PAUL WALKER AWARD
JOHN "BUTCH" ROSSI
- 1989 RECIPIENT
When Fenwick's John "Butch" Rossi was president of the
Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association, he recommended that the
group institute a Paul Walker Award to be given to the coach who best
exemplifies the principles of high school athletics. Rossi made the
recommendation after Walker had retired as Middletown High School coach with
a career record of 695 victories.
Walker, who retired after his Middies lost in the finals of the 1976
tournament, was on hand Saturday to make the presentation. Walker has
managed to be present for all the presentations, whether at the St. John
Arena or the UD Arena, where the state crowns were decided on two occasions.
Rossi, now principal at Fenwick, retired at the close of the 1988-89 season
with 402 victories in 31 seasons. Saturday morning, between halves of the
Division II championship game at the St. John Arena in Columbus, Rossi was
presented the same Paul Walker Award. Included in Coach Rossi's 402 wins are
seven district championships, three regional runner-ups, on regional
championship and the Class A State Championship in 1982. Coach Rossi was
also recognized as the Ohio Class A Coach of the Year in 1985.
Mr. Rossi is currently a member of the Southwest District Athletic Board of
Control. He has served as Vice-President of the State Board of Control in
1987 and is a past president of the Ohio Basketball Coaches Association. He
is currently serving as principal of Fenwick High School where he has been
for his 31 years in coaching.
He resides with his wife, Mary Ann and their 10 children.
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