIM BARSTOW

COSHOCTON - A group of Coshocton High School football heroes were recognized Saturday night.

And although their names won't appear in the starting lineup, but Jim Loos, Steve Jones, Pat Laaper, Rick Jones, Dan Duren, Gordan Kendall and Preston Bair are as integral to the program as were the players they stood in support of.

As Chiefs of the Redskins, the area men are continuing the tradition of 'sponsoring' seven area senior player and following them closely throughout their final season at CHS. The group and their players were recognized during a banquet dinner hosted in the Coshocton County Memorial Hospital's Grand Central Station conference room.

In order their Chiefs, senior players involved in the program are Chris Horstman, Matt Pell, Scott Dawson, Jordan Foster, Nick Wood, Travis McInerney and Matt Swigert.

"We appreciate everything this mentoring program does for these young men," said Russ Fehrman, emcee of the event.

The most visible contribution the "Chiefs" make is the purchase of a red and black sideline jacket emblazoned with the Redskins logo on the back. But, as Fehrman pointed out, there is much more of a bond with the player.

"They might buy them an occasional dinner, take in a movie but the most important thing they give is their time, especially. They are there to lend a helping hand, an ear to listen when they have a problem or just need someone to talk to, and another voice to cheer them on."

Also recognized were the senior cheerleaders and their Chiefs. Becky Weir is matched with Kasie Robb, Daphne France with Lindsay Hudson, Faith Miller with Sarah Tignor and Tina Albert with Molly Wilson. Sue McInerney participated in Albert's absence.

All in attendance were served dinner prepared by the CCMH dietary staff.

In the past, high profile sports figures have visited Coshocton to help impart some wisdom and inspiration include Coshocton native Bob Brenly and former Browns coach Sam Rutigliano. This night, it was Jim Karsatos.

A former Ohio State University quarterback and current member of the Buckeyes' radio broadcast team, Karsatos began by asking if everyone was fired up.

"I am certainly excited," Karsatos said. "I'm ready for football and its great to see the support these guys are receiving. That's why I enjoy this community atmosphere."

Karsatos chronicled his playing career, that began in earnest during his high school days in Orange County, California. He then attended Ohio State, becoming the starting quarterback in 1985. It was a post he held two years. After graduating, he was drafted in the 12th round by the Miami Dolphins. In South Florida, he remembered his quarterback meetings as consisting of Don Strock, Ron Jaworski, Dan Marino and Don Shula.

He got the start in his first preseason game, playing against the Chicago Bears but on the fifth play of the game, injured his knee and never saw action again.

As a radio broadcaster, he is beginning his 15th year at Ohio State.

"I might be from California, but I'm scarlet and gray through and through," Karsatos said.

Karsatos spoke to the players about the virtues of being a good leader, now that they are the seniors - the upperclassmen everyone else looks up to.

"I'm sure this is a tight-knit group of seniors and you're going to have to be leaders. You'll be the focal point of the team and the whole community and that's a big responsibility. Its something you can't take lightly. You're representing a lot of people."

A sometimes controversial announcer and self-admitted "homer", Karsatos opened himself for questions from the audience. Among those, he said:


His favorite game at OSU was always the Michigan game. "When you come out of the tunnel, there's nothing like it. The crowd just picks up and carries you over to the bench and it lasts the whole game. It was the most physical game I ever played in."

His top concerns about this year's OSU team are the lack of depth at tailback and the kicking (and punting) game.

He predicted that Todd Boeckman could shine at quarterback this year, not Troy Smith or


He believes the relationship between ESPN and OSU is not deep-rooted and will likely be smoothed over by Athletic Director .....

Yes, Brett Musburger hates Ohio State. "Musburger was at Northwestern back during the time we were scoring 50 or 60 points on them a year. He has some resentment."
Head coach Marty Arganbright closed out the banquet by introducing the senior players and in using a team tradition, said 'good things' about them - something instilled to say good things about someone on the team.
 
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