Monday, March 27, 2000
St. X's first fan dies after win
News announced at title celebration
BY DAVE SCHUTTE
The Cincinnati Enquirer
SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP — There was a sad but comforting ending to St. Xavier's first Division I state basketball championship.
During Sunday's victory rally at the school, the Rev. William Verbryke, SJ, announced that Tom Meyer, an assistant principal and teacher for 30 years, had died five hours after the Bombers won the title.
St. Xavier team member Steve Callahan hugs his brother Dan, 14, as they celebrate the team's state basketball title at St. Xavier High School Sunday.
(Craig Ruttle photo)
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“Mr. Meyer was St. Xavier's No.1 basketball fan,” senior forward Nick Larsen said. “All the students loved him.”
Mr. Meyer, 54, was diagnosed with cancer two years ago. He had been in an assisted-living home in Finneytown for several months.
Donna Moore, Mr. Meyer's sister, listened to Saturday's championship victory over Bedford over the Internet and asked nursing home employees to keep Mr. Meyer informed.
“It's comforting to know that Tom knew that St. X had won the championship,” said Dave Eby, a religion teacher at St. X. “Basketball was Tom's favorite sport. He never missed a game when he was healthy.”
After Father Verbyke, the St. X superintendent, spoke, he asked everyone to stand and sing the St. X alma mater. Those in attendance joined hands and solemnly sang, many with tears in their eyes.
“Mr. Meyer is the greatest guy to ever come through St. X,” senior Steve Sollmann said. “He dedicated himself to the students, and this is a horrible thing.”
Knowing that Mr. Meyer had only days to live, the players had warm-up T-shirts made prior to the state semifinals with the letters T.M. on the front.
On the back of the shirts the following was written: "May his pain be comforting knowing that he has touched the lives of so many. Thank you Mr. Meyer for carrying your cross for us.'
Father Verbryke's final remark speculated what Mr. Meyer would have said if in attendance:
“Tom would have said celebrate, celebrate, celebrate.”
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