Many sports fans in Wadsworth may not realize that there were two High School Basketball teams in the city this past winter. Many focus on the Wadsworth High School Grizzlies. But, there’s another High School team in Wadsworth called the Golden Eagles.
The Golden Eagles represent Reimer Road Baptist Christian Church. The team does not play in a ‘traditional’ league or against teams in the Ohio High School Athletic Association. They play against like-sized Christian Schools, or teams made up of home-school students. But, that should not discount the fact that these young men put together a very successful season.
How successful? In their 5th year of existence under head coach Dan Tucker and Athletic Director John VanHyning, the Golden Eagles put together a 19-4 season and a third place finish in their season-ending tournament, the Harvest Temple Christian Academy Tournament.
There are some rules to be a member of the team, While the boys or their families do not have to be church members, they do have to attend at least one church function a week. “Most attend a Wednesday night Bible Study class, but some also attend church services” said VanHyning.
This year’s team encompassed boys from Wadsworth and four other local school districts.
Why do they play? Varied reasons. But, a few things came through during their appearance on Wadsworth Community Radio. They enjoy basketball. They enjoy their teammates and their coaches.
Point guard Janzen Alleman was named first-team all tournament after averaging 12.0 points, 3.3 assists and 2.7 steals in the three games. Shooting guard Jack Ollom was named second team after averaging 16 points a game in the three contests.
Coach Tucker described his team as “close-knit that worked very well together.”
While the Reimer Road Baptist Christian School closed nearly six years ago, its basketball team is still alive and well, carrying the white, gold and green colors.
