CRESTLINE — The St. Joseph Convocation Center was filled with laughter, some tears and a lot of camaraderie during the Honor Crestline Community Event on July 12.
The event was organized by several people but was the brainchild of Mike Gottfried, who grew up in Crestline. He is well-known for his successful career as a football coach for Norwalk St. Paul High School and the University of Cincinnati, University of Pittsburgh and University of Kansas, and a lengthy stint at ESPN as a commentator and host of his own show for nearly two decades.
“I grew up in Crestline. There is so much history here and so much to look forward to in the future. This event is about celebrating our heritage and looking forward to the future,” said Gottfried, who is the author of the book, “Coach’s Challenge,” and founder of Team Focus. “We wanted a night to honor the military, sports and people of Crestline.”
Gottfried’s dad, Fritz, died of a massive heart attack at the age of 41, when Gottfried was only 11 years old.
“The community rallied around me and my siblings,” Gottfried said. “That is how the people of Crestline were then and how they are now. It was the best place I could have been.”
U.S. Army veteran Nick Vogt, who also grew up in Crestline, knows exactly what Gottfried means when he talks about Crestline being a community that comes together to help others.
“Crestline is a place where people bond together to keep one another up,” said Vogt, who was severely injured in Afghanistan in 2011. “One of those examples is when I was injured in 2011. People knew what was needed and said we are going to do it and did.”
Gottfried grew up with Jack Harbaugh and his family in Crestline. Harbaugh is well-known for his career as a football player at Bowling Green State University and as a running back for the Buffalo Bills. He also is the father of University of Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh and Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh.
Jack Harbaugh, like Gottfried, boasts an extensive coaching career.
“Because of the enthusiasm of Crestline residents, today will be better than yesterday because of faith, hope and charity of the people in Crestline,” Harbaugh said.
Stan DeGreve remembers helping his mother at the only free canteen in the state when he was just a boy.
“There were rations during World War II but somehow we had sugar to make cakes,” DeGreve said. “The members of the military that stopped in Crestline appreciated the cake and the service they received in Crestline, the hub of Ohio.”
Many current and former Crestline residents spoke during the nearly three-hour event about their memories of the village and what is in store for the future.
“This was a wonderful event that really showed the true spirit of Crestline and highlighted the rich history we have here,” village council member Gene Toy said.
Gottfried said the Lord put it on his heart to host the event and to help make plans for the village’s future.
“Crestline was once a destination city with two different railroads coming into the city’s train station. People wanted to come here, and they will again,” Gottfried said. “I think Crestline’s best days are ahead, not behind.”