Oyler High School? Who knew.

 

My friend Mark Wehry is known as the Voice of CCH Sports as he's been broadcasting since about 2005(thanks to help from the Godfather of Webcasts Dave Schabel from Bishop Brossart).

 

What most do not know is that Mark also calls games for other teams that no one knows. Sure he does NDA games but I'm talking about youth baseball teams, for example. I know he did a few games for a team of 11 or 12 year olds from Mason,OH. Why? Becasue they got a kick out of it. That's why he always does it. If he knows that a grandparent or family member from Tennessee or Wyoming might be able to hear their grandson's name called out he'll be there if he has a connection.

 

This brings me to the latest broadcast. Last night , by himself , he broadcast a game between Oyler High School and Riverview East Academy. Raise your hand if you've heard of either school.

 

Here's an article describing the state of the two communities:

 

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20111027/NEWS01/111027023/A-chance-play-trophy?odyssey=tab|topnews|text

 

Why them? Well, again, because they would get a big kick out of it but also because in addition to his regular gig and calling CCH games Mark is also a mentor to one of the kids on Oyler's team. It was his last game of his career last night and Mark wanted to give him the feel of a big-time program/event.

 

It's hardly a shocker that Mark and I are "boys" as we both have a tendency to rub some the wrong way with strong (often unsolicited) opinions. Proud to call him a friend. The kid from Oyler is better off because of Mark Wehry.

Pretty cool. :thumb:

Mr. Wehry is a great guy.

I have heard of the Oyler School cause that was where my grandma went way back in the 40s for a little bit. She would mention that from time to time. Love the fact that they're called the Hatmakers...lol. Now for the other school, I have never heard of them

 

As far as Mr. Wehry, I salute you for taking the time out of your schedule to not only broadcast the game, but for mentoring the young man. If we all can help change just one life, then we're doing a great job.

What does "urban Appalacian" mean, if anyone knows?

What does "urban Appalacian" mean, if anyone knows?

Urban Appalachians are people from Appalachia who are living in metropolitan areas outside of the region. Because migration has been occurring for decades, most are not first generation migrants from the region but are long-term city dwellers. People have been migrating from Appalachia to cities outside the region ever since many of these cities were founded. It was not until the period following World War II, however, that Appalachians became one of the major population groups in these metropolitan centers.

During the course of the late 19th and 20th century (the trend slowed down since 1970, but continues up to the 2000's), an estimated 40 million people from Appalachia migrated into newer industrial areas of the region (i.e. Atlanta, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati) and others relocated farther up into urban states of the Northeast, Midwest and the West Coast.^{[citation needed]}

In terms of national origin urban Appalachians reflect the varied heritage of the Appalachian region. They are Scots-Irish, English, Scottish, Irish and Welsh. Some are African-American or Native American. Many have a German ancestry. Others are descended from people of Central Europe and Southern Europe who were recruited to work in the coal and steel industries. Most Appalachians have a mixture of these heritages.

Urban Appalachians are also diverse in terms of the kind of places they lived in before migration. Many came from coal camps in the Cumberland Plateau or Allegheny Mountains. Others came from cities (rural people may moved into them) such as Knoxville, Charleston, West Virginia, the Huntington-Ashland area, or Pittsburgh. Most, however, came from a rural area or small town.

Urban Appalachians might be white, black, or Native American, and they might be Protestant, Catholic or Jewish, or possess a sectarian heritage that defies denominational classification. They might be rich or poor, live in the inner city or in an affluent suburb. Most are employed in blue collar and service jobs, but urban Appalachians are also professionals, owners of businesses and managers. Some are artists, engineers, or architects. Many are educators and health care workers. During the period of the nation’s industrial expansion the majority worked in factories. More recently work in the service economy is becoming more predominant.^[1]

All of this diversity, however, does not mean there is no such thing as an Appalachian heritage. A shared history and the common experience of living in the hills, the towns, the valleys or the foothill sections of the Appalachian region did produce a sense of regional culture that many urban Appalachians celebrate today.

 

 

[h=3]Urban Appalachian Council Home Page Link[/h]

Interesting. That applies to my Cincy cousins. Funny.

I am proud of the fact that Mark and I are friends and I have seen first hand how much he means to so many people who listen to his broadcast.

 

Just today Gabe Gray had a family member come to his Senior Day game and just had to see Mark to thank him for his broadcast, as it was their only link in seeing how Gabe was doing each week.

 

A couple of years ago, Ryan Darner of CovCath Baseball had a Aunt and Uncle who lived in Hawaii who got up very early in the AM to listen in so they could listen to learn how their Nephew was doing.

 

I also remember how a former CovCath grad was in a tent in the Middle East listening to a game via the Internet and how much fun he had while listening to Marks call.

 

Then there is Grandpa Otto who can't come to the games and really doesn't understand how computers work but he listen to each game to see how his grand kids are doing.

 

I know first hand of some of my guys who I work with who can't because of physical handicaps can't attend games but listen in faithfully to his broadcast.

 

Congratulations and thanks Mark on behalf of all those who listen to each and every broadcast you do!

First of all Clyde, I can't thank you enough for the thread. I'd like to clear up something. I did not do the Oyler game by myself. I had decided that I would if I had to, but my color man on CovCath radio, Head CCH freshman coach Kevin Connor, took time away from his family on one of his only free Friday nights to do the game with me. Kevin talked about these kids like they were his own, and it was all genuine. There were kids in this game that would play for any team in NKY. Oyler would be the #2 seed in 1A right now, guaranteed. Click here for the link to the game. Treat yourself. Also, the kid I mentor is Donnie Thomas. He's their QB, point guard on the basketball team and pitches on their baseball team. Kevin stated he has J. J. Jude speed. It was played at West High and they have an incredible facility. It was as nice a Friday Night Lights atmosphere that I could remember. Both teams were 1-7 and were playing like they were going for the playoffs. Players limping around and teams having to call a time out to keep them in the game because Oyler only had 14 kids in uniform. I can't remember a more rewarding 3 hours spent. I did get to see Donnie on the field with his many family members who sported t-shirts with his picture on the front and Don Don on the back. I gave him a hug and asked him if we was ok as he fought back tears. He just nodded and thanked me for coming. I think he knew this was going to be the last time he put on the pads, unless of course the college coaches that Kevin Connor contacts this weekend give him a call. Oh I failed to mention that Donnie had about 500 yards of offense with 200 kick return yards and an 80 yard TD on a return. Not sure of the rushing and passing stats. He punts and plays defense as well. He's about 5'-7" and about 150 pounds. He's an 'A' student and during one meeting at Oyler he told me his favorite bible quote. He told me once that he only reaches for things above him and nothing below him. He's a winner. Someone needs to take a chance. He wants to go into engineering. One reason they paired us up was my passion for sports. I'm lucky to have had this opportunity to know him.

Very nice work and leaving imprints on kids' lives is invaluable. I salute you.

Mark, you do a fantastic job and the folks at Highlands are happy to host your crew in the press box every time we play the Colonels at DCM! Your broadcasts are first class and much appreciated.

Then there is Grandpa Otto who can't come to the games and really doesn't understand how computers work but he listen to each game to see how his grand kids are doing.

 

I know first hand of some of my guys who I work with who can't because of physical handicaps can't attend games but listen in faithfully to his broadcast.

 

Congratulations and thanks Mark on behalf of all those who listen to each and every broadcast you do!

 

No shout out for Grandma Baumpgartner???

You know, it's guys like Mark that are making it increasingly more difficult to properly despise CovCath! (lol!) Kudos to you and your cohort for making a lifelong impression in MANY young mens lives! That being said...Go Birds, Beat Colonels (again!) LOL!

And Thanks TOG for your kind words as well. You are a great friend.

Thank you all for you very nice comments.