The term “fan” is short for fanatic. Bob Vaughn went beyond that term to try and salute Ironton Fighting Tigers’ head football coach Bob Lutz.

Vaughn settled into his seat at Tanks Memorial Stadium on Friday night waiting to see Lutz get record win No. 361 and take over the all-time lead for career victories in Ohio high school football.

As everyone was standing for the opening kickoff, Vaughn was seen laying backwards. Jim Ridgeway, looked over and realized his friend had suffered a heart attack.

Vaughn regained consciousness before the paramedics arrived. Ridgeway told Vaughn he needed to go to the hospital and Vaughn shook his head.

“He said he was going to watch this game and the ceremony after it,” said Ridgeway.

Sensibility returned and Vaughn did leave. It was confirmed at Bellefonte Hospital that he had, indeed, suffered a heart attack.

Vaughn is a member of the Ironton School Board.

Vaughn isn’t running for re-election, but that hasn’t dimmed his love for Ironton and Lawrence County. Vaughn has been a big supporter of the area and wants it to grow and return to financial prominence in the near future.

Hopefully he’ll get to see that. As for the Lutz’ post-game celebration, he’ll have to see it on DVD.

Lots of talent

After the post-game ceremony honoring Lutz, many former players came to the locker room to congratulate their former coach.

Among those were Ken Fritz, Walt Delong, Heath Brownstead, Tyler Whaley, Dennis Bacon and Joe Leith.

“How would you like to line up with Whaley at center, Fritz at right guard, Delong at tackle and (current Ironton assistant coach) Danny Pride at end? Put Bacon at fullback and Brownstead at right half and see if anyone could stop you,” said Ironton assistant coach Mike Burcham.

—— Sinatra ——

Jim Walker is sports editor of The Ironton Tribune.