Emotions at a high as Bucks honor coach, friend Todd Day
Ashley Mitchell heads down the court with a full head of steam and a determined look on her face. Mitchell and the Bucks remained perfect in fending off a spirited challenge from the Holmes County Community All-Stars on Thursday, March 28.
From the very beginning of the annual Holmes County Bucks versus Holmes County Community All-Stars basketball game at West Holmes High School on Thursday, March 28, there was a sense that this was going to be an emotional evening.
Then Blake Day hit a 3-pointer to open the activity on the floor, and it was evident this night was going to be very special indeed.
In a nip and tuck battle throughout the evening, the Bucks improved their ongoing success streak to somewhere around 31 games straight with a 60-56 win that saw Dennis Hershberger and Dayne Morrison cap off the night with scores to lift the Bucks to victory, but this night was so much more than a basketball game, and even more than the annual celebration of the Bucks’ season and the honoring of Board of DD Awareness Month this March.
This night took on a particularly special meaning because it was the first time the game took place without the presence of longtime Bucks scorekeeper and Holmes County Special Olympics coach Todd Day, who passed away this year after battling a lengthy illness.
Prior to the game, Day’s wife Rachel and his son Blake were called to the floor for a special presentation honoring Day for his unending support, guidance and love he poured out to each of the Bucks and Special Olympic athletes over the decades.
Day’s ever-present smile and uplifting attitude spoke volumes of who he was, and the outpouring of love and affection on this night showcased exactly how much he meant to the community.
“As most of you already know, our Bucks basketball and Special Olympics team lost a very important part of our family on Jan. 22 in Todd Day,” said honor presenter Carrie Morrison, wife of Bucks coach Duane Morrison. “Todd was not just your average Special Olympics volunteer. He was a coach, a chauffeur, a fan, a cheerleader, an advocate, a counselor, a comedian, a pack mule and a friend.
“He took the time to build up each of our athletes, both on the court and on the track, to push them to do their very best. He was patient but firm, always offering a word of support or constructive criticism.”
Morrison said Day took great pride in coaching up the Olympic athletes, helping many of them earn medals at the annual state games.
“His loss leaves a huge loss in our Special Olympics family,” Morrison said in conclusion. “However, his memory will live on in the determination, sportsmanship and hearts of our athletes, their family members and caregivers, and our coaches.”
In honoring Day, the Bucks and Special Olympics athletes presented the Day family with a plaque and photo board of their friend and coach.
After that stirring moment, it was as if Day himself was watching over the proceedings. The first shot of the evening was by his son Blake, who launched a 3-pointer from the top of the arc that found its mark, a very appropriate way for him to honor his dad.
All-Star head coach Ty Meyer said honoring Day was a fitting way to cap off a special evening.
“It was amazing to see Blake knock down that first three,” Meyer said. “Todd meant so much to so many people, and when it comes to this game, we’re all family. This night means such a great deal to us all, and this year there were so many different emotions that came with the game. Losing Todd and Jim and the joy of watching everyone come together to honor them was special. Then there’s the overwhelming love and joy of supporting the Bucks in this game. It’s special. I love them all.”
Also honored on the night was former Bucks standout Jim Burkholder, who recently passed away. He was honored with a moment of silence.
With the Bucks leading at the half, Bucks player Andrew Moorehead was honored as the Bucks’ Player of the Year, paving the way to a spirited bidding war to purchase a purple and white basketball signed by the entire Bucks team.
Auctioneer Jaden Miller auctioned off the ball, and when the price got close to breaking the former record of $1,000, a band of very interested parties combined to eclipse the record at $1,002.
The families of Dean Martin, Jeff Woods, Greg Yoder and Clay Martin united to purchase the ball. To cap off the love encompassing the gymnasium on the night, they presented the newly purchased ball to Blake Day.
“It just kind of happened spontaneously,” Martin said. “At one point while the bidding was going on, I leaned back and asked my sister if she and her husband would get into the bidding, and then all of a sudden, there were four of us. It was really emotional for all of us because Todd and Rachel were very close to us. He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed.”
The game itself proved to be as spirited and fun-loving as ever, with the Bucks getting their day in the spotlight after another successful run this season.
Following the event, Rachel Day expressed her gratitude for everyone who supports the Bucks in this game and throughout the season, noting all of the proceeds from the evening would go directly back into supporting the Bucks team.