NEW WASHINGTON — Charles R. “Chuck” Philbrick, the man better known to Buckeye Central High School as “Mr. Defense,” left his mark on the school he so fervently supported.

Philbrick passed away at age 90 on Feb. 20 at his home, surrounded by his family.

But Philbrick’s family extended beyond the walls of his residence. His passion for BC was well known in Crawford County.

“He would always encourage the kids to play defense. Play defense. Play defense. Play defense. That’s what he always said,” recalled Athletic Director Phil Loy. “I was in high school in the early 80s. I’m not sure if he got that name then, but that’s probably when that started coming about.”

Loy is a former Bucks boys basketball coach.

“We had some really good girls’ teams and some really good boys’ teams in the early 80s. I think that’s when he started coming to a lot of games,” he said.
Philbrick’s granddaughter, Katelynn, played softball a few years ago.

His obituary read, in part:
“A generous, kind, loving man, Chuck, also known as a “Mr. Defense,” was an avid supporter of the Buckeye Central School system. It did not matter if it was a sporting or musical event, he loved to encourage the kids to give it their all. He never met a stranger and saw the good in everyone.”

Loy recalls that encouragement.

“He and his family have always been big supporters, but he never really had kids that played. I would guess he never missed a football game, a volleyball game, a boys or girls basketball game in all those 40-some years,” he said.

Philbrick was more than just a Super Fan.

“He was always a guy, for me as the AD for five years, I would always count on him to raise the flag for football games or lower the flag for every volleyball or basketball game. That’ what he always wanted to do.”

Following his high school graduation, Chuck joined the Army and served during the Korean War. His military commitment continued following his active-duty service as he was a lifetime member of local New Washington American Legion Post 405 where he was a Past Commander and was in charge of the Color Guard.

“He is in our Hall of Fame just because of his support of Buckeye Central athletics,” Loy said.

Philbrick also supported the school’s marching and pep bands.

“The kids all loved him too. You could always count on him sitting in that front row on the home side. The kids always looked for him. He didn’t get to come to too many games this year. Just not seeing him over there, it’s an empty feeling. A lot of these kids are playing for him today.

“He’s made a huge impact on our community. May he rest in peace. We all love him and his wife (Mary Lou).”

The couple was married for 69 years.

Others posted comments online reflecting what he meant to them, including Nancy Reed.

“Chuck was a fixture in our little Methodist church and at all the BC sporting events. He’s one of those people who was always happy to see you and he always greeted me with joy and a hug,” she wrote.

Philbrick was laid to rest on Saturday, Feb. 26 at Union Cemetery in New Washington with full military honors.