Late coach’s wife enjoyed the Wolverines winning the rock trophy

Trophy games are fun to play in, but they’re even more fun when the trophy is yours to keep when the game is won.

That’s where Nodaway Valley/O-M’s football players found themselves after a thrilling game last Friday night here in Greenfield. It’s at the top of my list of what I’m thinking about today.

My role with the newspaper has transitioned lately to oversee news and sports, with help from our team in Creston. For the first couple of weeks, the arrangement has worked really well. I would’ve done it sooner, for the summer sports season, but my health had to come first and I had to make sure I was 100% before taking sports on. I’ll be covering Nodaway Valley and Orient-Macksburg permanently, in addition to being news editor.

So, there I was on the sidelines Friday night, and it was a great week one contest. The back and forth and final push to the finish were all fun to experience up close and personally.

But there was another perspective I was interested in hearing about after Friday’s game.

The trophy the teams play for is in memory of former Mount Ayr coach Dave Still and former Nodaway Valley coach Bob Daut.

Daut was 152-89-1 while in Greenfield. Four of his teams made it to state. I don’t know a former player of Daut’s who doesn’t have endless good things to say about their coach.

Daut passed away in September 2012, so I gave Sharon Daut, his wife, a call Tuesday to ask her what she thought of the win Friday, as it is the first time “The Rock” trophy has stayed with the Wolverines.

“They all played well. I was very impressed with the new coaches. I do not know them. To beat Mount Ayr, it’s always fun,” Daut told me. “We had so many good games with Coach Still when he was still coaching Mount Ayr and Bob was coaching us. They were the best of friends, but on the night we played each other they were all business.”

On the rock trophy are pictures of Daut and Still. Sharon told me the trophy represents a lot of memories of Bob coaching to her and many others.

“It’s extra special to think Bob’s picture is on there, and it’s extra great when it gets to stay in Greenfield,” Sharon said. “Of course, I’d love it if it stayed here all the time, but that’s sports.”

I think Sharon, myself and all those who follow the football program are excited for the season, win or lose the rest of the way. It was sure a fun start and all our area students deserve our support in whatever positive way they decide to channel their energy.

Also, another reminder that the filing period has begun for school board elections, which are Nov. 2. From what it sounded like, there are multiple openings on the Nodaway Valley board. These are thankless roles but are vitally important to the daily working of our local school. Amanda Summers in the superintendent’s office is who to go to for papers.

I checked with the auditor’s office this week. Petitions are circulating for many positions. We’ll let you know who all has signed on to be on the ballot once the Sept. 16 deadline passes.