Well ladies and gentlemen this is it, the week that most Massillon football fans dream of for 51 weeks a year. Some look forward to this week more then Christmas. Some schedule their entire lives and schedules around this one day. They can't tell you what day their anniversary or birthday will fall on from year to year, but bet your bottom dollar that they can rattle the dates off for the next 10 years. It's time for the Massillon - McKinley game. The original rivalry, the most storied game in high school football. If you fancy yourself a high school football fan then you need to attend this game at least once in your life. The roar of the crowd, the sound of dueling bands from opposite ends of the stadium, the yelling of cheerleaders trying to drown the other squad out, and of course the smashing of pads as the players take frustrations out on each other. Records are thrown out the window on this day and this day only there is only one game, and to the winner goes the spoils the coveted victory bell.
Which gives said winner a years worth of bragging rights. And you can believe that every year those rights are used to the fullest potential. And just as exciting as the game itself is the week leading up to the game.Public appearances by the football team all week, free lunches for the boys everyday of the week as they go from club to club to hear there members words of encouragement. And lets not forget the organization that gave me my place in this rivalry the Massillon Tiger Swing Band. They to have a busy week of public appearances. And this whole week culminates on the Friday before the game. Elementary school pep rallies, luncheons, and the storied parade around downtown. The one day where the band gets the privilege to enter whatever building or business they want while marching through the downtown area. From there it is on to the high school where they have the biggest pep rally of the season. Then that evening they have a giant parade, of the real parade variety, where I do believe the entire community comes out to either participate or spectate. Which winds it way to the bonfire where the usual chants of T-I-G E-R-S can be heard. The football players give speeches, the band pumps up the crowd, and the head coach gives his word that tomorrow the Tigers will emerge with the W and the bell. Editors Note: It has been eight years since I last participated so events are subject to change. I think the only other key player in this shindig that is busier might be Obie the Tiger.
Now I tell you all of this to elaborate on another situation that would have ruined the entire game day experience. Some politicians decided that they would reach the masses in the Stark County area by throwing a political rally right next to the stadium. This rally would feature someone sure to bring the crowds former President Bill Clinton.
He would be there to rally support for U.S. Representative John Boccieri and Governor Ted Strickland. And not to be out done the Republicans were also going to hold a rally for Jim Renacci, a candidate forvthe 16th district seat. Joining him was going to be U.S. House Minority Leader John Boehner. You can see the original announcement here at the Massillon Independents website. Luckily there are higher ups in the city government that had their heads on straight and put their feet down and said "Oh no you don't!". I can only imagine the security and parking nightmare that would ensue around the area of the stadium. The democrats can not even claim discrimination because the Mayor of Massillon Frank Cicchinelli is a democrat himself. It is the only wise thing to do. This day isn't about politics, its about the players, the coaches, the band members, and the cheerleaders, participating in a game that they will remember for the rest of their lives. A game that they will tell their children, and grandchildren about. I can tell you from experience that they might now remember what they learned in math class 8 years ago, but they will be able to tell you everything that happened during the Massillon - McKinley game. Here is the rest of the story from the Independents Website. I think extending the offer to Mr. Clinton to do the coin toss is a wonderful idea, something those kids will remember for the rest of their lives, but that should be the end of his visit to Tiger Town. There is a time for politics, and a time for football. And those two times should never intertwine EVER!!!! Go Tigers!
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