TRR photo by Richard A. Ross Monticello boys basketball coach Dick O’Neill holds the game ball aloft following his team’s victory over Western Wayne on November 30, which was the coach’s 400th career win. He is flanked by Wallenpaupack boys basketball coach George Werthmuller, left, and Wallenpaupack high school principal Jay Starnes.

Basketball

400 wins for O’Neill:

another milestone in a remarkable life

By RICHARD A. ROSS

WALLENPAUPACK, PA—Emotional embraces, triumphant cries, sighs of relief and flowing tears were in no short supply. After all, this was a moment to celebrate and remember. Monticello’s boys basketball team had just defeated Western Wayne 39-34 in the opening round of the 10th Annual Hawley Rotary Tip-Off Tournament on November 30 to give its coach, Dick O’Neill, his 400th career win in the first game of his final season. O’Neill has announced his intention to retire at the end of this school year.

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Basketball

New identity

By RICHARD A. ROSS

GRAHAMSVILLE, NY—Crosscurrents of thoughts and emotions are in play as teams get set for the opening tip of their first basketball game. For the players on the floor and their fans looking on, that first vertical leap launches hopes that the season journey will lead to good things.

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Ninth Annual Eldred Football Banquet

Eldred celebrates second Section Nine football title

By RICHARD A. ROSS

ELDRED, NY - For the second time in the past three years, Eldred players, coaches and parents celebrated a Section Nine Class D championship as part of their annual football banquet. This year’s event, held at the Eldred Preserve on November 27, was the ninth banquet held in tribute to a football team that has grown immensely in stature. The team finished its season at 7-3, only two wins shy of a state championship game at the Carrier Dome. This season’s successful campaign brought Eldred’s three-year record to 24-7.

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Also in this issue:

• Firing squad
• Awards for past season and plans for next mark special night