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Untitled Page
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Untitled Page
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Team
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CCC
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ALL
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Covington
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10-2
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13-7
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Newton
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10-2
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15-5
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Mississinawa Valley
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9-3
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11-9
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Twin Valley South
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8-4
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13-7
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Tri-Village
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8-4
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11-9
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Arcanum
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7-5
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12-8
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Ansonia
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7-5
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11-9
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Franklin Monroe
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5-7
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9-10
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Bethel
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5-7
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9-11
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| Miami East |
4-8 |
5-15 |
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Tri-County North
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3-9
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4-16
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National Trail
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1-11
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1-19
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Bradford
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0-12
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1-19
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Back in the day, not so long ago the Covington student section was always packed during basketball games. It didn't matter how good the team was or how bad they were...the student body showed up in full force to get rowdy and give the Buccs a home court advantage.
There are many stories that can be told about the happenings in the student section throughout the years...some not worth repeating and others being pleasant memories.
Somewhere along the line the student section has gradually dwindled over the last few years, despite the fact that the Buccs have had some outstanding seasons in both boys and girls basketball. So, instead of having a loud home court advantage, the Buccs were playing in front of a crowd more resembling an opera crowd rather than a basketball frenzy crowd.
Enter high school principal, Chad Mason who has been on a mission to give Covington High School back to the students since his arrival two years ago.
"This school belongs to the students," said Mason. "It's their time and this (extra curricular activities) is for them. The kids should not have to worry about someone telling them they can't stand up at basketball games or at any other sporting events for the matter. Then again, reserve ticket holders shouldn't have to worry about others obstructing their view of the game."
Mason had a simple solution...to give the student section back to the students and rename it the "C Block". He then had 150 black t-shirts custom designed and printed with "C Block - Standing Room Only!" and with the help of Gretchen Schmidt and the cheerleaders, gave them away to the students who attended the Buccs' game against Twin Valley South on February 10, 2006. Suddenly, the C Block was born.
"I came up with the idea, but we would have never been able to pull this off without the help of Gretchen Schmidt and the cheerleaders," said Mason. "They made sure the t-shirt were passed out and went back for more when we ran out. The cheerleaders are to be commended for what they have done for our school."
The results were overwhelming as each and every t-shirt was swiped up by Covington students prior to the beginning of the junior varsity contest. Plus, the next home game against Tri-County North saw even more Covington students show up to join in the fun.
The sight of a sea of black in the stands was impressive, but the way the C Block conducted themselves left an impression on the adults.
"We have outstanding young people in this school and I'm very proud at the way they conducted themselves tonight," said one observer after the Tri-County North game. "Instead of rubbing it (the win) in the other teams face, one young man got everyone else to sing the alma mater. That was nice."
Another parent added, "What was so nice about it was there wasn't only high school kids standing and cheering, but the younger kids were there as well. I appreciate the fact that the high school kids let the elementary kids hang out with them at the games. That makes the younger kids feel like they are a part of the school and it teaches them how to have school spirit."
Overnight, Principal Mason's vision and the hard work of Gretchen Schmidt and the cheerleaders had made a positive impact on the school. Time will tell if the students take advantage of the gift given to them.
"Hopefully this (the students attending the games) lasts," challenged a parent. "It will be a shame if we come back next year and the student section is half empty. It will also be a shame if the students don't come out and support the girls as well."
