BP Express buys SBAAC banners for high school

New Richmond High School principal Diane Spinnati (left) is pictured with River City Express PB owners John and Jennifer Jones under the SBAAC team banners on display at the high school gym. John and Jennifer donated $3000 to the high school for the purchase of team banners in addition to their sponsorship of the school's internet radio site www.newrichmond.localsportsradio.com.

"We're from New Richmond and want to give something back to the community," said John Jones. "We were already a sponsor of the school's radio broadcasts so when athletic director Doug Foote approached us about the need for the team banners we were happy to help."

In addition to fuel products, River City Express PB offers a complete line of convenience needs along with take-out meals including Lil' Chet's Chicken..

2010 Hall of Fame Inductees

Congratulations to the New Richmond High School Athletics Hall of Fame 2010 Inductees who were inducted at the 2010 Hall of Fame dinner Saturday, Jan. 9.

John McMonigle, class of 2002
Jeremy Dees, class of 1993
John Frey, class of 1953
Ralph Shepherd - Pride of the Lions Award



Hall of Fame bios

John McMonigle

John is a rare four-sport letter winner for the Lions and excelled at all four of them. Playing baseball only his senior year, he was named 1st Team All-SBAAC, 1St Team All-City, and led the team in hits, on base percentage, batting average, and stolen bases. Before switching to baseball, John was a standout on the track team for three years. He tied the school 100 meter dash record and was selected 1s' Team All­Southwest District in 2001. John was twice named to the 1st Team All-SBAAC.
On the basketball court Mr. McMonigle averaged a double-double and was selected to 2nd Team All-SBAAC in 2001 and 2003. At the time of his induction, John holds the career rushing and scoring records for New Richmond Football. He was chosen 1st Team All-City and 1st Team All-SBAAC, two times each. He was named 2nd Team All-State and was the SBAAC Player of the Year in 2001 as well as the Enquirer Division III Player of the Year.

Ralph Shepherd

New Richmond Board of Education 1974-79 and 1993-2009

During his 20 years on the school board, Ralph was involved in the building of two new schools, the remodeling of three others, and the construction of two athletic complexes. He cast the deciding vote for the completion of the stadium complex. It was important to Ralph that all of this was done without any additional tax money from district residents.

Shepherd moved to New Richmond in 1951 from Bracken County, KY. A staunch supporter of New Richmond athletics, Mr. Shepherd ran the concessions for many years and was an active member of the original athletic boosters. He founded the New Richmond American Legion Baseball Team in the late 1960's and was a founder of the original New Richmond High School Sports Hall of Fame. In addition to his involvement with New Richmond Schools, Ralph has been active in local and regional veterans programs and was inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame in 1998.

Jeremy Dees

Jeremy Dees was selected to the Southern Buckeye Athletic and Academic Conference 1St Team his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons in track, as well as his junior and senior years for football. In 1991 he set the individual single season record for kickoff returns with 358 yards. In 1992 and 1993 Jeremy lead Clermont County in kickoff and punt return yards. Jeremy was selected to play in the Cincinnati East-West Football All-Star Game in 1992 and 1993.

The track accomplishments of Mr. Dees were equally as impressive as his football feats. He was a 3-time league champion in the 300 meter intermediate hurdles as well as a 3-time league champion in the 4x400 and 4x100 meter relays. Jeremy competed in the 300 meter intermediate hurdles at the Regional Division II track meet in 1992 and 1993. He also competed in the 4x800 meter relay regional division II track meet setting a new school record of 8:12. Jeremy received the most valuable sprinter award in 1992 and 1993.

John Frey

John was a four sport varsity athlete while at New Richmond, graduating in 1953. He played varsity basketball for 3 years, and varsity baseball, track, and volleyball all 4 years. John excelled in all sports at a time when they did not recognize League and County All­Stars with the exception of basketball, for which he was named All­Clermont County League 3 consecutive years. John was also chosen All-City 2nd Team and Honorable Mention All-State his senior year in basketball.

Following his untimely death soon after graduating from high school, the John Frey Memorial Award was begun in John's honor. This award goes to a senior basketball player who demonstrates outstanding athletic and scholastic ability, sportsmanship, citizenship, and a competitive spirit - all qualities for which John was known.

Alex Lewis signs with Cleveland State

Alex Lewis holds up the letter of intent he signed with Cleveland State Monday. He was joined by his swim coaches Judy and Joe Middeler (left) and his mother, Becky Lewis.

New Richmond High School senior Alex Lewis has signed a letter of intent to swim for Cleveland State University.

"I also looked at Wright State and Eastern Michigan," said Lewis, who was a state qualifier in the 100 butterfly. "Cleveland State was the best fit for me. I loved the campus and the program."

Lewis, a sprint specialist, will train with the sprint group at Cleveland State. He said he will be in the middle speed wise on the team which will motivate him to improve.

"I will be training with the sprint group which is mainly the 50 and 100 free and the 100 fly, but he (Vikings swim coach Wally Morton) said if he needs me in the 200 fly he’ll put me in there."

"It was a great day yesterday for the high school swim program," commented Judy Middeler, who begins her 34th year as New Richmond’s swim coach. "This has been a goal for Alex since he started swimming in the 7th grade."

Lewis, who also swims with the Anderson Barracudas, will be trying to joined Debbie Kyle and Nate Kramer as multiple state qualifiers for New Richmond. However, the true gauge of his career may be the influence he has had on his high school team.

"His drive and goals have encouraged the other swimmers to step up their workouts to set higher goals for themselves," noted Middeler.

"A wonderful comment that Alex made yesterday on what is one of your most memorable moments in your swimming career and he said, 'when the 200 medley relay team made it to Districts last year'. He is truly a great team player."

Lions make SBAAC All-Star teams