News Summary

SPRINGFIELD — In this very column space on Sept. 26, 2003, I unleashed an article with the headline, "City schools should unite."

On the day North High School traveled to Evans Stadium to play its closest and biggest rival, South High School, I strayed from my usual writing repertoire of football and "Star Wars" to tell everyone why Springfield didn't need two high schools.

"On the field," I wrote, "it's in Springfield's best interest to root for one high school, playing on one field in every sport.

"Off the field, it's in Springfield's best interest to relieve hundreds of students of the question to attend North or South — they'll be attending Springfield."

I wrote a school merger was best for this community, the district and the students within.

My editors weren't too happy when a lowly sports writer like The Wizard took a stand about a topic deeper than athletics. I remember Keith Streitenberger, who ran the editorial page, saying, "The Wizard is trying to do my job."

Maybe. But I couldn't keep silent about a community that was divided for no other reason than where you attended high school.

Nine months later, the school board voted to merge North and South.

Fast forward to 2008.

Springfield High School plays its first football game tonight, Aug. 22, at Hamilton High School.

How do we gauge the success of the football program? Is it a 10-0 record and a state championship? How about a berth in the playoffs, or a Greater Western Ohio Conference championship?

Or, like in 2003, is success measured by something deeper?

One community will travel to Hamilton to cheer on the Wildcats. One community will unite behind its team, rise when it scores a touchdown and cheer.

Why shouldn't you be proud to root for Springfield? Not Springfield South. Not Springfield North. Springfield, all the way from Leffel Lane to Home Road.

Forget about the mascot. Forget about the new school's location. Forget about the past division.

Remember that more than 80 young men wearing helmets and pads have put all that behind them. Remember it is those young men you root for. They just want to play football.

Remember that the new school year brings new opportunity. Help them seize it.

As a reporter, I can't cheer on athletes and teams. But I can root for the story. I can root for people to make a positive out of a negative situation. I can root for the triumph and the celebration.

I won't be rooting for the Wildcats to beat Hamilton tonight.

As I did way back in 2003, I will be rooting for Springfield.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0366 or bplasters@coxohio.com.