Longtime HHS volunteer gatekeeper will serve his last game at 2014 Rotary Bowl
By Rory Ryan
The Highland County Press
Longtime Hillsboro High School athletics volunteer David Grover will be manning the East Gate at Richards Memorial Field for the final time on Friday, Oct. 31 at the annual Hillsboro/McClain Rotary Bowl football game.
Grover said his ailing knees have made it increasingly difficult to stand for extended periods of time.
While he said he didn’t know exactly how long he’s been working the Richards Field gate, Grover estimated that he succeeded Larry Cole sometime in the early 1990s.
“Larry got me started,” Grover said. “He just came up to me at the game and said, ‘We need you to work the pass gate.’ That’s how I started.”
For approximately two decades, Grover has manned the pass gate across from the former stockyards at the North Elm Street entrance for regular-season and high school playoff football games.
"David has set a great example of stewardship for the school and community," Hillsboro High School Principal Jason Snively said.
"His dedication, loyalty and presence have and always will be appreciated in the community and the schools."
Grover said it’s been a very enjoyable tenure, except for the occasional cold autumn evenings and, as was the case at the 2014 Hillsboro Homecoming on Friday, Oct. 10, an evening of non-stop rain.
Grover worked the gate last week as a steady rain fell before, during and after the game – which ended up going into overtime.
“I’ve had a lot of great experiences and met many wonderful people,” Grover said. “When Hillsboro hosted some state playoff games, we had great people here from Portsmouth, Jackson and other schools.
“Plus, the local fans and HHS athletic department have always been great. It’s always nice to get out and see friendly and familiar faces at a Friday night football game.”
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In addition to working the gate, Grover has served on the Hillsboro Athletic Boosters and as a public address announcer for home basketball games for the Indians and Lady Indians.
He is an active member of the Hillsboro Lions Club.
"We greatly appreciate the many years of volunteer service David Grover has provided to Hillsboro High School athletics," said HHS AD Dave Dietrick.
"Dave's unselfish efforts have helped to ensure a safe environment for our student-athletes, coaches and spectators. He has become a mainstay over the years, easily recognized by our home spectators and visiting guests as well."