The Associated Press

BERLIN, Ohio – Perry Reese Jr.

Friday, June 30, 2000

BERLIN, Ohio – Perry Reese Jr., a popular basketball coach who led Berlin Hiland High School in five of its six state semifinal appearances, has been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor.

Reese, 47, was admitted to Aultman Hospital in Canton on Tuesday after complaining of flu-like symptoms and slight memory loss.

Following a series of neurological tests, including a CAT scan and an MRI, doctors confirmed a mass behind his left eye socket. Exploratory surgery revealed the tumor was malignant and inoperable.

Reese was expected to be released from the hospital Friday afternoon. He will be placed under 24-hour care through Hospice of Holmes County.

”I think just about everybody is still in shock. We’re not able to focus real well around here,” said Hiland Athletics Director Colin Mishler. ”He’s respected around the state. The support from people so far has been tremendous. It’s been unreal.”

Reese helped coach the Ohio All-Stars at the Ohio-West Virginia series earlier this month in Chesapeake.

Reese, a Canton native and Canton Timken graduate, came to the eastern Holmes County school prior to the 1984-85 season.

Over the last 16 years, Reese has posted a 304-85 record and in 1992 led the school’s team to its only state championship. The team advanced to its third consecutive semifinal this season and lost to eventual state champion Fort Jennings.

More than 400 people have visited Reese at the hospital. One former player flew from Atlanta while another ended his vacation in Hilton Head, S.C., after only a day, to be near Reese, who also is a history teacher.

Don Hertler Jr., the head football coach at North Canton Hoover High School, said Reese was his summer baseball coach when he was 15.

”He was the first coach I remember talking about real life stuff with me. He taught me how to treat people, how to be a man. He is a one and only,” he said. ”He is the type of guy you keep in your prayers and you hope a miracle happens for him.”

Berlin is about 65 miles south of Cleveland.