Bluffton HS girls’ softball team won its Division III sectional title beating Patrick Henry 2-1.
The Pirates now 12-6 advance to district action next week. PH ends its season at 13-8. Sami Fruchey (9-5) was the winning pitcher.
Bluffton scored two runs in the second inning, while PH scored one in the third. It was scoreless after that. Bluffton’s runs were scored by Jazmynn Wilson and Aimee Ritter.
Ritter and Mara Minnig had runs batted in for the Pirates. Five BHS batters had one hit each. They were Wilson, Ritter, Minnig, Fruchey and Taylor Monday.
He taught public school for 46 years - mostly in Bluffton, except for a brief span in Hawaii - so chances are good that if you attended Bluffton you probably came in contact he him.
Several years ago the Icon interviewed “Mr. Kooker” about his early years teaching in Bluffton elementary. This is a brief section of the interview. The entire interview will be published in a book about Bluffton in the 1950s to be released later.
Clarence Martin Kooker, 87, died May 11, 2016, at 5:55 p.m. at Bridge Hospice Care Center, Findlay.
Clarence was born Nov. 14, 1928 in Quakertown, Pa., to Clarence S. and Florence (Bleam) Kooker. After the death of his birth mother, his father remarried and Clarence was raised by Helen (Ahlum) Kooker. On June 30, 1951, Clarence married Mary Nunemaker Kooker who survives.
Clarence graduated from Quakertown High School in Quakertown. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Education from Bluffton College and his Master's degree from Bowling Green State University.
Story and photos by Monty Siekerman
Ada hosts the Northwest Conference track and field events.
Prelims were held on Thursday. The finals are set to begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, continuing until about 2 p.m.
Thursday saw many competitors from the 10 schools, as well as many spectators. Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for students.
Looking for conference championships are athletes from Ada, Allen East, Bluffton, Columbus Grove, Crestview, Delphos Jefferson, Lincolnview, Paulding, and Spencerville.
