Don't listen to the rumors.

Although the school levy failed, Pickerington North will have athletics this season and the football game at Ironton is still a go.

There had been concern that Pickerington North would not play a schedule this season and pay off its contracts.

But Ironton athletic director Terry Parker said "they've worked out their problems and they are playing this season."

The Ironton-Pickerington North game is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 10.

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Fullbacks unite

Speaking of Ironton, the Fighting Tigers have always been a fullback-oriented offense under head coach Bob Lutz.

Three of his fullbacks from the 1970s hooked up in an impromptu reunion at the Memorial Day Parade.

Terry Mowery, fullback in 1972-73, Jeff Kriebel, 1974-75, and Rick Howard, 1976, got together for the first time since they were teammates in high school.

Howard was a halfback the previous season before moving to fullback. All three were first team All-SEOAL.

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Panther awards

Chesapeake has named its Academic/Athletic awards. Here's the list:

Army Athletic/Academic – Matt Rucker, Brittany Pollock;

United States Marine Award – Daniel Fraley;

OHSAA Scholar Athlete – Matt Rucker, Brittany Pollock;

OHSAA Archie Griffin Award – Nick Karle, Samantha Best;

OHSAA Sportsmanship Award – Brandon Eldred;

Edward Jones Investment Award – Michael Hunt;

Academic All-Ohio Basketball – Aaron Gossett, Matt Rucker;

Academic All-Ohio Basketball Nominee – Nick Karle;

Academic-Athletic Booster Award – Brittany Jordan, Aaron Gossett.

Jim Walker is sports editor of The Ironton Tribune.