By Kathy Laird

A familiar and prominent sports writer is about to take his place at North Central Ohio Media Group (NCOMG). NCOMG consists of 92.7 WQEL, 107.5 WBCO, and Crawford County Now.  Dan Messerschmidt, a lifetime native of Bucyrus and a 30-year veteran sports writer takes over the helm vacated by the retirement of Gary Ogle.

Messerschmidt began his career as a stringer for the Bucyrus Telegraph Forum.  On a referral from his cousin, Messerschmidt got that job and continued as a part time sports writer and stringer until his position was eliminated.  He returned to his normal life until Crawford County Now came calling.

“I have some ideas I’d like to implement if technology permits,” Messerschmidt said.

Among those ideas are a running sports ticker and the placement of area team scores immediately after the games.

When asked to cite a memorable sports story he covered Dan talked about the 1988 football game of Bucyrus vs. Norwalk: “The game was held at Norwalk.  We were on their turf. Bucyrus was a shoe-in for the playoffs, all they had to do was win.  Bucyrus lost in overtime.  I will never forget seeing the Bucyrus Football Coach sitting alone in the locker room simply stunned at what had just happened.”

When asked to recall his most proud moment as a parent, Dan shared a story about his son Zac who played in the 1995 games of Bucyrus against Willard.

“I never covered my son’s games but did the box scores.  I felt that was the appropriate thing to do”.

The game went into overtime five times.  Dan’s son Zac scored the winning field goal. Dan went on to share, “Even though the league is now dissolved, the record still stands.”

Dan and his wife Sherry enjoy traveling and spending time with their granddaughter Maci who is six years old. According to Messerschmidt: “Maci will be the fifth generation of Messerschmidts to attend Bucyrus High School.” Dan’s grandmother would have been in the Bucyrus graduating class of 1920.

“We are excited to have the expertise, integrity and sheer love of sports that Dan will bring to Crawford County Now,” said Kimberly Goyer, general manager of North Central Ohio Media Group (WBCO, WQEL, and Crawford County Now).