Sullivan West basketball players present flowers to Becky Ahart prior to their game against Monticello.
Anthony Morgano | Democrat
Roscoe’s Section IV neighbors, the Downsville Eagles, took part in the Fred Ahart Games. Ahart’s merged football team was comprised of Roscoe, Livingston Manor and Downsville, and Bert Reed’s Varsity Boys basketball team has run into the Blue Devils over the years in the Eagles’ holiday tournament. On being invited to the Fred Ahart games, Reed said, “Being here to honor him is an honor, and I’m proud of the way the boys played. They did a good job of respecting coach.”
Anthony Morgano | Democrat
Sullivan West’s Varsity Boys Coach, John Meyer, attributed a lot to his relationship with Fred. He said, “Fred has meant so much to all of us. In high school I played against Fred-coached teams, and then we became colleagues. He sets the standard for all of us, and he helped me stay with coaching. I owe a lot to him, and it was a great honor to be a part of the games.”
Mike Hill worked for years as Coach’s assistant. In his speech before the game, Hill shared some of the things that made Coach so special to the Roscoe community, things that former student athletes, like myself, remember quite well. “Coach recognized no physical barriers like lines on a field or court. Coach was in the action and the game had to go on around him,” Hill said. “I never knew why Coach would have a runner for offensive plays in football because he was already in the huddle.” Hill continued, “We are playing these games today in the gym that bears his name. It is a fitting tribute for over half a century of dedication to the school and community. I can only hope that after my own distinguished career, which may end after this speech, that I too can have my name immortalized on school grounds. With my luck, it will be on the RCS tool shed.”
Hill concluded his pre-game speech by saying, “If you see me in a suit, it is because I am on my way to a funeral, wedding or church. Or, I am at a game honoring a man who Joe Abraham, then sports editor of the Democrat, referred to as ‘the best dressed Coach in New York State.’ Coach, I miss you and I love you.”
Anthony Morgano | Democrat
Similar to Adam Larson, Jason Semo’s relationship to Fred started as a rival athlete. The Tri-Valley graduate played against Fred’s teams in high school and their relationship grew from there. “Fred helped me get a job at Roscoe, and I was an assistant coach for him in football before I moved on to Tri-Valley and coached against him,” Semo said. “Our friendship grew, and he was a mentor to me when I became the Athletic Director in Washingtonville. He truly was one-of-a-kind.”
Anthony Morgano | Democrat
Sheila Burns, an Eldred graduate and former Sullivan County Democrat Player of the Year, brought the Monticello JV girls to Roscoe for the Fred Ahart Games. She said, “I remember meeting Fred Ahart when I played basketball in high school. Despite our schools being rivals, he welcomed us into the school and even showed us the old Roscoe gym. It was a pleasure to be a part of the Fred Ahart Games.”
Anthony Morgano | Democrat
Fred’s grandson, a former player and now the JV Boys coach at Livingston Manor, Dan Clancy has followed in his grandfather’s footsteps while putting his own spin on things. Speaking to the crowd in his grandfather’s gym, he said, “One of my grandfather’s sayings was ‘Respect All, Fear None,’ and that was a lesson that went beyond basketball and carries me through everyday life. If you go out, you should treat people with respect and have class and try to be the best version of yourself.”
Anthony Morgano | Democrat
Rob Gravelle, a Hall of Fame coach who brings more than 25 years of varsity coaching experience to the table, had many great contests vs Fred Ahart and the Blue Devils throughout the years. Speaking about Ahart, Gravelle said, “Coach did this for 51 years and he took Roscoe to great heights. He was a fantastic man and I’m very happy to be invited to play.”
Anthony Morgano | Democrat
Adam Larson has a lot of experience with Fred, playing against his teams, coaching against him, and working together as Athletic Directors. Speaking about Fred, Larson said, “Fred’s outpouring of support for a rival school changed my perspective on athletics and being a good person. Fred had that magic because of who he was, and he was a great example of how to treat people. He knew how to bring people together, even rival schools, and it takes a special person to do that.”
Anthony Morgano | Democrat
Chris Russo started as an assistant coach at Roscoe before moving on to Monticello and taking over as the Varsity Boys coach, while staying close with the Ahart family for years. In a speech Russo wrote, “Coach showed us all that it’s possible to be a fierce competitor and a compassionate person. It was remarkable to watch him battle his cancer with the same humility, courage, and competitiveness that made him an incredible husband, father and coach. Thank you, Coach. We know you are pacing the floors of heaven as you watch over these games. Thank you to Becky and the entire Ahart family for sharing Coach with all of us.”
Anthony Morgano | Democrat
Evan Bowers graduated from Livingston Manor, and is in his first year coaching at Roscoe. He said, “I’ve known Coach my whole life, it’s pretty cool to get to be a part of this, there are really no words for it.”
Anthony Morgano | Democrat
Charlie Hicks (middle) took over the Varsity Boys program in Livingston Manor after Adam Larson stepped away to focus on being an Athletic Director. He said, “I’m honored to be invited to play alongside such a great group of coaches and teams. My guys were very excited and it was nice to see so much support for a good cause.”
Anthony Morgano | Democrat
Amy Hill (at podium), a graduate of Roscoe Central School, who has coached at Roscoe for 31 years, and the current JV Boys coach for the Blue Devils said, “I’m thankful for the lessons learned from sports. One of Coach Ahart’s favorite lessons was mental toughness. We aren’t born mentally tough, it’s a learned skill. It is different for everyone and it can’t be measured, but it can be seen and is a great predictor of success in your life.”
Anthony Morgano | Democrat
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