Murphy, Hernandez honored

Two longtime members of the Van Wert High School Athletic Department family were recognized during a ceremony during the Van Wert-Defiance boys’ basketball game on Friday. Recognized were Harold Murphy, who served as a member of the sideline chain crew for a year and operated the scoreboard in the Eggerss Stadium press box for the last 39 years for varsity, junior varsity, freshman, and middle school football games; and Willie Hernandez, one of the best athletes in VWHS history, who has spent 60 years as a sideline chain crew member for football, and 53 years working the scoreboard or side panel at basketball games. Both men received plaques, while their wives received gift certificates to Orchard Tree restaurant, both couples’ favorite restaurant. Shown are (from the left) Helen and Harold Murphy, Myrna and Willie Hernandez, former athletic directors Bob Edinger and Jerry Buti, and current Athletic Director Kent Smelser. (Jan Dunlap/Van Wert independent)