SPORTS HALL of FAME ATHLETE
Dave Ineich '56'

Dave grew up taking advantage of the many athletic opportunities available in Sidney and learned by playing ball with the many good athletes throughout town. He played pick up football and baseball games on the many fields and lots located throughout the town. Such locations included the field across the street from his home on Camp St. a lot on Oak St. a lot on the corner of Pearl and Union Streets, the ball field in the Projects, the softball field behind the old Trooper Barracks (located where the current high school sits) and the fields at Riverside Park and Willow St. He was a member of the baseball team, The Midgets. The Midgets were one of four teams that made up the first Little League program in Sidney. They were the first Little League championship team in Sidney. Other notable Sidney athletes on that team were: Ed and Dick Barnes, George Pendorf, Lou Whitney, Rusty Voltz and Hall of Fame inductee Kermit Marble. He played summer baseball as part of Harry DeBloom's summer programs and was selected to play on various summer basebal[All Star teams throughout the region. Dave participated in the second annual Boxing Night, sponsored by the Recreation Center. Pete Pace.. Director. Other winners that night were: Hall of Fame inductees Kermit Marble and Jerry Curtis, Aaron Gill, Bill Young, Jim Philpot, Jim Schroh and Roger Barnes. His basketball involvement began when, while in 6th grade., Coach Redmond came into the classroom picking a few guys from the class to come to the gym, early in the morning., twice weekly, to be coached on the fundamentals of basketball. Some of the others selected were Dave Butler, Dick Curley, Chuck Gardner. John Borchert and Frank Mettrick.

Dave experienced a number of highlights throughout his three years of Varsity athletics. Among them were.

• In his Jr year scoring the winning touchdown, with a 25 yard run, to beat Walton 13-7.
  
• In his Sr year making a 3 court shot that lead to beating Walton by one point, 53-52. This was Sidney's first win, ever on Walton's home court.
  
• In his Soph and Jr year catching for Hall of Fame inductee Kermit Marble; highlighted by Kermit's one hitters against Chenango Forks and Oxford, leading the team to a tie, with Sherburne, for the 1955 Divisional Championship (Sherburne won the playoff).
  
• In his senior year catching for Hall of Fame inductee "punky George, a sophomore. "Punky's" record was 8-2, averaging 10 strikeouts per game, leading to Alan Drake's first Divisional Championship.

Dave played during the period when there were only three Varsity letter sports..... football, basketball and baseball. In his sophomore year he lettered in two sports, football and baseball, and played on the JV basketball team. In his Junior and Senior years he was a three sport letterman. During his senior year he was Co-Captain of the football team (along with Dick Hilary), of the basketball team (along with Frank Mittrick) and Captain of the 1956 Northern Division Championship baseball team. Dave was selected for the Divisional All Star basketball team in his senior year. He was selected for the Divisional All Star baseball teams In both his junior and senior years, Additionally, in his senior year, he was selected for the Section IV All Star baseball team.

In addition to these Varsity letter sports Dave participated on the exhibition gymnastic team. He was part of the tumbling team and worked on the flying rings and vaulting box.

Following graduation Dave attended Cortland State Teachers College (SONY at Cortland) receiving a BS degree in Physical Education. He was a member of the lacrosse and swimming teams. During the summers he served as lifeguard and swimming instructor at the Sidney Municipal Swimming Pool. Upon graduation Dave taught Physical Education. for three years. in the South Huntington School District, on Long Island. During this period he coached the S.H. Walt Whitman High School Varsity, and Jr Varsity, lacrosse teams.

Soon after leaving teaching Dave was employed by United Airlines. For five years (1969-1973), he held the position of Sports Sales Manager in Los Angeles, CA. His responsibilities were to sell and coordinate the air travel for the major sport teams in the Los Angeles area. This included such teams as the LA Rams, California Angeles. LA Lakers, LA Kings, LA Stars, USC and UCLA athletic departments. Dave worked closely with those responsible for arranging the team travel, and traveled with the team to ensure all aspects of the air travel went smoothly. Also, he worked with the coordinators of such sporting events as the LA Times Annual International Track Meet and the NFL Pro Bowl, assisting to arrange travel to/from LA for many of those athletes participating.

Following retirement. in 1996. Dave moved to Santa Fe, NM where he participated in the Senior Olympics program. He participated in the basketball events from 2001-2009. During these nine years his teams won seven, State of NM, Championships covering three age brackets ..... 60-64, 65-69 and 70-74. During this same period Dave returned to Sidney. on four occasions. to participate in the annual Alumni basketball games.

Almost four years ago Dave had a shoulder replacement and is still recovering (because of complications) from the operation, thus he's been unable to participate in any form of sports. He hopes that will soon change allowing him to return to playing golf, lifting weights; and of course, basketball. He maintains some level of conditioning by running about 10 miles weekly. He now lives in southern New Mexico (Las Cruces) and enjoys the stable weather. His sons, Jeff and Tim, live in the Detroit, Michigan area, along with his six grandchildren.