Citing ill health, Ironton Band Boosters President Jeff Massie handed in his resignation Tuesday evening.

Massie had been involved with the band boosters since 1992, had been president of the organization since 1997 and led the band boosters during the Elizabeth Keating financial scandal and its aftermath.

Massie said his doctors had urged him for some time to curtail activities as he awaits a kidney/pancreas transplant. He was diagnosed with end stage renal failure in October 2000 and has been on a transplant active list since January 2001.

"The doctors told me I need to make myself available so that when they call (to have a transplant), I will be ready to go," Massie said. "So I need to save my strength."

Massie had a triple bypass heart surgery in July 2001, and has had seven chest operations since then. He also suffers from back ailments and diabetes.

Though his health issue have been rough, financial issues involving the band boosters have been difficult as well.

In January 2001, band boosters officials discovered that several thousand dollars in CDs and savings account deposits at three different financial institutions were missing. Treasurer Elizabeth Keating pleaded guilty to theft in June 2001 and is serving a prison sentence for that and for the attempted murder of her business partner, Deborah Dickens.

The Ironton Band Boosters were forced to ask for a loan from the Ironton School Board to pay for new band uniforms that were promised to the band.

The band boosters also filed lawsuits against Liberty Federal Savings and Loan, National City Bank, and Firstar in an effort to recoup some of the money lost in the Keating affair. Club officials claim that the financial institution allowed Keating, the former band boosters treasurer, to use club monies and take out loans against club funds when she was not authorized to do so. The lawsuit with Liberty Federal was settled out of court two weeks ago.

Massie said he was thankful for all of the people who have worked with him in the band boosters over the years. He said he was especially fond of the late Richard Whitehead, past-president of the band boosters who died last year.

"He was all the time helping me," Massie said of Whitehead. "When he died it was a big loss. I miss him."

Vickie Crager, who has served the Ironton band Boosters

as vice president will take Massie's place until the end of the year, when new officers are elected.

Leslie Milleson will have the title vice-president/secretary and Norma Brown Hunt remains as treasurer.

Massie said he is proud that, during his tenure with the band boosters, the band has taken trips every two or three years and has newer uniforms in which to perform.

"I've enjoyed it," Massie said. "I hope someday I will be well enough to enjoy it again. It's not just the Ironton band, its every band. The kids are in there working just as hard as the athletes. To see them, when they get to competition, and they get a superior rating, you'd think they won the Superbowl by the look on their faces. That's what I find rewarding."