Ironton opponents knew how good senior linebacker Redgie Arden is.

Wednesday, November 29, 2000

Ironton opponents knew how good senior linebacker Redgie Arden is. Now, all of Ohio has the same understanding about his abilities.

The 6-foot-6, 235-pound Arden capped a brilliant high school career Tuesday when he was selected the Associated Press Division IV All-Ohio Co-Defensive Player of the Year.

Arden, a first team All-Ohio choice, was the Southeast District Defensive Player of the Year. He has all ready given a verbal commitment to attend Ohio State next fall.

Sandusky Perkins’ Brandon Schnittker, who is headed for Ohio State, shared the defensive honor with Arden.

Arden has been invited to play in the Fox Sports National East/West All-Star Game. He is also a candidate for the annual Ohio Football Coaches North/South All-Star Game and the Big 33 All-Star Game between Ohio and Pennsylvania.

NCAA rules permit players only two all-star games.

While Arden gets a lot of the attention for the Fighting Tigers, his running mate at linebacker has been equally impressive.

Senior Matt Kelly’s talents were acknowledged when he was a second team pick on the All-Ohio team. Kelly was a first team all-district selection.

Also named to the All-Ohio team as special mention selections were Ironton senior defensive back Josh Harmon, senior defensive tackle Mark Gleichauf, senior fullback B. J. Kerns, and junior offensive linemen Roman Fry and Chad Parker.

South Point Pointers senior quarterback Jarrod Smith and junior wide receiver Shane Holsinger were named to the All-Ohio special mention team. Fairland senior lineman Ernie Humphrey was named special mention along with Wheelersburg senior lineman Michael Branon, senior linebacker Boyd Bailey, and senior defensive back Dusty Chamberlin.

Three quarterbacks shared the Division IV Offensive Player award with Youngstown Ursuline’s Josh Swogger, Coldwater’s Kyle Hoyng, and Germantown Valley View’s Dustin Strayer honored.

The Coach of the Year honor was shared by Ursuline’s Jim Vivo and Bloom-Carroll’s Keith O’Donnell.

In Division III, Portsmouth junior running back Joseph Parker was a first team pick and the Offensive Player of the Year. The Trojans Curt Clifford shared the Coach of the Year award.