Announcement
Two team members played on Ottawa's team
PUTNAM COUNTY SENTINEL March 7, 2007
Nancy Kline
Editor
Members of the Ottawa American Legion Baseball team have lost one of their own during the bus crash in Atlanta last Friday morning.
Scott Harmon, Elida, was killed in the tragic Bluffton College Baseball bus accident.
Zach Arend, Oakwood, another team member and member of Ottawa's American Legion team, remains in very critical condition in an Atlanta hospital.
"We're asking everyone to pray for the family and friends of Scott and to pray for the continued recovery of Zach," said Legion Baseball manager Dave Yoder.
Yoder said he heard about the accident early Friday morning when his son, who works third shift, called to tell him to turn on CNN. When he learned the crash involved the Bluffton baseball team, Yoder and Dave Kersh who also works with the teams, knew immediately they had two players on the team.
Later in the day the men learned Harmon had been one of the fatalities. They also learned Arend was one of the critically injured.
Harmon had played on the team one year.
"He was a good ball player for us," Yoder said. Harmon played third base and pitcher. "He was one of our top three pitchers,"
Kersh said Harmon was always on time, and was more worried about the team than about his personal stats.
"He got along well with his team mates," he said. "He was a good influence."
Yoder said they have had players from Elida off and on through the years.
Arend has played on the Ottawa American Legion team for three years and had planned to return next year.
"He is quiet and year accomodating," Kersh said. 'He is always asking what he can do to help out."
"The first year when he came to play he was young and also wanted to play on the high school ACME team for Paulding," Yoder said. "He played for us as much as he could."
Yoder said last spring he came for every practice. "He's a good ball player for us,"
After hearing of Arend's injuries Yoder contacted the family. On Monday, Zach's sister Estee Arend e-mailed about Zach's condition. She indicated the doctors are pleased with "But she said the doctors said he still has may injuries and it will take a very long time to heal," Yoder said.
An update on Tuesday indicated Arend had a crushed pelvis, crushed lungs, broken ribs and internal bleeding. He also had pressure on the brain. Doctors were encouraged he had passed the critical 72 hours following the injury.
Kersh said Estee said the family appreciates the prayers and concerns about Zach.
On Monday evening during visitation for Harmon Yoder said Ottawa Legion team members from surrounding communities were present.
"This shows how close the team becomes," Yoder said.
He and Kersh said this is the first time either have had to attend the funeral of a Legion player while still on the team.
PUTNAM COUNTY SENTINEL March 7, 2007
Nancy Kline
Editor
Members of the Ottawa American Legion Baseball team have lost one of their own during the bus crash in Atlanta last Friday morning.
Scott Harmon, Elida, was killed in the tragic Bluffton College Baseball bus accident.
Zach Arend, Oakwood, another team member and member of Ottawa's American Legion team, remains in very critical condition in an Atlanta hospital.
"We're asking everyone to pray for the family and friends of Scott and to pray for the continued recovery of Zach," said Legion Baseball manager Dave Yoder.
Yoder said he heard about the accident early Friday morning when his son, who works third shift, called to tell him to turn on CNN. When he learned the crash involved the Bluffton baseball team, Yoder and Dave Kersh who also works with the teams, knew immediately they had two players on the team.
Later in the day the men learned Harmon had been one of the fatalities. They also learned Arend was one of the critically injured.
Harmon had played on the team one year.
"He was a good ball player for us," Yoder said. Harmon played third base and pitcher. "He was one of our top three pitchers,"
Kersh said Harmon was always on time, and was more worried about the team than about his personal stats.
"He got along well with his team mates," he said. "He was a good influence."
Yoder said they have had players from Elida off and on through the years.
Arend has played on the Ottawa American Legion team for three years and had planned to return next year.
"He is quiet and year accomodating," Kersh said. 'He is always asking what he can do to help out."
"The first year when he came to play he was young and also wanted to play on the high school ACME team for Paulding," Yoder said. "He played for us as much as he could."
Yoder said last spring he came for every practice. "He's a good ball player for us,"
After hearing of Arend's injuries Yoder contacted the family. On Monday, Zach's sister Estee Arend e-mailed about Zach's condition. She indicated the doctors are pleased with "But she said the doctors said he still has may injuries and it will take a very long time to heal," Yoder said.
An update on Tuesday indicated Arend had a crushed pelvis, crushed lungs, broken ribs and internal bleeding. He also had pressure on the brain. Doctors were encouraged he had passed the critical 72 hours following the injury.
Kersh said Estee said the family appreciates the prayers and concerns about Zach.
On Monday evening during visitation for Harmon Yoder said Ottawa Legion team members from surrounding communities were present.
"This shows how close the team becomes," Yoder said.
He and Kersh said this is the first time either have had to attend the funeral of a Legion player while still on the team.
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