Coach credited with stopping Ohio shootings

Chardon (Ohio) High School fell victim to unspeakable tragedy earlier this week when a student allegedly walked into the cafeteria and opened fire on his classmates. Three students were killed and two others were injured during the shooting. And as awful as that outcome is, it could have been much worse. Law enforcement officials as well as other students credit school football coach Frank Hall with saving lives.

Hall is 6-2 and weighs 300 pounds, so his presence and most like his voice are very intimidating. He yelled, "Hey!" to the gunman as he started shooting. The young man turned his attention to the coach and ran from the cafeteria. Hall didn't stop with the verbal interruption, either. He chased the shooter out of the building and police arrested him a short time later. This gave students and fellow teachers time to get to safety. Watch the Cleveland ABC affiliate story below (email subscribers click here).



Hall is being hailed as a hero, but won't accept the moniker under these circumstances. Three young lives were lost and a community was shaken to its core. However, without Hall's bravery, many more students may have been hurt. The story here goes beyond sports and sportsmanship. There's no score and there are certainly no winners. I just hope a parent thanked Hall and maybe gave him a hug. So often we think of coaches and teachers as people who just collect a paycheck.

No paycheck in the world is worth what Hall did for those kids. He has four kids of his own and he put their futures in jeopardy when he put his own life at-risk. Most teachers and coaches (thankfully) don't have to jump in front of a gun everyday, but they do sacrifice for our kids. Tell them how much you appreciate what they do for your kids every once in awhile. They don't want money and they don't want medals. A 'thank you' will do just fine. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol