geowardjr
Member
INFO FROM THE NEWS-HERALD ......... Prayers go out to couch DeBonis, his family, and the Kenston HS Softball Team.
http://www.news-herald.com/sports/2...ty-mourns-loss-of-softball-coach-jeff-debonis
[h=1]Kenston community mourns loss of softball coach Jeff DeBonis[/h]
Kenston Bombers
By John Kampf, The News-Herald
POSTED: 05/12/15, 9:10 AM EDT | UPDATED: 2 HRS AGO
# COMMENTS
The Kenston community is mourning the loss of head softball coach Jeff DeBonis, who died the afternoon of May 11 at his home of an apparent heart attack.
Athletic Director Scott Pierce confirmed DeBonis was working in his yard when he died. Members of the softball team had begun practice for this week's Chagrin Valley Conference softball game against West Geauga, but the practice ended quickly when they received word their coach, who hadn't arrived for practice, had died at his home.
"He was at home during the day working in his yard" said Pierce, noting DeBonis is not a teacher in the school system. "It was very sudden and intense. The EMTs responded to the call in the afternoon, but the report we heard was he had already passed at that point."
Kenston has cancelled its game against West Geauga, since it has no bearing on the CVC Chagrin Division standings. The school has also been in contact with the Northeast District Board of the OHSAA on the possibility of postponing a Division I sectional semifinal with Bedford, scheduled for Thursday, May 14, depending on funeral arrangements.
Pierce said ssistants Annie Dubovec and Ray Kimpton, will coach the team for the remainder of the season in place of DeBonis, who was in his sixth year as head coach of the softball program.
Upon learning of DeBonis' death mid-afternoon, the administration planned to meet with team members and their families before school on May 12. But with word spreading on social media, the players were gathered at the school the evening of May 11.
The players met again in a school auditorium upon arriving for school on May 12.
"We met with them and their parents last night and presented the news to them," Pierce said. "Many had already heard through social media. We felt it was prudent to get together last night. Then this morning, they checked in at the auditorium in hopes of having a semi-productive day, if possible. Every girl reacts and grieves differently, so it's important to meet with them."
Word of DeBonis' death shook the school.
"Knowing what he meant to the community and the girls, being such an important member of our community, it's devastating," said Josh Jakacki, boys basketball coach at Kenston. "Losing someone of Jeff's character, it sends a jolt through the system that life is very fragile. It's a very, very sad state of affairs."
Football coach Jeff Grubich shared an office at the school with DeBonis. He said he cannot imagine a spring day at the school passing without seeing his friend and fellow coach.
"He's a man who always had the kids' best interest at heart," Grubich said. "He took great pride in the softball program here. He is definitely going to be missed, that's for sure."
[h=4]ABOUT THE AUTHOR[/h]
John grew up on a dairy farm in southern Ashtabula County, and is a graduate of Grand Valley High School and Ohio State University. Reach the author at JKampf@News-Herald.com or follow John on Twitter: @NHPreps and @JKBuckeyes.
http://www.news-herald.com/sports/2...ty-mourns-loss-of-softball-coach-jeff-debonis
[h=1]Kenston community mourns loss of softball coach Jeff DeBonis[/h]
By John Kampf, The News-Herald
POSTED: 05/12/15, 9:10 AM EDT | UPDATED: 2 HRS AGO
# COMMENTS
The Kenston community is mourning the loss of head softball coach Jeff DeBonis, who died the afternoon of May 11 at his home of an apparent heart attack.
Athletic Director Scott Pierce confirmed DeBonis was working in his yard when he died. Members of the softball team had begun practice for this week's Chagrin Valley Conference softball game against West Geauga, but the practice ended quickly when they received word their coach, who hadn't arrived for practice, had died at his home.
"He was at home during the day working in his yard" said Pierce, noting DeBonis is not a teacher in the school system. "It was very sudden and intense. The EMTs responded to the call in the afternoon, but the report we heard was he had already passed at that point."
Kenston has cancelled its game against West Geauga, since it has no bearing on the CVC Chagrin Division standings. The school has also been in contact with the Northeast District Board of the OHSAA on the possibility of postponing a Division I sectional semifinal with Bedford, scheduled for Thursday, May 14, depending on funeral arrangements.
Pierce said ssistants Annie Dubovec and Ray Kimpton, will coach the team for the remainder of the season in place of DeBonis, who was in his sixth year as head coach of the softball program.
Upon learning of DeBonis' death mid-afternoon, the administration planned to meet with team members and their families before school on May 12. But with word spreading on social media, the players were gathered at the school the evening of May 11.
The players met again in a school auditorium upon arriving for school on May 12.
"We met with them and their parents last night and presented the news to them," Pierce said. "Many had already heard through social media. We felt it was prudent to get together last night. Then this morning, they checked in at the auditorium in hopes of having a semi-productive day, if possible. Every girl reacts and grieves differently, so it's important to meet with them."
Word of DeBonis' death shook the school.
"Knowing what he meant to the community and the girls, being such an important member of our community, it's devastating," said Josh Jakacki, boys basketball coach at Kenston. "Losing someone of Jeff's character, it sends a jolt through the system that life is very fragile. It's a very, very sad state of affairs."
Football coach Jeff Grubich shared an office at the school with DeBonis. He said he cannot imagine a spring day at the school passing without seeing his friend and fellow coach.
"He's a man who always had the kids' best interest at heart," Grubich said. "He took great pride in the softball program here. He is definitely going to be missed, that's for sure."
[h=4]ABOUT THE AUTHOR[/h]
