By JIM WALKER

Tribune Sports Editor

During World War II citizens were urged to buy bonds to help the country.

Although not as desperate a situation, the Ironton athletic department is asking fans to buy tickets.

In advance.

Ironton and others schools only receive 25 percent of the ticket presale. Athletic director Mark LaFon is urging fans to get their tickets in advance for this week’s boys and girls district games.

“When calculating our presale tickets for the girls and boys tournament games to this point, I have estimated that Ironton City School district lost nearly $1,000 in presale revenue,” said LaFon.

All the money for tickets sold at the game site go to the Ohio High School Athletic Association.

“The games this weekend can easily bring the Ironton school district more than $1,000 in revenue if tickets are bought in advance,” said LaFon.

“In tough financial times, we need to take full advantage of this opportunity to make money for our kids.”

Ironton boys’ and girls’ district tournament tickets are on sale for $6 at the Ironton auto tech shop building and at Bob Linn Sporting Goods.

The girls play at 1 p.m. Saturday against Eastern Brown in the district finals at Ohio University.

The boys play at 3:45 p.m. Sunday against Meigs in the district semifinals at Ohio University.

Other teams still alive in the tournament who will benefit from ticket presale are the South Point Lady Pointers, Chesapeake Panthers, Fairland Dragons and St. Joseph Flyers.