CANTON, Ohio — High school football is back in the Buckeye State and win or lose fans are excited to be in the stands.
Especially one North Canton fan, who’s been rooting for his home team for decades.
“‘Gordy Living the Dream,’ that’s me,” said Gordy Knisely, reading aloud the title of his memoir.
When it comes to Hoover High School football, Knisely wrote the book on it.
“I never missed a football game until last year. I missed two of them then cause we couldn’t get into the stadiums,” he said, referring to COVID-19 restrictions.
The 94-year-old travels to every Vikings football game, both home and away.
“Why do I go?” Knisely asked. “Because I love sports.”
He said he’s been to every game since 1956 when he got a job in North Canton teaching ninth-grade earth science.
“Best job I ever had,” he said. “I never missed a day of school in 33 years.”
He also coached football, baseball and basketball, with a winning streak on the gridiron.
“I was with Don (Hertler Sr.) for 21 years and we never had a losing season,” Knisely said. “That’s 21 years of winning football. That’s pretty good.”
But, he’s not so optimistic about this season.
“They’re gonna be playing some tough ball clubs again this year,” he said.
The sounds of Memorial Stadium Friday got fans young and old into the game as the Vikings prepared to take on the Cleveland Heights Tigers.
Cleveland Heights won the game 48-28
Since 1984, the former athletic director has sat in the same seat at the top of the home bleachers every game. Now, he has his daughters by his side.
“We were raised on the football field,” said his daughter, Pat Garisto.
“We watch the game and cheer ‘em on,” said his other daughter, Debra Knisely. “Keep our fingers crossed we ever win a game.”
As for their dad, he is just having fun cheering on the Vikings alongside a family of fans who are thankful to be back in the stands.
