HCS bus drivers refurbish Ernie Blankenship Memorial/Indians Victory Bell at Richards Memorial Field

By Rory Ryan
The Highland County Press

The Ernie Blankenship Memorial/Indians Victory Bell at Richards Memorial Field and its stone planter were recently refurbished by Hillsboro City Schools bus drivers Jason Young and Mike Page.

Mr. Blankenship was a 1955 graduate of Hillsboro High School and broadcast high school sports on WSRW Radio for more than 50 years. On Aug. 29, 1998, the Victory Bell at Richards Memorial Field was dedicated to Mr. Blankenship in honor of his endless support to Hillsboro High School football. He passed away on Oct. 8, 2013.

"Our bus drivers for Hillsboro City Schools took it upon themselves to clean up the Victory Bell and make it look very nice for the upcoming Homecoming football game on Sept. 29," said Ron Ward, Transportation Supervisor for Hillsboro City Schools.
 
"They did this on their own time and accord," Ward said. "I think Ernie would be proud of the current look of the Victory Bell, and hopefully, it gets a good ring on Friday night. Fans can give a shout-out to Jason and Mike. Go Indians!"

Mulch and flowers for the project were donated by Griffith Gardens.

Mr. Blankenship was inducted into the Ohio Southeast District Coaches Hall of Fame, recognized by the Ohio High School Athletic Association for lifetime achievement and upon his retirement was recognized by many area high schools for more than 50 years of sports broadcasting. He played football for Hillsboro High School from 1951-55 and was All-South Central Ohio League and All-Ohio. He was inducted into the Highland County Sports Hall of Fame in August 1998.

Coach Nathan Horne's Indians (1-0, 3-3) host the Washington Blue Lions (0-1, 3-3) at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29 at Richards Memorial Field for the 2023 homecoming game.