John Popovich may work in Cincinnati as Channel 9’s sports director, but he certainly knows Ripley County.

The guest speaker at the Ripley County Chamber of Commerce annual dinner Oct. 22 told 100 attendees, “My wife still thinks Osgood Grub Co. has the best chicken. We love Ertel (Cellars Winery) now.”

Sports-wise, the 29-year host of the "Sports of All Sorts" call-in show has covered Jason McKittrick, “the world class archer from Holton. Just last week I was in Milan” to do a story about “No. 1 rusher Travis Pennington.” Popovich has spoken on TV about Batesville basketball and football and told many tales about what he called “the Miracle at Milan,” that high school basketball team’s 1954 state title.

The Emmy award winner’s favorite story from the last year was Jac-Cen-Del’s Class A basketball state championship, he announced to big applause. Popovich loved the triumphant procession back to town involving buses and fire trucks. “That's high school basketball.”

While he has covered two Super Bowls and the Cincinnati Reds when they were “a world championship baseball team,” Popovich confessed high school sports has a special place in his heart. “There’s still nothing better than watching a Friday night football game. With high school sports, you know what you're going to get – great effort and a lot of enthusiasm.”

Because the dinner had a high school sports theme, the Aurora resident liked the idea of the chamber singling out unsung heroes, “rewarding people who may not get all the attention, but contribute in significant ways. The great thing about sports isn't winning or losing, but building the team.”

Chamber board member and mistress of ceremonies Cathy May reported that at the chamber’s request, officials at each county high school nominated an unsung hero.

Bertha Hazelwood was the pick at Batesville High School. May noted she “is a wonderful supporter ... she is ready and willing to help in all aspects of the program ... Bertha is priceless to the BHS Athletic Department. They love having her around and consider her a true Bulldog through and through. In fact, she just bleeds Bulldog blue.”

After thanking BHS principal Sherri Preston, who nominated her and was at the dinner; athletic director Mark Ferguson; and the entire athletic department, Hazelwood added, “There's a lot that goes on that people never see.”

Her volunteerism began when “Ferg had me coach cheerleading in 1998-99,” she recalled. Then the lifelong Batesville resident began helping Lucy Meyer with concessions, where Hazelwood has been a mainstay. She also keeps the boys freshman basketball score book and volleyball and wrestling time clocks. “I get paid some, but not much.”

Hazelwood has kept at it for over a decade because of “the enjoyment of the sports and being around the kids.”

While the 41-year Hill-Rom Co. fixed asset accounting employee recently retired, she’s not ready to give up her work at BHS yet. Hazelwood and husband Carl have two children, Bill, 31, Batesville; and Bernice Essick, 28, Mainz, Germany.

Troy Mohr was South Ripley High School’s honoree. The 20-year teacher and coach has served as Fellowship of Christian Athletes sponsor and tutored students before and after school. Mohr keeps the clock at all boys and girls varsity basketball games.

Eric Wirth is the unsung hero at Jac-Cen-Del High School. May described him as “just an all-around good kid.” The soccer player also keeps the score clock and was praised for “his great attitude and his willingness to help whenever he's asked.”

Milan High School leaders nominated Henry and Jerry Walker for being two of their most dedicated fans. “They attend almost every sporting event at Milan – and that means 19 sports.” She was an elementary schoolteacher there for 39 years. May pointed out, “They have been a positive influence on four and five generations.” Married for 60 years, the couple accepted their plaque, noting, “It's an honor to get an award for something we love to do.”

Debbie Blank can be contacted at 812-934-4343, Ext. 113; or debbie.blank@ batesvilleheraldtribune.com.