North Baltimore, Ohio

November 14, 2024 12:09 pm

North Baltimore High School Honors Service Members by Hosting “National Guard Game of the Week”

North Baltimore, Ohio – The North Baltimore High School football team will be trading out our orange and black to wear camouflage this week, as a show of support for the men and women serving in our armed forces. 

The Ohio Army National Guard is loaning the jerseys to the Tigers with 2019 being the inaugural year for the “National Guard Game of the Week” program. 

North Baltimore High School and community is honored to wear the military appreciation jerseys for Friday’s game. Having our football team, cheerleaders, and students dressing in camouflage signifies our gratitude to all those that have served and are planning to serve in the future.

Head Coach Zach Walls and assistant coach Zach Cooper both served before coaching, in the Navy and Army respectfully, and later this fall assistant coach Brandon Solly will be joining the Army.

Our scoreboard operator, Joe Kepling, was a member of the Marines and announcer, Doug Ebright was in the Army. Longtime Chain Crew member Ron Stewart, served in the Vietnam War.

The team is excited to represent something that is bigger than themselves and show the community their support for the armed services.

The pregame will also feature memorial recognition for NB graduate Drew Rister, and teacher Fran Weith. 

The jerseys are an extension of the “Operation Buckeye Guard” (OBG) program, which was initiated by the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association (OHSFCA). High school teams have partnered with the Ohio Army National Guard to support Military Appreciation Games through OBG since 2011. 

“We’re proud of our long-time partnership with the Ohio Army National Guard, and we’re excited about suiting up in camouflage this year,” said Jerry Cooke, immediate past president of OHSFCA. “It’s a pleasure and a privilege anytime our coaches get to interact with the Guard, and we want our players and fans to recognize the value of the fine men and women who defend our country at every opportunity. Putting a spotlight on them during one of our Friday night football games is a win-win for everybody.”

“The National Guard has a mission to serve its local communities, so we’re happy to provide this resource to schools interested in recognizing our service members,” said Sgt. Maj. Justin Sprankle, senior enlisted Soldier assigned to the OHARNG Recruiting and Retention Battalion.

The Ohio Army National Guard is comprised of approximately 11,500 Citizen-Soldiers, and offers many benefits such as 100% college tuition, paid job training and affordable healthcare for part-time service.