I have written thousands of stories during the years, but there never seem to be any words for the tragedy that occurred on Christmas night.

Former South Point basketball star and University of Rio Grande freshman forward Corey Taylor was killed in an automobile accident.

Taylor was the type of student-athlete coaches would draw up on the board, combining athletic ability with good academics and great character.

Having met and talked with Corey, it was obvious to see what a fine young man he was. His parents were proud of him, and rightly so.

It’s very sad to see such a young man taken from his family and friends, but like has never been fair, nor are there any guarantees.

But considering the caliber of person he was, you can pretty much guarantee his spot on heaven’s roster.

Portsmouth Leaving?

There have been reports that Portsmouth High School is expected to be the next team to leave the Southeastern Ohio Athletic League and the school plans to petition for membership in the Southern Ohio Conference.

The SEOAL expanded in 2006 to 10 teams, but travel and a decline in revenue have led to Ironton and Zanesville announcing their plans to leave the league while Athens left this year due to its inability to compete competitively in several sports, especially football.

Making a Splash

Former Ironton point guard and current Olentangy Lewis Center athletic director Jay Wolfe is spending more time around the swimming pool.

But he’s not going in the water. He’s just watching.

Wolfe’s daughter Madison, a freshman at Olentangy, is a member of the swim team and the 6-foot swimmer has already set two school records and been part of another.

In a meet at Lancaster, Madison posted a record 2:19 time in the 200 intermediate and her 1:02 time in the backstroke was another record.

She then swam on the 200-medley relay that set yet another school mark.

Madison said she practices 10 times a week and spends 24 hours in the pool. She practices at both her high school and then her club team.

“I love it,” said Madison. “I’d like to swim in college. I’d like to go to UCLA. They have a great program and I’d like to swim somewhere warm.”

Madison is the granddaughter of Jan and John Wolfe of Ironton.

National Crossing

The Junior National Olympic Cross Country Championships were held Dec. 13 at Pole Green Park in Mechanicsville, Va.

Participating with the Tri-State Athletic Club was Chad McComas, a student at Fairland Middle School. McComas competed in the 4 km race.

More than 3,000 athletes attended the USATF Junior Olympics.

–– Sinatra –

Jim Walker is sports editor of The Ironton Tribune.