Coaches can usually remember a lot about their first year. Roger Snyder might remember his final year the most.

In his final year of teaching and coaching, Snyder is having quite a career year. He guided the Dragons to a three-way share of the Ohio Valley Conference football championship and he has his baseball team in the hunt for the OVC title.

Earlier on April 8, pitcher Nathaniel Burcham threw a no-hitter against South Point which was eventful enough, but overshadowed in the excitement was the fact Snyder recorded his 400th career coaching victory.

“It’s no big deal. The game is about the players and that game was about Nate,” said Snyder. “You don’t win that many games without good players.”

Snyder was not only the head football and baseball coach, but he also serves as the athletic director. Former basketball coach Chad Belville will assume the athletic director duties next year.

Unwanted Again

Portsmouth and South Gallia have been denied admission into the Southern Ohio Conference.

The two schools needed a 75 percent positive vote to be admitted, but no results were announced because the league members choose a silent vote as per request of one of the schools.

Pennington to speak

Former Marshall and current Miami Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington will be the guest speaker of the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce annual banquet.

Pennington, the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year, will be on Thursday, May 7, at South Point High School cafeteria.

Tickets for the dinner is $100 per person or $1,200 for a corporate table. To make reservations, contact chamber director Bob Smith at (740) 37—4550 or via email at bobsmith@lawrencecountyohio.org

Gus Macker help

The annual Gus Macker 3-on-3 basketball tournament is in need of volunteers.

Gus Buster officials are needed for Saturday and Sunday, June 6-7. Times are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., 12:30-6 p.m. and all day. The tournament will be held in the Ironton downtown streets.

Anyone interested should contact Dave Coburn at (606) 923-5313 or (740) 534-1156, or Dean McDonald at (740) 532-8911.

–– Sinatra ––

Jim Walker is sports editor of The Ironton Tribune.